THE HERMETIC TRADITION

by Julius Evola

a review by John Gilbert

The Hermetic Tradition by Julius Evola (ISBN 0-89281-451-9) is published by Inner Traditions and available through the publisher or your local bookseller at $16.95. The first part of this book outlines the symbols and teachings of the Royal Art known as Alchemy. The second part describes the techniques used in the Royal Art and the effect one can expect by using these techniques.

The Hermetic Tradition is as complete a compilation of the important aspects of the Royal Art as this reviewer has ever read. That doesn't mean this is a book written for beginners. It isn't. It presumes some basic knowledge of Alchemy. That doesn't mean beginners shouldn't read this book. They should. As the student learns more and more, subsequent readings will yield more and more valuable information.

In this book you'll find a complete discussion of the Four Elements of the Ancients - Earth, Fire, Water and Air. You'll find a complete discussion of the Three Qualities of Mercury, Sulphur and Salt. In the Order of Spiritual Alchemy you'll learn that these correspond to the individual's Spirit, Soul and Ego. These same correspondences are suggested by the author.

The author also explains the alchemical correspondences of the seven planets and twelve signs of the Zodiac to the steps that constitute the Royal Art. These symbols are explained in the language of Alchemy so some understanding of the Art is required to fully understand. That's one of the problems with Alchemy. In order to fathom the Royal Art one needs a very comprehensive background in the esoteric sciences, philosophy, psychology and mysticism.

One can acquire this knowledge through assiduous study. Unfortunately, unless one knows what he or she is doing, one never knows how to separate the truth from fiction. Several organizations provide aspiring students some assistance. Organizations like B.O.T.A. and A.M.O.R.C. include alchemical studies in their multi-year curriculums. A few organizations like the Order of Spiritual Alchemy are devoted exclusively to the art and science of Alchemy. The key to studying alchemy is to realize alchemy is a spiritual art and science of personal transformation. This is the single most important message Evola communicates to his readers. Once this is understood many of the symbols start to make more sense. So my suggestion is to use this book as your main resource for learning alchemy. Search your local libraries and the Internet for other references. Use what confirms what you're leaning from Evola and add it to your knowledge base. Join an organization that makes alchemy an important part of their course of study. Become an alchemist.

This means, as the author intimates, you'll spend a great deal of time and effort purifying your Ego, then your Soul and finally your Spirit. As you further your studies you'll learn this means overcoming your addictions, your emotional responses, negative thoughts, ideas and desires, and filling yourself with love, acceptance and forgiveness. The goal is to become perfected, to create the Philosopher's Stone, to achieve freedom from rebirth into this world of pain and suffering. To the Mystic, this is attaining Christ Consciousness, Enlightenment or Self-realization.

This book is a good place to use as a center for your alchemical studies.

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