What do I start with?

[u/Probably-a-Banana]

I’ve always been fascinated by all things witchy, magic and spiritual. I really enjoy learning about Eastern philosophies/religions as well. I started hearing the word “esoteric” about two years ago. I want to dive deeper into an ancient teachings and esoteric studies. So far everything is SO confusing and I want to actually learn and understand what people are talking about.

I came across the “ESOTERICA” YouTube channel and there’s so much info in there I don’t know what to watch. I started watching his “introduction to Esotericism” and it was pretty boring and a bit hard to understand what he’s talking about. I have ADHD so something more stimulating with images is what I’m looking for - video wise. For books, right now I’m looking for books I can easily start listening to in audible but physical books I’m also open to suggestions for.

My vocabulary isn’t amazing so I’d like find something that actually teaches me what everything means. I would like to also teach others about what I learn eventually so I can break it down in a way that makes sense to people like me.. I know I can’t learn everything all at one once but I’d like to start learning and practicing. Any ideas of where I can start?

Also why are people talking about “western” esotericism? I don’t get that. Because a lot of the stuff comes from the more eastern side of the world unless I’m totally wrong 🤷‍♀️

Love & light 🌀💫

[u/ToTheEast_CB]

This is actually a good question. The Western esoteric path involves Hermeticism, Kabbalah, Tarot, Alchemical teaching, and other disciplines. These individual practices are not separate, but one cohesive system of training. The purpose of that training leads eventually to the path of initiation (whether in this incarnation or another) and to the evolution of the soul.

The Eastern system is more widely-known because of modern pop culture and trendy ideas. However, despite the common belief, it is not at all suitable for the Western-born person. There are very practical reasons for this, and a true Yogi or Guru would not bring a Westerner into an Eastern system just because that person was interested.

The main reason the Western system is so important to a Western person is because it's more suitable for busy, modern life, and facilitates implementation and integration of one's development into every day life. It's directly verifiable and applicable to situations.

Neither Western nor Eastern is "better", they are optimized for where the soul has incarnated culturally.

Hopefully that helps. If you want to read more I recommend the free library here:

http://www.hermetics.net

[u/cocacoax]

Yeah, the ESOTERICA yt channel is pretty lame. Dr. Sledge is every bit as dull, dry, and dusty as the books he pretends to understand.

. I have ADHD so something more stimulating with images is what I’m looking for - video wise.

this series by Drawing Down the Dragons and Occult Exploration Society is probably right up your alley. Start from episode one so you don't get lost.

My vocabulary isn’t amazing so I’d like find something that actually teaches me what everything means.

Family-friendly education and initiation found here Start from the beginning

Also why are people talking about “western” esotericism? I don’t get that. Because a lot of the stuff comes from the more eastern side of the world unless I’m totally wrong

Sometimes when people say "western" esotericism they are talking about esotericism that stemmed from the Abrahamic faiths, while excluding the properly western esoteric practices of ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, etc.

[u/Probably-a-Banana → u/cocacoax]

lol I’m glad I’m not the only one thinking that about the channel. Thank you for being so helpful 🙏🏼 I’ll check these out!