The Mystery Traditions by James Wasserman
A beautifully illustrated lexicon of the major symbology of the great esoteric traditions* Includes a new chapter on secret societies and their role in safeguarding and transmitting of esoteric knowledge
* Includes a full-color reproduction of the medieval alchemical masterpiece Splendor Solis
Symbol in the esoteric sense is not to be confused with allegory; symbolic images are the alphabet of the "theory of correspondences" that underlies all the Mystery traditions of the West. This theory recognizes the interdependent relationship of all things and provides, for example, the basis of the belief that the position of the stars in the heavens will influence our thought, emotion, and perception. It also explains how the alchemist's work with base metals will result in a transformation of his own consciousness.
In The Mystery Traditions James Wasserman offers a full-color lexicon of occult imagery drawn from the Kabbalah and tarot as well as the traditions of magic, alchemy, and astrology, accompanied by commentary on each image's significance and the wisdom teachings from which it derives. In this new edition he also looks at the pivotal role played by secret societies in safeguarding and transmitting these teachings and presents rarely seen artifacts of these societies. Among the splendid offerings in this collection are all 22 paintings of the medieval alchemical masterpiece Splendor Solis in full color and works by significant artists and esoteric thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Robert Fludd, Austin Osman Spare, Harry Smith, Manly P. Hall, and Raymond Lull. This book provides an excellent introduction to the timeless and hidden dimensions of occult practice. An extensive bibliography of classical occult works also complements this unique collection.
Nancy Wasserman is a seasoned occultist who has spent years studying and practicing Aleister Crowley's magical system. She has written for the O.T.O. on multiple occasions. Aleister Crowley's Pathworking is one of his most well-known works. James Wasserman, her husband and editor, lives with her in New York City. James Wasserman has been studying esotericism for as long as he can remember.
The Mystery Traditions: Hidden Symbols and Sacred Art, as well as Aleister Crowley and the Practice of the Magical Diary, are among his works. The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Walking Forth by Day, published by Chronicle Books, includes a full-color Papyrus of Ani with an integrated English translation. The Militia of Heaven: The Templars and the Assassins has been published in six languages thus far. Political liberty is defined as a spiritual value in his controversial book The Slaves Shall Serve: Meditations on Liberty.
An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar is his most recent work. He is now editing The Weiser Concise Guides, a series of books on Western occultism. www.studio31.com is where you can find him online. He and his wife, Nancy, live in New York City.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781594770883 |
| ISBN 10 | 1594770883 |
| Title | The Mystery Traditions |
| Author | James Wasserman |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Inner Traditions Bear and Company |
| Year published | 2006-01-26 |
| Number of pages | 160 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |