Western Esotericism and Rituals of Initiation

Western Esotericism and Rituals of Initiation
Author: Henrik Bogdan
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Total Pages: 250
Release: 2012-02-01
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 0791480100

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For more than three hundred years the practice of Masonic rituals of initiation has been part of Western culture, spreading far beyond the boundaries of traditional Freemasonry. Henrik Bogdan explores the historical development of these rituals and their relationship with Western esotericism. Beginning with the Craft degrees of Freemasonry—the blueprints, as it were, of all later Masonic rituals of initiation—Bogdan examines the development of the Masonic High Degrees, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn—the most influential of all nineteenth-century occultist initiatory societies—and Gerald Gardner's Witchcraft movement of the 1950s, one of the first large-scale Western esoteric New Religions Movements.

From Darkness to Light

From Darkness to Light
Author: Henrik Bogdan
Publisher:
Total Pages: 271
Release: 2003
Genre: Initiation rites
ISBN: 9789188348302

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The Mystical Path of the Golden Dawn

The Mystical Path of the Golden Dawn
Author: Megan V. Ramirez
Publisher: tredition
Total Pages: 131
Release: 2023-12-19
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 3384094212

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"The Mystical Path of the Golden Dawn" by Megan V. Remirez is a compelling exploration of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, a cornerstone in Western esotericism. This book unveils the order's intricate synthesis of Hermetism, Qabalah, Tarot, alchemy, and Eastern mysticism, crafting a unique path of spiritual transformation. Uncovering History Delve into the historical backdrop of the Golden Dawn, exploring its origins, evolution, and the pivotal roles played by influential figures like W.B. Yeats. This section offers a rich historical context, enhancing the understanding of the order's profound impact. Esoteric Teachings and Philosophies The heart of the book is dedicated to the teachings and philosophies of the Golden Dawn. From the mystical intricacies of Qabalah to the profound depths of Hermetic philosophy, readers are guided through a labyrinth of esoteric knowledge and practices. Rituals and Spiritual Practices Experience the mystical rituals and practices at the core of the Golden Dawn. This section provides a rare glimpse into the ceremonial aspects of the order, revealing how these rituals serve as a catalyst for spiritual transformation. Lasting Influence Concluding with reflections on the Golden Dawn's enduring influence on contemporary occult movements, the book invites readers to appreciate the order's lasting legacy in modern esoteric thought. This book is a treasure trove for both newcomers to esoteric studies and seasoned practitioners, offering a comprehensive and engaging journey into the mystical world of the Golden Dawn.

Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism

Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism
Author: Henrik Bogdan
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Total Pages: 421
Release: 2012-09-20
Genre: History
ISBN: 0199863091

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Henrik Bogdan and Martin P. Starr offer the first comprehensive examination of one of the twentieth century's most distinctive occult iconoclasts, Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), one of the most influential thinkers in contemporary western esotericism.

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

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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.

Constructing Tradition

Constructing Tradition
Author: Andreas Kilcher
Publisher: BRILL
Total Pages: 491
Release: 2010-10-05
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 9004191143

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This volume of conference proceedings investigates the various ways and patterns with which esoteric writings and groups establish their own tradition. This involves concepts of origin and memory, ways of legitimising esoteric tradition as well as techniques and practices of knowledge transmission in esotericism.

Arguing with Angels

Arguing with Angels
Author: Egil Asprem
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Total Pages: 235
Release: 2012-04-02
Genre: Religion
ISBN: 1438441924

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This fascinating work explores John Dee's Enochian magic and the history of its reception. Dee (1527–1608/9), an accomplished natural philosopher and member of Queen Elizabeth I's court, was also an esoteric researcher whose diaries detail years of conversations with angels achieved with the aid of crystal-gazer Edward Kelley. His Enochian magic offers a method for contacting angels and demons based on secrets found in the apocryphal Book of Enoch. Examining this magical system from its Renaissance origins to present day occultism, Egil Asprem shows how the reception of Dee's magic is replete with struggles to construct and negotiate authoritative interpretational frameworks for doing magic. Arguing with Angels offers a novel, nuanced approach to questions about how ritual magic has survived the advent of modernity and demonstrates the ways in which modern culture has recreated magical discourse.

The Rose Cross and the Age of Reason

The Rose Cross and the Age of Reason
Author: Christopher McIntosh
Publisher: State University of New York Press
Total Pages: 223
Release: 2012-01-02
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 1438435614

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This new edition of Christopher McIntosh's classic book on the Golden and Rosy Cross order is eagerly awaited. The order stands out as one of the most fascinating and influential of the high-degree masonic and illuminist groups that mushroomed in Europe from the 18th century onward. Active mainly in the German-speaking lands, it recast the original Rosicrucian vision and gave it renewed vitality. At one point it became politically influential when the Prussian King, Frederick William II, was a member of the order. Historians have often perceived the Golden and Rosy Cross as having had a conservative, anti-Enlightenment agenda, but this study – drawing on rare German sources – shows that the matter was more complex. The members of the order practiced alchemy and operated a degree system that was later imitated by later orders such as the Golden Dawn. Like the latter, the Golden and Rosy Cross exerted a wide and enduring cultural influence. Both the alchemy of the order and its powerful ritual system are insightfully described in Christopher McIntosh's clear and compelling style.

Freemasonry

Freemasonry
Author: Mark Stavish
Publisher: Llewellyn Worldwide
Total Pages: 265
Release: 2007
Genre: Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN: 0738711489

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An exploration of Freemasonry and its history, philosophy, symbols and practices.

Initiation, Human and Solar

Initiation, Human and Solar
Author: Alice Bailey
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 197
Release: 2023-12-11
Genre: Religion
ISBN:

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Initiation, Human and Solar is book by Alice Bailey in which is explained her theory of the hierarchy of sacred entities, and the part initiation plays in that system. Initiation is presented as a growth of perception which serves as a guide to revelation and elucidation.