You might see spells on decorative signs or occult symbols placed on paperless books this Halloween season. Still, most are pretty worthless in terms of monetary value. There are, however, spells, books, and grimoires of all kinds on the market that are very valuable. But, of course, I am talking about the real ones, those published by famous occultists.
Many people are fascinated by the occult. Items can be both intriguing and valuable. It makes sense that so many collectors are entering this controversial market. Though many collectors are occultists themselves, you do not need to be a practicing occultist to collect these rare items. I spoke with Robert Anderson, the owner of “Seattle’s resource for Paganism and the occult,” Edge of the Circle Books. His store often caries hard-to-find, obscure works, and he is exremely knowledgeable about these pieces and their authors.
Anderson and I focused our discussion on Aleister Crowley. Crowley was a well-known occultist and even created his own religion, which he called Thelema. Many outside of the occult refer to Crowley as “evil.” Despite this perception, some of his works are worth a great deal of money. Anderson explains he is best known for his published works. Works such as The Equinox 10 Volume Set remained in publication long after his death in 1947. In September of 2020, one of these limited-edition sets published in 1992 sold at auction for almost $800.
There are Crowley works valued at even higher dollar amounts, though they are rarely seen at auctions. A rare edition of The Thoth might just fund your next family vacation. If you come across this book, be sure not to toss it in the donation bin. In June 2018, this rare version sold for over $9,000. The book was claimed to be Crowley’s personal copy and included parts unpublished in first editions. That same year, a single pamphlet of Crowley’s private lessons sold for almost $3,000. Those unaware of Crowley’s fame would walk past or even toss such a pamphlet in the trash. What a costly mistake that would be. Crowley sold private lessons in New York in 1918, so if you are in the Empire State, keep a watchful eye for one of these valuable papers.
Although Crowley’s writing is what he is most noted for, there are other valuable Aleister Crowley items on the market. That Book of Thoth was written to be used alongside a specific tarot card deck. And like The Equinox, these decks were printed long after his death. These Thoth tarot decks come up for auction more often than many of his other works and can be valuable. In September 2021, a 1978 deck sold for over $400. Even miniature statutes of Crowley have found their way to auction. In August 2020 a 12-inch statuette sold for $350.
A one of a kind Ouija board table sold at auction for $15,000 in August 2017. I asked Anderson if Crowley was known for making talking boards, and the answer was no. He believes this piece may have been one of Crowley’s personal possessions. He compared it to what would be “the suit of” a celebrity in terms of value. Personal possessions of celebrities bring high prices at auction. Aleister Crowley is a celebrity to many occultists.
Love him or hate him, Aleister Crowley made his mark on history. His works are highly collectible, just as with any other notable historical figure. He is remembered as a cherished occultist by some and an “evil beast” by others. Whichever way you see him, his works hold monetary value. Whether it is an original $9,000 book, a $3000 piece of paper, or a $350 figure made in his image, many people are willing to pay such sums. And Crowley is not the only occultist whose works are worth thousands. Anderson says there are several occultists whose works are highly sought after among collectors. Edge of the Circle Books carries a wide variety of these rare and obscure pieces.
Katelyn enjoys writing about collectibles and parenting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys buying and collecting toys for her three children.
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