Israel Regardie

Francis Israel Regardie, born in London to Orthodox Jewish parents, developed an early interest in various spiritual traditions including Theosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jewish mysticism after moving to the United States. His encounter with Aleister Crowley's writings led him to serve as Crowley's secretary in Paris and later in England. During this period, Regardie authored significant works on Qabalah, such as "A Garden of Pomegranates" and "The Tree of Life."

Regardie joined the Stella Matutina, an order descended from the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, but became disillusioned with its leadership. Driven by a desire to preserve the Golden Dawn's ceremonial magic system, he controversially published its rituals, breaking his oath of secrecy. He also pursued studies in psychology, particularly Jungian thought, and Christian mysticism. After returning to the U.S. and serving in the army, he earned a psychology doctorate and later practiced as a chiropractor before retiring and passing away in Arizona.

Born Israel Regudy in London's East End, Regardie's family emigrated to Washington, D.C., when he was a child. He later rejected Orthodox Judaism, exploring Theosophy, Eastern religions, and Jewish mysticism. His interest in yoga led him to Aleister Crowley's work, prompting him to become Crowley's secretary. This association took him to Paris and then England, where he began his serious literary work on Qabalah. He also engaged with the Societas Rosicruciana in America and explored ceremonial magic, influenced by Crowley's teachings.

Regardie's early books, "A Garden of Pomegranates" and "The Tree of Life," explored Qabalah for a wider audience, generating some controversy within occult circles. He joined the Stella Matutina, a successor to the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, but found its leadership lacking. Motivated by a desire to preserve the order's magical system, he published its rituals between 1938 and 1940, a move that defied his oaths and angered many fellow occultists. This publication, however, significantly influenced subsequent generations of practitioners.

Beyond his occult studies, Regardie developed a strong interest in psychology, particularly the ideas of Carl Jung, though he diverged from some of Jung's theories. He also explored Christian mysticism. After returning to the United States, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II, later obtaining a doctorate in psychology. He established a chiropractic practice in Los Angeles and eventually retired to Sedona, Arizona, where he died in 1985.