The Inner West: An Introduction to the Hidden Wisdom of the West (New Consciousness Reader) [Paperback]

Jay Kinney (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 17, 2004

The founder of the influential Gnosis magazine collects essays by some of today's finest spiritual writers to explore the West's magical and esoteric traditions.

Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Gnosticism, The Knights Templar . . . Even before the success of The Da Vinci Code, many readers knew of these and other aspects of Western esoterica. But few understand their true meaning.

In The Inner West, more than twenty essays by seventeen leading authors shine a light on some of the most mysterious and closely held aspects of the Western tradition. Its authors bring to life the symbolist and occult philosophies that populate the history and beliefs of the Western way. These same philosophies-which include variants of Christian and Jewish mysticism, and the teachings of figures like Rudolf Steiner and G. I. Gurdjieff-can present a deep and different spiritual path for today's seekers.

Spiritual seekers have often looked to the East for inspiration and guidance. Yet increasing numbers of people are discovering that many helpful wisdom traditions have existed right here in the West. With the Kabbalah and Tarot cards more popular than ever, and alternative spirituality from Wicca to Sufism gaining a new audience, The Inner West is a timely book for this expanding audience

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jay Kinney was the founder and editor in chief of the esoteric spiritual magazine Gnosis. Published from 1985 to 1999, Gnosis was highly acclaimed by numerous authors and scholars, and it retains a coterie of committed fans. Kinney is also the coauthor, with Richard Smoley, of Hidden Wisdom.

Product Details

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin (June 17, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585423394
• ISBN-13: 978-1585423392
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #304,147 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

While I do not believe in reincarnation, I do feel like I've had a series of incarnations in a single lifetime. I grew up in the U.S. Midwest, attended school in New York and ended up living, since 1972 in the Bay Area. I began my creative career as a cartoonist (first published in Bijou Funnies in '68), art directed Greg Shaw's seminal rock zine, Who Put the Bomp, increasingly turned to writing and editing as the '70s progressed, first as editor for CoEvolution Quarterly, writer for the Whole Earth Catalog series, and, ultimately as publisher and editor in chief of Gnosis Magazine (1985-1999). Since the turn of the new century, much of my work has been devoted to Masonic research, culminating in my newest book, The Masonic Myth.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spirit of Gnosis Lives On...Thank Goodness!, July 10, 2004

By 

Michael S. Dobson (Bethesda, MD United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Inner West: An Introduction to the Hidden Wisdom of the West (New Consciousness Reader) (Paperback)

My own quest for spiritual enlightenment began with a search for what other cultures had to offer, ignoring-out of ignorance-the wisdom contained in the more esoteric Western traditions. And it's in large part thanks to Jay Kinney and the late, lamented GNOSIS magazine that the veil has parted for me, and I can see the deep and majestic spirituality of the West in its full, revealed glory.

This anthology, forming not so much a "best of GNOSIS" (which would take a far larger book) but rather a door-opener and resource guide, is organized into sections that begin with the esoteric roots of the West in alchemy and neoplatonism and take the reader through Christian, Jewish and Muslim mystic traditions; the tarot, astrology, and wicca; brotherhoods such as the Knights Templar, Rosicrucians, and the Masons; and important mystics and teachers from Swedenborg and Blavatsky to Steiner and Guénon.

Scholarly without being dry, well researched without being tedious, thoughtful without draining the life from its subjects, these essays are essential for the new student and a valuable encapsulation for the more knowledgeable reader. It's a great book to loan out or give to people when you want to introduce them to a subject you care about. I've given away two copies already.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The mystical path in the West- to Know, to commune, to explore, to mend, August 15, 2005

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OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Inner West: An Introduction to the Hidden Wisdom of the West (New Consciousness Reader) (Paperback)

_I knew that this would be a quality collection when I saw that it was the work of the founder and editor of Gnosis magazine. I was not disappointed. If I were to choose one introductory book to give to a friend on the subject of the esoteric and spiritual traditions this would be it. These are not brief, superficial articles written by hacks, but are rather perceptive essays that truly capture the core of each individual tradition.

_The book is intelligently organized into five sections. The first, "The Esoteric Roots of the West", deals with Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, and Gnosticism. The second part, "The Inner Side of the Religions of the West", surveys Kabbalah, Christian Mysticism, and Sufism. The third part, "The Secret Teachings", covers the western path of the magus, the Tarot, astrology, Sophia tradition, and Wicca. Part four, "Esoteric Brotherhoods", is the story of the Knights Templar, Rosicrucians, and Masons. While part five, "Mystics and Teachers", explains individual teachers and movements of modern times: Swedenborg, Blavatsky, Steiner, De Lubicz, Gurdjieff, and Guenon.

_Once again, this is no superficial spiritual smorgasbord- having these teachings laid out in a historical sequence actually helps to sense the "golden thread" that connects all genuine spiritual paths. Even if you are already familiar with most of these paths this book is a nice, well-written review.

_In his introduction, the editor points out that "book learning" in and of itself is insufficient in following a true spiritual path. I would agree, on the other hand, the Messengers of Light are always looking for the chance to break through to come to the aid of the ready and receptive spirit. When the student is ready, the master will come.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Invisible College Curriculum, November 11, 2004

By 

Mark Newbold (Pittsburg, KS United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Inner West: An Introduction to the Hidden Wisdom of the West (New Consciousness Reader) (Paperback)

For those who faithfully collected the late great (and sadly missed) esoteric journal "Gnosis" over the years, you have all of these articles already. For those that don't or who want a collection of some of the more outstanding articles and essays from Gnosis in one volume- Eureka, this is for you. The standard of writing and scholarship in Gnosis was superlative, as this collection will demonstrate. A study of this work comprises a sound Intro to Western Esotericism 101 for anyone. I am at at loss to single out one article over another however, Gary Lachman's essay on Swedenborg is one of the finest pieces and lingers in the mind long after you have put down the book itself. Highy recommended.