Initiation in the Aeon of the Child: The Inward Journey

by J. Daniel Gunther

In 1904, The Book of the Law declared the advent of a new period in the course of human history -- The Aeon of Horus or Aeon of the Child. The doctrine codified in The Book of the Law and the numerous other Holy Books known as Thelema revealed Aleister Crowley as the Prophet of the new Aeon.

In this ground-breaking book, author J. Daniel Gunther provides a penetrating and cohesive analysis of the spiritual doctrine underlying and informing the Aeon of the Child, and the sublime formulas of Initiation encountered by those who would probe its mysteries. Drawing on more than 30 years of experiences as a student and teacher within the Order of the A.·.A.·., the author examines the doctrinal thread of Thelema in its historical, religious, and practical context.

This book is written in clear, precise language that will aid those students who seek to navigate the difficult terrain of the spiritual quest. More advanced students will find tantalizing clues to serve as guideposts and eventual confirmation of direct experience.

With numerous diagrams and detailed references encompassing ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic texts, the Apocrypha, the Old and New Testaments, alchemy, hermetic Qabalah, and tarot, as well as the writings of Carl Jung and Aleister Crowley.

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

224 pages, Hardcover

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.

[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.

[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.

[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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