The Golden Tread: The Ageless Wisdom of the Western Mystery Traditions

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Quest Books, Sep 1, 2007 - Religion - 212 pages
The Golden Thread traces the interconnectedness of esoteric wisdom in the Western world, from classical antiquity to contemporary Europe and America. Joscelyn Godwin lends personal perspective to an arrangement of text that is historical and wisdom that is timeless, creating a source of inspiration that calls us to action in our everyday spiritual practice. Every chapter, therefore, makes reference to some aspect of contemporary life and issues of immediate concern. Elegantly written and not without irony and humor, readers will appreciate the non-threatening tone of Godwin’s writing, which is not meant to preach or convert but rather inform the public on an often baffling field. Educated readers who are curious about the esoteric and mystery traditions and interested in finding surprising, new approaches to subjects that veer away from the trends of current thought will be particularly drawn to this book.
 

Contents

The Prisca Theologia
1
The Hermetic Tradition
9
The Orphic Mysteries
19
Pythagoras and His School
31
Platos Cave
39
The Power of the Egregore
47
The Meddling God
55
The Negative Theology
65
The Pagan Renaissance
95
The Philosophers Dilemma
103
Inner Alchemy
113
The Religion of Art
123
Wise Men from the East
133
The End of the Thread?
143
NOTES
153
INDEX
193

Cathedrals of Light
75
The Arts of the Imagination
85

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About the author (2007)

Jocelyn Godwin is professor of music at Colgate University.

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