The Fundamentals of Esoteric Knowledge

Once in a lifetime there comes along a course, or book, like Jean Dubuis' "Fundamentals of Esoteric Knowledge". Written over 20 years ago, in French, for the alchemical organization "Les Philosophiers des Nature", it has become a standard by which many other esoteric courses of instruction should be judged. Designed to fill in some of the knowledge gaps Dubuis was perceiving in some of the organizations members, "Fundamentals" was written as a very concise, dense, and eminently practical set of lessons on the core ideas and practices of Western Esotericism.

All areas of significance are covered: basic cosmology, creating interior harmony, the power of "the Word', symbolism, qabalistic invocations, uses of rituals, the relationship of magic, alchemy, qabala, and astrology to one another, and the Seven Rules of the "Invisible College" or the Rosicrucian Brotherhood.

While this may appear to have been 'done before', what makes this book different is that each paragraph is packed with information. There is no wasted language in Dubuis' explanation of things. His scientific and highly analytical mind allows the information to be presented in an amazing clarity free of the usual 'occult speak' and mumbo jumbo that often leaves the reader feeling either dissatisfied or simply bored. The use of Hebrew and alchemical terms is almost non-existent giving this very old material a very fresh perspective.

In addition, unlike many courses of instruction that are just the 'Golden Dawn' revisited, this material has a distinct flavor and feel of an earlier period. Several students of the course, who have had a great deal of experience in other systems, have commented on the overwhelming simplicity and effectiveness of the exercises in "Fundamentals of Esoteric Knowledge". It is one of those rare works that really is ideal for beginners or advanced students alike.

The only drawback to "Fundamentals of Esoteric Knowledge", if there is one, is that it is so very full. It is the kind of text that one refers to again and again, replacing so many of the other texts you've grown familiar with. Also, despite its format of twelve lessons, there is no way the material it contains can be performed in a single year. The short section on zodiacal meditations takes a year itself.

If you are looking for a fine guide to assist in your work, regardless of whether you want to practice alchemy, qabala, or astrology, I can suggest nothing better than "Fundamentals of Esoteric Knowledge". It supplies a foundation that will carry you through several lifetimes.

The summary is taken from http://www.hermeticinstitute.org/html…

This class comprises twelve lessons which deal with the following subjects:

1. Basic esoteric principles and general principles of social and human behaviour.
2. Creation – The Macrocosm: Nature.
3. Creation – The Microcosm: Man.
4. Passive Symbolism.
5. Active Symbolism: the Word.
6. Numbers and Cycles.
7. Meditation – Prayer – Ritual.
8. Powers.
9. The Secret Sciences.
10. Universal Justice.
11. The Seven Commandments of the Fama Fraternitatis.
12. Service and the Invisible Order.