Who wrote this mysterious guide to the principles of esoteric psychology and worldly success? History has kept readers guessing . . . and now, for the first time, seekers everywhere can discover a widely available edition of a guidebook that has been an underground classic for generations.

Here are the teachings of the legendary sage Hermes Trismegistus, reinterpreted for the modern reader. Rumored to be an ancient Egyptian man-god who fathered astrology, alchemy, and other magical arts, the figure of Hermes has fascinated readers of occult literature for generations. Writers in late antiquity named Hermes Trismegistus as the author of their own esoteric teachings, building the mystery of his lineage. Since 1908, The Kybalion—written at the hand of the unnamed "Three Initiates"—has itself generated debate and controversy. Who is behind it? Do its ideas really arise from the secrets of a distant era? And, most important, do they work for the modern seeker? In this concise, engaging guide, the pseudonymous author breaks down Hermetic doctrine into seven compelling principles, and then provides practical methods for how to apply them for self-development in daily life. Here is the definitive edition of a classic of esoteric psychology, now available to readers everywhere.

Biography

The identity of Three Initiates has been the subject of much secrecy and rumor since The Kybalion first appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century.

In six succinct accessible chapters the author leads us through the inherent places of intersection between shamanism and psychology (altered states of consciousness, imagery, intent to heal, and the unconscious) into the true heart of this pioneering synthesis. Probing the depths of inadequate bonding in infancy, Dr. Gagan elucidates the mending of emotional wounding through shamanic technique. During journeying experiences, shamanic power animals provide nurturing not previously experienced while softening edges of neediness and desperation that too often feed adult and adolescent aggression. Anchored in theory and supported by clinical case examples, this book beats a fast-paced path to the alchemy of psychological transformation. Through such self-empowering application of shamanic psychotherapeutics, soul is breathed back into psychology. Journeying is suited for anyone invested in healing, practitioners and lay persons alike.

In these times of spiritual awakening, this book serves as a beacon lighting the path, unifying into one complete circle the cycles of pain into the realities of healing body, mind and spirit. — Grandmother Waynonah Two Worlds, Native American elder of the Bear Clan Lodge

Impressive in its scope and depth, this text provides a new way of looking at the origins of psychotherapy and an understanding of shamanic healing in terms that are relevant to contemporary culture and psychology. —Larry G. Peters, PhD, Psychologist, ethnologist, and professor

In this phenomenal book Jeannette Gagan gives us a psychological picture of the power of shamanic healing. Specifically, she shows how the separating and controlling energy of violence transforms into healing unity. This is `must reading' as we work toward a world of illumination and cooperation for the coming millennium.—Twylah Nitsch, Seneca elder and granddaughter of Moses and Alice Shongo

This is another impressive work...serves as an excellent guide to some of the best ways to bring ancient wisdom into modern psychological practice. —-Association For Humanistic Psychology Perspective, Stanley Krippner and Christopher Ryan, April/May 1999

C Michael Smith

...a significant contribution to the growing body of literature on the interface of shamanism and psychotherapy. (Shamanic Applications Review, C. Michael Smith, PhD, Spring 1999, Issue Number 7)

The mysterious powers of gems, crystals, and minerals are finally explained in this practical guide to creating talismans. Casting a modern light on the age-old practice of talismans, gemologist Henry M. Mason correlates the mystical properties of these wondrous objects with the science of gemology.

Connecting with the universal life force, the proper talisman can focus and magnify your own qualities—helping you fulfill dreams and desires. Mason's seven secrets explore how crystal structure, color, and chemistry contribute to a talisman's natural energies for aiding in attraction, protection, self-improvement, creativity, tranquility, spiritual awakening, and more. From selecting and preparing the proper mineral to empowering your talisman, this guide takes you through every step of creating and using talismans and amulets for optimum effect.

Biography

Hailing from a family of gemologists and gem cutters, Henry M. Mason (Florida) is a gemologist, lapidary, gem cutter, and amateur mineralogist. He is certified by the Gemological Institute of America and holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science from the USAF Academy.

Joseph Eagle Elk (1931–91) was an effective and highly respected traditional Lakota healer. He practiced for nearly thirty years, treating serious physical and mental illnesses among the people of the Rosebud Reservation and elsewhere. In 1990 he began collaborating on his memoir with Gerald Mohatt, a close friend and cross-cultural psychologist.

Eagle Elk’s story of his life, practice, and beliefs provides a uniquely introspective, demystified, and informative look at the career of a traditional Native American healer. We learn how a persistent vision and recurring visits by thunder spirits led Eagle Elk long ago to become a healer. On a more general level, we gain valuable insights into how Lakota healers practice today. Eagle Elk’s story and teachings also demonstrate the importance of community support and consensus in the development of traditional healers. Gerald Mohatt’s perspective as a cross-cultural psychologist enables him to highlight the psychological dimensions and efficacy of Eagle Elk’s healings and place them within a cross-cultural context.



Eagle Elk’s life and career are presented in a way that brings together formative episodes from his life, selected teachings that emerged from those experiences, and case studies in healing. This arrangement allows readers to grasp the close relationship between the personal and cultural dimensions of traditional healing and to understand how and why this practice continues to affect and help others.

Biography

Gerald Mohatt is a professor of psychology and education at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and the founding president of Sinte Gleska University, the Rosebud Sioux tribal college. He is the coauthor of Transforming the Culture of Schools: Yup’ik Eskimo Examples.