Initiation into Hermetics
Initiation into Hermetics provides step by step instruction in the form of practical exercises. These exercises lead to the development of body, soul and spirit. The result of the practical exercises is the development of occult abilities which can be of benefit to the student, in as far as he can change his existence for the better.
The great mystery of the Tetragrammaton, the key to the tetrapolar magnet, is explained. By reading the theoretical section many secrets are unveiled which were once only known to very few. The reader will receive first-hand knowledge about the principles of fire, air, water and earth, the positive and negative attributes of these elements, and how these elements affect the human body. The immutable law of cause and effect is explained, not only as it applies to human beings, but also how it applies to the elements. Detailed information is also given about the soul or the astral body, and how the four elements determine the temperament in a person.
The astral plane is considered to be “the beyond” by most religions. This plane does have its inhabitants, most of which are departed human beings from earth. Besides that you find elementaries, beings with one or only a few attributes. It is very advantageous to learn about these beings and how they affect a human being’s life. There is also another kind of being, which is a being of the pure elements. The reader will find that many myths or even fairy tales are based on truth. But mankind has lost the ability to stay in contact with reality and has chosen to live in a completely transitory world which they consider to be their reality.
The third plain, the mental plain, is also explained; it is the sphere of thought which has its origin in the world of ideas.
Each step of the practical part of this book is divided into three parts: the magical spiritual or mental schooling, soul or astral schooling, and physical schooling. This allows the student to maintain a complete equilibrium. The student learns how to control all his mental faculties even to the point that he can control every thought. He will learn self-introspection, clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, astral and mental travel, control of the electric and magnetic fluids, and communication with the beings of the astral plain.
This is the first of three books by the Czech Magician – Frantisek Bardon. Franz is the German equivalent of his actual name – Frantisek. If you read about Mr. Bardon’s life, how he was imprisoned by the Nazis and then by the Communists eventually dying in Brno Castle, its a wonder that he had any time to write anything and – where did he acquire such knowledge anyway? Such mysteries often gain equally mysterious answers and Bardon’s case is no different as any quick research will show.
The fact of the matter is this is an excellent book. Yes, you could argue that it is short on content in terms of theory but he very solidly provides all of the basics and if you actually follow the exercises, the rest I am sure will be revealed to you. I have been working on and off for years and am only a short way into the exercises however I still value this book. This is elemental magic. Its real magic. This book is to me the only book you will ever really need if you wish to become a magician. Its that good.