Home › Questions and Answers

❓

Questions and Answers

Find answers to the most popular questions about our products — 8667 questions total

All Alchemy & Hermeticism Astrology & Cosmology Divination & Tarot Kabbalah & Jewish Mysticism Magic & Ritual Mysticism & Contemplation Occult Philosophy Theosophy & Anthroposophy Witchcraft & Paganism Freemasonry & Secret Societies Spiritualism & Afterlife Sacred Texts & Gnosticism Supernatural & Occult Fiction Spiritual Development Esoteric History & Biography

What does Crowder mean by 'New Mysticism'?

'New Mysticism' refers to a contemporary spiritual paradigm emphasizing radical, unmediated divine encounters, supernatural power, and a departure from rigid institutional religion, often characterize...

📦 Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics Mysticism & Contemplation

Does the book focus on a specific geographical region or historical period?

While it draws heavily on early 20th-century revivalist movements, particularly in English-speaking contexts, the book examines a broader historical arc of spiritual reformers and mystics across diffe...

📦 Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics Mysticism & Contemplation

Is this book suitable for academic study?

Yes, it offers valuable primary source material and analysis for students of religious history, esoteric studies, and the sociology of religion, particularly concerning Pentecostalism and charismatic ...

📦 Miracle Workers, Reformers, and the New Mystics Mysticism & Contemplation

What core mystical traditions are covered?

The encyclopedia looks at a wide array of traditions including Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Kabbalah, Pythagoreanism, Orphism, Eleusinian Mysteries, Mithraism, and various shamanistic practices, offering ...

📦 An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mysticism and the M Mysticism & Contemplation

Are the illustrations detailed and helpful?

Absolutely. The illustrations are a crucial component, providing visual keys to understanding complex symbolism, deities, sigils, and sacred architecture, greatly enhancing comprehension.

📦 An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mysticism and the M Mysticism & Contemplation

Is this book suitable for beginners?

Yes, while comprehensive, Ferguson's accessible prose makes it suitable for beginners eager to explore the foundations of mysticism and mystery religions.

📦 An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mysticism and the M Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the primary focus of the book?

The primary focus is on providing a comprehensive and illustrated overview of the history, beliefs, practices, and symbolism of various mystical traditions and ancient mystery religions worldwide.

📦 An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mysticism and the M Mysticism & Contemplation

Does it discuss the practical application of these teachings?

While primarily an encyclopedic reference, the book illuminates the practical aspects of ritual, meditation, and spiritual development inherent within these traditions, providing context for practitio...

📦 An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Mysticism and the M Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the central thesis of John Gregerson's The Transfigured Cosmos?

The central thesis posits that various esoteric traditions perceive the cosmos not as inert matter but as a dynamic, conscious, and symbolically structured reality, capable of transformation through h...

📦 The Transfigured Cosmos Mysticism & Contemplation

When was The Transfigured Cosmos first published?

The Transfigured Cosmos was first published in 2007.

📦 The Transfigured Cosmos Mysticism & Contemplation

Which esoteric traditions are primarily discussed in the book?

The book primarily discusses Hermeticism, alchemy, and related Western esoteric traditions, examining their cosmologies and philosophical underpinnings.

📦 The Transfigured Cosmos Mysticism & Contemplation

Does The Transfigured Cosmos require prior knowledge of esoteric subjects?

While not strictly mandatory, prior familiarity with philosophical concepts and basic esoteric ideas will greatly enhance a reader's comprehension of the dense material presented.

📦 The Transfigured Cosmos Mysticism & Contemplation

How does the book relate to the work of Carl Jung?

Gregerson draws parallels between esoteric symbolism, particularly alchemical imagery, and the psychological concepts developed by Carl Jung, especially concerning the unconscious and archetypes.

📦 The Transfigured Cosmos Mysticism & Contemplation

What does 'transfigured cosmos' mean in the context of this book?

It refers to a worldview where the universe is seen as inherently spiritual or conscious, capable of being perceived or altered through a transformation of human consciousness and understanding.

📦 The Transfigured Cosmos Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the main argument of John Macquarrie's 'Two Worlds are Ours'?

The book argues that Christian mystics, far from being extraordinary outliers, experience the presence of God through an extension of common human curiosity and a longing to explore religious mystery,...

📦 Two Worlds are Ours Mysticism & Contemplation

When was 'Two Worlds are Ours' first published?

'Two Worlds are Ours' by John Macquarrie was first published in 2005.

📦 Two Worlds are Ours Mysticism & Contemplation

Which Christian mystics are discussed in the book?

The book discusses various Christian mystics, highlighting figures like Julian of Norwich and Teresa of Ávila to illustrate how they experienced the love and presence of God within their own 'radiant ...

📦 Two Worlds are Ours Mysticism & Contemplation

Does the book focus on ecstatic visions or more grounded experiences?

While acknowledging ecstatic visions, Macquarrie emphasizes that mystics are better understood as individuals exhibiting common human curiosity who explore religious mystery, leading to a deep persona...

📦 Two Worlds are Ours Mysticism & Contemplation

What is meant by the 'radiant core' in the context of the book?

The 'radiant core' refers to the innermost aspect of a person's being where they can directly experience the love and presence of God, as described by Christian mystics.

📦 Two Worlds are Ours Mysticism & Contemplation

What historical period does 'Two Worlds are Ours' primarily cover?

The book provides a historical survey of Christian mysticism, examining experiences and theological interpretations across various periods, from early Christian thought through to later figures.

📦 Two Worlds are Ours Mysticism & Contemplation

What is hesychasm according to St. Gregory Palamas and John Meyendorff?

Hesychasm, as explained by Meyendorff’s study of St. Gregory Palamas, is a contemplative tradition within Orthodox Christianity focused on achieving inner stillness (hesychia) through prayer, particul...

📦 St. Gregory Palamas and Orthodox spirituality Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the significance of the essence-energy distinction in Palamite theology?

The essence-energy distinction, central to Palamas's thought as presented by Meyendorff, posits that while God's essence is unknowable, His uncreated energies are knowable and communicable, allowing f...

📦 St. Gregory Palamas and Orthodox spirituality Mysticism & Contemplation

When did St. Gregory Palamas live and why is his work important?

St. Gregory Palamas lived in the 14th century (c. 1296-1359). His theological work is crucial for solidifying Orthodox spirituality, particularly hesychasm, and articulating its distinct doctrines aga...

📦 St. Gregory Palamas and Orthodox spirituality Mysticism & Contemplation

Who was Barlaam of Calabria and what was his role in Palamite controversies?

Barlaam of Calabria was a Calabrian monk and scholar who challenged Palamas's views on divine energy and hesychasm in the 14th century, initiating a significant theological debate that Meyendorff thor...

📦 St. Gregory Palamas and Orthodox spirituality Mysticism & Contemplation

How does Meyendorff connect Palamas's theology to practical prayer?

Meyendorff connects Palamas's theology to practical prayer by detailing the hesychastic method, emphasizing the Jesus Prayer as a tool for attaining 'theosis' and experiencing God's uncreated energies...

📦 St. Gregory Palamas and Orthodox spirituality Mysticism & Contemplation

What historical period does John Meyendorff focus on in relation to Palamas?

John Meyendorff focuses on the 14th century, a period of intense theological debate in Byzantium, particularly concerning the nature of God, prayer, and the experience of divine grace, as exemplified ...

📦 St. Gregory Palamas and Orthodox spirituality Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the primary focus of John Meyendorff's study on St. Gregory Palamas?

The book focuses on the theological and mystical doctrines of St. Gregory Palamas, particularly his concept of theosis (deification) and his defense of the uncreated energies of God, as developed with...

📦 St. Gregoire Palamas et la mystique orthodoxe Mysticism & Contemplation

Who was Gregory Palamas and why is he significant?

Gregory Palamas (c. 1296–1359) was a Byzantine monk and Archbishop of Thessaloniki. He is significant for formulating the hesychastic theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church, distinguishing between Go...

📦 St. Gregoire Palamas et la mystique orthodoxe Mysticism & Contemplation

What is 'hesychasm' as discussed in the book?

Hesychasm is a contemplative spiritual practice within Eastern Orthodoxy, characterized by the Jesus Prayer and deep stillness, aimed at achieving direct, uncreated divine experience, a practice rigor...

📦 St. Gregoire Palamas et la mystique orthodoxe Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the concept of 'theosis' according to Palamas?

Theosis, or deification, is the Orthodox understanding of salvation as humanity's participation in the divine life through grace, becoming 'gods by grace' through communion with God's uncreated energi...

📦 St. Gregoire Palamas et la mystique orthodoxe Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the distinction between God's essence and energies?

Meyendorff explains Palamas's distinction: God's essence (ousia) is unknowable and inaccessible, while His uncreated energies (energeiai) are the ways in which God relates to and acts within creation,...

📦 St. Gregoire Palamas et la mystique orthodoxe Mysticism & Contemplation

When was this book first published and by whom?

This book, 'St. Gregoire Palamas et la mystique orthodoxe', was first published in 1976 by John Meyendorff.

📦 St. Gregoire Palamas et la mystique orthodoxe Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the earliest Arabic autobiography of a Muslim holy man included in this book?

The book features a translation of what is considered the earliest Arabic autobiography of a Muslim holy man, believed to be that of the renowned 9th-century Sufi mystic, Abu Yazid al-Bistami.

📦 The Concept of Sainthood in Early Islamic Mysticis Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the 'earliest theoretical explanation of the psychic development' mentioned in the book's blurb?

This refers to a theoretical treatise that systematically outlines the spiritual stages, psychological transformations, and extraordinary powers (*karamat*) attributed to Islamic saints, or Friends of...

📦 The Concept of Sainthood in Early Islamic Mysticis Mysticism & Contemplation

When were the texts in 'The Concept of Sainthood in Early Islamic Mysticism' originally published?

The original publication date for this specific edition is September 13, 2013, though the source texts themselves are ancient.

📦 The Concept of Sainthood in Early Islamic Mysticis Mysticism & Contemplation

Who are the authors and translators of this work?

The book is authored and translated by John O'Kane and Bernd Radtke, noted scholars in the field of Islamic mysticism and Sufism.

📦 The Concept of Sainthood in Early Islamic Mysticis Mysticism & Contemplation

What does the term 'wali' mean in the context of this book?

'Wali' translates to 'Friend of God' and refers to a saintly individual recognized for their spiritual proximity to the divine and their exceptional character within Islamic mysticism.

📦 The Concept of Sainthood in Early Islamic Mysticis Mysticism & Contemplation

Does this book discuss the concept of miracles in Islam?

Yes, the book extensively discusses *karamat*, the miraculous acts or extraordinary powers attributed to Islamic holy men, as part of their spiritual development and divine favor.

📦 The Concept of Sainthood in Early Islamic Mysticis Mysticism & Contemplation

Who was Dionysius the Areopagite?

Dionysius the Areopagite was a 1st-century Athenian convert of the Apostle Paul, but the writings attributed to him were penned by an unknown author in the late 5th or early 6th century, now commonly ...

📦 The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the primary focus of these works?

The works primarily focus on the nature of God, divine attributes, celestial hierarchies, and the contemplative ascent of the soul towards the Divine through negation and symbolic representation, draw...

📦 The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite Mysticism & Contemplation

Is this book suitable for beginners in mysticism?

While challenging, the clarity of Parker's translation makes it accessible. Beginners should approach with patience and perhaps guidance, but the rewards in understanding foundational mystical concept...

📦 The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite Mysticism & Contemplation

What is "apophatic theology"?

Apophatic theology, or the via negativa, is a theological approach that describes God by what God is not, emphasizing God's transcendence and ineffability beyond all human comprehension and positive a...

📦 The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the significance of the "Celestial Hierarchies"?

The "Celestial Hierarchies" outlines a structured angelic order, seen as intermediaries between God and humanity, reflecting the divine order in the cosmos and serving as a blueprint for spiritual asc...

📦 The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite Mysticism & Contemplation

What is the core definition of mysticism presented in John R. Mabry's *Growing into God*?

John R. Mabry defines Christian mysticism as the pursuit and enjoyment of union with God, positioning it as the central goal of all Christian spirituality, rather than a secretive or occult practice.