The Art and Science of Initiation

Freemasonry is the largest and most public of the philosophical fraternal orders, and at its heart lies the process of initiation for instructing new members. What exactly is the process of initiation? How did it originate? What changes does it seek to bring about in the candidate? How does it work? More importantly, why is it so integral to Freemasonry?

Through essays written by Freemasons, scholars of history, and mainstream authors and practitioners, The Art and Science of Initiation illuminates the theory and practice of various mystical/philosophical traditions and their processes of initiation. This book takes the reader into the heart of the initiatic experience. The method by which to enter into communion with spiritual worlds and reach higher levels of consciousness and soul maturation i.e., initiation remains as relevant for us today as it was for the people of antiquity. The Art and Science of Initiation brings together thirteen all-new essays from some of the biggest established and upcoming authors of Freemasonry, spirituality, and esotericism, featuring work by Angel Millar, Joscelyn Godwin, Mark Booth, Richard Smoley, Donald Tyson, Susanna Åkerman, Herbie Brennan, Richard Kaczynski, C.R. Dunning, Jr., Greg Kaminsky, Jeffrey S. Kupperman, Adam Kendall, and Timothy Scott.

Paperback

285 Printed Pages

Chapters Include

Part 1 – The Science of Initiation 

 Freemasonry, Initiation, and Counter-Initiation by Angel Millar

 Initiation, Present and Absent by Richard Smoley 

The Theme of Regeneration in Swedish Freemasonry, Seen through the Lens of Two Lodges with Female Members by Susanna Åkerman 

The Material Culture of Freemasonry by Adam Kendall 

 Mysteries of Initiation in Ancient Greece, Samothrace by Greg Kaminsky

 René Guénon: Initiation and the Question of the Christian Sacraments by Timothy Scott 

Part 2 – The Art of Initiation 

Meeting a Philosopher by Joscelyn Godwin 

Raised in His Image: The Death and Non-Resurrection of Hiram Abiff in the Life of a Master Mason by Jeffrey S. Kupperman 

Contemplation and Ritual Initiation by C.R. Dunning, Jr.

Initiation in the Western Esoteric Tradition: A Personal Account by Herbie Brennan 

Initiations, Light and Dark by Mark Booth

Initiation into Aleister Crowley’s Magick by Richard Kaczynski

Initiation by Spirits in Western Magic by Donald Tyson