Spiritual Initiation in the Western Tradition - Book Excerpt

“Spiritual Initiation in the Western Tradition”

by Robert Gilbert, Ph.D.

[Book Excerpt]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FOUNDATIONS OF THE ROSICRUCIAN AND HOLY GRAIL TRADITION

WHAT IS ROSICRUCIANISM? 10 SOME HALLMARKS OF ROSICRUCIANISM 11 GLOSSARY 13 FIRST STEPS IN INITIATION: “KNOW THYSELF” 14 ESSENTIAL THREEFOLD PRACTICE OF SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT 17 THREE GREAT TRIALS OF INITIATION 18 THE SEVEN STAGES OF CLASSICAL INITIATION AND GRAIL INITIATION 19 THE SEVEN ROSICRUCIAN STAGES OF HIGHER KNOWLEDGE 20 OTHER FUNDAMENTAL ROSICRUCIAN CONCEPTS 21 BEGINNINGS OF HUMANITY: THE 10TH SPIRITUAL HIERARCHY 23 BACKGROUND OF SPIRITUAL TIME CYCLES: THE COSMIC CLOCK 27 A BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE ROSICRUCIAN SPIRITUAL TRADITION 30 CORE VALUES OF ROSECRUCIAN INITIATION 39

PART II. INNER SPIRITUAL REALITIES OF CHRISTMAS AND SPIRITUAL FESTIVALS

THE PROPHECY OF THE ‘TWO MESSIAHS’ 42

THE NATHAN JESUS: THE ‘SISTER-SOUL’ OF ADAM 45 THE SOLOMON JESUS: ZOROASTER AND THE ‘BOOK WITH FOURTEEN SEALS’ 46 THE SOPHIA AS THE LIVING EARTH MOTHER 50

THE ROSICRUCIAN INITIATION TEACHING ON THE “SECOND COMING OF CHRIST” 53

THE CYCLE OF THE YEAR AS A PROCESS OF THE FOUR ARCHANGELS AND THE FOUR SEASONS 56 NATURE ELEMENTALS 59

SPIRITUAL FESTIVALS: THE WINTER INITIATION 62 WHY THE EXPERIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING 0F THE YEARLY SPIRITUAL FESTIVALS ARE IMPORTANT 65 SPIRITUAL ASPECTS OF THE WINTER FESTIVAL 67 THE ‘CHRESTOS’ AND INITIATION 70 THE IMPORTANCE OF ‘THINKING’ IN THE ROSICRUCIAN TRADITION 72 HISTORY AND USE OF THE TROPICAL AND SIDEREAL ZODIACS By Elizabeth McKay-Gilbert 78

THE EARTH BREATHING (CYCLE OF THE YEAR) PRACTICE 83 THE SEVEN “I AM” SAYINGS OF JOHN: KEYS TO OPENING THE SEVEN HUMAN ENERGY CENTERS 84 RUDOLF STEINER’S CALENDER OF THE SOUL VERSES 85 THE WINTER PASSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION STONE MEDITATION 86

PART III. THE SACRED GEOMETRY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS

SOME PRIMARY SOURCES OF ROSICRUCIAN GEOMETRIC ILLUSTRATIONS 88

ROSICRUCIAN GEOMETRIC ILLUSTRATIONS 92 COSMIC GEOMETRIC INFLUENCES ON MINERAL, PLANT, ANIMAL, AND HUMAN 105 GREAT CYCLES OF TIME AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF HUMANITY 107 COUNTER-BALANCED MOVEMENT IN THE PROCESS OF CREATION 110

THE TRIANGLE, SQUARE, AND PENTAGON (THE 3 – 4 – 5 SERIES) AND CREATION THROUGH THE 9 SPIRITUAL HIERARCHIES 114 THE KABBALISTIC FOUR CREATIVE KEYS: 1-3-7-12 HARMONIC SERIES 118 THE ‘CLOSE PACKING OF SPHERES’ AS A PACKED THOUGHTFORM OF CREATION (ARCHETYPE OF THE 1-3-7-12 HARMONIC) 119 THE ONE 120 THE THREE 121 THE SEVEN 125 THE TWELVE 137 REGARDING GEOMETRIC VISUALIZATIONS IN THE ENERGY BODY 142 THE GREEK CHRISTIAN HERMETIC SCHOOLS OF CYPRUS 143 GREEK BREATHING PRACTICE & FOUR ETHERS PRELIMINARY PRACTICE 145 PREPARATORY PRACTICE FOR WORKING WITH ARCHANGELIC AND CHRISTIC ENERGIES: THE ‘PILLAR OF LIGHT’ PENTAGRAM 147 THE PROTECTIVE PENTAGRAM AND HEXAGRAM 149 GREEK ARCHANGELIC PENTAGRAMS 151 THE PENTAGRAM AND HEXAGRAM EXERCISE FROM RUDOLF STEINER’S INITIATION SCHOOL 154 PENTAGRAM AND HEXAGRAM FORMS 157

PART IV. ANCIENT AND MODERN FORMS OF SPIRITUAL INITIATION

THE SEVEN STAGES OF CLASSICAL INITIATION AND GRAIL INITIATION 160 THE SEVEN ROSICRUCIAN STAGES OF HIGHER KNOWLEDGE 160 THE MEANING(S) OF “INITIATION” 161 THE CHANGE IN INITIATION FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN TIMES 163

INITIATION, GROUP WORK AND “STRUCTURE” 166 THE “NEW MICHAELIC YOGA” 171 A MODERN SCHOOL OF ROSICRUCIAN INITIATION 173 SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT: SOME TERMS AND PRINCIPLES 175 BACKGROUND TO THE “SEVEN HEAVENLY HALLS” MYSTERY: EGYPT AND ISRAEL 180 HERMETIC WRITINGS AND THE SEVEN PLANETARY SPHERES By Jane Weaver: 184 THE INITIATION JOURNEY THROUGH THE “SEVEN HEAVENLY HALLS” 185

THE FIRST HALL: THE SPHERE OF THE MOON 189 THE SECOND HALL: THE SPHERE OF VENUS (ESOTERIC MERCURY) 192 THE THIRD HALL: THE SPHERE OF MERCURY (ESOTERIC VENUS) 193 THE FOURTH HALL: THE SPHERE OF THE SUN 193 THE FIFTH HALL: THE SPHERE OF MARS 195 THE SIXTH HALL: THE SPHERE OF JUPITER 196 THE SEVENTH HALL: THE SPHERE OF SATURN 196 BEYOND THE SEVEN HALLS 197

THE EIGHTH SPHERE 200 THE GREEK DOUBLE HEXAGRAM AND CROSS PRACTICE 207 SIMPLE PENTAGRAM AND HEXAGRAM PRACTICE 208 RESONANT SOUNDS OF THE SEVEN PLANETARY FORCES PRACTICE 208 MEDITATION ON GEOMETRIC TRANSFORMATIONS 209 PART V. THE REBIRTH OF HUMANITY AND THE EARTH:

THE INNER MYSTERIES OF EASTER INTRODUCTORY QUOTE: ON CHRIST AND SOPHIA 212 THE SPRING FESTIVAL 213 THE EASTER FESTIVAL 216 THE LATEST OCTAVE OF THE EASTER MYSTERY 220

THE SEVEN STAGES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION 222 OTHER ESOTERIC ASPECTS OF THE EASTER FESTIVAL 225 ENERGIES OF THE SOLAR LOGOS, ARCHANGEL RAPHAEL, AND CHRISTIAN ROSENKREUTZ 228 PERSONAL RESURRECTION: RE-CONNECTING TO OUR INTERNAL SPIRITUAL FIRE 229

PART VI. THE CHALLENGE OF THE TIMES: HIDDEN REALITIES OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM

ASCENSION: 236 PENTECOST: 237 IMPORTANT ESOTERIC TIME CYCLES

7 Year Cycle of the Individual Human Life 238 33.3 Year Cycle of the Etheric Christ (Resurrection Cycle) 238 154 Year “Revelation” Cycle 239 354 Year Archangelic Cycle 240 666 Cycles 241 800 Year Detrimental Mars Beings Cycle 243 1000 Year Millennium Cycle 243 1459 Year Sothis (Sirius) Cycle 243 2160 Year Precession of the Equinox Cycle 244 5000 Year Kali Yuga Cycle 245

10 PRINCIPLES OF TRANSFORMATIONAL POLITICAL ACTIVITY 246 REGARDING STRESS, POSITIVITY, NEGATIVITY, AND THE DIRECT PERCEPTION OF REALITY 252 THE LUCIFERIC RESPONSE 253 THE AHRIMANIC RESPONSE 254 THE CHRISTIC RESPONSE 257 READING LIST OF DEEPER ESOTERIC TEXTS 260 AN INTRODUCTION TO BIODYNAMIC AGRICULTURE 261 RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM VESICA 271

SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT: SOME TERMS AND PRINCIPLES

1. BROKEN GROUND “Broken Ground” refers to gaps in information which prevents one from being able to consciously connect observed phenomena with conclusions through a logical train of thought. This is common in lower level channeled information which presents particular pieces of information with no explanation of how it could be so, or the larger spiritual context which makes the assertions self-evident. “Broken Ground” usually puts the individual at the mercy of “revelation” from a source which claims authority, with no way to consciously integrate the information into a coherent picture of reality. As an example, it is common in spiritual work which has occult materialistic tendencies to give accounts of humanity’s origins which are attributed to physical actions by physical non-human beings. An example is the popular idea that humanity was genetically engineered in a physical manner by particular extra-terrestrial beings. However the obvious problem with this account is that it really doesn’t explain anything about the spiritual origins of life (although most of its adherents do not think the proposition through enough to consider that). If humanity was genetically engineered, then how did the beings who did the engineering come to exist? Were they too genetically engineered by other beings? At what point is there a spiritual origin which goes beyond material causation? In the end, this theory appears similar to the story that when someone who claimed that the Earth was supported on the back of a great Turtle was challenged with the question “What supports the Turtle?”, he replied “Another Turtle.” When asked what then supported that turtle, he thought a moment and closed his presentation with the authoritative statement, “It’s Turtles all the way down!” 2. CLAIMS TO AUTHORITY

This is one of the most common and most overlooked problems in modern metaphysics. It can take any number of forms, but always it has the overt or covert suggestion that the teaching of a particular person or group is accurate and important because of the authority of the teacher of group. Examples would be an instructor who claimed to be the vehicle of a particular spiritual being, or to speak and act in that being’s authority; a group which claimed to the be the “one, true” representation on Earth of an important esoteric tradition; a teacher who claims to be an ascended master or to come from some elevated spiritual sphere to help benighted humans; etc. The Rosicrucian principle in this regard is very straightforward: absolutely no claims to authority are permitted for a teacher. This includes claiming to authoritatively represent the concepts of a particular spiritual being (even if one is indeed doing so), claiming to be the official spokesperson for a hidden spiritual tradition (even if one is), claiming to act in the authority of any beings or groups whatsoever, claiming to be the reincarnation of any important figure (or anyone for that matter), or any claims that one’s material is a “revelation” which should be accepted solely due to one's charisma. All of these things are either conscious or subconscious manipulations of the freedom of individuals; it is the free will of individuals which is sacred and must be held free of any coercive claims. A teacher must be able to be judged purely on their own character and

clarity of teaching; their teaching must be logical and understandable through the independent powers of reason in students, unmanipulated by claims to authority. 3. RESPECTING THE AUTONOMY OF THE STUDENT

This is the keynote of modern Initiation. Initiation today requires the individual to exert the forces of their spiritual core, their Ego, to directly access deeper spiritual consciousness and activity. Anything which infringes upon the autonomy of the student and diminishes their free will or their capacity for independent discerning thinking is counter to the desired goal. Individuals must clearly understand the spiritual path they follow, and make their own choices on that path (not turn their free will over to a charismatic teacher who makes decisions for them.) See the discussion in this section regarding “Claims to Authority” for one of the most common violations of this principle. 4. FULLY CONSCIOUS METHODS OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT Initiation in Rosicrucianism demands that the person become more conscious in every way of their own self and of spiritual reality. Any reduction of awareness to achieve clairvoyant faculties is not permitted, such as entering into unconscious trance states, trance channeling, etc. It is not that these things do not work, but that they can weaken the very things that must be strengthened in modern initiation. Note that very many traditions around the world insist on this condition and forbid practices like trance channeling on the part of their Initiates. There is a strong tendency among many independent esotericists to use unconscious methods of spiritual work; one reason for this is that they may have done it in previous incarnations, know instinctively how to do it (it is part of their structure), and be good at it, so it is easier and more gratifying to continue these methods into the present day than to strive for difficult new conscious faculties of spiritual perception. 5. LUCIFERIC INFLATION

This occurs when someone (often, but not always, someone new to metaphysics and easily manipulated by spiritual forces) develops an exaggerated sense of their own importance and stage of enlightenment. This is rampant in modern American metaphysical circles, although perhaps not quite as much today as it was around 10 years ago. Signs of Luciferic Inflation include individuals publicly claiming special status such as being the chosen messenger of a world changing revelation, being the next world teacher, being an ascended master, etc. 6. SENSATIONALISM Sensationalism is simply emphasizing the most shocking and weird aspects of a subject. In some cases this sensationalism is intended to attract attention with “shocking revelations” which expose “the biggest secret in history”. Often these “revelations” are at best very one-sided presentations in a distorted context of more subtle spiritual realities; at worst they are entirely false and serve the aims of particular detrimental groups or beings. In other cases, sensationalism is used to try to discredit a truth which some interest group does not want to be accepted by the media and the general public.

Sensationalism in this case is usually placing in truth in an extreme, exaggerated context so that it appears ridiculous. This can often be found when governments try to discredit true information on their misconduct by exaggerating the argument and ridiculing the straw man they set up as a “conspiracy theory.”… CONTINUED ON P. 177 of “Spiritual Initiation in the Western Tradition”

MEDITATION ON GEOMETRIC TRANSFORMATIONS

In this meditation we are working in pure consciousness with the geometric

language of creation. By following a simple, fundamental transformation from one geometric form to another (which follows spiritual laws), we come closer to perceiving the dynamic, mobile activity of spiritual archetypes as living beings.

Step One: Visualize a central point of light. Step Two: Visualize a line of energy emerging from the top of the point and then

from the bottom of the point; both projecting lines from the top and bottom should extend the same distance from the point, as the two lines are in reality an axis/geometric vector.

Step Three: Visualize a line of energy emerging from the right side of the point, then from the left side, making another axis.

Step Four: Visualize a line of energy emerging from the back of the point, then from the front, making a third axis of light. We now have a three-dimensional cross, which holds the three 90-degree axes of the physical world.

Step Five: Spin the cross on each of its three axes, one after the other. Then spin it on all three axes simultaneously (if this is difficult, think of it as three different interpenetrating full 3-d crosses each with a different axis of rotation). Observe the lines created (on an implicit sphere) by the form as it undergoes the three simultaneous axial rotation.

Now return to spinning the cross on just one axis; then spin the cross on the same axis in the opposite direction. Then spin it both directions simultaneously (again if this is difficult, think of it as two separate crosses interpenetrating). There is a particular energy which manifests when any form is spun in interpenetrating counter-rotations. If the preceding steps were easy, then:

rotate the cross on another axis; then counter-rotate it on the same axis, followed once again by spinning it both directions simultaneously. Then do this for all three axes simultaneously (so that there are six total interpenetrating rotations).

Step Six: Connect the end-points of the cross with lines of light. This will form an octahedron. Practice rotating the octahedron as you did the cross in the previous step.

Step Seven: Become aware of the center point of the octahedron. Then become aware that there is an implicit center point in the center of all 8 faces of the form. Extend out each of the implicit points in the center of the faces a short distance, keeping the extension in the same vector line of the center point of the octahedron to the center point of the face (the distance should the location which would make the new extended point the top point of an equilateral tetrahedron given the size of the base triangle lines of the face). Then connect these new points with lines of light to the three adjacent points of the octahedron face; this will create tetrahedrons on each of the 8 faces of the form (the base of the tetrahedron is the three lines which define each face). Observe the entire form; it is the form known as the “Stella Octangula” (stellated octahedron), called by Leonardo da Vinci the “Star Tetrahedron.” Rotate this form along the axes provided by the new pairs of opposite points provided by the stellation (there are four axis pairs, the top points of the tetrahedrons we just constructed on each of the eight faces). Step Eight: Connect each of the eight stellated points (the eight “tetrahedron tops” we just created) with a line of light. This will form a Cube. Step Nine: Go through the sequence of octahedron-to-stellated octahedron-to-cube quickly in your mind. Once you have the forms clear and well-defined in the mind, Pay attention to the energy of the transformation activity rather than the form as you go through the sequence. Run the sequence backward as well, from Cube to stellated octahedron to Octahedron. Step Ten: In the mind transform the Octahedron directly to the Cube without going through the intermediary step of the stellation (an easy way to do this is simply to connect the center of each of the eight faces so that a cube is formed inside the octahedron). Then transform the Cube directly into the Octahedron without going through the intermediary step of the stellated octahedron (simply connect the center of all eight faces and an octahedron will be created within the cube). Run the transformation back and forth until the images are crystal clear, then shift the attention to the feeling of the transformation processes rather than the images. Some notes on this practice: * Note that you can create a constant dynamic movement through this dual transformation process, either in progressively smaller forms or progressively larger forms; this is essentially a progression of either emerging from a center or disappearing into a center. * Note the importance of the center of each face in this transformation process. Meditate on the connection of this phenomenon with the teachings regarding the center and accessing the BG3 energies in Biogeometry®. * A further advanced practice is to rotate a cube so that a given line of it creates a five pointed star after five rotations. If all the points of the cube’s positions through the five rotations were to be joined together, they would form a dodecahedron. This rotation essentially creates 12 five pointed stars, one on every face of a dodecahedron.

CONTINUED ON P. 211 of “Spiritual Initiation in the Western Tradition”

INITIATION, GROUP WORK AND “STRUCTURE”

With thanks to Dr. Samuel Sagan for the concept of “Structure.”

Every person has a unique configuration of energy and consciousness, which

takes on specific geometric aspects in the form of the subtle bodies. This unique configuration is related to the capacities and level of maturity of the individual, and is what we refer to as “structure”. One of the first things any esoteric teacher does with prospective students or associates is to check out their structure, which is the vital element that reveals the individual’s maturity and capacities; a certain stability and crystallization of structure is essential in order to understand and work responsibly with spiritual realities. Individuals with a strong and solid structure usually have developed it through the “school of hard knocks” in previous incarnations. It usually takes many lifetimes to develop a solid structure; it is extremely rare that a person who has a weak structure in the present lifetime can manifest a strong structure in the same lifetime. They can however work hard on self-development so that their structure will be strong in future incarnations. This is in fact a rich topic to follow up on; in Karmic research we find that the struggles and striving of individuals in particular ways in previous lifetimes manifests as their greatest strengths in later lifetimes. This is the Karmic compensation for our suffering, and is one of the great cosmic truths: our suffering, no matter how intense, ends in time and is virtually forgotten; however the strengths which we gained through enduring these painful experiences remain with us permanently as part of our structure. Great masters know this well, and so often willingly endure great suffering and persecution to fulfill important spiritual tasks (a prime example is the individuality of Manu incarnating as Mani in Persia); although they may suffer excruciating torture and death, their opponents cannot stop them from reincarnating once again with even greater power and structure. In this way persecution and suppression sows the seeds of its own destruction, and sharpens the sword of cosmic justice. Many current seekers on the Rosicrucian path will find within themselves tremendous hidden capacities and will-forces which have generated through having been persecuted and killed in previous incarnations, for example as Cathars and Knights Templar. (This is not, however, a license for Luciferic speculation regarding our past incarnations leading to flights of fantasy; the discovery of these realities within ourselves happens in profound inner contemplation and remains in silence.) The concept of structure is very important when we analyze how human beings can work in community, in groups, for esoteric purposes. From one particular Rosicrucian viewpoint, we can discern three different types of esoteric groups: 1. A Process group: this is devoted to members working through emotional and energetic issues. In this type of group, it is indeed desirable that people “bring their stuff” into the activity, as this is the specific forum for their deep issues to be unblocked, expressed, and corrected.

However the next two groups are very different in nature: they require that participants “leave their personal issues at the door” before entering. 2. A teaching/study group: this is devoted to learning and integrating a body of deep esoteric teaching. 3. An Action group: this is devoted to working together to undertake particular activities of an esoteric nature.

What inevitably happens is that persons will want to join a teaching or action group who are actually more aligned to a process group; if the difference in orientation is not discerned by members due to a lack of clarity in these issues, great mischief can result.

There are several different reasons why a person may be more oriented toward a process group than the other two. Here are a few:

1. Their structure is heavily damaged and they are in need of catharsis and emotional repair. These individuals often do not even admit to themselves that this is the case, and come to study and action groups with a subconscious agenda to find the attention and care that they crave. They then will often “act out” in gross or subtle ways, often not being aware themselves of their true motivations.

2. Their structure is more oriented to social interaction than to serious focused work. Often (but not always) they have a predominance of the air element in their structure, and not infrequently they are at the stage of personality development of an enthusiastic adolescent.

3. They have had deeper issues “triggered” by coming into contact with deeper spiritual realities. This is often the case when individuals go into meditative practices that “still the monkey mind” and create deep inner quiet; without the usual amount of inner chatter and chaotic activity, the internal issues that are usually hidden immediately surface and need to be processed. If the person recognizes this, then this is actually an extremely beneficial process; however if they do not recognize it and have a psychological resistance to seeing and dealing with these issues, they will often begin to “act up” in a group. Essentially in the latter instance they act out their inner conflict by casting persons in the group into roles in their own subconscious psycho-drama, creating chaos and discord as a consequence.

One praiseworthy approach to this problem is the one adopted by Dr. Samuel Sagan at the Clairvision school in Sydney Australia; it was expected (and indeed required) that individuals entering into a meditative training also entered into a process group and practice. The meditative work (which inevitably saw issues surface once the mind was stilled) then regularly alternated with the process work (which allowed those issues and energetic blocks to be expressed and worked through). The recognition of the dynamic between spiritual work and process work made the work of the school more balanced and effective. (This does not mean that other problems do not arise even given this approach; for instance it is vital that if this approach is taken that individuals have a clear ethical understanding of what is appropriate in such process work.)

Great discord can emerge in a group if there is not a clear understanding between teacher and students, or between members of a group, regarding the nature of the work being undertaken and what is or is not appropriate in that setting.

Although having individuals bring their issues and inappropriate behavior into a Teaching/Study group is damaging (sometimes to the extreme), it is even more destructive to an Action group. When a serious group of esotericists undertakes spiritual activities (particularly of a deeper nature) there must be no personal agendas or issues brought into the space. If two people in the group have a problem, they must both have the maturity to leave the problem at the door or else one or both must exit the group.

To give an example of a common problem in an esoteric Action group: A group may have a core of very serious and powerful individuals who have sufficient structure to work together in a synergistic way. One member of the group, however, does not have the others’ level of structure and cannot keep up; often they are also prone to emotional outbursts. It is not uncommon that this individual of insufficient structure is a friend, relation, or romantic partner of a strong member of the group, which complicates the group dynamics in dealing with the problem. The group may respond by putting demands on the person who can not align with the group to reform their behavior and/or work harder. This then leads to continuing stress within the group, and a constant diversion of energy and attention from the esoteric work the group was formed to undertake in the first place. What needs to be recognized in such a situation is whether the person in question simply lacks the structure to participate appropriately. If that is the case, then no amount of working with the person, demanding reform of behavior, or assigning them additional work will correct the problem. Lack of structure is not corrected in the short term, or even within a lifetime in many cases…

CONTINUED ON P. 168 of “Spiritual Initiation in the Western Tradition”

The Western Esoteric Spiritual Tradition is almost invisible to the "uninitiated."

An "underground" Western Spiritual Initiation Tradition has been maintained for thousands of years.

This tradition is the force behind Christian Mysticism, Alchemy, Hermeticism, Rosicrucian Studies, and much more.

Due to threat of Heresy and the secretive nature of all Ancient Mystery Schools, the Western Esoteric Tradition has been kept securely hidden from the public eye for centuries.

One of the greatest 20th Century Masters of the Western Esoteric Tradition was Rudolf Steiner.

During his shortened life, Rudolf Steiner gave thousands of transcribed lectures, producing over 330 volumes of material. Additionally, Steiner wrote 48 books.

Rudolf Steiner founded the Anthroposophical Society, the Waldorf Educational System, BioDynamic Farming, Anthroposophical Medicine, and the unique form of dance Eurythmy.

One of Rudolf Steiner's missions in life was to reveal the Western Esoteric Tradition to the public. Spiritual vision told Steiner that the time for secrecy was over and that the Spiritual Science of the Western Tradition was ready to be revealed the masses.

It is almost impossible to find a good starting point to begin study of the immensely valuable material locked up in the Western Esoteric Tradition.

Steiner produced a vast amount of material - opening the door to the Western Tradition - but the sheer mass of material makes understanding it difficult without a knowledgable guide.

Robert Gilbert's "Spiritual Initiation in the Western Tradition" solves this dilemma by grounding the student in the key concepts of the Western Esoteric Tradition.

6 Sections of this Book:

Part 1: Foundations of the Rosicrucian and Holy Grail Tradition Part 2: Inner Spiritual Realities of Christmas and Spiritual Festivals Part 3: The Sacred Geometry of the Rosicrucians Part 4: Ancient and Modern Forms of Spiritual Initiation

Part 5: The Rebirth of Humanity and the Earth: The Inner Mysteries of Easter Part 6: The Challenge of The Times: Hidden Realities of The New Millennium

Robert Gilbert provides a comprehensive overview of The Western Esoteric Tradition and gives you the keys to unlock hidden meanings within Hermetic, Alchemical, Rosicrucian, Gnostic, Ancient Egyptian, and other "sealed" teachings.

Robert Gilbert also masterfully communicates the core knowledge needed to understand Rudolf Steiner's material on the FIRST READ. For this reason alone, this book is worth 10 times it's price.

"Spiritual Initiation in the Western Tradition" provides a comprehensive overview of the central ideas of relevance, placing the student firmly on "The Path" to Enlightenment in the Western Spiritual Tradition.

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“Spiritual Initiation in the Western Tradition” by Robert Gilbert, Ph.D.