The Western Way Omnibus: Volumes 1 and 2 (Arkana) (Vol 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Caitlin Matthews (Author), John K. B. Matthews (Author)

Book Description

Series: Arkana | Publication Date: January 1, 1995

This is a two-part practical guide to the Western mystery tradition: its history and relevance to the present day, now brought together in one volume. The first section deals with shamanism, early-mysteries and myths of the otherworld, while the second, moves on the the world of the sibyls, alchemists and qabalists whose mystical aim has been to achieve the grail, find the philospher's stone, and reassemble the scattered body of light.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140194622
• ISBN-13: 978-0140194623
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #915,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For all those who walk between the worlds- and return, October 3, 2004

By 

OAKSHAMAN "oakshaman" (Algoma, WI United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Western Way: A Practical Guide to the Western Mystery Tradition -The Native Tradition (Mass Market Paperback)

This is one of the most valuable spiritual books that I have read in some time. The authors connect two of my primary topics of deep life interest- shamanism and the path of the magus in the Hermetic tradition. I mean, I've always sensed the connection, but I've encountered others that just didn't seem to get it. The authors make this connection- primarily through the classical mystery tradition of the western world. It is identified that the Hermetic tradition cannot exist without the foundation of the native shamanic tradition, while the shamanic tradition cannot progress without the projection of the Hermetic. One represents the roots, and the other the branches, of the Great Tree.

It was truly remarkable how page after page tied together my own interests, studies, and intuitions- it was almost like one long experience of high-level synchronicity. Of course, the forward and high praise by Gareth Knight should be enough to convince most knowledgeable readers that this book is the real thing.

You could do far worse than to make this book both your introduction, as well as, your primary text for the study of deep, intuitive, Gnostic, spirituality. I know that this book will be going into my permanent reference collection.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Two - Two - Two Traditions In One, May 8, 2006

By 

Brian E. Erland "Rainbow Sphinx" (Brea, CA - USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Western Way Omnibus: Volumes 1 and 2 (Arkana) (Vol 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

Definitely an oldie but a goodie. I read the 'The Western Way Omnibus' some twenty or so years ago when it was originally released as two separate books, 'The Western Way: Native Tradition' and 'The Western Way: Hermetic Tradition.' These two volumes served as my initial introduction to Caitlin and John Matthews' work and I found them both to be highy informative, easy to understand and incredibly rich in the understanding of sign and symbol.

However what I found the most helpful is the Matthew's wonderful storehouse of imaginative and potent journeying narratives. I have personally used a number provided within and have found them to be amazingingly successful.

A wonderful read of both traditions, specially if you're into pathworking. I was particularily impressed by the native material in volume 1, but that opinion is based more on personal perference than anything else.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WW guides one on an educational, spiritual & practical path, May 8, 2003

By 

Denise A. Cruci (New York, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Western Way: A Practical Guide to the Western Mystery Tradition: The Hermetic Tradition (v2) (Paperback)

This book shows the reader the balance between the Native shamanic traditions of Northern Europe and the Hermetic ceremonial traditions. These two make up the the Wiccan tradition. There are practical excercises with each section within the chapters one can do which will deepen one's understanding and widdens one's well of wisdom.