BERKELEY, CA – Nestled in the heart of the Bay Area, the Adocentyn Research Library continues its mission of preserving and celebrating the diverse spiritual and esoteric traditions of the world. With its collection now surpassing 20,000 volumes, the library stands as one of the most comprehensive archives of Pagan, occult, and mystical literature in the United States.
Adocentyn Research Library [Courtesy
A Growing Repository of Esoteric Knowledge
Recent donations have pushed the library’s holdings past the 20,000-volume mark. Just this week, the library received ten boxes of Egyptology texts, adding to its already impressive collection of over 1,500 volumes on ancient Egyptian culture and language. This section has been enriched by a bequest from the late Matt Whealton, known for his work in vocalic reconstructions of the ancient Egyptian language. Whealton’s blog, Imperishable Stars, remains active as a tribute to his work, offering rare insights—such as the “Awake in Peace” hymn to Nut—spoken aloud in reconstructed Middle Egyptian.
Volunteer Frances Blaine has taken on the ambitious task of cataloging the library’s extensive collection of Tarot and oracular decks, including many rare and historic examples. Blaine has developed a sophisticated tagging system to help visitors locate decks based on features such as structure (Major Arcana only, pips vs. full illustrations) and stylistic elements (e.g., Mantegna style, asymmetrical backs). Once complete, Adocentyn will likely become one of the few libraries where patrons can study the physical design and symbolism of the actual decks.
Special Collections
The library’s current special exhibit reflects its eclectic curatorial style. The outgoing display features:
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The Padstow May Day Teaser’s Baton, once used to guide the ‘Obby ‘Oss through the streets of Padstow, Cornwall, during its iconic May Day celebrations—donated to the Bay Area Pagan community by the citizens of Padstow.
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Prop pages from fictitious occult texts like the Necronomicon and the Pnakotic Manuscripts, crafted by the H.P. Lovecraft Historical Society.
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A sandstone replica of the Dendera Zodiac, a meticulous reproduction by Egyptian artisan Ahmed of the Valley of the Nobles, capturing the astrological ceiling of the Temple of Hathor at Dendera.
Library staff are currently selecting items for the next exhibit, which may include Naxi art, Arabic occult manuscripts, and pre-war British cigarette cards depicting lucky charms from around the world.
Preserving Our History
Archivist Anna Korn has been working tirelessly to catalog the library’s extensive periodical collection. These materials, many of which predate the internet, capture the grassroots history of the modern Pagan movement and serve as an invaluable resource for researchers. Duplicate copies are shared with other Pagan libraries to ensure their preservation. The collection has now outgrown its dedicated Periodicals Room.
Adocentyn’s collection extends far beyond Pagan and occult literature. For instance, the library holds a robust selection of Islamic esoteric texts, including every major English-language work on Islamicate occultism. It also houses thirteen bankers’ boxes of correspondence from the Church of Satan, including letters from Anton LaVey to filmmaker Kenneth Anger—a treasure trove for cultural historians.
An Open Invitation
The library is also expanding its fiction section to include graphic novels and role-playing games, reflecting the broader cultural influence of the esoteric in contemporary storytelling. Recent additions include Doctor Strange and Hellblazer graphic novels, as well as the complete Ars Magica RPG—an homage to the imaginative legacy that has always thrived within the esoteric community.
Visitors are welcome on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and by appointment.
For more information, visit www.adocentynlibrary.org and explore the depth of human spiritual history waiting on its shelves. The Adocentyn Research Library relies on the community’s support. Donations can be made through the website.
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