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Elementary Treatise of Occult Science: Understanding the Theories and Symbols Used by the Ancients, the Alchemists, the Astrologers, the Freemasons & the Kabbalists Hardcover – December 8, 2018
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An Essential Work of 19th-Century French Occultism from the Leading Intellectual of the Era
Explore Papus's Pivotal Teachings on the Secret History of the World, Symbols and Their Meanings, and the Nature of the Magical Universe
Available in English for the First Time
One of the most important books in the modern history of occultism, Papus's Elementary Treatise of Occult Science helped establish the shape of occult thinking and practice for decades...and its legacy as a source of spiritual philosophy continues today. Never before published in English, this work explores a fascinating interpretation of the history of the world and develops a powerful approach to decoding esoteric symbolism, a crucial skill for contemporary occultists. Papus also provides a stunning analysis of ancient mysteries, including Hermeticism, astrology, magic, alchemy, theosophy, signification of numbers, the astral plane, sacred geometry, Kabbalah, the tetragrammaton, the pyramids, and much more. This premium hardcover edition introduces the contemporary occultist to the ideas of one of history's most profound metaphysical thinkers.
Front Flap:
"Let us open the door and let us not be blinded by the light which escapes it, let us not be afraid to say that which must be said, because the masters wished that certain mysteries be revealed...What then have you seen on the occult side of the Universe?"―Papus
Elementary Treatise on Occult Science was one of the most influential books to emerge from the turn-of-the-century French occult revival―a detailed and readable description of the magical universe and humanity's place in it. Many important teachers and authors of the esoteric arts―including Madame Blavatsky, Rudolf Steiner, and Manly P. Hall―were influenced by Papus's vision of occult philosophy and the hidden side of history. This volume, translated and annotated by Mark Mikituk with a foreword by John Michael Greer, provides a captivating view of Papus's visionary mind and his radical ideas.
- Print length312 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherLlewellyn Publications
- Publication dateDecember 8, 2018
- Dimensions8.31 x 1 x 10.34 inches
- ISBN-100738754978
- ISBN-13978-0738754970
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As the world's oldest and largest independent publisher of books for body, mind, and spirit, Llewellyn is dedicated to bringing our readers the very best in metaphysical books and resources. Since 1901, we've been a source of illumination, instruction, and new perspectives on a wealth of topics, including Paganism and witchcraft, astrology, tarot, wellness, magic and the occult, and the paranormal.
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From the Publisher
An Essential Work of 19th-Century French Occultism from the Leading Intellectual of the Era
Available in English for the First Time
One of the most important books in the modern history of occultism, Papus's Elementary Treatise of Occult Science helped establish the shape of occult thinking and practice for decades...and its legacy as a source of spiritual philosophy continues today. Never before published in English, this work explores a fascinating interpretation of the history of the world and develops a powerful approach to decoding esoteric symbolism, a crucial skill for contemporary occultists. Papus also provides a stunning analysis of ancient mysteries, including Hermeticism, astrology, magic, alchemy, theosophy, signification of numbers, the astral plane, sacred geometry, Kabbalah, the tetragrammaton, the pyramids, and much more. This premium hardcover edition introduces the contemporary occultist to the ideas of one of history's most profound metaphysical thinkers.
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| Also by John Michael Greer: | Not just a cookbook of spells, the Encyclopedia of Natural Magic provides an introduction to the philosophy and ways of thought underlying this system. | From "Aarab Zereq" to "Zos Kia Cultus," this is the most up-to-date, comprehensive guide to the history, philosophies, and personalities of Western occultism. | With added illustrations, a twenty-page color insert, additional original material, and refreshed design and typography, this powerful work returns to its true stature as a modern masterpiece. | In The Secret of the Temple, John Michael Greer painstakingly rebuilds a body of lost knowledge that has been used to accumulate and direct energy throughout history, and can be used again today. | Respected occult author and Grand Archdruid John Michael Greer has re-created a complete magical system based on the Celtic Golden Dawn traditions. |
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Dr. Gérard Encausse (1865–1916), also known as Papus, was an influential French occultist. He was the cofounder of premier occult journal L’Initiation and a lively weekly paper of occult news and opinion, Le Voile d’Isis (The Veil of Isis). He also founded the Groupe Indépendant d’Études ésoteriques (Independent Group of Esoteric Studies) and was an important leader of Ordre de la Rose+Croix Kabbalistique (Order of the Kabbalistic Rose+Cross), the leading French magical order of the time. Papus played a crucial role in reformulating the Martinist Order, an organization that remains active today.
Mark Anthony Mikituk (France) is a translator and teacher. He previously collaborated with John Michael Greer on a translation of Eliphas Lévi’s The Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic (TarcherPerigee 2017).
One of the most respected writers and teachers in the occult field today, John Michael Greer has written more than fifty books on esoteric traditions, nature spirituality, and the future of industrial society. An initiate in Druidic, Hermetic, and Masonic lineages, he served for twelve years as Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA). He lives in Rhode Island, USA with his wife Sara. He can be found online at www.EcoSophia.net.
Product details
- Publisher : Llewellyn Publications; Annotated edition (December 8, 2018)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 312 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0738754978
- ISBN-13 : 978-0738754970
- Item Weight : 2.15 pounds
- Dimensions : 8.31 x 1 x 10.34 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #496,693 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #996 in New Age Mysticism (Books)
- #1,378 in Occultism
- Customer Reviews:
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Customers find the book clearly explained and full of connections never explained in their years of studying esoticism. They also describe it as a wonderful book on ancient eroticism and a great read.
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Customers find the book clearly explained, easy to read, and informative. They also say the author makes great arguments and the book is a wizardly debate with other philosophers.
"...The translation and notes are as clear as possible, considering, and I am really enjoying the mental gymnastics this text sometimes requires...." Read more
"Clearly explained and full of connections never explained in my years of studying occult philosophy and literature, this book is a joy to read!..." Read more
"It's easy to read, only just finished chapter two but it is easy to understand and explains concepts well!" Read more
"...He makes a lot of great arguments as if it was a wizardly debate with other philosophers and theologians!..." Read more
Customers find the book on esoticism wonderful and full of ideas to meditate on. They also predict that the book will be re-read often.
"...Full of ideas to meditate on, I predict this book will be re-read often...." Read more
"Very good book of Masonic and Templar symbols. Excellent read on ancient knowledge." Read more
"...As for the text itself it seems to be a fantastic 19th century french occult book from a respected wizard...." Read more
Customers find the book a great read with information that will be re-read often. They also say the quality is better than expected.
"The book's quality is better than I expected, especially since I thought I'd ordered a paperback...." Read more
"...in my years of studying occult philosophy and literature, this book is a joy to read!..." Read more
"Great read and informationable..." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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The book arrived on time and in good condition.
The subject matter is sometimes a bit dense for me, and I am often forced to re-read passages several times in order to better understand them. That's not a complaint about the translation or the notes, though. The translation and notes are as clear as possible, considering, and I am really enjoying the mental gymnastics this text sometimes requires.
I wanted something that would challenge me to think in alternate ways. This text fits the bill perfectly for me.
As for the text itself it seems to be a fantastic 19th century french occult book from a respected wizard. I never finished it but I got to read some of it and I was really enjoying it. It's not for beginners but I imagine anyone could pick it up and follow his train of logic. If you want fuel for argument to support your occult values and beliefs this book is for you, certainly. He makes a lot of great arguments as if it was a wizardly debate with other philosophers and theologians!
The qualify of the actual book seems like a standard hardcover book but the cover is trash. I hate it. It looks very cheaply made like they paid someone on fiver and they made it in 5 minutes and weren't even familiar with the occult let alone the material of the text.
This book also carries a dirty or slightly sinister reputation as well. To my knowledge there was another guy who wanted to translate this text. This person translated another text by Papus that has a similar title, that being "Elementary Treatise on Practical Magic" which is also available here on Amazon but something happened to where JMG and Mikituk rushed this translation and basically stole the dudes thunder. Of course that is their personal affair but If something like that did happen it kinda taints the reputation of this version and such a thing has already been said about it. I know when I looked at the book in person I thought about it and it put a sour taste in my mouth looking at it's low quality. It really does look rushed at least as far as getting it onto the market.. and why is it so expensive when it's a translation of someone else's book? You don't see that with the other recent papus translation. It sounds like greed was a factor here all around which of course isn't very decent so I hope all of that is incorrect and Mikituk spent the past decade translating it and the astrological glyphs on the cover spell out a secret hidden message that ties heavily into the essence of the text and of the Great Papus.
It was widely known that the highly regarded Mason and Esotericist was in the process of translating other of Papus' works, including this one, when the decision to translate and publish this book was made without consulting him in any way. Mr. Vaughan does these translations as a labor of love for a tradition that he is deeply involved in, and it was dishonest of such a large company to put this forth when it was well known that he was planning on releasing it, as it is part of a series of which he had already translated the first.
I recommend visiting Piers Vaughan's Amazon page to peruse his many excellent translations of books in the French esoteric tradition, and I suggest considering giving him your money. You will not be disappointed in the quality of the translations or the books offered.
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 25, 2021








