About the Author
Mark Stavish is a respected authority on Western spiritual traditions. The author of 26 books, published in 7 languages, including The Path of Alchemy and Kabbalah for Health and Wellness, he is the founder and director of the Institute for Hermetic Studies and the Louis Claude de St. Martin Fund. show more He has appeared on radio shows, television, and in major print media, including Coast to Coast Am, the History Channel, BBC, and the New York Times. The author of the blog Voxhermes, he lives in Wyoming, Pennsylvania. show less
Works by Mark Stavish
The Path of Alchemy: Energetic Healing & the World of Natural Magic (Pathways to Enlightenment) (2006) 166 copies, 2 reviews
Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny (2018) — Author — 106 copies, 2 reviews
Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society (2007) — Author — 84 copies, 3 reviews
Between the Gates: Lucid Dreaming, Astral Projection, and the Body of Light in Western Esotericism (2008) 78 copies, 1 review
Child of the Sun: Psychic & Physical Rejuvenation in Alchemy and Qabala (IHS Study Guides Series) (Volume 3) (2015) 10 copies
The Theory and Practice of Enochian Magic: Institute for Hermetic Studies Monograph Series (Volume 2) (2016) 7 copies
How to Develop Your Psychic Abilities: Institute for Hermetic Studies Monograph Series (Volume 4) (2016) 7 copies
The Liturgy of Hermes - In Praise of the Lord of Light: IHS Monograph Series (IHS Ritual Series) (Volume 1) (2016) 7 copies
Light on the Path: A Study Guide for Qabala, Alchemy, & Astrology (IHS Study Guides) (Volume 1) (2014) 6 copies
Mercury's Children - Shamanic and Hermetic Practices: Institute for Hermetic Studies Monograph Series (Volume 5) (2016) 4 copies
The Inner Way - The Power of Prayer and Belief in Spiritual Practice (IHS Study Guides) (Volume 2) (2014) 4 copies
Drawing Down the Life of Heaven - An Introduction to Renaissance Magic: Institute for Hermetic Studies Monograph Series (2016) 4 copies
Pietism, Pow-Wow, and the Magical Revival: Institute for Hermetic Studies Monograph Series (Volume 10) (2018) 3 copies
Studies in Poltergeists, Obsession, & Possession: Institute for Hermetic Studies Monograph Series (IHS Monograph Series) (Volume 6) (2016) 3 copies
Unfolding the Rose: Illumination and Western Esotericism (IHS Study Guides Series) (Volume 5) (2017) 3 copies
Introduction to Alchemy - A Golden Dawn Perspective (IHS Monograph Series) (Volume 8) (2016) 3 copies
Ritual Purification, Exorcism & Defensive Magic (IHS Study Guide Series) (Volume 11) (2018) 2 copies
Rosicrucianism for the New Millennium - 400th Anniversary Edition: IHS Monograph Series (Volume 9) (2016) 2 copies
Pow-Wow: Traditional Folk & Grimoire Magic: Institute for Hermetic Studies Monograph Series (IHS Monograph Seres) (Volume 10) (2017) 2 copies
Wisdom's Bliss - Developing Compassion in Western Esotericism & Khamael's Spear: IHS Monograph Series (Volume 7) (2016) 2 copies
Pathology of the Sublime - Problems & Solutions on the Spiritual Journey (IHS Study Guides Series) (Volume 7) (2017) 1 copy
By Mark Stavish Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society [Paperback] (2007) 1 copy
Associated Works
Israel Regardie & The Philosophers Stone: The Alchemical Arts Brought Down to Earth (2008) — Introduction, some editions — 28 copies, 1 review
Tagged
Common Knowledge
- Birthdate
- 1964
- Gender
- male
- Organizations
- Institute for Hermetic Studies
AMORC - Short biography
- Mark Stavish (Pennsylvania) has been a long-time student of esotericism and is a frequent lecturer on ancient occult knowledge. Founder of the Institute for Hermetic Studies, he is the author of numerous articles on Western esotericism. In 2001 he established the Louis Claude de St. Martin Fund, a non-profit dedicated to advancing the study and practice of Western Esotericism. He has also served as a consultant to print and broadcast media and several documentaries. He holds undergraduate degrees in Theology and Communications and a Master's in Counseling.
- Nationality
- USA
- Associated Place (for map)
- USA
Members
Reviews
This is an excellent book, and I think I enjoyed it as much for the things I disagreed with or questioned as I did the things I agreed or resonated with. For example: I disagree with the belief that deities are a form of egregore, but it was interesting to read why it's a credible theory.
Stavish does a fine job surveying a range of sources from mutliple time periods to explore how people have defined and/or experienced egregores. There is far more variety to the definitions than I had show more expected, which is one reason I enjoyed it so much. He also did a good job balancing the theoretically with the practical: if such-and-such is true, what are the implications for an individual and for groups?
I was surprised by the negative view Stavish has about egregores. While he acknowledges that participating in some egregores can be positive or helpful for some people at certain times of their lives (eg: when they need outside help to protect or develop themselves) his overall position is that an egregore is a form of external authority which can shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions beyond our conscious awareness. Because of this, they are things which a mature person needs to free him/herself from in order to achieve true mental and spiritual freedom. His section on "Therapeutic Blasphemy" as a method was fascinating and gave me insight into why some people engage in "unbaptisms" and other rituals as a way of separating themselves from spiritual communities they no longer wish to be part of.
While this book is primarily for people involved in magical work, I think it could be interesting for open-minded people in general, since we are all involved in groups which exert influence over us and are bombarded by media and advertising. Even if someone doesn't believe in magic, there are concepts here which can be applied in purely psychological terms. show less
Stavish does a fine job surveying a range of sources from mutliple time periods to explore how people have defined and/or experienced egregores. There is far more variety to the definitions than I had show more expected, which is one reason I enjoyed it so much. He also did a good job balancing the theoretically with the practical: if such-and-such is true, what are the implications for an individual and for groups?
I was surprised by the negative view Stavish has about egregores. While he acknowledges that participating in some egregores can be positive or helpful for some people at certain times of their lives (eg: when they need outside help to protect or develop themselves) his overall position is that an egregore is a form of external authority which can shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions beyond our conscious awareness. Because of this, they are things which a mature person needs to free him/herself from in order to achieve true mental and spiritual freedom. His section on "Therapeutic Blasphemy" as a method was fascinating and gave me insight into why some people engage in "unbaptisms" and other rituals as a way of separating themselves from spiritual communities they no longer wish to be part of.
While this book is primarily for people involved in magical work, I think it could be interesting for open-minded people in general, since we are all involved in groups which exert influence over us and are bombarded by media and advertising. Even if someone doesn't believe in magic, there are concepts here which can be applied in purely psychological terms. show less
As the time of this writing, there have been five reviews of this book on Amazon, four of which give it five stars. But look more closely: one is from the author himself, one is from the person who wrote the Foreword and the third from a self-described "Author, Priestess & Sorceress". A fourth reviewer (4 stars) claims to be a Mason and yet refers to "Free Masonary". Pretty sad….
This book should be nominated for this decade's most pompous work about Freemasonry. The author starts with a show more section on "How to Use This Book". If this were a tome on Euclidian geometry, such a presumption might not be seen as such condescending hubris. He tells the reader to "Have a notebook handy and some colored pencils and pens. Write down key ideas and go back and study them before reading the next chapter." For a book with barely 200 pages titled "Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society"? Give me a break! Instruction #3 (of 7) in this section might give you a better feel for it: "Pay attention to your dreams as you progress through this book." Dreams? I'm going to be so moved by the author's profound enlightenment that I'm going to dream about it? I hardly think so. And, of course, it's always helpful to have a book about Freemasonry instruct me (#7) to "Give thanks daily for the blessings you have, and spend time in meditation and prayer as often as possible." What this has to do with Freemasonry's rituals, symbols and/or history is an enigma which remained after concluding the work. Even more mystifying is who the author thinks he is to give such instructions to his readers.
As stated above, the book was is about 200 pages long. This includes a summary of each of the chapter's major points which usually consumes at least 6-7 (sometimes a dozen) numbered items, repetitious of what has already been written. So in addition to telling you how to read the book (and dream about it), the author apparently feels that the reader is incapable, even using a notebook with colored pens and pencils, to find or remember the "major points" he has made.
But it gets worse: there are several MAJOR factual errors in the book including identifying the first Scottish Rite Supreme Council in the United States at Charleston, NORTH Carolina. He muses at length about the lack of understanding of Albert Pike by most Masons, apparently oblivious to the fact that Pike had little or no influence on the Rite outside of his own Supreme Council. The book goes on page after page making statements that cry out for documentation but there are no footnotes to be found. When they appear, they add nothing to the understanding of any part of Masonic history. At the end of each chapter is a list of ten or so books which ostensibly are relevant reading. (You are instructed in the "How to" section to read at least one of each, so they must be important!) Sadly, though, most have precious little connection to the book's title and are, in fact, much more closely tied to the ramblings irrelevant to it. In such a small book, perhaps half is spent discussing esotericism as well as what is sometimes referred to as 'fringe' Masonry but without a clear line being drawn for the reader not steeped in Masonic scholarship to see the line between those things and the book's ostensible subject.
In Item #6 of the 7 pompous instructions on how to use the book, the reader is advised, "Take what you have learned and put it to use in the world of action. Join a civic group or volunteer some time regularly to a non-political, nonreligious cause. Make cash donations as well, and see how much you are blessed by helping others and how much you have to give but had not realized it." It seems absurd that someone would spend time reading a book about Freemasonry only to receive advice to go join ANY organization that meets the author's recommendation. May I suggest that the money you might otherwise have spent on this book be employed in getting a blessing from a cash donation rather than enriching the author for such foolishness?
=============
An interesting post-script: within less than 12 hours after my review had appeared on Amazon's website, the author had given it a 'not helpful' mark and had posted a comment indicating that "academic and Masonic authorities" had praised it.
Academic authorities? Two Ph.D.s are quoted on the book's cover. The first is a Professor of Music while the second is a Professor and Department Head for a college's Department of Religious Studies. Both have online biographies indicating a fascination with esotericism to the exclusion of pretty much everything else. Since Stavish's other books include topics like astral projection, it is easy to see the affinity. The academic backgrounds of these supporters, however, reflect no knowledge or understanding of Freemasonry's ritual, symbols and history - the title of the book!
Masonic authorities? It received a mostly positive review from Mason Charles S. Canning, the Librarian for the Masonic library in Allentown, Pennsylvania. However, he admits to having been much involved in its writing. See this link. The second was from a Mason who wrote the Foreword to the book and is himself highly involved in esotericism and the author of books on that topic.
You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours is the norm for such accolades but for the author to argue that these have merit is hubris of the highest order.
Frankly, if the book had been titled "A Rambling Construct of Esoteric Connections to Freemasonry: Proven and Assumed", I could have given it high marks. If you think you're going to learn things based on the current title, however, you'll be sadly disappointed.
Here's the deal, folks: it's just like the 'Fake Masonry' that anyone can run out and join. If you want to spend your money on something that isn't what it claims to be, then knock yourself out. Just don't blame me 'cause - wait for it - 'I told you so!'. show less
This book should be nominated for this decade's most pompous work about Freemasonry. The author starts with a show more section on "How to Use This Book". If this were a tome on Euclidian geometry, such a presumption might not be seen as such condescending hubris. He tells the reader to "Have a notebook handy and some colored pencils and pens. Write down key ideas and go back and study them before reading the next chapter." For a book with barely 200 pages titled "Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society"? Give me a break! Instruction #3 (of 7) in this section might give you a better feel for it: "Pay attention to your dreams as you progress through this book." Dreams? I'm going to be so moved by the author's profound enlightenment that I'm going to dream about it? I hardly think so. And, of course, it's always helpful to have a book about Freemasonry instruct me (#7) to "Give thanks daily for the blessings you have, and spend time in meditation and prayer as often as possible." What this has to do with Freemasonry's rituals, symbols and/or history is an enigma which remained after concluding the work. Even more mystifying is who the author thinks he is to give such instructions to his readers.
As stated above, the book was is about 200 pages long. This includes a summary of each of the chapter's major points which usually consumes at least 6-7 (sometimes a dozen) numbered items, repetitious of what has already been written. So in addition to telling you how to read the book (and dream about it), the author apparently feels that the reader is incapable, even using a notebook with colored pens and pencils, to find or remember the "major points" he has made.
But it gets worse: there are several MAJOR factual errors in the book including identifying the first Scottish Rite Supreme Council in the United States at Charleston, NORTH Carolina. He muses at length about the lack of understanding of Albert Pike by most Masons, apparently oblivious to the fact that Pike had little or no influence on the Rite outside of his own Supreme Council. The book goes on page after page making statements that cry out for documentation but there are no footnotes to be found. When they appear, they add nothing to the understanding of any part of Masonic history. At the end of each chapter is a list of ten or so books which ostensibly are relevant reading. (You are instructed in the "How to" section to read at least one of each, so they must be important!) Sadly, though, most have precious little connection to the book's title and are, in fact, much more closely tied to the ramblings irrelevant to it. In such a small book, perhaps half is spent discussing esotericism as well as what is sometimes referred to as 'fringe' Masonry but without a clear line being drawn for the reader not steeped in Masonic scholarship to see the line between those things and the book's ostensible subject.
In Item #6 of the 7 pompous instructions on how to use the book, the reader is advised, "Take what you have learned and put it to use in the world of action. Join a civic group or volunteer some time regularly to a non-political, nonreligious cause. Make cash donations as well, and see how much you are blessed by helping others and how much you have to give but had not realized it." It seems absurd that someone would spend time reading a book about Freemasonry only to receive advice to go join ANY organization that meets the author's recommendation. May I suggest that the money you might otherwise have spent on this book be employed in getting a blessing from a cash donation rather than enriching the author for such foolishness?
=============
An interesting post-script: within less than 12 hours after my review had appeared on Amazon's website, the author had given it a 'not helpful' mark and had posted a comment indicating that "academic and Masonic authorities" had praised it.
Academic authorities? Two Ph.D.s are quoted on the book's cover. The first is a Professor of Music while the second is a Professor and Department Head for a college's Department of Religious Studies. Both have online biographies indicating a fascination with esotericism to the exclusion of pretty much everything else. Since Stavish's other books include topics like astral projection, it is easy to see the affinity. The academic backgrounds of these supporters, however, reflect no knowledge or understanding of Freemasonry's ritual, symbols and history - the title of the book!
Masonic authorities? It received a mostly positive review from Mason Charles S. Canning, the Librarian for the Masonic library in Allentown, Pennsylvania. However, he admits to having been much involved in its writing. See this link. The second was from a Mason who wrote the Foreword to the book and is himself highly involved in esotericism and the author of books on that topic.
You scratch my back and I'll scratch yours is the norm for such accolades but for the author to argue that these have merit is hubris of the highest order.
Frankly, if the book had been titled "A Rambling Construct of Esoteric Connections to Freemasonry: Proven and Assumed", I could have given it high marks. If you think you're going to learn things based on the current title, however, you'll be sadly disappointed.
Here's the deal, folks: it's just like the 'Fake Masonry' that anyone can run out and join. If you want to spend your money on something that isn't what it claims to be, then knock yourself out. Just don't blame me 'cause - wait for it - 'I told you so!'. show less
Mark Stavish has written a wonderful book for newly raised Master Masons - I think it would be a great gift for a lodge to give a candidate at his raising. "Freemasonry" clearly outlines many of the philosophical and occult concepts behind aspects of Masonry from Blue lodge and its craft degrees to the other appendant bodies such as the Scottish Rite and York Rite. I personally really enjoyed the chapters that looked at occult masonry and the occult revival from a historical perspective.
That show more being said, I was a little disappointed overall. This book is a powerhouse of solid information and I wish someone would have suggested I read it 5 years ago when I was made a Mason - however, I bought this book expecting it to delve deeper for the more advanced Masonic reader and from that perspective it simply didn't produce.
So to sum it up - great first Masonic book but nothing new for the learned Brother. Congratulations to Bro. Stavish for writing a fabulous introduction to the Craft. show less
That show more being said, I was a little disappointed overall. This book is a powerhouse of solid information and I wish someone would have suggested I read it 5 years ago when I was made a Mason - however, I bought this book expecting it to delve deeper for the more advanced Masonic reader and from that perspective it simply didn't produce.
So to sum it up - great first Masonic book but nothing new for the learned Brother. Congratulations to Bro. Stavish for writing a fabulous introduction to the Craft. show less
Path of Alchemy: Energetic Healing & the World of Natural Magic (Pathways to Enlightenment) by Mark Stavish
Are you working the rites in the FOI Spiral of Alchemy? Do you wish you had a better understanding of alchemy, so that you could organize your studies appropriately as well as deepen your awareness of the message of each rite? This book can help bring you up to speed very quickly.
I own some wonderful books on alchemy that came highly recommended. Alas, I am still wading through them. I keep pausing to contemplate the theory and philosophy contained in them. I keep trying to put the concepts show more and definitions in my own words. But I keep going back to the drawing board. It is slow-going.
The Path Of Alchemy is the ideal prelude to the classic and key works on alchemy. It is a blessing for the person who wants a quick, coherent overview, because it provides a concise, concrete road map to alchemical terms and concepts. The high points of alchemy are clarified in manageable chunks for the beginner, as well as a great review for others.
The focus is on plant, rather than mineral, alchemy, which is more practical for the beginner as it is less expensive, and provides quicker feedback. This allows the student to experience first hand the processes and principles of alchemy.
What I liked best about The Path of Alchemy is its multifaceted approach, which takes into account different learning styles as well as acknowledging that we are multi-dimensional beings who live on levels other than the purely intellectual.
The Path of Alchemy engages the student on intellectual, imaginative, spiritual, and practical levels. Theoretical and philosophical discussions satisfy the intellect, while meditations and visualizations enable the student to identify with and experience each process from within. An alchemical activity and meditation accompany each concept. Clear step-by-step instructions encourage learning by doing. The student identify with process by internalizing its action.
Chapter One provides an overview of alchemy, from its beginnings in Egypt to the present. It identifies what is unique about alchemy, and explains its relevance to systems of magic and divination as well as to science. The next 8 chapters follow a format which involves the introduction of a key concept, definition, relating it to areas already familiar to the student, a hands-on experiment, review of the alchemical process and the result of the experiment, a meditation or visualization; and guidance for further study.
Topics include sulphur, salt, and mercury; the 4 elements; calcination; the stone; distillation; the ens; and other core concepts in alchemy. There are also discussions of initiation, healing, ritual, the role of the planets in alchemy, mystical symbolism, tarot, and more.
Other special features are grouped together at the end of the book. Three valuable appendixes contain information and charts on planetary hours, the longevity formula of St.Germain, and information about Nicholas Flamel. The glossary clarifies 38 alchemical terms and concepts. There is a selected bibliography of 19 books. There is also a very valuable resource list which provides guidance to the best resources in 8 categories of reading, courses, websites, seminars, and workshops.
I believe you will enjoy The Path of Alchemy, and that it will greatly enrich and enhance your experience of the rituals leading to the FOI Alchemical Degrees. show less
I own some wonderful books on alchemy that came highly recommended. Alas, I am still wading through them. I keep pausing to contemplate the theory and philosophy contained in them. I keep trying to put the concepts show more and definitions in my own words. But I keep going back to the drawing board. It is slow-going.
The Path Of Alchemy is the ideal prelude to the classic and key works on alchemy. It is a blessing for the person who wants a quick, coherent overview, because it provides a concise, concrete road map to alchemical terms and concepts. The high points of alchemy are clarified in manageable chunks for the beginner, as well as a great review for others.
The focus is on plant, rather than mineral, alchemy, which is more practical for the beginner as it is less expensive, and provides quicker feedback. This allows the student to experience first hand the processes and principles of alchemy.
What I liked best about The Path of Alchemy is its multifaceted approach, which takes into account different learning styles as well as acknowledging that we are multi-dimensional beings who live on levels other than the purely intellectual.
The Path of Alchemy engages the student on intellectual, imaginative, spiritual, and practical levels. Theoretical and philosophical discussions satisfy the intellect, while meditations and visualizations enable the student to identify with and experience each process from within. An alchemical activity and meditation accompany each concept. Clear step-by-step instructions encourage learning by doing. The student identify with process by internalizing its action.
Chapter One provides an overview of alchemy, from its beginnings in Egypt to the present. It identifies what is unique about alchemy, and explains its relevance to systems of magic and divination as well as to science. The next 8 chapters follow a format which involves the introduction of a key concept, definition, relating it to areas already familiar to the student, a hands-on experiment, review of the alchemical process and the result of the experiment, a meditation or visualization; and guidance for further study.
Topics include sulphur, salt, and mercury; the 4 elements; calcination; the stone; distillation; the ens; and other core concepts in alchemy. There are also discussions of initiation, healing, ritual, the role of the planets in alchemy, mystical symbolism, tarot, and more.
Other special features are grouped together at the end of the book. Three valuable appendixes contain information and charts on planetary hours, the longevity formula of St.Germain, and information about Nicholas Flamel. The glossary clarifies 38 alchemical terms and concepts. There is a selected bibliography of 19 books. There is also a very valuable resource list which provides guidance to the best resources in 8 categories of reading, courses, websites, seminars, and workshops.
I believe you will enjoy The Path of Alchemy, and that it will greatly enrich and enhance your experience of the rituals leading to the FOI Alchemical Degrees. show less
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