Angel Millar's Blog

Published by Inner Traditions, The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality: Craftsman, Warrior, Magician is now available from Amazon dot com, Barnes & Noble, and other booksellers. I will be posting some interviews about the book but, until then, here’s what others are saying about it:

“Angel’s book will make you stronger, sturdier, and more learned.” — Mitch Horowitz, PEN Award–winning historian.

“This book is the result of stunningly broad in-depth research both on the theoretical and on the practical level–a researcher-practitioner at his very best.” — Frater U.D., author of Secrets of Western Sex Magic: Magical Energy and Gnostic Trance.


“Angel Millar offers a refreshing answer to the existential crisis experienced by modern man.” — Angelo Nasios, author of Tarot: Unlocking the Arcana.

“worthy of repeated consultation.” — C. R. Dunning Jr., author of Contemplative Masonry.

“a comprehensive tour of the essentials of initiation and their importance in daily life.” — Mark Stavish, author of Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny.

You can also find a longer description of the book on Amazon dot com and Barnes & Noble.

A detailed guide to the three successive initiatic archetypes: Craftsman, Warrior, and Magician

• Investigates the symbolism, rituals, and metaphysical aspects of each initiatic archetype, from the alchemy and shamanism of the craftsman, to the subtle energy work of the warrior, to the sex magic practices and Higher Self work of the magician

• Shares meditations, practices, and transformational techniques for each archetype

• Investigates the similarities between contemporary Western occultism, from Crowley to Chaos Magic, and the “positive thinking” mind metaphysics movement

Exploring the craftsman, warrior, and magician archetypes--three vocations that echo the traditional tripartite division of society--Angel Millar reveals how these archetypes represent the three successive stages of spiritual growth in an individual’s life. He shows how they provide structure for the initiatory process to develop one’s mental, physical, and spiritual potential. As craftsman, the individual experiences “mnemonic” initiation: the cultivation of memory as well as language. As warrior, “somatic” initiation: development of the physical body and cultivation of the spirit body. And as magician, “gnostic” initiation: cultivation of the self and manifestation of the Higher Self.

Investigating the metaphysical aspects of each archetype, the author explores their symbolism, spiritual practices, and rituals. Examining the craftsman archetype, he looks at metallurgy, alchemy, and the “Craft” of Freemasonry, as well as the ancient role of blacksmith as shaman. He explores the idea of God as a “Creator” or “Craftsman,” especially in relation to ancient Greek philosophy, Islamic neoplatonism, and the Kabbalah. Examining the warrior archetype, he reveals how the way of the warrior was affected by religion and mysticism, such as how the Persian martial art of Zoorkhaneh was profoundly shaped by Sufism and why the Buddhist Shaolin temple became synonymous with Kung Fu. The author places special emphasis on the cultivation of subtle energy as practiced in martial arts, especially in relation to Taoist inner alchemy. Examining the magician archetype, he reveals how each individual has two “selves”--a lower self and a Higher Self--and explores the union of opposites studied by the magician, such as in the tantric arts and sacred sex magic. Sharing meditations, practices, and processes associated with each archetype, as well as techniques for transforming one’s consciousness, he also investigates similarities between contemporary Western occultism, from Crowley to Chaos Magic, and the “positive thinking” mind metaphysics movement.

Structured to parallel the three archetypal stages of the initiatic process, this comprehensive guide offers a literary initiation through three degrees of esoteric knowledge.

Author: Angel Millar
Available: Numen Books
Pub date: Early March
Pages: 216
Formats: hardback and paperback

Praise for The Crescent And The Compass:

“Shedding new light on the ideas of Islamic mysticism, ‘Traditionalism’ and the seeds of eastern gnosis hidden deep within western history, The Crescent And The Compass will hopefully spark a resurgence of exploration and dialogue between eastern and western fields of esoteric scholarship, allowing new ideas to emerge that can hopefully provide much-needed guidance out of the dark haze of fundamentalist thought… This is a vital work on the influence of Islamic gnosis on western streams of esoteric spirituality… It should be closely examined by all individuals interested in Islam and the West.” — Craig Williams, author of Cave of the Numinous: Tantric Physics, vol. I.

“… a brilliant exposition on a neglected topic. The history and connections Millar elucidates are not only crucial for an accurate understanding of Islam and Freemasonry today but … [also] the darker side of the story: anti-Masonry, conspiracies, and violent reactionaries. …extremely interesting, and filled with new insights. We should all take notice” — Greg Kaminsky, Occult of Personality podcast.