Additional information
by Alfred DeStefano III (Editor), Mark Stavish (Author)
Light on the Path - A Study Guide for Qabala, Alchemy, and Astrology from the Institute for Hermetic Studies is a self-paced program for the study and practice of Western esotericism. Using Hermetic Qabala as its core, individuals or groups can use this program to progressively study and apply the principles of ritual magic, practical alchemy (spagyrics and mineral) and astrology (natal, horary, and mundane). Designed as a four year course of study, each "Year" is approached in twenty-four bi-weekly sessions (for groups meeting twice a month) or can be done at your own pace. Each "Year" has two sets of twenty-five questions which can be used as quizzes or catechisms to test one's level of proficiency for review or before moving on to new material. Standard off-the-shelf sources are suggested for use through-out the course, making it easy to obtain the needed references. In addition, students are given: Instructions on How to Use this Manual Articles on studying the tarot, the essential Hermetic attitude for success, and the Path of Awakening. Suggestions for working with various schools as well as non-ritualistic approaches. A Concise Explanation of the Stages of the Path of Return - specifically written for this manual, outlining the stages of the Path and how to self-assess your progress on both an exoteric and esoteric level. Extensive Ritual Protocols to help guide groups working in a ritual setting. Some Advice to Group Leaders and Members - a summary of key points for running an effective spiritual study group - regardless of tradition or approach. Sample Ritual of Jupiter originally written and performed in the Great Hall of the Villa Saraceno, Vicenza, Italy for the Palladian Academy. Extensive monograph entitled, Introduction to Hermeticism: Its Theory and Practice The Liturgy of Hermes - In Praise of the Lord of Light, a ritual for solitary or group practice, used primarily as a hermetic retreat for encountering the spiritual focal point of the Hermetic traditions - the mind of Thoth-Hermes itself.
Author Biography
Mark Stavish (Pennsylvania) is the author of several books on theoretical and practical occultism, including, The Path of Alchemy, Kabbalah for Health and Wellness, Between the Gates - Lucid Dreaming, Astral Projection and the Body of Light in Western Esotericism, and Freemasonry - Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society. His works have been translated into over nine languages worldwide. Stavish as been a consultant or guest to the media including the BBC, A&E/History Channel, Boston Globe, The New York Times, and Coast to Coast (C2C). In addition to being a member and officer in several Rosicrucian, Martinist, and Masonic organizations, Stavish has worked closely with both Dr. Joseph Lisiewski, author of Israel Regardie and The Philosopher's Stone, and, Ceremonial Magic and the Power of Evocation, and Jean Dubuis, the found of The Philosophers of Nature (PON). Stavish is the founder and Director of Studies at the Institute for Hermetic Studies and the Louis Claude de St. Martin Fund, a non-profit fund established to promote the advancement of the study and practice of Western esotericism. Stavish holds degrees in Theology and Communications from King's College (Wilkes-Barre) and a Master's in Counseling from Rhode Island College (Providence). He resides in Wyoming, Pennsylvania. Alfred DeStefano III (Editor and Layout) teaches mathematics at the university level. In addition to being a "Renaissance Man" of many varied and unique talents, he has assisted in the production of numerous esoteric publications, including the forthcoming 7th Edition of The Golden Dawn by Israel Regardie, edited by John Michael Greer (Llewellyn). DeStefano lives with his wife in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Paul Bowersox (Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania) is a writing coach and publishing consultant who has co-authored over a dozen fiction and non-fiction works, including, "Seeing in the Dark - Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now and in the Coming Age" (Red Wheel/Weiser2009). In addition to having a unique background in neo-shamanic practices, Paul is a member of the first class to complete the four year program outlined in "Light on the Path - A Study Guide for Qabala, Alchemy and Astrology."
