The Necronomicon Tradition’s Top 25 Books For Initiated Practitioners

How does one qualify a “Necronomicon?” Certainly, it would do well for every spiritualist to acquaint themselves with the definition of the phrase Necronomicon Tradition, as it is presented by the Ninzuwu Shinto Monestary. Those versed in the schemes post-colonialism academia are saddened by its intelligent categorization of text mislabeled as a “book of the dead.” Merely stated, when the complexion is different than it’s a conversation between Kael and his father. When other people do it, they are called worshippers of the dead. Yet, anthropologists agree that ancestor worship has been practiced before recorded history. Too bad they don’t have respect for the science of these same ancestors.

In any case, it is worthless to look upon the actions of the uninitiated with anger or fear, for there is where the true death lies. Those who know the work, understand also its biased opponents. A true Necronomicon is not defined by the use of a title, but the practices it employs in relationship to the magician’s need for spiritual evolution and cultivation. Remember that even in the introductory notes of the Simon Necronomicon, Crowley’s Book of the Law is called a Necronomicon. The following list is composed of “necronomicons” that can be pursued as spiritual paths within themselves by every sincere necromystic, or can be useful for the tenants of wisdom that can be gleamed from a careful reading of these texts.

1. The Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross. One of the most valuable pieces of literature in understanding the true meaning of the Necronomicon Tradition. Saint John of the Cross reveals the purpose of the soul’s passage through the netherworld and its esoteric purpose and meaning. Should be required reading for all initiates of the Necronomicon Tradition. Please read this version for free – The Dark Night of the Soul by St John of the Cross.
2. Book of Coming Forth by Day. The Egyptian Book of the Dead has been a delight to mystics and shamans since ancient times. Similar to many of the Necronomicon mentioned in this list, The Book of Coming is a funerary text, which describes a deceased person’s journey through the netherworld. Texts such as these are used by spiritualists for the initiatory value. This is explained in our article The ancient Art of Gate-Walking. In any regard, Book of Coming Forth by Day is an alchemical text revered as a tool of salvation by every necromystic.
3. Bardo Thodol. Popularly known in the West as the Tibetan Book of the Dead, the Bardo Thodol is one of the greatest gifts that the Necronomicon Tradition has to offer. Its range of influence encompasses artists, shamans, Buddhist monks, and even The Beatles. Although the text’s purpose is said to serve as a guide for post-life consciousness, many adepts have interpreted its passages for present life rebirth in order to gain enlightenment. The Bardo Thodol comes from a larger text known as Profound Dharma of Self-Liberation through the Intention of the Peaceful and Wrathful Ones. Based on this title, we can see that this science compares greatly with the Art of Ninzuwu.
4. Inanna’s Descent Into the Netherworld. This is probably one of the clearest initiatory rites that is not necessarily derived from a funerary text, which is something that really sets Sumerian thought aside from other ancient approaches to the gnosis of immortality.
5. The Epic of Gilgamesh. This mythology is valued in the realm of necromysticism for its moral principles and possible outcomes of those who take initiation lightly.
6. I Ching (Thomas Clearly version). The Book of Changes is the finest display of non-religious spirituality. Though it is often entreated for divination purposes. If understood correctly, it is an excellent tool in revealing the movement of cosmic forces in everyday life.
7. The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Revered as a book of military strategy, this text is a vital part in the necromystic’s understanding of the struggle of survival.
8. Lebor Gabála Érenn. The Book of the Taking of Ireland is an excellent resource to have on the founding of Ireland and its pre-Christian spirituality. A valuable text for those interested in exploring Druidism.
9. John Dee’s Five Books of Mystery. A treatise on the well-known, but least understood practice of Enochian.
10. The Theory of Eternal Life by Rodney Collin. An essential guide in understanding the meaning of true occult science versus sensationalism.
11. The Necronomicon by Simon. Although critics will seldom admit it, the Simon Necronomicon is one of the greatest grimoires of all time.
12. The Biblical Book of Revelation. This work can be deciphered by most spiritualists, who realize that Saint John’s being “caught in the spirit” is a reference to astral projection, as described in the first chapter. The second point to examine is how  the twenty-two cards of the tarot’s major arcana perfectly describes each of the twenty-two chapters of the Book of Revelation.
13. The Ivory Tablets of the Crow by Warlock Asylum. A mystical initiatory path that places the cultivation of the subconscious mind over mundane ritual.
14. The Secret Teachings of the White Tigress Society. And the power of magic is the power of sexual energy. Enough said.
15. The Skjöldunga saga. This Icelandic mythology covers the history of old Danish kings and Norse mythology. It is an essential account for the necromystic, as it demonstrates a pure account of folk magic.
16. Mesopotamian Magic by Joshua Free. This is probably one of the best modern-day texts on the subject. While Joshua Free can be credited as a writer who has produced the most books with the term Necronomicon appearing in the title, his works other works should not be overlooked. Mesopotamian Magic is a perfect example of Free’s brilliance on the subject.
17. The Long-Lost Friend by Dan Harms. Dan Harms, co-author of the infamous Necronomicon Files, returns with a Hoodoo worker’s delight, an American grimoire and resource that is an infallible treasure and a must read for necromystics. It’s also a worthy collectible.
18. Zhuangzi.  Taoism is one of the few traditions that reflects Taoist thought. The Zhuangi is a good read for the western mind trying to understand Eastern Mysticism.
19. The Sacred Text of Ghost Dragon Kotodama by Warlock Asylum. Not much information is available on Shinto practice, which makes this text an invaluable prize to have in one’s library. The fact that Ashida Kim wrote an introduction for a Warlock Asylum book, makes this masterpiece priceless.
20. Necronomicon Gnosis by Asenath Mason. One of the best books on the subject of working with the Simon Necronomicon and other related material. Mason presents a lot of original material in this work.
21. The Vodun Gnostic Workbook by Michael Bertiaux. Simply a masterpiece!
22. The Necronomicon by James Campbell. You’ll find a lot of material in this text that was taken from other works relative to Necronomicon mysticism. However, the author also provides original information and his own recipe of necromysticism, which makes the James Campbell version a diamond in the rough.
23. The Book of the Law by Aleister Crowley. If there was no Book of the Law, what else would not exist. Need I say more.
24. The Emerald Tablets of Thoth the Atlantean by Doreal. One of the great initiatory works produced by otherworldly forces that inspired Doreal’s version of the classic. The treatise of this book is similar to other ancient texts.
25. The Demon’s Sermon on Martial Arts. A collection of parables written by an eighteenth-century samurai that serves as a valuable aid for an experienced occultist and the fearless martial artist.