Initiation into Hermetics: A Course of Instruction of Magic Theory and Practice [Hardcover]

Franz Bardon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1993

Limited short-run 2009 edition. Initiation into Hermetics provides step by step instruction in the form of practical exercises. These exercises lead to the development of body, soul and spirit. The result of the practical exercises is the development of occult abilities which can be of benefit to the student, in as far as he can change his existence for the better.

The great mystery of the Tetragrammaton, the key to the tetrapolar magnet, is explained. By reading the theoretical section many secrets are unveiled which were once only known to very few. The reader will receive first-hand knowledge about the principles of fire, air, water and earth, the positive and negative attributes of these elements, and how these elements affect the human body. The immutable law of cause and effect is explained, not only as it applies to human beings, but also how it applies to the elements. Detailed information is also given about the soul or the astral body, and how the four elements determine the temperament in a person.

The astral plane is considered to be "the beyond" by most religions. This plane does have its inhabitants, most of which are departed human beings from earth. Besides that you find elementaries, beings with one or only a few attributes. It is very advantageous to learn about these beings and how they affect a human being's life. There is also another kind of being, which is a being of the pure elements. The reader will find that many myths or even fairy tales are based on truth. But mankind has lost the ability to stay in contact with reality and has chosen to live in a completely transitory world which they consider to be their reality.

The third plain, the mental plain, is also explained; it is the sphere of thought which has its origin in the world of ideas.

Each step of the practical part of this book is divided into three parts: the magical spiritual or mental schooling, soul or astral schooling, and physical schooling. This allows the student to maintain a complete equilibrium. The student learns how to control all his mental faculties even to the point that he can control every thought. He will learn self-introspection, clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, astral and mental travel, control of the electric and magnetic fluids, and communication with the beings of the astral plain. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, German (translation) --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From the Publisher

This new edition has been retranslated from the original German text. Numerous language and text flaws have been corrected and we feel that it will give the aspiring student a clear understanding of the Bardon material. Initiation into Hermetics is the first volume of the true Holy Mysteries which up until the 1950s were not revealed the public at large. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Brotherhood of Life Books; 6 edition (October 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0914732102
• ISBN-13: 978-0914732105
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,651,623 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

85 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most Comprehensive Mind Training Manual, October 28, 2004

By 

Laura De Giorgio "hypnotherapist" (Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Initiation into Hermetics (Paperback)

This book is loaded from cover to cover with practical mind-training exercises - from developing the power of one's imagination, to training different senses and perfecting the ability to use them individually or in conjunction with each other; to working with the elements; transfering one's consciousness; generating and projecting energy; and much more. By the time you're done going thoroughly through all the exercises in this book and practicing them until you master them - your ability to use the power of your mind will increase beyond your wildest dreams - and you will have many interesting experiences along the way.

145 of 157 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I wish I had started my Path with this book., March 2, 2001

By 

Sunfell "Sunfell" (United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Initiation into Hermetics (Hardcover)

Had I done so, I would not have had to wade through all the new-age waffle that pretends to be magickal training today. And I'd have more money. But with that said, this book isn't for the casual dabbler or the wannabe wizard. This is a serious, PhD- level book for the Seeker on the Path who, like me, has passed through the many stages and levels of insight on their way to Mastery. It is beautiful in its dense Germanic imperative simplicity, and just getting through a chapter and getting it into your psychic marrow may take weeks or months. But the results will be well worth it, as the 'Ah-Ha!' light within your soul gradually brightens, and your world will never be the same again.

This isn't for the timid, or the doubtful, or the casual dabbler. It won't blow up in your face like Crowley's stuff does, but it definitely will blow your mind if you are not ready to accept the responsibility that the exercises and techniques in this book will impart to you. I'd say that if you're under the age of 35, maybe you should wait to get this, because you should have some living under your belt to truly comprehend its impact on your life.

This book should be the keystone of any Gnostic, Hermetic, Kabalastic, or Rosicrucian practitioner of the Western Mysteries library. Mr. Bardon has given the student magus a great gift. Use it with wisdom and care.

48 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not for everybody, December 11, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Initiation into Hermetics (Hardcover)

With all the praises this book has been getting, let me make this clear: THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR EVERYBODY. And don't think that this is the only magic-book you'll ever need. Wrong. This book containts a complete initiation system which is a true description of the first Tarot Card. But this course can take a lifetime to amster if not many lifetimes for many people. You won't become a magus overnight.

I disagree with the person who said that you shouldn't read ahead until you complete a step; nor that by doing so, you will finish the book in 2 years. It is safe to read ahead; it will also take many, many years to master the whole course. This is THE book for serious magic. But be warned: it's only for the most disciplined, most determined students. Also, don't neglect to study the writings of other adepts.