The Alchemical Mandala: A Survey of the Mandala in the Western Esoteric Traditions [Paperback]

Adam McLean (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2002

Mandalas have been recognized as important tools in Eastern spiritual traditions for focusing meditation. Though various Western traditions possess such mandalas for contemplation, they have not often been recognized as such, except by those deeply schooled in Western esotericism. Adam McLean remedies this by presenting and analyzing in great depth, over forty beautiful engravings, reproduced as full-page illustrations, from alchemical, kabbalistic, magical, Rosicrucian, and Hermetic sources.

This second edition of the first book exclusively dedicated to the mandala tradition in the West is an extremely valuable sourcework for its illustrations and commentaries. Not only is it a comprehensive guide to reading the cosmological and spiritual symbolism of alchemical engravings, it also outlines three ways for working with these mandalas as spiritual exercises.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Adam McLean is one of the few internationally recognized experts on alchemical symbolism. He has published over forty books on alchemy and related matters, was editor of the Hermetic Journal between 1978 and 1992, and is currently editor of the Alchemy Virtual Library on the World Wide Web.

Product Details

• Paperback: 142 pages
• Publisher: Phanes Press; 2nd edition (April 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890482951
• ISBN-13: 978-1890482954
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #786,290 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for working on Inner Alchemy!, November 17, 2002

By 

P. M. Jacobsen (Birkerød, Denmark, Scandinavia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Alchemical Mandala: A Survey of the Mandala in the Western Esoteric Traditions (Paperback)

Thisis a very practical book. Starts with a very short introduction to the subject, and describes how alchemical drawings are the equivalent of the well-known Eastern mandalas. Then goes on to describe how to work with, and meditate on, the alchemical drawings in the book. 30 alchemical drawings with explanations follow, and you can meditate on, and integrate, the various symbols in the drawings. Besides it's very practical application, it is very good that the book draws attention to the fact that the West have an as deep and knowledgeable esoteric tradition as the East, and that the West have tools that are especially suitable for the follower of the Western Mystery Tradition. 5 stars!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Resource!, February 11, 2008

By 

Justan Echo "glazed spender asleep" (on the crust) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Alchemical Mandala: A Survey of the Mandala in the Western Esoteric Traditions (Paperback)

As a relatively new student to esoteric philosophies and practices, I have found Adam Mclean's work to be extremely well-presented and documented, as far as possible for such material. Discernment of the vast myriad of publications available today requires great discipline and attention in order for seeking to be fruitful, and Adam Mclean's devotion to bring forth little known resources and point out helpful methods for understanding has great value. His work provides a light in the darkness.
As someone just trying to get a grip on philosophical Alchemy and Hermeticism, I cannot thank him enough for his endeavors.