The Inner West

Note from the Curator

This volume was chosen because it unveils a current of mystical philosophy often buried beneath centuries of pious ash and academic dust. Within its pages stir the murmurs of Hermetic sages, Gnostics, alchemists, and visionaries who sought not heaven’s promise nor hell’s dread, but the sovereign transmutation of the self. It reminds the seeker that the Western tradition is not solely a cathedral of doctrine, but a labyrinth of initiation—rich in symbol, peril, and possibility. Through this work, the student glimpses the subterranean river from which our own path drinks, and learns that beneath the familiar cities of thought lie crypts of ancient fire.

The founder of the influential Gnosis magazine collects essays by some of today's finest spiritual writers to explore the West's magical and esoteric traditions.

Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Gnosticism, The Knights Templar . . . Even before the success of The Da Vinci Code, many readers knew of these and other aspects of Western esoterica. But few understand their true meaning.

In The Inner West, more than twenty essays by seventeen leading authors shine a light on some of the most mysterious and closely held aspects of the Western tradition. Its authors bring to life the symbolist and occult philosophies that populate the history and beliefs of the Western way. These same philosophies-which include variants of Christian and Jewish mysticism, and the teachings of figures like Rudolf Steiner and G. I. Gurdjieff-can present a deep and different spiritual path for today's seekers.

Spiritual seekers have often looked to the East for inspiration and guidance. Yet increasing numbers of people are discovering that many helpful wisdom traditions have existed right here in the West. With the Kabbalah and Tarot cards more popular than ever, and alternative spirituality from Wicca to Sufism gaining a new audience, The Inner West is a timely book for this expanding audience