The training and work of an initiate Review

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(More customer reviews)As usual, Ms. Fortune cuts to the chase, though I wouldn't say that this book is an easier read than her other texts. I found myself jotting down notes for future use, so despite the fact that it was written decades ago, her points are still applicable. She is very opinionated however, and obviously had definitive views on the purpose for occult study. Study for personal gain toes the line of dark magic, according to her.
She does not mention her contemporary, Aleister Crowley, by name but is quick to send sharp barbs of disapproval on what she calls "phallic rites" and other "black" practices. Sometimes she sounds almost eclectic and open-minded, but the next moment, she launches into a series of Christian apologetics. One would think that an accomplished psychic would move past such dogma. Like most Victorian/Edwardians, she clearly states that the progenitors of the Western Mystery Tradition: Judaism, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece were 'primitive' in comparison to Christianity, simply because Christianity misappropriated the 'important parts' of their doctrines. So if you can look past her quirks, she does give valuable information on the prerequisites to joining a society and more importantly, what being a master adept entails. It's not for the faint-of-heart but she says that even the failed aspirant is blessed in the attempt to climb Jacob's Ladder.

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This much-sought-after book gives details of thepreparation for and degrees of true esoteric initiation, together witha description of the work to be performed and the training to beundergone by the candidate for the Higher Mysteries. Contents: EthicalLaying the Foundation; The Way of Initiation; Preparation; The Path ofthe Hearth-Fire; The Initiate s Ideal; Daily Life on the Path;Theoretical A Ground Plan of Illuminism; The Head-waters of Occultism;The Sources of the Esoteric Christian Tradition; The Alphabet of theMysteries; Practical The Training of the Mind and Body; Initiation andCelibacy; and The Western Esoteric Systems.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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