The Hermetic Tradition: Symbols and Teachings of the Royal Art [Paperback]

This important survey of alchemical symbols and doctrines sets forth the mysterious worldview and teachings of the practitioners of the royal art. One of the leading exponents of the Hermetic tradition, Julius Evola demonstrates the singularity of subject matter that lies behind the words of all adepts in all ages, showing how alchemy--often misunderstood as primitive chemistry or a mere template for the Jungian process of individuation --is nothing less than a universal secret science of human and natural transformation.
First published in 1931 in Italian. This is the first English translation.

Draws from a host of sources in the Western esoteric tradition--works on theurgy, magic, and gnosticism from neoplatonic, Arab, and medieval sources.Baron Julius Evola (1898 - 1974), born into an aristocratic Sicilian family, was a scholar, philosopher, writer, social thinker, a leader among 20th century Hermeticists, and a leading authority on Tantra and occultism. He is the author ofEros and the Mysteries of Love, The Doctrine of Awakening, Meditations on the Peaks, The Mystery of the Grail, Revolt Against the Modern WorldandThe Yoga of Power.The Hermetic Tradition
Symbols & Teachings of the Royal Art

Foreword by H. T. Hansen
Translator's Note
Preface
Part 1: The Symbols and Teachings
Introduction to Part One: The Tree, the Serpent, and the Titans
1. The Plurality and Duality of Civilization
2. Living Nature
3. The Hermetic Knowledge
4. One the All and the Dragon Ouroboros
5. The Hermetic Presence
6. Creation and Myth
7. Woman, Water, Mercury, and Poison
8. The Separation: Sun and Moon
9. Frozen and Flowing Waters
10. Salt and the Cross
11. The Four Elements and Sulfur
12. Soul, Spirit, and Body
13. The Four in Man
14. The Planets
15. The Centers of Life
16. The Seven, the Operations, and the Mirror
17. Gold in the Art
18. Shadow, AslƒE