Initiation in the Aeon of the Child: The Inward Journey

by J. Daniel Gunther

This book’s primary focus is an understanding of the change to the formulas of Initiation brought about by the advent of the New Aeon—the Aeon of the Child—in 1904. It draws deeply from Jungian psychology, world mythology and religion, the teachings of Aleister Crowley, and the doctrines of the Mystery traditions. It explains how the revelations unique to this stage of human evolution impact the work of the individual aspirant. Much of what is written here is revealed for the first time, with every attempt to do so in clear and precise language. 

Genres: Thelema, Occult, Tarot, Magick, Nonfiction, Esoterica

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Zaubin Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is okay. A lot of great ideas and explanations of the thelemic philosophy and system. But a bit too arrogant and dogmatic for my tastes. He tries too hard to justify Crowley as a prophet, sent by God Himself, and the validity of the idea of "Aeons." But this book is worth reading, as the author is an apparent master of occult symbolism. My other problem is that oftentimes he goes to great lengths to explain very little. There is a build-up, lots of symbolic anecdotes along the way, and then the letdown: it's a secret, or, you'll find out for yourself. Why bother?

[Dean Paradiso · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book will likely make little sense for about 90% of readers. Unless one has been through some sort of experiential awakening or journey in Self-Realization, then it will remain almost all just intellectual information or form the basis of a new belief system. There is absolutely zero practical application in this book, and the author likely saves any practical instruction for the AA school/material of which he is a part. It will make some sense for those who have spent a while studying and practicing in a Western Mystery Tradition type school or setup, but again likely just on the intellectual level. The book is relevant for those deep into WMT and Crowly/AA/Thelema type cosmology and thought. Although there is some cross referencing for Christian Mysticism, and also some vague Eastern religious/yoga ideas, the format is largely unstructured and doesn't follow any sequence or logical flow in presenting information. Ideas and theories are presented ad hoc. I would recommend it as an interesting supplement for those already on a practical spiritual journey using Western Mysticism cosmology.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.

On rare occasions in life, we come across a book that changes us — opens our eyes a bit wider and gives us food for thought, and perhaps even a bit of technology for the spirit. This is one of those books for me. In fact, it is not a book you read and move on. This one calls you back...and I learn new things every time.

I am so grateful to the writer for this important work.

Love is the law, love under will.

[Damien · Rating 1 out of 5]

Self-aggrandizing prattle. There are a few inaccuracies, and perhaps some phrases that were probably coined by the author. For some one who is writing about Crowley, Thelema, and the New Aeon, he spends way too much time trying to show off his knowledge of the Golden Dawn, Jesus Christ, and several other Old Aeon notions. It's extremely tedious and unnecessary.

[Tyrone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the more... I guess scholarly is the right word, but scholarly looks at the concept of Thelema and the processes and symbolism, both internal and external that one comes into contact with along the path of initiation.
Valuable, but just a little bit too verbose.

[Jure · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a necessary read for a Thelemite these days. We are all waiting for the next one

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

better read the second time.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I’ve read on Thelema and the AA to date. It does a great job at explaining the new pattern of initiation in the aeon of Horus.

[Peter Morris]

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