The Western Way

The Western Way
Author: Caitlin Matthews
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Total Pages: 288
Release: 1988-11-01
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9780140190694

Western Esotericism

Western Esotericism
Author: Antoine Faivre
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Total Pages: 139
Release: 2010-10-06
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1438433794

Widely received in France, this brief, comprehensive introduction to Western esotericism by the founder of the field is at last available in English. A historical and pedagogical guide, the book is written primarily for students and novices. In clear, precise language, author Antoine Faivre provides an overview of Western esoteric currents since late antiquity. The bulk of the book is laid out chronologically, from ancient and medieval sources (Alexandrian hermetism, gnosticism, neoplatonism), through the Renaissance up to the present time. Its coverage includes spiritual alchemy, Jewish and Christian Kabbalah, Christian theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Illuminism, 'mystical' Free-Masonry, the Occultist current, Theosophical and Anthroposophical Societies, the Traditionalist School, and 'esotericism' in contemporary initiatic societies and in New Religious Movements. Faivre explores how these currents are connected, and refers to where they appear in art and literature. The book concludes with an annotated bibliography, which makes it an essential resource for beginners and scholars alike.

Astrology for Initiates

Astrology for Initiates
Author: Papus
Publisher: Weiser Books
Total Pages: 164
Release: 1996-11-01
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9780877288947

Papus (1865-1916), lived during a period when an interest in mystery traditions peaked in Europe. This work is a translation of his resulting writings with an introduction that places Papus in a historical perspective. It also includes explanatory notes and supplementary material.

The Western Mysteries

The Western Mysteries
Author: David Allen Hulse
Publisher: Key of It All
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2000
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9781567184297

The Western Mysteries (previously published as The Key of It All, Book II: The Western Mysteries), by David Allen Hulse, is perhaps the most comprehensive, in-depth description of various aspects of the Western magickal tradition ever published. The uniting factor of this book is language. It begins with a discussion of the mysteries of the Greek alphabet, followed by the different forms of the Runes, and goes on to describe the mystical secrets of Latin. It also explores Enochian, where you will discover, for the first time ever, the correctly constructed Watchtower system. The book also includes the mysteries of the Tarot, a pictorial language, and it describes the development of the esoteric Tarot, how to do readings, and the significance of the symbolism on the Tarot cards. It concludes with the English language and its relationship to the Tarot, Enochian, and more. The introduction to The Western Mysteries serves as a complete introduction to the magickal tradition of the West. You will learn about the evolution of thought concerning the Elements, astrology, magick squares, geomancy, words of power, and more. You will find that each section of this book is a key that unlocks the meaning behind another of the magickal languages that you can relate to your own spiritual system. It is ideal for a beginning student to explore the mysteries of Western magick. It is a necessary tool for more advanced students, as it has collected hundreds of charts and lists which clarify and identify the similarities and differences between various systems. This is a reference book you will study over and over. The volume of information revealed makes The Western Mysteries an instant classic and a necessity for any spiritual practitioner.

Lords of Light

Lords of Light
Author: W. E. Butler
Publisher: Inner Traditions / Bear & Co
Total Pages: 196
Release: 1990-12
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9780892813087

"The last public work of W.E. Butler before his death in 1978, this series of talks offers a fascinating, personal, and accessible course of training in the Western Mystery Schools by one of the world's great occultists. With humility, humor, and conviction, Butler conveys an extensive knowledge of the occult mysteries, including ritual and ceremonial magic, the awakening of the kundalini energy, and the path of the regeneration of the personality and the relinquishing of false ego through control of one's mental and emotional reactions."--back cover.

Magic and Mysticism

Magic and Mysticism
Author: Arthur Versluis
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
Total Pages: 192
Release: 2007
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 9780742558366

Provides overview, from antiquity onwards, on various Western religious esoteric movements. This book includes topics such as: alchemy, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy and more.

The Golden Thread

The Golden Thread
Author: Joscelyn Godwin
Publisher: Quest Books
Total Pages: 220
Release: 2014-04-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0835631028

The Golden Thread traces the interconnectedness of esoteric wisdom in the Western world, from classical antiquity to contemporary Europe and America. Joscelyn Godwin lends personal perspective to an arrangement of text that is historical and wisdom that is timeless, creating a source of inspiration that calls us to action in our everyday spiritual practice. Every chapter, therefore, makes reference to some aspect of contemporary life and issues of immediate concern. Elegantly written and not without irony and humor, readers will appreciate the non-threatening tone of Godwin’s writing, which is not meant to preach or convert but rather inform the public on an often baffling field. Educated readers who are curious about the esoteric and mystery traditions and interested in finding surprising, new approaches to subjects that veer away from the trends of current thought will be particularly drawn to this book.