Alchemical Lightwork - by Arthur Versluis (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

How to manifest light for spiritual regeneration in our dark age of technological materialism

- Explores the significance of light in spiritual life--drawing on the esoteric tradition of alchemy--to transcend materialism and seed new cultures rooted in perennial wisdom

- Examines ideas from Western mysticism, Tibetan Buddhism, and other traditions to show how spiritual alchemy is a path to transformation and regeneration

- By working with spiritual images, shows how to advance spiritual evolution and heal from artificial culture by learning to separate illusion from reality

This book weds contemporary lightwork and classical, transformative alchemy to offer a path to achieving spiritual evolution. Examining the contradictions of modern times through the concept of the "end of an age," Arthur Versluis reveals how to transcend materialism and create new cultures of light rooted in perennial wisdom.

Versluis considers the ramifications of the materialism that separates us from nature. Modern technology may seem to point toward endless progress but, without a spiritual orientation, this progress is an illusion. While some may fall into pessimism, Versluis shows that seeds of light are present in the darkness.

Exploring the tradition of alchemy through the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus, the Grail tradition, and other esoteric works, Versluis shows how we can achieve psychological and spiritual transformation. He explains how lightwork is at the heart of how to wake up and experience a regeneration of self and a reconnection to the Earth. He includes alchemical images for visualization practices to help us awaken to deeper truths, see beyond the veil of illusion, and transcend an illusory sense of self.

Alchemical Lightwork provides the perennial wisdom that shows how we can seed new cultures to recover our humanity, achieve self-realization, and improve the world at large.

Review Quotes

"I recommend this book--with its superb color illustrations--to any reader or student of alchemy who seeks to move beyond the endless repetitions found in contemporary publications."-- "R. J. Stewart, author of Earth Light, The Underworld Initiation, and Advanced Magical Arts"

"There are books that capture the longings and hopes of a pivotal era in history and give them a form that catalyzes collective change. Alchemical Lightwork may well fill that role for our time. Combining the contemporary spiritual movement of lightwork with the wisdom of classical alchemical texts, this book offers a path out of the darkness of our 'enlightened' dark age toward individual and collective spiritual regeneration."-- "John Michael Greer, author of The King in Orange, The Twilight of Pluto, The Druidry Handbook, and T"

"This is a truly light-filled book that speaks to our nigredo age in the language of alchemical transmutation, lighting the way to a restored wholeness for ourselves and our society."-- "Christopher McIntosh, author of The Call of the Old Gods, Occult Russia, and Occult Germany"

"This luminous book weaves light, love, and creativity into a network of associations that enhance and support human spiritual development. Versluis traces the various stages of alchemical transformation for the integration of the inner and outer, of the soul and body, through 'steps of light' leading to wholeness and unity. This book synthesizes alchemical history, leading figures, deep symbolism, visual art, and sacred texts with a hidden history of elemental, esoteric teachings and ancient mysteries. A passionate counternarrative to the current spiritual uncertainty, this book offers a brilliant reformulation of alchemy as a path of personal spiritual discovery. Beautifully illustrated with rare alchemical prints, this is an inspiring guide to inner transformation!"-- "Lee Irwin, author of Alchemy of Soul and Divine Feminine Gnosis"

"Through the ancient craft of spiritual alchemy, Arthur Versluis guides us on a journey through stages of restoration both physical and mystical. This is an important book that can initiate profound changes both within us and in the world. Highly recommended."-- "John Matthews, author of The Prophecies of Merlin and coauthor of The Complete King Arthur and The L"

About the Author

Dr. Arthur Versluis, Ph.D., is president of the Hieros Institute, a nonprofit devoted to realizing the sacred in contemporary life. The former chair of the Department of Religious Studies at Michigan State University, he has written numerous books, including Sacred Earth and The Secret History of Western Sexual Mysticism.