Training and Work of an Initiate (Paperback)

by Dion Fortune (Author) "THERE has always been a widespread belief that some men know more than others, and that instead of sharing certain aspects of their knowledge with..." (more)
Key Phrases: occult path, practical occultism, esoteric science, Great Initiator, Inner Light, Divine Union (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This much-sought-after book gives details of the preparation for and degrees of true esoteric initiation, together with a description of the work to be performed and the training to be undergone by the candidate for the Higher Mysteries. Contents: Ethical Laying the Foundation; The Way of Initiation; Preparation; The Path of the Hearth-Fire; The Initiate s Ideal; Daily Life on the Path; Theoretical A Ground Plan of Illuminism; The Head-waters of Occultism; The Sources of the Esoteric Christian Tradition; The Alphabet of the Mysteries; Practical The Training of the Mind and Body; Initiation and Celibacy; and The Western Esoteric Systems. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher
Kessinger Publishing reprints over 1,500 similar titles all available through Amazon.com. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Red Wheel Weiser (June 1973)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850301548
• ISBN-13: 978-0850301540
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,047,370 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A well-written and informative book, July 30, 2003

By	N. Mentor "imanisaida" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Training & Work of an Initiate (Paperback)

As usual, Ms. Fortune cuts to the chase, though I wouldn't say that this book is an easier read than her other texts. I found myself jotting down notes for future use, so despite the fact that it was written decades ago, her points are still applicable. She is very opinionated however, and obviously had definitive views on the purpose for occult study. Study for personal gain toes the line of dark magic, according to her.

She does not mention her contemporary, Aleister Crowley, by name but is quick to send sharp barbs of disapproval on what she calls "phallic rites" and other "black" practices. Sometimes she sounds almost eclectic and open-minded, but the next moment, she launches into a series of Christian apologetics. One would think that an accomplished psychic would move past such dogma. Like most Victorian/Edwardians, she clearly states that the progenitors of the Western Mystery Tradition: Judaism, Ancient Egypt and Ancient Greece were 'primitive' in comparison to Christianity, simply because Christianity misappropriated the 'important parts' of their doctrines. So if you can look past her quirks, she does give valuable information on the prerequisites to joining a society and more importantly, what being a master adept entails. It's not for the faint-of-heart but she says that even the failed aspirant is blessed in the attempt to climb Jacob's Ladder.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXPLANATION OF SANE OCCULTISM, July 12, 2003

By	Pieter "Toypom" (Johannesburg) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)

This review is from: The Training & Work of an Initiate (Paperback)

In this very readable work, Dion Fortune deals with the tradition of initiation in the Western Esoteric Tradition and explains the principles of these esoteric systems. An interesting foreword by Gareth Knight discusses Fortune's place in metaphysical thought, declaring her a great synthesist ever holding a balance between the strands of hermetic occultism, devotional mysticism and nature mysticism. Knight even refers to Tolkien's account of creation in The Silmarillion as reflecting Fortune's approach to certain metaphysical questions! The book provides information on how the initiate prepares the mind, spirit and body for the journey on the esoteric path and what the path of initiation looks like. The book is divided into three parts: Ethical, Theoretical and Practical. It details the way of initiation, preparations and daily life upon the path and provides a ground plan of illumination. There is also valuable information on the training of the mind and the body. I found the discussion of the relationship between natural and esoteric science very insightful and her division of what she terms "illuminism" into two branches - mysticism and occultism, very informative. According to the author, mysticism aims at the speediest possible attainment of the divine union of the soul with its source and in order to achieve this it eliminates all that causes separation. Occultism on the other hand, aims to organise and master phenomena and bring them into harmony with the eternal law of the real. Ultimately, the difference is only a matter of temperament. Fortune then proceeds to classify religions and movements like Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Theosophy, Spiritualism, Christian Science and New Thought into these two branches. The chapter on the Western Esoteric Systems deals with the Qabalistic, Greek and Egyptian traditions, claiming that they all contributed to modern Western esotericism that in addition, also draws on Eastern thought. The book contains a Tabular Classification of Illuminism demonstrating the mystical/occult division in detail as well as an index and a short biography and portrait of Fortune. This is a well written book explaining most of the important points of the occult path and the practice of sane occultism. Highly recommended.

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mystery Schools Exist Now. Are you an initiate?, September 28, 2002

By	Truth Teller - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Training & Work of an Initiate (Paperback)

Jesus of Nazareth was taught in mystical schools. Back then, we know that there were many. On my spiritual quest I had studied some of Alice Bailey's books, including those on initiation. I had wondered - am I being trained by a master? Am I an initiate? Reading this book and _Esoteric Orders and Their Works_, also by Dion Fortune, has answered my personal questions, and let me understand that this work is going on now.

Those two books also differentiated the mystic from the occultist - a fine point to the novice, but important in understanding yourself and others. I'm reading the rest of her books. If you are studying the Ageless Wisdom, shamanism, and/or the occult, you will love Ms. Fortune's books. You MUST READ her _Cosmic Doctrine_. Very deep.