Initiation into hermetics

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"Initiation into Hermetics" is the title of the English translation of Franz Bardon's first of three volumes concerning self-realisation in line with the Hermetic tradition. The book was first published in German in 1956 under the title Der Weg zum Wahren Adepten by publisher Verlag Hermann Bauer. The first English edition appeared in 1962, published by Dieter Rüggeberg. A second English translation was published in 1999, again by Dieter Rüggeberg. The translators were: Gerhard Hanswille and Franca Gallo and it was edited by Ken Johnson.

The dedication by Franz Bardon reads: "I dedicate this work in sincere friendship to my faithful co-worker and dear student, Mrs. Otti Votavova."

The book itself is divided into two sections: the theory section and the practical section.

The theory section outlines esoteric theory and Hermetic philosophy which the student will find useful when following this course. Topics covered include the elements (fire, air, water and earth plus the fifth, ether), Karma (the law of cause and effect), occult anatomy, the physical, astral and mental planes and the matters of religion and god.

The practical section is divided into ten steps. Each step contains physical, astral and mental exercises which the student must master to the degree laid out by Bardon before moving on to the next step. The three kinds of exercises within a step are to be practised concurrently, the idea being that this will lead to a more balanced development.

The table of contents can be viewed at: [1]

You can listen to a recording of the introduction of the book here: [2]

[edit] References

Merkur Publishing Website: [3]

A Bardon Companion: [4]

Moryason's Comments on Initiation into Hermetics: [5]

Asteroth's Domain Review of Initiation into Hermetics: [6]