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Featured here is a collection of occult essays from notable spiritual author Charles Webster Leadbeater on a range of esoteric and theosophical topics.

Renowned occult author Frater Achad dissects the ancient art of crystal gazing, for the act of scrying or otherworldly viewing. Crystal gazing can help the seer come into contact and communicate with intelligences of a higher order. He discusses the history of crystal gazing, how to get started, and what the seer can expect as well as difficulties and how to overcome them. He also discusses using this skill in ceremonial rituals. He references the methods of Trithemius and includes a section on John Dee and Edward Kelly's Enochian angelic scrying conversations.

Generally, when we hear the word “psalm”, we tend to think of the traditional 150 psalms that collectively comprise the Book of Psalms of the Old Testament. Of those 150 psalms, about half of them are traditionally attributed to David. But, King Solomon is also remembered for being a prolific writer, as the author of numerous biblical books: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and Wisdom of Solomon, as well as this one. Presented here are King Solomon's lost 18 psalms that make up this apocryphal book.

Brother Westcott describes karma in a theosophical setting and also touches briefly on Esoteric Christianity while reminding us that we all have potential divinity inside of us. He warns heavily of the perils and pitfalls the neophyte must navigate to avoid becoming a black magician, while exploring what he refers to as the hidden mysteries of nature. Additionally, he reminds us that although every potential Adept must exist on this physical plane, they must also live above it.

Famed masonic and spiritual writer J. D. Buck discusses and examines a lesser-known book called The Great Work: The Constructive Principle of Nature in Individual Life, by John Emmett Richardson. Buck believes that Richardson has uncovered some deeper secrets that relate to the masonic initiations and the lost word, and he wishes to share some of the insight.

There is no symbol more interesting to the masonic student than the Sprig of Acacia—not only on account of its own peculiar import—but also because it introduces us to an extensive and delightful field of research: that, namely, which embraces the symbolism of sacred plants. In all the ancient systems of religion, and Mysteries of initiation, there was always some one plant consecrated, in the minds of the worshippers and participants, by a peculiar symbolism.

Leadbeater discusses his own struggles in occult initiation, through both astral and physical trials, which eventually led him to the ability to access what he describes as the Buddhic consciousness. He describes how each master has his own plan and that every path is different. Also, he discusses the relationship between the student and the teacher and gives examples of what a new student on the path might expect.

Leadbeater addresses this question of the aspirant, who may be wondering why the Master hasn't singled them out and asked for more. Leadbeater points out that the offer must come from the other side. It is the role of the student to make him or herself available and wait for the Master to reach out to them, since any older student can help teach and attend to a newcomer's immediate needs. The Master's role is a higher one.

Prominent Theosophical writer, Charles Webster Leadbeater, discusses how we are influenced by everything that surrounds us, be it rocks, plants, or other people. Everything we encounter possesses an essence appropriate to its elemental counterpart, which imparts an influence on us. Leadbeater explains how to navigate our environment with this in mind. Written for students of Theosophy.

The author discusses numerous topics related to physical alchemy, including the practical methods, which the Renaissance alchemists would have used for transmutation of baser metals into gold. He discusses alchemical mercury, calcination, First Matter, creating both vegetable and metallic tinctures, Caput Mortuum, Essential Salt, the Seed in Metals, the quintessence, separation, the Mystical Marriage, ripening the Seed, the White Tincture, uses of the Stone, the Great Work, and other topics.

Leadbeater gives advice on how to approach those who demand proof of the claims of the Theosophical doctrine. He also advises on where to begin, if you are a newcomer to the field and don't have the time to consume the vast depth of Theosophical literature that sits before you.

Leadbeater describes what a non-member might expect to encounter behind closed doors at a Theosophical Lodge meeting, such as he would have attended in his day, what they may get out of it, what they might give and what is gained by all, through this collective group of individuals coming together. The outcome is likely not all that different from every real occult lodge, not just the theosophical ones.

Member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and cocreator of probably the most famous and commonly used tarot deck, Arthur Edward Waite was also a prolific writer and prominent Freemason. Here he examines many of the adjacent intellectual movements that were happening in Europe prior to the creation of the Grand Lodge of England in 1717, which many scholars have claimed were an influence on Masonry, such as alchemy, Kabbalah, and the Rosicrucian fraternity.

Is karma just another word for fate? Is karma subject to time? Do animals have karma? These are just some of the questions posed in this collection of seven short essays by Theosophist writer William Q. Judge, while exploring the topic of karma. The essays are: "Karma", "Aphorisms on Karma", "Karma in the Desatir", "Thoughts on Karma", "Men Karmic Agents", "Is Karma Only Punishment?" and "Is Poverty Bad Karma?"

The author, a prolific writer and a member of the Theosophical Society, describes his personal journey through the Masonic fraternity, as a co-mason. He explains his shock with the familiarity of the lodge room, as he recalled it exactly from a past life in ancient Egypt. He proceeds to compares the modern masonic ritual with ancient Egyptian mysteries, which he clearly remembers. He explains that the fraternity purposely pretended to be operative masons, to avoid persecution from the Church.