Western
Used Esoteric Books

Diagnoses the fundamental "abnormality" of Western civilization compared to traditional societies of the East and offers avenues of reorientation toward fundamental principles largely abandoned.

Early articles by Guénon on Sufism or Islamic esoterism defining the fundamental elements of tasawwuf, shari'ah, tariquah, and haquqah. An essay also explores Taoism and Confucianism.

Given Guénon's lifelong preoccupation with initiatic spiritualty, the cosmological sciences, and the errors of modernity, there is no real incompatibility of outlook here between the Guénon of 1909 and the of 1950. Far from being a mere collection of fugitive writings, Miscellanea is an important work in its own right, worthy of its own unique place in the Guénonian corpus.

Provides indispensable points of reference for anyone attempting to distinguish between 'initiatic,' 'pseudo-initiatic,' and 'counter-initiatic' spiritualities. Makes a distinction between initiatic and mystical paths and the dangers and barrenness of syncretism and the often dire consequences of fostering 'psychic powers.'

Analysis of the relationship between royal and sacerdotal power in accordance with the Hindu doctrine of Manvantara and Plato's depiction of historical degeneration in the Republic, Guénon views history as a series of revolts of lower castes against the higher. When the nadir of lawful historical degeneration is reached, a new cycle begins, that of the dawning of the Heavenly Jerusalem—spiritual Knowledge.

The last book to appear during his lifetime (1886–1951), this is Guénon's most comprehensive exposition of the science of Alchemy. The 'Great Triad,' defined as Heaven-Man-Earth, is a cosmological and metaphysical doctrine which Guénon traces through Chinese Taoism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Buddhist, Hermetic and Masonic teachings.

One of Guénon's most controversial books, it was written in response to Ferdinand Ossendowski's Men, Beasts and Gods, whose closing chapters concerning the "King of the World" and Agartha, his subterranean kingdom.

Mathematics, Guénon believes, must be rediscovered as the handmaiden of metaphysics. Agreeing with Plato that mathematics can furnish symbols for metaphysics, Guénon argues that if metaphysical principles in themselves are not understood—which they clearly aren't by the vast majority of modern mathematicians and scientists—it cannot fulfill this function. Leibnitz, discoverer of the infinitesimal calculus and major critic of Descartes, he sees as a significant modern philosopher of mathematics, whose insights are worth placing in a metaphysical context—something Leibnitz himself tried to do. Guénon helps make these efforts more metaphysically intelligible, and transposes them to a higher level.

Packed with arcane facts, Guénon reveals and interprets the phenomena of Spiritism, real or alleged. His accompanying doctrinal expositions offer prescient insight into the modern mind's many deviations and "psychological," particularly its many brands of New Age "therapy' to which he offers a much needed corrective.

A devastating and detailed critique of Mme Blavatsky's Theosophical Society and its antecedents. Included is Rudolf Steiner's breakaway Anthroposophy movement. An unusual feature is the extensive treatment of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor and other occult systems.

Focuses on a study on cosmic cycles beginning with the Hindu doctrine of Manvantara and considering those of Egyptian Hermeticism, Greco-Roman antiquity, the Kabbal, Sufis, Ismailis, Hopi, Lakota and Maya nations. As earlier ages differed qualitatively from ours, this may explain why our historicism and archaeology have yet to truly access those of "Hyperborea" and "Atlantis." Guénon transmits the requisite sense of these earlier times which may awaken the intuition of higher levels of Being.