The Hermetic Tradition: Symbols & Teachings of the Royal Art »

A controversial philosopher and critic of modern Western civilization, Julius Evola (1898-1974) wrote widely on Eastern religions, alchemy, sexuality, politics, and mythology. Inner Traditions has published his Eros and the Mysteries of Love: The Metaphysics of Sex, The Yoga of Power, The Hermetic Tradition, Revolt against the Modern World, Mystery of the Grail and Ride The Tiger.

This important survey of alchemical symbols and doctrines sets forth the mysterious worldview and teachings of the practitioners of the "royal art." One of the leading exponents of the Hermetic tradition, Julius Evola demonstrates the singularity of subject matter that lies behind the words of all adepts in all ages, showing how alchemy--often misunderstood as primitive chemistry or a mere template for the Jungian process of "individuation"--is nothing less than a universal secret science of human and natural transformation.

First published in 1931 in Italian. This is the first English translation.

Draws from a host of sources in the Western esoteric tradition--works on theurgy, magic, and gnosticism from neoplatonic, Arab, and medieval sources.

Baron Julius Evola (1898 - 1974), born into an aristocratic Sicilian family, was a scholar, philosopher, writer, social thinker, a leader among 20th century Hermeticists, and a leading authority on Tantra and occultism. He is the author of Eros and the Mysteries of Love, The Doctrine of Awakening, Meditations on the Peaks, The Mystery of the Grail, Revolt Against the Modern World and The Yoga of Power.

Voxhermes

Evola is a major force in the area of modern European esotericism, but is little known in the English speaking world. Author of numerous works on esoteric practices and philosophy, Evola is a name that all serious students of esotericism should be familiar with. Evola discloses in clear and meaningful terms the ideas present and their use in practice. Evola is not for the feint of heart or brain however. He deals with difficult subjects and presents them in an intelligent and experienced manner. Anyone seeking a literary initiation into the world of deep thought and practices can do no better than to start with Evola.

The Hermetic Tradition
Symbols & Teachings of the Royal Art

Foreword by H. T. Hansen
Translator's Note
Preface
Part 1: The Symbols and Teachings
Introduction to Part One: The Tree, the Serpent, and the Titans
1. The Plurality and Duality of Civilization
2. Living Nature
3. The Hermetic Knowledge
4. "One the All" and the Dragon Ouroboros
5. The Hermetic Presence
6. Creation and Myth
7. "Woman," "Water," "Mercury," and "Poison
8. The Separation: Sun and Moon
9. Frozen and Flowing Waters
10. Salt and the Cross
11. The Four Elements and Sulfur
12. Soul, Spirit, and Body
13. The "Four" in Man
14. The Planets
15. The Centers of Life
16. The Seven, the Operations, and the Mirror
17. Gold in the Art
18. Shadow, Ashes, and Remains
19. Philosophical Incest
20. The Tomb and Thirst
21. The Field and the Seed
23. The Sword and the Rose
24. Stem, Virus, and Iron
Part 2: The Hermetic Royal Art
Introduction to Part 2: The Reality of Palingenesis
25. The Separation
26. Death and the Black Work
27. The Trial of the Void
28. The Flight of the Dragon
29. The Dry Path and the Wet Path
30. Hermetic Asceticism
31. The Path of the Breath and the Path of the Blood
32. The Heart and the Light
33. Denudations and Eclipses
34. The Thirst for God and the Corrosive Waters
35. The Path of Venus and the Radical Path
36. The Hermetic Fires
37. The White Work: Rebirth
38. The Coniunctio in White
39. The Eternal Vigil
40. The Body of Light and Production of Silver
41. Birth into Life and Immortality
42. The Red Work: Return to Earth
43. The Alchemical Colors and Multiplication
44. The Planetary Hierarchy
45. Knowledge of the Red and the Triunity
46. Prophetic Knowledge
47. The Four Stages of Power
48. Metallic Transmutation
49. Correspondences, Times, and Rites
50. Silence and the Tradition
51. The Invisible Masters
Index