The Academic Study of Western Esotericism: Foundational Theories and Methods

The Academic Study of Western Esotericism: Foundational Theories and Methods

Author: Tim Rudbøg

Publisher: Introduction Series to Esoteri

Published: 2022-11-30

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9788799205660

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This book serves as a handbook for students, scholars, and everyone interested in the foundational theories and methods associated with the academic study of esotericism.


Book Synopsis The Academic Study of Western Esotericism: Foundational Theories and Methods by : Tim Rudbøg

Download or read book The Academic Study of Western Esotericism: Foundational Theories and Methods written by Tim Rudbøg and published by Introduction Series to Esoteri. This book was released on 2022-11-30 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book serves as a handbook for students, scholars, and everyone interested in the foundational theories and methods associated with the academic study of esotericism.


The Academic Study of Western Esotericism

The Academic Study of Western Esotericism

Author: Tim Rudbog

Publisher:

Published: 2013-08

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 9788799205608

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This first volume in the Introduction Series to Western Esotericism serves as a handbook for students and scholars who seek a better understanding of the academic treatment of central ideas and theses concerning mysticism, the hermetic tradition, traditionalism, the occult, Gnosticism, magic, Kabbalah, and related currents. In The Academic Study of Western Esotericism: Early Developments and Related Fields, Dr. Rudbog outlines the main theoretical developments relevant to the academic study of Western esotericism as they emerged prior to Antoine Faivre s foundational model of Western esotericism as a form of thought first formulated in 1992. Preceding the burgeoning growth of the field in the last two decades of the twentieth century, several specialized academic subjects relevant to the discipline had already been well researched and some had even been established as academic categories with their own methodology and specific areas of research. These earlier developments form the basis of this book and will be explored in eight chapters dealing with: 1. the occult revival from 1800 to 1950 2. the sociology of the occult 3. the traditionalists and perennial philosophy 4. the academic study of magic and religion 5. the history of science and the hermetic tradition 6. studies in mysticism 7. the academic study of Kabbalah 8. studies in Gnosticism and gnosis More recent academic developments, including Faivre s typology, will be covered in subsequent volumes of the series. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Tim Rudbog holds an MA research degree in the History of Religion with Philosophy from the University of Copenhagen (thesis: Constructing Kabbalah: From Mysticism to Western Esotericism) and has recently received his PhD from the University of Exeter (thesis: H. P. Blavatsky s Theosophy in Context: The Construction of Meaning in Modern Western Esotericism). Dr. Rudbog lectures on and has published several articles related to esotericism, philosophy and the history of religion and has a long-standing interest in these interrelated fields. Dr. Rudbog is also internationally known as a specialist in rare occult books and the proprietor of H.E.R.M.E.S. Antiquarian.


Book Synopsis The Academic Study of Western Esotericism by : Tim Rudbog

Download or read book The Academic Study of Western Esotericism written by Tim Rudbog and published by . This book was released on 2013-08 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This first volume in the Introduction Series to Western Esotericism serves as a handbook for students and scholars who seek a better understanding of the academic treatment of central ideas and theses concerning mysticism, the hermetic tradition, traditionalism, the occult, Gnosticism, magic, Kabbalah, and related currents. In The Academic Study of Western Esotericism: Early Developments and Related Fields, Dr. Rudbog outlines the main theoretical developments relevant to the academic study of Western esotericism as they emerged prior to Antoine Faivre s foundational model of Western esotericism as a form of thought first formulated in 1992. Preceding the burgeoning growth of the field in the last two decades of the twentieth century, several specialized academic subjects relevant to the discipline had already been well researched and some had even been established as academic categories with their own methodology and specific areas of research. These earlier developments form the basis of this book and will be explored in eight chapters dealing with: 1. the occult revival from 1800 to 1950 2. the sociology of the occult 3. the traditionalists and perennial philosophy 4. the academic study of magic and religion 5. the history of science and the hermetic tradition 6. studies in mysticism 7. the academic study of Kabbalah 8. studies in Gnosticism and gnosis More recent academic developments, including Faivre s typology, will be covered in subsequent volumes of the series. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Tim Rudbog holds an MA research degree in the History of Religion with Philosophy from the University of Copenhagen (thesis: Constructing Kabbalah: From Mysticism to Western Esotericism) and has recently received his PhD from the University of Exeter (thesis: H. P. Blavatsky s Theosophy in Context: The Construction of Meaning in Modern Western Esotericism). Dr. Rudbog lectures on and has published several articles related to esotericism, philosophy and the history of religion and has a long-standing interest in these interrelated fields. Dr. Rudbog is also internationally known as a specialist in rare occult books and the proprietor of H.E.R.M.E.S. Antiquarian.


The Academic Study of Western Esotericism

The Academic Study of Western Esotericism

Author: Tim Rudbøg

Publisher:

Published: 2013-07-31

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 9788799205615

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This first volume in the Introduction Series to Western Esotericism serves as a handbook for students and scholars who seek a better understanding of the academic treatment of central ideas and theses concerning mysticism, the hermetic tradition, traditionalism, the occult, Gnosticism, magic, Kabbalah, and related currents. In The Academic Study of Western Esotericism: Early Developments and Related Fields, Dr. Rudbog outlines the main theoretical developments relevant to the academic study of Western esotericism as they emerged prior to Antoine Faivre s foundational model of Western esotericism as a form of thought first formulated in 1992. Preceding the burgeoning growth of the field in the last two decades of the twentieth century, several specialized academic subjects relevant to the discipline had already been well researched and some had even been established as academic categories with their own methodology and specific areas of research. These earlier developments form the basis of this book and will be explored in eight chapters dealing with: 1. the occult revival from 1800 to 1950 2. the sociology of the occult 3. the traditionalists and perennial philosophy 4. the academic study of magic and religion 5. the history of science and the hermetic tradition 6. studies in mysticism 7. the academic study of Kabbalah 8. studies in Gnosticism and gnosis More recent academic developments, including Faivre s typology, will be covered in subsequent volumes of the series. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Tim Rudbog holds an MA research degree in the History of Religion with Philosophy from the University of Copenhagen (thesis: Constructing Kabbalah: From Mysticism to Western Esotericism) and has recently received his PhD from the University of Exeter (thesis: H. P. Blavatsky s Theosophy in Context: The Construction of Meaning in Modern Western Esotericism). Dr. Rudbog lectures on and has published several articles related to esotericism, philosophy and the history of religion and has a long-standing interest in these interrelated fields. Dr. Rudbog is also internationally known as a specialist in rare occult books and the proprietor of H.E.R.M.E.S. Antiquarian.


Book Synopsis The Academic Study of Western Esotericism by : Tim Rudbøg

Download or read book The Academic Study of Western Esotericism written by Tim Rudbøg and published by . This book was released on 2013-07-31 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This first volume in the Introduction Series to Western Esotericism serves as a handbook for students and scholars who seek a better understanding of the academic treatment of central ideas and theses concerning mysticism, the hermetic tradition, traditionalism, the occult, Gnosticism, magic, Kabbalah, and related currents. In The Academic Study of Western Esotericism: Early Developments and Related Fields, Dr. Rudbog outlines the main theoretical developments relevant to the academic study of Western esotericism as they emerged prior to Antoine Faivre s foundational model of Western esotericism as a form of thought first formulated in 1992. Preceding the burgeoning growth of the field in the last two decades of the twentieth century, several specialized academic subjects relevant to the discipline had already been well researched and some had even been established as academic categories with their own methodology and specific areas of research. These earlier developments form the basis of this book and will be explored in eight chapters dealing with: 1. the occult revival from 1800 to 1950 2. the sociology of the occult 3. the traditionalists and perennial philosophy 4. the academic study of magic and religion 5. the history of science and the hermetic tradition 6. studies in mysticism 7. the academic study of Kabbalah 8. studies in Gnosticism and gnosis More recent academic developments, including Faivre s typology, will be covered in subsequent volumes of the series. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Dr. Tim Rudbog holds an MA research degree in the History of Religion with Philosophy from the University of Copenhagen (thesis: Constructing Kabbalah: From Mysticism to Western Esotericism) and has recently received his PhD from the University of Exeter (thesis: H. P. Blavatsky s Theosophy in Context: The Construction of Meaning in Modern Western Esotericism). Dr. Rudbog lectures on and has published several articles related to esotericism, philosophy and the history of religion and has a long-standing interest in these interrelated fields. Dr. Rudbog is also internationally known as a specialist in rare occult books and the proprietor of H.E.R.M.E.S. Antiquarian.


Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism

Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism

Author: Henrik Bogdan

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2012-09-20

Total Pages: 421

ISBN-13: 0199863091

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Henrik Bogdan and Martin P. Starr offer the first comprehensive examination of one of the twentieth century's most distinctive occult iconoclasts, Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), one of the most influential thinkers in contemporary western esotericism.


Book Synopsis Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism by : Henrik Bogdan

Download or read book Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism written by Henrik Bogdan and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2012-09-20 with total page 421 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Henrik Bogdan and Martin P. Starr offer the first comprehensive examination of one of the twentieth century's most distinctive occult iconoclasts, Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), one of the most influential thinkers in contemporary western esotericism.


Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism

Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism

Author: Henrik Bogdan

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Published: 2012-09-05

Total Pages: 432

ISBN-13: 0199996067

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This volume is the first comprehensive examination of one of the twentieth century's most distinctive iconoclasts. Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a study in contradictions. Born into a fundamentalist Christian family and educated at Cambridge, he was vilified as a traitor, drug addict, and debaucher, yet revered as perhaps the most influential thinker in contemporary esotericism. Moving beyond the influence of contemporary psychology and the modernist understanding of the occult, Crowley declared himself the revelator of a new age of individualism. Crowley's occult bricolage, Magick, was an eclectic combination of spiritual exercises drawn from Western European magical ceremonies and Indic sources for meditation and yoga. This journey of self-liberation culminated in harnessing sexual power as a magical discipline, a "sacrilization of the self" as practiced in Crowley's mixed masonic group, the Ordo Templi Orientis. The religion Crowley created, Thelema, legitimated his role as a charismatic revelator and herald of a new age of freedom. Aleister Crowley's lasting influence can be seen in the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s and in many forms of alternative spirituality and popular culture. The essays in this volume offer crucial insight into Crowley's foundational role in the study of Western esotericism, new religious movements, and sexuality.


Book Synopsis Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism by : Henrik Bogdan

Download or read book Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism written by Henrik Bogdan and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2012-09-05 with total page 432 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume is the first comprehensive examination of one of the twentieth century's most distinctive iconoclasts. Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a study in contradictions. Born into a fundamentalist Christian family and educated at Cambridge, he was vilified as a traitor, drug addict, and debaucher, yet revered as perhaps the most influential thinker in contemporary esotericism. Moving beyond the influence of contemporary psychology and the modernist understanding of the occult, Crowley declared himself the revelator of a new age of individualism. Crowley's occult bricolage, Magick, was an eclectic combination of spiritual exercises drawn from Western European magical ceremonies and Indic sources for meditation and yoga. This journey of self-liberation culminated in harnessing sexual power as a magical discipline, a "sacrilization of the self" as practiced in Crowley's mixed masonic group, the Ordo Templi Orientis. The religion Crowley created, Thelema, legitimated his role as a charismatic revelator and herald of a new age of freedom. Aleister Crowley's lasting influence can be seen in the counter-culture movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s and in many forms of alternative spirituality and popular culture. The essays in this volume offer crucial insight into Crowley's foundational role in the study of Western esotericism, new religious movements, and sexuality.


New Approaches to the Study of Esotericism

New Approaches to the Study of Esotericism

Author: Egil Asprem

Publisher: Supplements to Method & Theory

Published: 2020-12-10

Total Pages: 264

ISBN-13: 9789004446441

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"This volume offers new approaches to some of the biggest persistent challenges in the study of esotericism and beyond. Commonly understood as a particularly "Western" undertaking consisting of religious, philosophical, and ritual traditions that go back to Mediterranean antiquity, this book argues for a global approach that significantly expands the scope of esotericism and highlights its relevance for broader theoretical and methodological debates in the humanities and social sciences. The contributors offer critical interventions on aspects related to colonialism, race, gender and sexuality, economy, and marginality. Equipped with a substantial introduction and conclusion, the book offers textbook-style discussions of the state of research and makes concrete proposals for how esotericism can be rethought through broader engagement with neighboring fields"--


Book Synopsis New Approaches to the Study of Esotericism by : Egil Asprem

Download or read book New Approaches to the Study of Esotericism written by Egil Asprem and published by Supplements to Method & Theory. This book was released on 2020-12-10 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "This volume offers new approaches to some of the biggest persistent challenges in the study of esotericism and beyond. Commonly understood as a particularly "Western" undertaking consisting of religious, philosophical, and ritual traditions that go back to Mediterranean antiquity, this book argues for a global approach that significantly expands the scope of esotericism and highlights its relevance for broader theoretical and methodological debates in the humanities and social sciences. The contributors offer critical interventions on aspects related to colonialism, race, gender and sexuality, economy, and marginality. Equipped with a substantial introduction and conclusion, the book offers textbook-style discussions of the state of research and makes concrete proposals for how esotericism can be rethought through broader engagement with neighboring fields"--


Contemporary Esotericism

Contemporary Esotericism

Author: Egil Asprem

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2014-09-11

Total Pages: 481

ISBN-13: 1317543572

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The study of contemporary esoteric discourse has hitherto been a largely neglected part of the new academic field of Western esotericism. Contemporary Esotericism provides a broad overview and assessment of the complex world of Western esoteric thought today. Combining historiographical analysis with theories and methodologies from the social sciences, the volume explores new problems and offers new possibilities for the study of esoterica. Contemporary Esotericism studies the period since the 1950s but focuses on the last two decades. The wide range of essays are divided into four thematic sections: the intricacies of esoteric appeals to tradition; the role of popular culture, modern communication technologies, and new media in contemporary esotericism; the impact and influence of esotericism on both religious and secular arenas; and the recent 'de-marginalization' of the esoteric in both scholarship and society.


Book Synopsis Contemporary Esotericism by : Egil Asprem

Download or read book Contemporary Esotericism written by Egil Asprem and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2014-09-11 with total page 481 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The study of contemporary esoteric discourse has hitherto been a largely neglected part of the new academic field of Western esotericism. Contemporary Esotericism provides a broad overview and assessment of the complex world of Western esoteric thought today. Combining historiographical analysis with theories and methodologies from the social sciences, the volume explores new problems and offers new possibilities for the study of esoterica. Contemporary Esotericism studies the period since the 1950s but focuses on the last two decades. The wide range of essays are divided into four thematic sections: the intricacies of esoteric appeals to tradition; the role of popular culture, modern communication technologies, and new media in contemporary esotericism; the impact and influence of esotericism on both religious and secular arenas; and the recent 'de-marginalization' of the esoteric in both scholarship and society.


Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed

Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed

Author: Wouter J. Hanegraaff

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2013-02-14

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 1441146741

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Western esotericism has been a pervasive presence in Western culture from late antiquity to the present day, but until recently it was largely ignored by scholars and surrounded by misconceptions and prejudice. This accessible guide provides readers with the basic knowledge and tools that will allow them to find their way in this bewildering but fascinating field. What is it that unites phenomena as diverse as ancient gnosticism and hermetism, the "occult sciences" of astrology, alchemy, and magic, rosicrucianism, as well as Christian theosophy, occultism, spiritualism, and the contemporary New Age spiritualities? What can the study of them teach us about our common cultural and intellectual heritage, and what is it that makes them relevant to contemporary concerns? How do we distinguish reliable historical knowledge from legends and fictions about esoteric traditions? These and many other questions are answered clearly and succinctly, so that the reader can find his way into the labyrinth of Western esotericism and out of it again.


Book Synopsis Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed by : Wouter J. Hanegraaff

Download or read book Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed written by Wouter J. Hanegraaff and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2013-02-14 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Western esotericism has been a pervasive presence in Western culture from late antiquity to the present day, but until recently it was largely ignored by scholars and surrounded by misconceptions and prejudice. This accessible guide provides readers with the basic knowledge and tools that will allow them to find their way in this bewildering but fascinating field. What is it that unites phenomena as diverse as ancient gnosticism and hermetism, the "occult sciences" of astrology, alchemy, and magic, rosicrucianism, as well as Christian theosophy, occultism, spiritualism, and the contemporary New Age spiritualities? What can the study of them teach us about our common cultural and intellectual heritage, and what is it that makes them relevant to contemporary concerns? How do we distinguish reliable historical knowledge from legends and fictions about esoteric traditions? These and many other questions are answered clearly and succinctly, so that the reader can find his way into the labyrinth of Western esotericism and out of it again.


Western Esotericism and the Science of Religion

Western Esotericism and the Science of Religion

Author: International Association for the History of Religions. Congress

Publisher: Peeters Publishers

Published: 1998

Total Pages: 330

ISBN-13: 9789042906303

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This volume is based upon papers read during the innovative section "Western Esotericism and the Science of Religion" organized at the 17th International Congress of the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) in Mexico City, August 5-12, 1995. The section was created in order to fill a long-standing hiatus in the academic study of religions: whereas phenomena such as gnosticism and hermetism in antiquity, and even the occult sciences of that period, have long been recognized as subjects worthy of serious investigation, the history of similar and related phenomena in more recent periods has hardly received the same measure of scholarly attention and recognition. The present volume is devoted to the academic emancipation of these areas as constituting a legitimate domain of research, which may be referred to by the generic label "western esotericism". Preceded by an introductory essay on the birth of this new discipline in the study of religion, the volume provides a sample of current research in the field and devotes special attention to some central methodological questions.


Book Synopsis Western Esotericism and the Science of Religion by : International Association for the History of Religions. Congress

Download or read book Western Esotericism and the Science of Religion written by International Association for the History of Religions. Congress and published by Peeters Publishers. This book was released on 1998 with total page 330 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume is based upon papers read during the innovative section "Western Esotericism and the Science of Religion" organized at the 17th International Congress of the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) in Mexico City, August 5-12, 1995. The section was created in order to fill a long-standing hiatus in the academic study of religions: whereas phenomena such as gnosticism and hermetism in antiquity, and even the occult sciences of that period, have long been recognized as subjects worthy of serious investigation, the history of similar and related phenomena in more recent periods has hardly received the same measure of scholarly attention and recognition. The present volume is devoted to the academic emancipation of these areas as constituting a legitimate domain of research, which may be referred to by the generic label "western esotericism". Preceded by an introductory essay on the birth of this new discipline in the study of religion, the volume provides a sample of current research in the field and devotes special attention to some central methodological questions.


Western Esotericism

Western Esotericism

Author: Antoine Faivre

Publisher: State University of New York Press

Published: 2010-10-06

Total Pages: 139

ISBN-13: 1438433794

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Widely received in France, this brief, comprehensive introduction to Western esotericism by the founder of the field is at last available in English. A historical and pedagogical guide, the book is written primarily for students and novices. In clear, precise language, author Antoine Faivre provides an overview of Western esoteric currents since late antiquity. The bulk of the book is laid out chronologically, from ancient and medieval sources (Alexandrian hermetism, gnosticism, neoplatonism), through the Renaissance up to the present time. Its coverage includes spiritual alchemy, Jewish and Christian Kabbalah, Christian theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Illuminism, 'mystical' Free-Masonry, the Occultist current, Theosophical and Anthroposophical Societies, the Traditionalist School, and 'esotericism' in contemporary initiatic societies and in New Religious Movements. Faivre explores how these currents are connected, and refers to where they appear in art and literature. The book concludes with an annotated bibliography, which makes it an essential resource for beginners and scholars alike.


Book Synopsis Western Esotericism by : Antoine Faivre

Download or read book Western Esotericism written by Antoine Faivre and published by State University of New York Press. This book was released on 2010-10-06 with total page 139 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Widely received in France, this brief, comprehensive introduction to Western esotericism by the founder of the field is at last available in English. A historical and pedagogical guide, the book is written primarily for students and novices. In clear, precise language, author Antoine Faivre provides an overview of Western esoteric currents since late antiquity. The bulk of the book is laid out chronologically, from ancient and medieval sources (Alexandrian hermetism, gnosticism, neoplatonism), through the Renaissance up to the present time. Its coverage includes spiritual alchemy, Jewish and Christian Kabbalah, Christian theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Illuminism, 'mystical' Free-Masonry, the Occultist current, Theosophical and Anthroposophical Societies, the Traditionalist School, and 'esotericism' in contemporary initiatic societies and in New Religious Movements. Faivre explores how these currents are connected, and refers to where they appear in art and literature. The book concludes with an annotated bibliography, which makes it an essential resource for beginners and scholars alike.