Tarot, and the Art of Self Transformation

We tend to associate the Tarot as tools for fortune telling, and divination although those of us who are more involved in different aspects of the occult have found many different uses for the cards.  Indeed, there is a whole array of uses for the cards from pathworking, and meditation to creative inspirations, and magickal workings.  Those of you who are familiar with many of the current Tarot books out there have probably come across the theory that one should not conduct their own personal readings.  The cards will read into your own emotions, and you will unconsciously misinterpret the cards to better conform to what you want them to say.  While this might in fact be true, fortunately for us there is a solution.  

Books like Tarot For Yourself by Mary K Greer, and courses from the ATA, and the NYC Tarot School have offered alternatives to the students who want a deeper understanding of the cards, and in turn an understanding of themselves.  It’s been through resources likes these that I’ve worked on a personal study to better understand the cards.  We know of many Western based traditions that focus on personal transformation, and growth through ceremony, and initiation.  Understanding the tarot, and their powerful symbols they represent can in a way also lead us to that holistic transformation.  Literally this is an initiation into the Western Mysteries through the cards.  Just like many followers of the Western Tradition catalogue philosophies, myths, astrological attributes, etc to the Kabbalistic Tree of Life; the tarot hold their own interesting system of correspondences to different aspects of life.

While this may be more apparent in decks such as the Rider – White, and the Thoth deck I see no reason why with careful study we can’t see these attributes in other decks.  To me this is what the Tarot is.  Not just a form of divination but a tool for initiation. The ultimate goal of the tarot is to change our lives, and in turn the lives of others.  This can in fact be a powerful tool for healing.  My personal goal for using, and understanding the Tarot aside from being able to have better control of my life is also to use my developing gifts as a way to help others.  

Those of you who’ve read my older posts know that I was very big on the Golden Dawn, and it’s initiation.  In a sense I failed once again to go through with self initiation.  In the end perhaps it was for the best.  Either it isn’t what I’m meant to do in this lifetime or I’m just not ready for it in this stage of development.  But I knew that I could always turn to the thing that got me started on this path.  I’m pretty sure you already know what it is. While I still wish to explore a variety of topics in this blog I guess you can say I’ve finally found my niche.

I was very disappointed in myself in my decision to stop the Golden Dawn work.  I did however decide to continue with something i should have finished a long ago anyway.  A great man once told me not too long ago that I shouldn’t be too hard on myself or upset.  That through the study of the Tarot I could not only find more practicality for my needs but also self transformation in the way that better fits me.  He also said that God forbid fifteen people out there want to commit suicide, and are looking for help; someone with the desire to heal can in fact push them into that right direction.  Maybe with the Tarot I can help someone, or maybe even heal, I really don’t know.

At the end of the day I know I made the right decision, and so it is done.

Necronomicon: An Exploration of Forlorn Mysteries

While the debate of the existence of an actual grimoire called the Necronomicon has long been concluded, the popularity of the title still continues to attract attention from occultists, and Lovecraft scholars. However among occultist one of the debates which (depending on who you ask) still continues is whether or not the current line of published incantations, and rituals can be used for any practical purposes. For the purposes of this piece the focus will be on the Necronomicon version which has received the most attention – The Necronomicon by Simon, published by Avon Books.

The author’s introduction of the book while interesting is at times very flawed in its conclusions.  The constant repetition of the word “Sumeria” is also very annoying to those that have actually studied – whether independently or academically – Near Eastern history.  Much of the authors knowledge of Sumerian/ Babylonian culture is very basic aside from his focus on some linguistics, and Sumerian poetry. It’s interesting to note that the author claims to have done heavy study, and research into the book but overlooked the fact that Sumer is the proper term for the fertile crescent lands.  It’s also interesting to note that the book is mostly Babylonian in its cosmology, and not Sumerian.  One of the few Sumerian references are in the Lilitu demons, Humwawa, Enki instead of his Babylonian counterpart Ea, and other minor bits.  An interesting issue explored however was in the suppose subconscious connection between Aleister Crowley, and H.P Lovecraft.  This theory was originally explored by one of Crowley’s students Kennath Grant.  While probably very unlikely it sets an interesting tone to the rest of the book.

The Simon Necronomicon is a combination of sorcery, ceremonial magick, and to a certain extent Shamanistic with it’s focus on astral travel.  The book also contains an initiatory system into her mysteries which is called “the Ladder of Lights.”  The initiation focuses on the concept of gate walking, and contact with the ruling deity of the sphere.  The book includes a chapter called “The Maklu Text” or “the book of the burning of evil spirits” – a collection of spells, and incantations.  The next chapter is “the Book of Calling” – an outline of some of the most fundamental rituals of the Necronomicon which are used for purification, and banishing.  It outlines some of the responsibilities of being initiated into the system.

The “book of 50 names”, and the “Urillia Text” deal with the evocation of certain spirits exclusive to the system, and reminiscent of Babylonian cosmology.  In fact the “Magan Text” helps to establish the cosmology of the Necronomicon which rewrites the Babylonian creation epic “the Enuma Elish” for the sake of making it more in line with Lovecraft’s writings.  The inclusion of the “the Testimony of the Mad Arab” helped to add a good marketing tool although the second part of the testimony has some interesting hidden gems in working with the system. 

The combination of the above can effectively make the Necronomicon not only a complete initiatory system of magick, but also a religion unto itself.  This has in fact helped to revive an entire movement of neo pagans dedicated to the Sumerian pantheon with even some trends in new forms of Satanic thought (although ideologically different, and even contradicting it’s original form).  The influence of this text has not only helped to revive interest in the works of H.P Lovecraft in the 70’s but might be considered a contributing factor of a rising Sumerian following which probably started in the 90’s.  These are of course only my observations.

Nevertheless the Necronomicon has been, and can be used as an effective system of magick.  Although much negative press might surround the system both from skeptics, and fanatics, the system itself can be proven useful to the occultist brave enough to explore it.  

L.V.X

Horus

Horus is the Greek name of the Egyptian god also known as Heru (there are different variations to spelling his name).  Horus is more commonly associated with the sky, and sometimes the sun.  One of the reasons that the Egyptian religion can become very complicated in terms of the stories, and associations of the different deities is because of the varying cosmological systems within the Egyptian religion.  The link provided offers a brief exploration of these systems, and their impact on Egyptian religious thought.

Horus was also considered the Pharaoh of Upper Egypt in contrast to  Lower Egypt believed to be ruled by his uncle Set.  The political tensions are reflected in the Passion of Osiris myth which can be further explored in my other post concerning Osiris, Seth, and the rise of Horus.  Horus would also be associated with the kingship of Egypt with the Pharaoh believed to be the son of Horus.

In the Golden Dawn Neophyte Initiation ritual he is represented by the Hierus officer.  Horus can be viewed as the part of the psyche that helps to exalt the divinity in humans similar to how the Pharaohs were considered divine themselves.  He was known as the “Son of Isis”, “The Distant One”, and “Lord of the Perch.”  He is represented as a falcon headed god similar to Ra.

The Tree of Life

Currently I’m in the process of finishing this wonderful book by Israel Regardie.  In order to make things easier  for myself, and to really digest the teachings I decided to collect some scattered annotations that I made of each chapter. They were in a way a small study guide that helped me  to better organize these ideas.  I believe this is one of the best classic occult works in the introduction of Ceremonial Magick.  

Some of the things I’ve noticed however is the victorian, and sometimes tedious style of Regardie’s writing. Obviously this is due to the fact that nowadays we’re not used to this type of writing style although after sometime the reader will be able to get use to it.  In any event the book has an interesting combination of information for the beginner, and techniques for the advanced magician. 

I can honestly say that reading this book has made me a more knowledabble  occultist, and has given me many ideas, and insights into the workings of magick.

Nephthys

 

Nephthys is the Greek name of the Egyptian  goddess also known as Nebet – Het. Similar to Isis her sister – she was known as the goddess of fertility, and transitional death.  She was the wife of Set, and in some accounts the mother of Anubis.  The aspects of civilization that she was associated with were certain temple rites, and funerary processions.  She was known as the “Useful Goddess”, the “Excellent Goddess”, and “Mistress of Enclosures.”  In the Golden Dawn Neophyte ritual she was the god form of the Imperator.

Her role however is also very important to other Western occult branches for her attributes can be seen as representing the death of the old ways, and of the old psyche.  On the kabbalistic Tree of Life she is placed in Geburah.

Been A While

Previously I tried to dedicate myself to writing academic worthy essays despite the minimal time that I find myself having on a day to day basis.  I decided then for the purposes of this blog to perhaps explore many of the topics presented here in a more general purpose as it relates to occult study using academic sources to better understand the topics being worked with.  

Originally I had attempted to make this blog into a more professional website but seeing how the blog format is of very little help in this matter I have decided that should I write more thorough articles they will be put less frequent, and will probably take longer to write.  From here on end for the benefit of the reader, and to make things easier for me I will focus on more general interpretations.

One of the other reasons I’m doing this is because currently I’m finding a lack of time to wite full research papers on a weekly basis now that certain circumstances prevent it – it’s almost impossible  One of the inspirations for doing this also came about from reading Frater Yechidah’s blog which are more direct, and to the point without being tediously long.

On other news I will be getting a new Iphone so it will be much easier for me to edit posts, and even write tiny bits here and there.  In any event while I’m a bit disappointed  with my decision I can at least promise that I won’t be writing half assed posts.

See you next week.

Isis

Isis is the Greek name of the Egyptian goddess also known as Usat, Ese, and Esi.  Isis was the patron goddess of magic, marriage, fertility, childbearing, and healing.  She was seen as a motherly goddess, and was one of the most popular deity’s in the Egyptian pantheon. Her popularity spread throughout all cults of Egypt, and even to Greek, and Roman culture. There have even been many parallels connecting her to the Virgin Mary.  In modern times her worship has spread to many neo – pagan groups.  On the Kabbahalistc Tree of Life she can be placed in Binah signify the motherly womb.  However in Golden Dawn circles she is placed in Chesad and is the god-form of the Praemonstrator officer.  She was known as the “Queen of the Throne”, “She who Seeks Justice”, “She who Knows the Orphan”, and “She who Gives Birth to Heaven, and Earth.”

The popularity of the goddess can probably be attributed to her powerful personality emanating from her enjoyable tales in whom she always plays an important role, and as a reflection if the attributes that ancient Egyptian culture considered important in their lives (of course this is just speculation on my part). She is connected to her brother, and husband Osiris, and is related to Nephthys, and Seth.  She was the mother of Horus, and once queen of Egypt.  One can argue that the goddess represented aspects that both ancient Egyptian men, and women found as admirable.  Isis was seen as the ideal wife – loyal, loving, and compassionate.  She is seen as a strong, and clever woman, and as quoted in C. Scott Littleton’s anthology on myths – “wiser than a million gods.”

In all instances these titles fit her well. Let’s examine some of the stories that surround her.  

Isis, and Ra

One of the things that Isis is known for is discovering Ra’s secret name.  Isis had observed Ra’s movements as he left his palace, and the walks he took daily along the same path.  One night as Ra lay asleep he began to drool, forming a small puddle on the ground.  Isis collecting the saliva – used her magick to form a serpent that she laid along Ra’s path.  The next day as he set out he was bitten by the serpent, and fell powerless, and in pain.  A company of gods gathered around yet no one could figure out how to cure him.

Finally Isis appeared, and offered to relieve, and cure Ra of his pain in exchange for his secret name.  Ra refused yet the poison continued to spread faster, and faster burning him fiercely.  He cried out in agony, and Isis once again asked for his name.  He refused until finally he consented. Ra would give Isis his secret name under the condition that she share it with no one else but her son.  Isis agreed, and finally healed him.  The importance of this legend helps us to understand the popularity of Isis, and the position that the ancients held her in.

She was able to trick, and make the king of the gods weak, and only with her help could he be saved.  The sun was of great importance to the Egyptians.  Many of the gods wore the sundisk on their heads similar to the way Christian saints wore halos.  Yet the fact that Isis was able to overcome one of Egypt’s most important symbols is fascinating.  One could compare this story to an earlier Sumerian legend concerning Enki, and his grand daughter Inanna (more on that in the future).  A version of this Isis legend can be found here: http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/ebod/ebod07.htmIsis Mother of Horus, and Wife of Osiris.

Isis, and Osiris

During Osiri’s reign on Earth he was not the only one who helped to civilize mankind.  Isis had introduced the concept of marriage, helped with teaching the arts of agriculture, and ruled while her husband was away to civilize the world.  This would not last long however for Seth’s betrayal would not only cost her the kingdom but also resulted in the death of her husband. 

Using her magick however she revived him, and after being impregnated she would give birth to Horus, raising him in Khemmis along with the help of the cow goddess Hathor.  Her son would eventually go on to battle Seth while Isis tried her best to help him throughout most of the battles – even throwing a spear at Seth, and striking him.  

Through her clever, and cunning personality she was able to trick Seth into admitting that he had taken the throne unfairly.  After Seth, and Horus had battle for many years the gods held a council where Isis was forbidden to attend.  Before the gods she disguised herself as an old woman with the suppose intention of asking Seth or help. 

Before the council she related a story about how her son had been robbed of his cattle by his uncle who claimed that it belonged to him, and not to his father.  Seth at once said that this could not be since the estates of the father belonged to the son.  The old woman began to laugh, and beforer the entire congirgation transformed back into her original appearnce.  Seth had been tricked, and the ods finally agreed to give the throne back to Horus.

The worship of Isis is one of the earliest examples of the belief in a holy trinity; Isis, Osiris, and Horus.  Their popularity has spread beyond academic circle, and religious circles reflecting moving themes, and in the case of Isis the figure of a strong woman, and the inpspiration of Queens, and the holy femininity.

 

 

L.V.X

Occult Study Guides

One of the things that I noticed was that many people avoid  many occult classics or just read them, and yet get very little out it.  Currently I’m reading “The Tree of Life” by Israel Regardie, and before that I was reading “The Mystical Qabalah”  by Dion Fortune.  Reading these texts I can see that it’s easy to understand why many might  avoid these works.  They are written in victorian style full of wonderful (but long, and boring)  descriptions, and unusual adjectives.  Nowadays this style of writing is not something that we are use to.

Seeing how Fortune’s work gave me some problems I decided to take notes while reading Regardie’s work writing down the main points, and researching the different topics that he covers in the added footnotes.  This lead me to an idea.  I will post these notes on here as I go through each chapter.  It will be a sort of study guide although not in the traditional sense.  It will be more like a collection of notes so that anyone reading it won’t get lost in Regrdie’s style.

Not only that but it will also help me organize my notes better, and understand the text better.  I will be following IAO131’s style of posting his musings while walking posts.

Correcting “Zeitgeist”- Part I

“They must find it difficult… Those who have taken authority as the truth, rather then the truth as the authority.”- Gerald Massey. 

 

By now many of you are familiar with the three part controversial movie Zeitgeist, and if not then you can easily watch it for free on the maker’s website, or on youtube(or just type Zeitgeist movie on google).  I remember watching it back in June of last year when a friend of mine showed me the website, and immediately fall in love with it.  A couple of months later I  bought the DVD, and since then I have constantly recommended the movie to other people.

The interest in the movie has been intense, and many youtube vlog responses have gone from praise,and shock to the dissection of every point made.  I remember seeing a video about a Christian girl who was practically crying on her vlog begging people to present evidence against the first part ” The Greatest Story Ever Told”.   Unfortunately for her there is not much hope, however the same can be said for those who dedicate themselves completely to the “facts” presented by the movie.  Whatever your opinion may be I can tell you one thing – on many points the movie is dead wrong.

However this doesn’t mean that the movie doesn’t present strong evidence against Christianity.  The problem with the movie is that it focuses on weak arguments, and half truths when there is much more evidence that could make for better arguments, and would give detractors a much more difficult time proving their case. Another is that although the information presented in the first part has helped to bring the pagan – christian connection to a wider audience, the issues presented are at times dead wrong.  The article will not focus on parts two, and three since they are based on conspiracy theory, and not on hard fact (although the 9/11 inside job theory is the only conspiracy that I actually take seriously).  Let’s begin with the suppose virgin births.

According to the film the god Horus was born of the virgin Isis – Meri on December 25th accompanied by the star Sirius.  He was visited by three wise men, was considered a child prodigy by 12, and performed miracles by age 30 such as walking on water, and healing the sick.  He was betrayed by Typhon, and crucified.  He then rose on the third day.  Most of the sources that the movie cites is from the works of Archaya S, and Gerald Messay. Some of the other works cited are all from the late 19th, and early 20th century ;sources which are already way to outdated for modern scholarship.  

Many would argue that Gerald Messay due to being a self taught Egyptologist would not count as a credible source.  Archaya S cites in her works many of Messay’s ideas.  Whatever your opinion may be on these authors one fact is clear – non of these attributes are found in any version of  Horus’s legend. Perhaps its just a difference in interpretation but lets look at a brief “accepted” version of the story which can be found in any book or website. I will be expanding on Horus in future articles.  For the time being I will be using information from  Mythology: The Illustrated Anthology and World Myths of Storytelling by C. Scott Littleton.

Horus was born from Isis after she had revived her murdered husband Osiris.  He impregnated her with a golden penis which she had created upon reviving him.  After Osiris impregnated Isis, and returned to the underworld Isis sought refuge in Khemmis, and gave birth to Horus.  He was raised by his mother, and the cow goddess Hathor.  When he grew up Isis brought him before a council of gods to reclaim Osiris’s throne for Horus.  Seth(who took the throne by murdering Osiris) refused, and after much deliberation Seth challenged Horus to a battle which would last for many years.  Eventually Horus would lose an eye, and Seth a testicle, and after a final intervention by Osiris (see Osiris article) the gods finally gave the throne to Horus.  This is why the Pharaohs were considered the descendants of Horus.

As we can see Horus was not of a virgin birth.  He did not perform miracles, was not betrayed by Typhon( who was a Greek titan that the Greeks compared to Seth), did not die, and was not reborn.  However these attributes are more in line with Osiris.  The film could have done better exploring Osiris more with the primary sources actually available on his life.  Osiris(Jesus) was sent to Earth by Geb(God) to rule over humanity.  He became a teacher, and Pharaoh on Earth, and was loved, and followed by many people.  He was betrayed by Seth(Judas), and (depending on how you read the story) he desecrated Osiris’s body near the base of a tree, and by cutting it into pieces.  Some sources say he was hung from a tree just like how some accounts in the Bible say Jesus was hung from a tree (Acts 5:30; 10:39; 13:29).  He then resurrected after a period of mourning, and ascended. 

Attis of Phrygia was in fact born of a virgin after his mother Nana placed an almond on her bosom.  The almond was from a tree which grew out of the male organs of Agdistis who was a hermaphrodite.  He was not crucified, he did not resurrect after three days, and no records show he was born on the 25th of December.  He was driven mad to the point where he castrated himself, and he was reborn into an evergreen pine tree.

The information used on Krishna is completely wrong, but there are many similarities between him, and Christ.  He was not born of a virgin, no star signaled his coming, and he was not crucified.  However Krishna(Jesus) was considered the incarnation or avatar of Vishnu(God), and of a holy trinity. He was not born of a virgin but he was born in unusual conditions; Krishna was born in a cell while Christ was born in a manger.  Both fled from infanticide; Jesus fled from Herod’s massacre of children, and Krishna from King Kamsa.  Jesus’s coming was predicted in the old testament while Kamsa imprisoned Krishna’s family because of a prediction that said he would be killed by Devaki’s( krishna’s mother) eighth son.  Despite the fact Devaki was not a virgin( she previously had seven children) Krishna was born without sexual union.  Although he was not crucified, some accounts say that upon his death from an arrow, he was hung from a tree(remember the previous bible scriptures?).  For more on this connection please visit:

http://hinduism.about.com/library/weekly/aa122200a.htm

The movie later focuses on Astrological correspondences related to these births, and on Mithra which is more complex then the movie makes it out to be.  These will be discussed in another article in the future. 

Although the movie helps to present the pagan – Christian connection to a wider audience it’s use of deceptive scholarship not only opens the movie to criticism, and a wave of debunkers, but should someone do careful research they will find that it disproves the quite easily movie. Why some choose not to do their own research  is beyond.  The fact of the matter is that in almost all world religions there is a great teacher or god who sacrificed himself by being hung near a tree or in any other similar manner, and  taught or civilized humanity.  

The movie should be viewed not as tool to bash Christianity but as a way to show that there isn’t only one way to truth.  I believe that those who have been shocked, or offended by the movie should remember this.

 

 

Osiris

“Glory be to Osiris Un-Nefer, the great god within Abydos, king of eternity, lord of everlasting, who passeth through millions of years in his existence.” The Book of the Dead, Plate II.

Osiris was the Greek name for the ancient Egyptian deity known as Asar, Aser, Ausar Ausir, Wesir, and Ausare. Osiris is one of the most popular, and important gods in Egyptian mythology, and his legends have been enjoyed, and admired since the time of the ancient Egyptians, and Plutarch.  The aspects of nature he governs are the cycles of birth, death, rebirth, nature, and fertility. The aspects of civilization he governed were the ancient funerary rites, and practices.  On the kabbalah’s Tree of Life he is placed in Tiphareth (for those of you not familiar with kabbalistic concepts I’ll be writing a basic intro article sometime in the future).  

Let’s examine some of these aspects further.  One of the things we have to remember is some of our basic middle school history – the Egyptians (like other river valley civilizations) held their Nile in a position of great importance.  Her flooding, and the growth of the crops were associated with Osiris primarily because he was a god of vegetation.  

There are many different variations to some of the stories concerning the gods which evolved over time.  Not including the political environment or the cultural diffusion of the time(which influences the development of the gods within human understanding) the beginning of Egyptian civilization goes like this.  The sun god Ra had ruled humanity for a time before his ascension to heaven. He left his reign to Shu, and then to Geb who in turn gave his throne over to his son Osiris one of four children ( Isis, Nephthys, and Seth being the other three).  

Osiris became disturbed by the uncivilized ways of mankind, and aside from becoming their ruler he also became a teacher, and one of the first mythological Pharaohs of ancient Egypt.  Osiris taught mankind  agriculture associating him with fertility, and taught man the arts of a civilized society.  He would later leave Egypt for a period to civilize the rest of the world leaving his queen Isis to rule.  His connection to agriculture, and in turn the Nile would eventually connect him with the cycles of death, and rebirth.  This logical sequence symbolizes the passing of the seasons and plant growth, and decay. This association with death, and rebirth can be seen in many other fertility gods from other cultures.

Although Osiris was loved by both mankind, and the other gods the jealousy of this brother Seth would eventually end a “golden age” in Egyptian history.  Seth filled with anger, and evil intent plotted against Osiris inviting him to a personal banquet along with 72 of Seth’s personal guard.  Seth had designed a beautiful sarcophagus with Osiris’s measurements taken in secret, and offered it to whoever fit inside it exactly.  All 72 men did not fit, and when it was Osiris’s turn to try out the potential prize he was locked inside, and thrown into the Nile.

The version of the story you read is not important but it is agreed that his body was then desecrated by Seth, and torn to 14 pieces, and thrown all over Egypt(many temples in Egypt symbolized the sites where the body parts supposably fell).  He then overthrew Isis, and took control of the throne.  Isis wild with grief, and despair searched all over Egypt for Osiris’s body parts along with the help of her sister, and wife of Seth Nephthys who was disgusted by her husband’s actions.  Upon finding all the pieces except for the penis; using her magick Isis revived Osiris for a short time, and fashioned a penis made of gold.  They made love, and she became pregnant.  She would later give birth to Horus.

Osiris returned to the underworld, and become it’s ruler.  Anubis appalled by his father’s actions as well (in some stories Seth is his father in others Osiris) mummified Osiris’s physical body thus introducing the process to the Egyptians.  Later when Horus grew up he, and Seth fought many battles until Osiris returned from the Underworld  threatening a council of gods to either give the throne to his son as was proper, or suffer his legions of demons promising to destroy the living, and the gods.  As was stated by Osiris ” even the gods must come to sleep in my beautiful kingdom.” 

The story symbolizes the concepts of order, and chaos with Osiris the former, and Seth the latter.  One of the most powerful symbols found in modern day rites is the Golden Dawn Neophyte initiation representing the Negative Confession of the dead.  Osiris is represented by the Hierophant, and presides over the temple.  The ceremony pulls the Neophyte out of his former life of Chaos, and disharmony from the divine into the grace of Osiris, and order.  

The gods fear of the underworld also represents a humanist ideal that it isn’t only humans who depend on the gods but they who depend on humans as well, and with the death of the followers of one religion, so to can the gods die.  Unfortunately Egyptian philosophy was in fact primitive at best, and this connection is only symbolic of Renaissance concepts.

Osiris was known, and praised as the Lord of the Underworld, Lord of Eternity. Lord of Lords, and  Eternity, and Everlastingness.  For further information, and reference checks on Osiris, and Egyptian mythology I recommend Mythology: The Illustrated Anthology and World Myths of Storytelling edited by C.Scott Littleton.  I also recommend the Egyptian Book of the Dead translated by E.A Wallis Budge.  For an esoteric perspective on the Kabbalah, and world myth please check out Mystical Qabalah by Dion Fortune.

 

L.V.X