Customer Reviews

The Underworld Initiation: A journey towards psychic transformation (Celtic Myth & Legend, V. 3)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

R.J. Stewart stands alone as the premiere voice and exponent for the profound inner teachings and "mysteries" of the faery tradition. All others before have not had the capacity or ingenuity with which to speak so clearly; all others after him will forever have to refer to his astonishing work in this book. Where the finite limitations of speech and the constrictions of cultural conditioning governed the likes of the late Scottish seer, Rev. Robert Kirk, R.J. Stewart has presented an energetic blueprint for understanding this empowered tradition, which lies like a subterranean kingdom beneath the ordinary reality. I found this work, and all of R.J.'s works involving what he calls the UnderWorld tradition, to be refreshing, potent, and also a relief at one point, as his section on the purgative and cathartic process of an awakening seer was quite validating. In essence, I recommend R.J.'s other two books in order (EARTH LIGHT and Power Within the Land), and then stepping into this astonishing work. Frank MacEowen, author of The Mist-Filled Path: Celtic Wisdom for Exiles, Wanderers, & Seekers.

If you're interested in the faerie world, and the foundations of western mystery traditions, this isn't just a "must-read," but a "must-own." You'll refer to this book over & over again.

Stewart covers a lot of highly technical ground in this book, which is more a textbook than recreational reading for most people. He provides detailed explanations of the Underworld (and Otherworld) and the design of the realities you'll encounter there. He relates this to the Tree of Life (Qabalah), and several other spiritual contexts, so that you can "connect the dots" with your own and others' religious backgrounds.

Stewart's "Underworld Narrative" (guided meditation) in the back of the book is annotated with explanations and tips. They're fascinating. Reading them makes the journey far richer than simply using one of his excellent tapes.

He's opinionated and well-researched. Not everyone will agree with him, or even like him. But, the information that he shares in this book is tremendously important if you plan to explore Otherworld realities. If you're intrigued by the faerie realm, this book will save you years of frustration, trying to understand how to get there, how to remain there comfortably, understand what you're encountering, and how to get back.

The UnderWorld Initiation takes the reader on a journey through symbols and myths common throughout the western pantheon of simple mythical components (i.e.-sungod myth). This is an ideal, unbiased resource for both the advanced enthusiast, as well as one just begining a spiritual search.

I READ THE ORIGINAL BOOK WHICH WAS SOLD OVER 10 YEARS AGO. THIS ONE HAS A DIFFERENT SUBTITLE AND PRINT DATE. HOWEVER, I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK HIGHLY TO ANYONE WHO IS PREPARED FOR ITS CONTENTS. THIS IS NOT A CHILDRENS'BOOK; IN MY OPINION, IT IS FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE HUMAN PSYCHE. READERS/PRACTIONERS OF THE CRAFT OF THE WISE - THIS IS A MUST READ! ONE MUST READ AND ABSORB WHAT R.J. STEWART HAS WRITTEN, FOR IT WILL DEFINITELY MAKE YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR OWN TRANSFORMATIONAL PROCESSES. I CAN DESCRIBE PARTS OF THIS BOOK AS AN ELIXER FOR THE SOUL. WHEN ONE HAS EXPERIENCED THE 'DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL', AND EMERGED AS A STRONGER, WISER PERSON. I FEEL THIS IS A SHAMANIC TRANSFORMATION R.J. WALKS US THROUGH. THERE IS NO FLUFF HERE; IT IS FOR THE SERIOUS AND EDUCATED READER. TRULY A CLASSIC!

Should be read by anybody interested in the Faery tradition, or on any occultist's shelf, really, even if they don't know that as their interest, the material ties in to all Western esoteric traditions. Its serious, scholarly, enjoyable, and transforming. You'll find yourself rereading and referencing this book, the same way it is frequently an "occult book author's author" - skip the middle-person - read the real thing. Its better.

This book is for those seriously interested in exploring the realms of the subconscious in an attempt to understand themselves better. Although somewhat dry, the information and techniques discussed can produce amazing results for the dedicated spiritual explorer. I heartily recommend this book as well as Stewart's "Earthlight" and "Power Within The Land" for those who have gone as far as they can with the plethora of Pagan and Wiccan "101" books, or who are tired of the same old rehash books published by Llewellyn

This is one of best books on fay tradtion i would check the rest of his books.I found that it has alot of useful infomation
and the book is not very bias which is nice to see in a book. Worth every penny.

This is an interesting book that examines the concepts of symbolic meaning and archetypes from a non-psychological stance, while showing the weaknesses in the psychological model of magic. Stewart presents a solid methodology of magical practice that can be applied to the examples he provides, but can also be applied to any story or myth that a person finds meaningful. I highly recommend this book for its solid approach to magical theory and practice.