David Rankine

Born in Sydney in 1948, Stephen Skinner pursued a diverse career path before dedicating himself to writing and publishing on esoteric subjects. His academic background includes a BA in English Literature and Geography with Philosophy from Sydney University, and later a PhD in classics from the University of Newcastle, focusing on the transmission of magical techniques. Skinner's professional life has seen him involved in publishing, computer programming, and teaching.

He has authored and edited numerous books, significantly contributing to the Western Esoteric Tradition, magic, and feng shui. Skinner is credited with introducing feng shui to the West through his 1976 book, 'Living Earth Manual of Feng Shui.' His publishing ventures include founding Askin Publishers Ltd and Golden Hoard Press, specializing in rare magical texts. He has published over 46 books in more than 20 languages, with his works translated globally. Skinner has also been recognized for his contributions, including being featured in a list of spiritually influential people.

Stephen Skinner was born in Sydney, Australia, in March 1948. His early education took place at Trinity Grammar Preparatory School and Sydney Grammar Secondary School, where he excelled academically. He continued his studies at Sydney University, earning a BA with a focus on English Literature, Geography, and Philosophy. During his university years in 1967, he launched and edited two underground magazines, 'Lucifer' and 'Chaos.' Following a brief period in government intelligence and a stint in the stock market as a portfolio manager, Skinner transitioned to teaching, serving as a Geography Master and Lecturer. In 2014, he obtained a PhD in classics from the University of Newcastle for his research on the historical transmission of magical practices, which later formed the basis for two of his books.

In December 1972, Skinner relocated to London, where his career evolved between publishing and computer programming. He founded Askin Publishers Ltd in 1973, focusing on printing works by prominent figures in magic such as Dr. John Dee and Aleister Crowley. Skinner played a role in the production of the Crowley Thoth Tarot card pack. He later established Golden Hoard Press, dedicated to publishing foundational texts in magic and feng shui, including the 'Source Works of Ceremonial Magic' series co-authored with David Rankine. His significant work in feng shui includes the 'Living Earth Manual of Feng Shui' (1976), which is recognized for bringing the practice to Western audiences. Skinner also founded 'Feng Shui for Modern Living' magazine and organized the London International Feng Shui Conference.

Skinner's prolific writing career encompasses over 38 original books and 11 edited works, primarily focused on the Western Esoteric Tradition, magic, and feng shui, with additional contributions to alchemy, astrology, and sacred geometry. His notable works include 'The Complete Magician's Tables' (2006), a comprehensive compilation of esoteric correspondences, and 'Guide to the Feng Shui Compass' (2008), a detailed study of the Chinese luopan. He has also undertaken significant editorial work, including revising Dr. John Dee's 'Spiritual Diaries.' Skinner's books have been translated into over 20 languages, resulting in more than 90 different editions worldwide. His scholarly contributions to feng shui have been acknowledged by academic reviewers, who have described him as a key Western scholar in the field. In 2022, he was recognized in 'Watkins Mind Body and Spirit' magazine's list of the most spiritually influential people.