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The Training & Work of an Initiate
Traces the ancient Qabalistic, Greek, and Egyptian roots of the Western esoteric systems, and how the initiation tradition has been handed down from adept to neophyte. Dion Fortune reveals both the broad outlines and underlying principles of these systems. Includes a new introduction by Gareth Knight. Index.
133 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1930
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About the author
Dion Fortune
146 books477 followersViolet Mary Firth Evans (better known as Dion Fortune), was a British occultist and author. Her pseudonym was inspired by her family motto "Deo, non fortuna" (Latin for "by God, not fate").
From 1919 she began writing a number of novels and short stories that explored various aspects of magic and mysticism, including The Demon Lover, The Winged Bull, The Goat-Foot God, and The Secrets of Dr. Taverner. This latter is a collection of short stories based on her experiences with Theodore Moriarty. Two of her novels, The Sea Priestess and Moon Magic, became influential within the religion of Wicca, especially upon Doreen Valiente.
Of her non-fiction works on magical subjects, the best remembered of her books are; The Cosmic Doctrine, meant to be a summation of her basic teachings on mysticism; The Mystical Qabalah, an introduction to Hermetic Qabalah; and Psychic Self Defence, a manual on how to protect oneself from psychic attacks. Though some of her writings may seem dated to contemporary readers, they have the virtue of lucidity and avoid the deliberate obscurity that characterised many of her forerunners and contemporaries.
From 1919 she began writing a number of novels and short stories that explored various aspects of magic and mysticism, including The Demon Lover, The Winged Bull, The Goat-Foot God, and The Secrets of Dr. Taverner. This latter is a collection of short stories based on her experiences with Theodore Moriarty. Two of her novels, The Sea Priestess and Moon Magic, became influential within the religion of Wicca, especially upon Doreen Valiente.
Of her non-fiction works on magical subjects, the best remembered of her books are; The Cosmic Doctrine, meant to be a summation of her basic teachings on mysticism; The Mystical Qabalah, an introduction to Hermetic Qabalah; and Psychic Self Defence, a manual on how to protect oneself from psychic attacks. Though some of her writings may seem dated to contemporary readers, they have the virtue of lucidity and avoid the deliberate obscurity that characterised many of her forerunners and contemporaries.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 14, 2018
I think anyone who intends to pursue a Western mysteries tradition with vigor should read most, if not all, of Dion Fortune's books. They are clearly written by somehow who lived this path, and not only lived it, but innovated within it and was committed to offering the fruits of her efforts in service. There is ample practical information in here about the path - walking it, understanding it, etc. This said, Fortune had some unfortunate (a generous euphemism) beliefs about the English "race" that appear from time-to-time in her work - not necessarily that the English are superior, but that they are different from other "races." She also, in an unsurprising fashion given her time period, had some unfortunate things to say about gay and Lesbian seekers of the Mysteries, which I believe are false and even think she probably wouldn't have believed if she lived today. Then again, I am kind to her because I find so, so, so much value in her work. I also am not as enamored with the distinction between mystic and occultist (or as Crowley put it, mystic and magickian) - my experience is that this needn't be an either/or. In sum, if you have difficulty seeing past the issues in her material (or her Christianity), this may not be the occult book for you. But if you don't mind separating the wheat from the chaff, I think this book is profoundly useful for spiritual aspirants on occult paths.
December 18, 2014
Okay look first off: it is a bummer when you get through 118 pages of an occult book only to learn that all queer and intersex people are universally banned from initiation into magical practices, except of course for "phallic rites and black magic, where such things have a use." Fuck you very much, Dion Fortune! Also: ludicrous early-twentieth-century "scientific" racism, except in terms of magical practices, ugh, but at least not very much of it.
But aside from that, what is there even to say about this book? I have no idea how one even decides whether it's good or not, short of like--actually entering into a slow process of magical initiation along her lines. I will say that as these books go, there was a pretty close tracking between Fortune talking about say, the Lords of Atlantis and how their Manu Narada was responsible for the organization of human spirit into the conscious mind, me thinking "Wait a minute, Dion Fortune, Atlantis, really, what the heck," and Fortune writing that of course it'd be stupid to actually believe any of this made-up sounding stuff about Atlantis so don't worry about it too much. So if it's mystical folderol, it is at least mystical folderol that does some nontrivial work toward "convincing the skeptic" in a way that I appreciate. Also points for saying that maybe before you study magic you should go off and study physics, basic logic, and the history of philosophy so that you do not say dumb stuff. It is a magic book for those of us who are deeply suspicious of magic books I guess.
But aside from that, what is there even to say about this book? I have no idea how one even decides whether it's good or not, short of like--actually entering into a slow process of magical initiation along her lines. I will say that as these books go, there was a pretty close tracking between Fortune talking about say, the Lords of Atlantis and how their Manu Narada was responsible for the organization of human spirit into the conscious mind, me thinking "Wait a minute, Dion Fortune, Atlantis, really, what the heck," and Fortune writing that of course it'd be stupid to actually believe any of this made-up sounding stuff about Atlantis so don't worry about it too much. So if it's mystical folderol, it is at least mystical folderol that does some nontrivial work toward "convincing the skeptic" in a way that I appreciate. Also points for saying that maybe before you study magic you should go off and study physics, basic logic, and the history of philosophy so that you do not say dumb stuff. It is a magic book for those of us who are deeply suspicious of magic books I guess.
June 17, 2017
There are pearls of Wisdon here, but not all of Fortune's ideas resonated with me. The unnecessary dichotomy of mystic and occultist, the admonition against blending Eastern and Western traditions followed by the practice of doing so in the work itself, the racial, gender, and sexuality based discrimination as well as the distinction between the efficacy of ritual as practiced by someone who has been injured accidentally as opposed to one with a similar congenital issue - these kinds of things were problematic for me. I am, however, used to looking for that which is useful in the midst of the chaff, and there is useful material here.
August 23, 2007
Another classic of occultism from Dion Fortune. A must read for all occultists.
October 15, 2009
Utterly fantastic. I continue to fall further in love with Ms Dion Fortune. This is a must for all occultists are those interested in any form of spiritualism - reread and pass along!
January 24, 2011
Highly recommend Dion Fortune's books. Have enjoyed every one.
February 8, 2025
Best esoteric teaching
Dion Fortune is a trusted source for a spiritual path. This book explains in concrete terms what are the means to develop spiritualy.
Dion Fortune is a trusted source for a spiritual path. This book explains in concrete terms what are the means to develop spiritualy.
August 26, 2023
Wow, what an absolutely incredible book. This touched my heart with it’s depth and understanding of the work of God and the universe. The messages within it’s pages made my mind open further and stretch in the a whole new way!! I would recommend this book to everyone who is ready to grow and progress in new and exciting ways.
May 21, 2024
Her ne kadar dönem gereği bazı sosyal öğeler eskimiş olsa da (queer teorisi üzerine yazılanlar), Batı okült okulları ve inisiyasyon süreci ile alakalı kompakt ve başarılı bir özet olarak düşünülebilir. Konu ile ilgilenen kişilerin bilgi dağarcığını sağlamlaştıracak bir kaynak.
October 7, 2024
It is not exactly bad, but it is very stiff and old-fashioned and I got very little from it. Much of what she says is quite contestable and the attempted syntheses do not convince. There are much better sources on the topic.
September 14, 2020
This woman is a treasure to mankind, that's all I have to say.
October 23, 2020
Excellent covering of the basics
February 6, 2023
valuable enough to read again in the future
May 6, 2025
Uma obra essencial para quem está começando no caminho esotérico.
June 23, 2025
Interesting but thick
Interesting with a lot to ponder but definitely not a casual read. I would say it's important to keep the time period it was written during under advisement as well.
Interesting with a lot to ponder but definitely not a casual read. I would say it's important to keep the time period it was written during under advisement as well.
August 10, 2016
Didn't get much from this.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews