Download or read book The Initiatic Experience written by Robert Herd and published by . This book was released on 2012-12-01 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Freemasonry is an Initiatic Order teaching lessons of philosophy, morality, psychology, and spirituality. It contains elements of perennial wisdom, much of which has been handed down to it by other orders and cultures throughout the history of civilization. Many have searched, and continue to search, for a singular origin to our Fraternity. This book discusses similarities found in the Initiatic Experiences which have been practiced by people of different cultures from time immemorial. You will find that much of what our lessons teach today, was taught to initiates thousands of years before Freemasonry had even been formed, being passed from Master to Candidate. It shows that some of those Initiatic processes, methods, and lessons, which were passed down to us from ancient times, was done so by some of the most famous thinkers, philosophers, and teachers in human history. Sometimes this knowledge was lost by one civilization only to be rediscovered or rejuvenated by the next. The knowledge and lessons changed nearly as little as the methods of conveying them. It shows a lineage or pathway, so to speak, created by the sharing of knowledge and wisdom from Ancient Egypt and Greece, to Renaissance Europe and even the Middle East. It discusses how the process and impact of the Initiatic experience was used then, and is still used today, to promote and protect certain lessons and concepts throughout the ages, sometimes with deadly consequences. This book talks about some of the challenges certain Orders had in maintaining these lessons in times of social or religious turmoil such as the Knights Templar, Rosicrucians, and even the early Alchemists. For the new and old Freemason alike, this book can provide valuable insight into the meaning behind portions of the ritual, the history behind some of the traditions, and the spirit behind some of the lessons of our Fraternity. Those interested in history will find a concise, chronological order of events making study and familiarization of information quick and easy. Those interested in the more esoteric side of Freemasonry will find both old and new concepts behind the superficial aspects of our Craft and the underlying Western Mystery School tradition as a whole.
Download or read book The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality written by Angel Millar and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2020-02-11 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A detailed guide to the three successive initiatic archetypes: Craftsman, Warrior, and Magician • Investigates the symbolism, rituals, and metaphysical aspects of each initiatic archetype, from the alchemy and shamanism of the craftsman, to the subtle energy work of the warrior, to the sex magic practices and Higher Self work of the magician • Shares meditations, practices, and transformational techniques for each archetype • Investigates the similarities between contemporary Western occultism, from Crowley to Chaos Magic, and the “positive thinking” mind metaphysics movement Exploring the craftsman, warrior, and magician archetypes--three vocations that echo the traditional tripartite division of society--Angel Millar reveals how these archetypes represent the three successive stages of spiritual growth in an individual’s life. He shows how they provide structure for the initiatory process to develop one’s mental, physical, and spiritual potential. As craftsman, the individual experiences “mnemonic” initiation: the cultivation of memory as well as language. As warrior, “somatic” initiation: development of the physical body and cultivation of the spirit body. And as magician, “gnostic” initiation: cultivation of the self and manifestation of the Higher Self. Investigating the metaphysical aspects of each archetype, the author explores their symbolism, spiritual practices, and rituals. Examining the craftsman archetype, he looks at metallurgy, alchemy, and the “Craft” of Freemasonry, as well as the ancient role of blacksmith as shaman. He explores the idea of God as a “Creator” or “Craftsman,” especially in relation to ancient Greek philosophy, Islamic neoplatonism, and the Kabbalah. Examining the warrior archetype, he reveals how the way of the warrior was affected by religion and mysticism, such as how the Persian martial art of Zoorkhaneh was profoundly shaped by Sufism and why the Buddhist Shaolin temple became synonymous with Kung Fu. The author places special emphasis on the cultivation of subtle energy as practiced in martial arts, especially in relation to Taoist inner alchemy. Examining the magician archetype, he reveals how each individual has two “selves”--a lower self and a Higher Self--and explores the union of opposites studied by the magician, such as in the tantric arts and sacred sex magic. Sharing meditations, practices, and processes associated with each archetype, as well as techniques for transforming one’s consciousness, he also investigates similarities between contemporary Western occultism, from Crowley to Chaos Magic, and the “positive thinking” mind metaphysics movement. Structured to parallel the three archetypal stages of the initiatic process, this comprehensive guide offers a literary initiation through three degrees of esoteric knowledge.
Download or read book Initiation written by Thomas Kirsch and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2016-11-10 with total page 215 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book builds on the vast clinical experience of Joseph L. Henderson, who became interested in initiatory symbolism when he began his analysis with Jung in 1929. Henderson studied this symbolism in patients' dreams, fantasies, and active imagination, and demonstrated the archetype of initiation in both men and women's psychology. After Henderson’s book was republished in 2005 Kirsch, Beane Rutter and Singer brought together this collection of essays to allow a new generation to explore the archetype of initiation. Initiation: The Living Reality of an Archetype demonstrates how the archetype of initiation is seen clinically today. Divided into distinct parts, the book explores the archetype of initiation in Dr Henderson’s own life, as well as suggesting its importance in: clinical practice culture aging and death. The chapters in this book amplify and extend the archetype of initiation from the earliest historical periods up to the present day. The editors argue that initiation symbolism often underlies contemporary phenomena, but is rarely recognized; Initiation helps to bring a new understanding to these experiences. This book will be of interest to psychotherapists with an interest in psychoanalysis and analytical psychology, as well as those training at analytic institutes.
Download or read book The Experience of Eternity written by Jean Dubuis and published by Lulu.com. This book was released on 2008-01-28 with total page 180 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Densely written with 37 illustrations and diagrams, Dubuis presents classical esotericism, alchemy, qabala, and natural magic in a form that allows each person to undertake the road of interior initiation without need of a guru, master, or teacher. Extensive and detailed discussion of the creation of the universe, our place in it, and reason for being are all presented in clear and concise language. Methods given utilize the most nominal tools easily available locally or via the Internet. Among some the the topics addressed are man's inner structures, how to harmonize them, the role of visualization, dream symbols and their use, astrological timing for specific experiences, and how to anchor our inner work into our daily life." -- P. [4] od cover.
Download or read book Introduction to Magic Volume II written by Julius Evola and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2019-03-12 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Authentic initiatic practices, rituals, and wisdom collected by the UR Group • Shares a rigorous selection of initiatory exercises, including instructions for creating the diaphanous body of the Opus magicum, establishing initiatic consciousness after death, and the construction of magical chains (the enchained awareness of initiates) • Offers studies of mystery traditions throughout history, presenting not only the principles themselves but also witnesses to them and their continual validity today The “Gruppo di UR” was a group of Italian esotericists who collaborated from 1927 to 1929. The purpose of this group was to study and practice ancient rituals gleaned from the mystery traditions of the world, both East and West, in order to attain a state of superhuman consciousness and power to allow them to act magically on the world. They produced a monthly journal containing techniques for spiritual realization, accounts of personal experiences, translations of ancient texts, and original essays on esoteric topics. The group included a distinguished line-up of occultists, neo-pagans, freemasons, Anthroposophists, orientalists, poets, and members of high society. The prime movers of the group were Arturo Reghini (1878-1946), a Pythagorean mathematician and reviver of a spiritual Freemasonry, and Julius Evola (1898-1974), then a young philosopher with a precocious mastery of the esoteric doctrines of East and West. Many years later, in 1971, Evola gathered these essays into three volumes. Inner Traditions published Volume I in 2001, under the title Introduction to Magic: Rituals and Practical Techniques for the Magus. This volume, the second in the series, complements the first one, yet they are not strictly sequential, and their contents can be read in any order. Volume II shares authentic initiatic wisdom and a rigorous selection of initiatory exercises, including instructions for creating the diaphanous body of the Opus magicum, establishing initiatic consciousness after death, and the construction of magical chains (the enchained awareness of initiates). It offers studies of mystery traditions throughout history, presenting not only the principles themselves but also witnesses to them and their continual validity today. This series shows that the “Magic” of the UR Group meant an active and affirmative attitude toward individual development, handed down from a “primordial tradition” and discernable in alchemy, Hermetism, esoteric religious doctrines, indigenous practices, Tantra, Taoism, Buddhism, Vedanta, and the pagan mysteries of the West. Although some of the practical experiments demanded extraordinary efforts, both individual and collective, there is incalculable value here even for the less heroic, for merely reading these essays leaves a permanent mark on the reader.
Download or read book The Journey of Soul Initiation written by Bill Plotkin, PhD and published by New World Library. This book was released on 2021-01-12 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Soul initiation is an essential spiritual adventure that most of the world has forgotten — or not yet discovered. Here, visionary ecopsychologist Bill Plotkin maps this journey, one that has not been previously illuminated in the contemporary Western world and yet is vital for the future of our species and our planet. Based on the experiences of thousands of people, this book provides phase-by-phase guidance for the descent to soul — the dissolution of current identity; the encounter with the mythopoetic mysteries of soul; and the metamorphosis of the ego into a cocreator of life-enhancing culture. Plotkin illustrates each phase of this riveting and sometimes hazardous odyssey with fascinating stories from many people, including those he has guided. Throughout he weaves an in-depth exploration of Carl Jung's Red Book — and an innovative framework for understanding it.
Download or read book The Zodiac Experience written by Patricia Crowther and published by . This book was released on 2020-06-26 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Patricia Crowther presents a unique method of self-initiation directly linked to the Sun's position in the zodiac. An ongoing initiatory process that can be lived over several years giving an overview of each astrological sign and bringing them to life with stories from many myths and legends and offering rituals containing powerful visualisations. Here is a zodiac that can be truly appreciated. This book provides a wonderful attunement with the earth through the heavens - by way of magical procedure
Download or read book Journey Into Depth written by Mary Wolff-Salin and published by Liturgical Press. This book was released on 2005 with total page 132 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Journey into Depth is about the experience of initiation as it plays itself out in two domains - the monastic and the training to become a Jungian psychoanalyst. The very disparateness of these fields, from an external point of view, highlights the deeper level of similarity in their initiatory experiences. A few major anthropological guidelines concerning initiation provide a framework of reflection as to what is really going on when a person passes through this kind of adult "rite of passage." Conclusions as to the human importance of such experiences follow with special emphasis on their spiritual consequences in terms of growth."--BOOK JACKET
Download or read book Perspectives on Initiation written by René Guénon and published by Sophia Perennis. This book was released on 2004-05 with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The present volume, first published at the close of World War II, and based on a series of articles on initiation originally written between 1932 and 1938 for Le Voile d'Isis (later renamed Études Traditionnelles), is unique in giving a comprehensive account both of the conditions of initiation and of the characteristics of organizations qualified to transmit it. Guénon's distinction between the initiatic and the mystical paths-the first requiring a formal relationship with a master, a set of specific contemplative techniques, and a chain-of-transmission stretching back to the origin of the tradition in question, the second generally lacking these elements-led to some controversy between those who accept this distinction and others who believe that initiatory and mystical spirituality are one and the same. The book presents such central principles as the dangers and barrenness of syncretism, the often dire consequences of fostering 'psychic powers', and the superiority of sacerdotal initiation (into the Greater Mysteries) over 'royal' initiation (into the Lesser Mysteries), though both are necessary parts of the initiatic path. This last point precisely defines the rift between Guénon and Julius Evola, whose elevation of royal initiation over sacerdotal must be seen, according to Guénon's criteria, as a modern-day echo of the ancient revolt of the warrior caste against the priestly one. Whoever follows Guénon's argument will realize that a romantic warrior mysticism held no fascination for him, and is in fact explicitly contrary to his principles. But pre-eminently, Perspectives on Initiation provides indispensable points of reference for anyone attempting to distinguish between 'initiatic', 'pseudo-initiatic', and 'countert-initiatic' spiritualities in these profoundly uncertain times.
Download or read book Thresholds of Initiation written by Joseph L. Henderson and published by Chiron Publications. This book was released on 2004 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Basing his study on Jung's archetypal theory-especially that of initiation-Thresholds of Initiation represents thirty years of testing the theory in analytical practice. Joseph Henderson considers archetypes to be predictable patterns of inner conditioning that lead to certain essential changes and shows the parallels between individual psychological self-development and the rites that marked initiation in the past. Dr. Henderson's topics include the uninitiated; return of the mother; remaking a man; trial by strength; the rite of vision; thresholds of initiation; initiation and the principle of ego-development in adolescence; and initiation in the process of individuation. This is essential reading for an understanding of the universal nature of initiation, especially as it relates traditional initiatory practices to Jung's theory of archetypes.
Download or read book Enochian Initiation written by Frater W.I.T. and published by Frater W.I.T.. This book was released on 2006-06-15 with total page 348 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Experience a new reality through wondrous visions of the Enochian angels Enochian magick, a system of angelic evocation, is one of the oldest forms of ceremonial magick in the Western world, and perhaps the single most powerful magical system in all occultism. It was developed by the Elizabethan magician Dr. John Dee who, with the assistance of his seer, Edward Kelly, channeled an angelic language and alphabet that is remarkably effective in opening up the mind to currents of intelligence far beyond the human norm. Whether you are a beginner on your path of study or already an advanced magician, there is something for you in Enochian Initiation. Author Frater W.I.T. shares his own experiences and deeply personal visions, expanding upon and broadening the path toward understanding forged by John Dee, Aleister Crowley, and other great magicians who have come before. By bringing this practice into the modern era, Frater W.I.T. shows how human consciousness can be expanded and examined more closely than with simple meditation, psychoanalysis, or even mind-altering drugs. For those of you who might have hesitated to study Enochian magick because you do not share the same beliefs or convictions of the deeply religious Elizabethans, rest assured that it is possible to achieve the same wondrous results within a neutral spiritual context. Frater W.I.T. has developed a nonreligious spirituality in his conjurations while still using Hebrew and Enochian divine names. Through this book, you too will learn how to develop new techniques and ideas to shape your own magical style and method. An initiate of both the Masonic and Rosicrucian schools of mystery, Frater W.I.T. has spent more than twenty years studying western occult traditions. The purpose of his life's work is to develop new methods of ceremonial magick and explore new vistas of psychic and spiritual potential.
Download or read book Passage Rites written by Robert E. Buehrig and published by . This book was released on 1976 with total page 166 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Path of Initiation written by Alphonse Goettmann and published by Theosis Books. This book was released on 2009-11-17 with total page 79 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The reader will find in this book the clearest expression of the teachings of Karlfried Graf Durckheim. This book is a bestseller in Europe and has been translated into several languages. Durckheim is especially important to our times because he focuses on the individual's experience of the transcendent rather than traditional teachings on the subject of spiritual development. Yet his wisdom is informed by the best in Christian spiritual teachings (especially Meister Eckhart and the early Fathers), Zen Buddhism (he spend eight years with masters in Japan), and in humanistic psychology. In some ways, he may be called the father of transpersonal psychology. Anyone searching for authentic awakening or encounter with the divine will find pratical and life-changing insights in this book. Regardless of the reader's background, this book goes to the heart of the matter: each person's pragmatic experience of higher consciousness.
Download or read book Spiritual Initiation and the Breakthrough of Consciousness written by Joseph Chilton Pearce and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2003-07-23 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Explains the phenomenon of shaktipat, the spiritual transmission of power from a teacher to a devotee • Shows how technology has eroded personal power and how insight and awareness can play a higher role in our lives • Reveals how insight is the vehicle for profound self-transformation Shakti is the creative force, the bonding power, that holds the universe together. Shaktipat is the moment when enlightenment is conferred upon a student instantaneously by his master’s touch. The guru conferring shaktipat creates a bond of power in those who have accepted him or her as their teacher. In Spiritual Initiation and the Breakthrough of Consciousness Joseph Chilton Pearce describes his experience of shaktipat from his teacher Swami Muktananda. From this awakening Pearce experiences a dramatic shift of mind and comes to the realization that perception is reality and that insight is our only vehicle for profound self-transformation. Oneness with God is the birthright of every individual, though we are culturally vaccinated to resist experiencing this higher consciousness. Our search for objective truth has lead us not to wholeness, but instead to the belief that we have no bond to each other, to God, or to an inanimate, physical world. Our technology reduces our ability to experience revelation and leads us instead toward the chatter of confused thinking. The challenge faced by modern humanity, which is the challenge Muktananda gave to his students, is to passionately gather up the scattered fragments of our lives and channel them into the creative realm, where with insight or revelation we will be able to become more than ourselves.
Download or read book The Lost Art of Resurrection written by Freddy Silva and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2017-01-27 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Reveals the radical ancient practice of living resurrection, in which initiates ritually died and were reborn into a state of higher consciousness • Explores living resurrection initiation practices from world cultures, including Egyptian, Greek, Gnostic, Chinese, Celtic, and Native American traditions • Describes the secret chambers and temples where Mystery Schools practiced “raising the dead” • Shows why this practice was branded a heresy and suppressed by the Church More than two thousand years before the resurrection of Jesus, initiates from spiritual traditions around the world were already practicing a secret mystical ritual in which they metaphorically died and were reborn into a higher spiritual state. During this living resurrection, they experienced a transformative spiritual awakening that revealed the nature of reality and the purpose of the soul, described as “rising from the dead.” Exploring the practice of living resurrection in ancient Egyptian, Phoenician, Greek, Persian, Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Celtic, and Native American traditions, Freddy Silva explains how resurrection was never meant for the dead, but for the living--a fact supported by the suppressed Gnostic Gospel of Philip: “Those who say they will die first and then rise are in error. If they do not first receive the resurrection while they live, when they die they will receive nothing.” He reveals how these practices were not only common in the ancient world but also shared similar facets in each tradition: initiates were led through a series of challenging ordeals, retreated for a three-day period into a cave or restricted room, often called a “bridal chamber,” and while out-of-body, became fully conscious of travels in the Otherworld. Upon returning to the body, they were led by priests or priestesses to witness the rising of Sirius or the Equinox sunrise. Silva describes some of the secret chambers around the world where the ritual was performed, including the so-called tomb of Thutmosis III in Egypt, which featured an empty sarcophagus and detailed instructions for the living on how to enter the Otherworld and return alive. He reveals why esoteric and Gnostic sects claimed that the literal resurrection of Jesus promoted by the Church was a fraud and how the Church branded all living resurrection practices as a heresy, relentlessly persecuting the Gnostics to suppress knowledge of this self-empowering experience. He shows how the Knights Templar revived these concepts and how they survive to this day within Freemasonry. Exploring the hidden art of living resurrection, Silva shows how this personal experience of the Divine opened the path to self-empowerment and higher consciousness, leading initiates such as Plato to describe it as the pinnacle of spiritual development.
Download or read book Resurrection Initiation written by Midas Mantra and published by Xlibris Corporation. This book was released on 2011-09-01 with total page 360 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Is there life after death? What are the pyramids for? What is The Process and t he Joy mans destiny on Earth? In 2001 I died and became the god of resurrection. In this divine state I promised to teach of the process and of the joy before returning to my body, fi nding myself in a world of strange auras and weird synchronicity. My hedonistic life of travel crumbled as I struggled to cope with the enormity of this experience and my new found view of the world. Just as I was fi nding my feet, I died again and travelled to the Godhead. Through meditation I experienced the breathless state of Samadhi and travelled the corridors of the cosmic temple of the wheel of time. Through books I found confi rmation as to the nature of the resurrection initiation and its use by ancient shaman, Egyptian, Mayan and Indian kings as well as by Jesus and Plato. This book is an attempt to fulfi l my souls promise and unveil the great mystery.
Download or read book The Path of Initiation I and II written by Lucille Cedercrans and published by Wisdom Impressions. This book was released on 2004-08 with total page 142 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "You are seekers, all of you, seeking Truth as man has sought Truth throughout all of his many experiences. That seeking has been the basic cause of all your experiences, regardless of their nature. The so-called good and the bad have been the result of man's great desire to know. The vague, indescribable restlessness within, which drives man from one experience to the other, is his demand for Truth. And what is the Truth that man seeks? His own Identity. The realization that he is a Son of God, a Conscious Soul Incarnate. "Down through the ages, a man here and there has found that Truth has established, once and for all, the fact of his own Divinity, and out of a selfless love for his brothers has tried to bring this Truth to all men. Today, the demand to know has risen from the sub-consciousness of the race, and humanity has a whole is conscious of this demand as the great need which must be fulfilled. The spark of aspiration is being fanned into flame, and as world conditions become more critical, that flame can be seen to burn more brightly. As human aspiration surmounts the greed of the separated self, the demand of humanity for Truth will become so powerful as to bring it forth, ad man will be free: "Know the Truth and it shall make you Free." -- The Path of Initiation, pp. 47-48
