Western esotericism has been a pervasive presence in Western culture from late antiquity to the
present day but until recently it was largely ignored by scholars and surrounded by
misconceptions and prejudice. This accessible guide provides readers with the basic knowledge
and tools that will allow them to find their way in this bewildering but fascinating field.
What is it that unites phenomena as diverse as ancient gnosticism and hermetism the "occult
sciences" of astrology alchemy and magic rosicrucianism as well as Christian theosophy
occultism spiritualism and the contemporary New Age spiritualities? What can the study of
them teach us about our common cultural and intellectual heritage and what is it that makes
them relevant to contemporary concerns? How do we distinguish reliable historical knowledge
from legends and fictions about esoteric traditions? These and many other questions are
answered clearly and succinctly so that the reader can find his way into the labyrinth of
Western esotericism and out of it again.
