The Hermetic Tradition, Julius Evola
The Hermetic Tradition, Julius Evola
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The Hermetic Tradition
Symbols and Teachings of the Royal Art

Author: Julius Evola

Narrator: Michael Moynihan

Unabridged: 8 hr 30 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/13/2023

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included

Synopsis

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.

About Julius Evola

A controversial philosopher and critic of modern Western civilization, Julius Evola (1898-1974) wrote widely on Eastern religions, alchemy, sexuality, politics, and mythology. Inner Traditions has published his Eros and the Mysteries of Love: The Metaphysics of Sex, The Yoga of Power, The Hermetic Tradition, Revolt Against the Modern World, The Mystery of the Grail and Ride The Tiger.

Reviews

Goodreads review by L Ann on April 09, 2025

The writing in this book is very dense... to the point that sometimes I felt like it was it was purposely written to be so. I had to read each chapter at least three times just to get a basic understanding of what is being explained, then after letting the information marinate in my brain for a whil......more

Goodreads review by Lucas on August 01, 2021

I think a lot of the confusion in the second half of the book stems from Evola's overcomplication of the subject with the use of too many words, for a process that is really intuitive to anyone half-versed in spiritual alchemy. If only he put a little more faith in the readers ability to allow his w......more

Goodreads review by Jeff on September 03, 2023

A read I enjoyed a lot more than I expected to. Evola attempted to create an introduction to hermeticism, the alchemical processes, and their symbolism. I think it's safe to say that he succeeded! It's a great delve into the symbols that have become very ubiquitous, misused, and misunderstood by the......more

Goodreads review by Kanaria on January 31, 2021

It's decent, but i believe my critique relies on Hermetic symbolism moreso than this book itself. It felt like a lot of the symbolism was pulled from too many places/religion and not properly synergized to make a coherent picture. My standards were set a little high because i thought the picture was......more

Goodreads review by JA on December 27, 2016

It's terse, it's dense, perhaps the translation could have been a bit simpler, but wow, what a unique perspective on the Royal Art and Western Esoterica. While most of the material on Alchemy and Hermetism is filtered through the eyes of Anglo-Britain, Evola gives the Southern European. Latinized pe......more

Quotes

"This book has been hailed as one of the clearest works on alchemy ever written."

"The Hermetic Tradition is not a book to be read once for the value of its information about European alchemy--which admittedly is great--but to be revisited as one's own alchemical work, in whatever form, proceeds. Each reading will bring new levels of insight."

"Evola is a major force in the area of modern European esotericism, but is little known in the English speaking world. Author of numerous works on esoteric practices and philosophy, Evola is a name that all serious students of esotericism should be familiar with. Evola discloses in clear and meaningful terms the ideas present and their use in practice. Evola is not for the feint of heart or brain however. He deals with difficult subjects and presents them in an intelligent and experienced manner. Anyone seeking a literary initiation into the world of deep thought and practices can do no better than to start with Evola."

"An extremely cogent elucidation of the alchemical Great Work."

"This book is a good place to use as a center for your alchemical studies."

"Evola writes serious books about serious subjects, yet manages to present the material in a manner that is both meaningful and practical. . . . occultists who want to understand a man who was a major force in Italian esotericism . . . will find a wealth of knowledge and esoteric insight."

"Considered one of the clearest and strongest works on the art of Alchemy ever written."

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