Books!

There's one thing a lot of people seem to dread getting for Christmas: gift cards.

I'm not one of those people. So when I unwrapped the box that contained my $50 gift card to Powells from Erelin; it was with a squeal of delight.

After scarfing down our burgers from Carl's, we headed out last night to the book store. In case you aren't familiar with Powells Books, and you consider yourself a bibliophile... It's safe to say you've probably never had your bookstore cherry popped, and should consider yourself still a virgin. Its the biggest book store on the west coast, if not in the world. It's a building the size of a city block stacked several stories high, and it's full of books. They have a huge selection of everything you could think of, including a rare book room, where I've seen old grimoires going for thousands of dollars, tucked away behind a heavy door.

I only had $50 however, so I made do with wandering between the metaphysical section and books on painting. I started with checking the carts off to the side of the shelves. As I was looking through them, Erelin spotted something I'd missed: a small hardbound copy of the Kybalion. It's missing its dust jacket, but it's in excellent condition. I never would have guessed that I was holding a book that was over 100 years old. I netted it for $10. Upon further inspection, it contained a card inside showing that it was once the property of a Masonic lodge in Chicago. It also has a name inside, with an address and a date. (Wilma C.Light 1116 Fteley Ave Sep. 1928) I love it when my books have a bit of history :)

I proceeded to find other things which were interesting, but not near as old. I'm now the happy owner of
The Kybalion, Hermetic Philosophy by the Three Initiates 
The Astral Plane by C. W. Leadbeater
The Kabbalah Unveiled by Macgreggor Mathers
An obscure little tarot pamphlet by Diane Ronngren, which apparently originally came with a tape set. (I'll be checking if I can find a copy of the tape contents on Mp3 or CD)
And I also picked up Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney

All in all, it was a great evening, with a great haul! Good thing I'm getting another bookcase soon :D