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The Middle Pillar
The classic book on working with the energy of the body for spiritual purposes, The Middle Pillar by Israel Regardie, is now more complete, more modern, more usable, and better than ever. The exercise known as the Middle Pillar was devised by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Regardie expanded upon it and made it public over 60 years ago in the first edition of this book. Since that time, the exercise has been altered and adapted for just about any spiritual use you could think of. It is a mainstay of many Western traditions of magic. THE MIDDLE PILLAR A Co-Relation of the Principles of Analytical Psychology and the Elementary Techniques of Magic The exercise known as the Middle Pillar was devised by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Regardie expanded upon it and made it public over 60 years ago in the first edition of this book. Since that time, the exercise has been altered and adapted for just about any spiritual use you could think of. It is a mainstay of many Western traditions of magic. The exercise is intended as a technique to break the barrier between the conscious and unconscious. This classic work provides an introduction to magic and occultism while providing directions as to how to perform the Qabalistic Cross, the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram and the Middle Pillar exercise. It remains a classic book in the field. Dr. Israel Regardie authored nearly a dozen original books including such substantial works as A Garden of Pomegranates, The Tree of Life, The Philosopher s Stone and The Middle Pillar all of which were first issued in the 1930s. He worked to make the Golden Dawn system available and understandable to a new generation with new revised editions of The Golden Dawn and original works drawing upon the system in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. His transmission of the Golden Dawn system went beyond just communication of information about the system, he also acted as ritual initiator permitting others the reactivation of the Order.
200 pages, Perfect Paperback
First published January 1, 1951
181 people are currently reading
2157 people want to read
About the author
Israel Regardie
156 books310 followersIsrael Regardie (born Francis Israel Regudy) was considered by many to be the last living Adept of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. At an early age, Regardie worked as Aleister Crowley's personal secretary. In addition to his extensive writings, Regardie practiced as a chiropractor and as a neo-Reichian therapist. He taught psychiatry at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and contributed articles to many psychology magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 14, 2022
This is a book describing three introductory, yet important, ritual practices that are supposed to cleanse the practitioner's mind and spirit, so there's a conscious link and communication with Real Self, and it eventually leading to complete abandonment of the false self.
I gave it a 3 star rating, because even though it describes the rituals, how and why they work in a manner where it's all easily understandable even for someone who's new to occult literature and practices I am still against this path. Mr. Regardie compared to the degenerate Crowley seems like a decent man, who actually led a moral life and honestly wanted to help others trough his writing. He doesn't mystify the topic even further and LARP like Crowley.
I believe that there's no need for a person to perform these rituals, cloud his mind with Jewish, Hebrew expressions, evocations, angels, archangels, Tarot, astrology etc. You don't need to draw pentagrams and imagine rays of light... It might work for someone, it might make sense, but there are superior, safer practices.
I used a wrong expression, I don't just believe that there's no need for it, I experientially know it. Most of the benefits of the practice Mr. Regardie lists in the book are achievable by far less confusing and dangerous paths, such as Theravada and Zen Buddhist practice, Christian Hesychastic practices and real Yoga, strictly based on Yoga Sutras and almost nothing else. There are many traditional paths, that produced Saints. You don't have to be devoted to a single religion/philosophy/path, but it's the best to chose one and fully devote yourself to it. My practice is mostly based on Yogic practices and Christian Mysticism, which don't have many, or almost any, conflicts. I also highly respect and value Theravada and especially Zen Buddhism.
Many of spiritual seekers today are intellectually gifted and really like delving deep, finding new challenges, thinking and talking about cosmologies, symbols, astral beings, Tarot, astrology... I'm the same, but my own practice is giving me all the answers I need and keeps me on The Narrow Path. I never actually had the need to bother with any of these things besides researching them in order to be able to understand all the different Paths that people follow and getting a theme to contemplate or some new information that will be useful to me in the future. I would like to help others when I reach a higher level than I am on now, God willing, so I have to know and understand many, many things.
In closing, I have to say that I think that these Western occult, mostly Jewish and Egyptian inspired practices should be avoided. I don't think they produced many enlightened people or even one, they usually breed even more intellecualism, elitism (because they are usually performed by secret, invite-only, groups) and don't lead a person to absolute love and re-absorption into God. They usually create Luciferian-minded people, very capable in the material, who misuse the knowledge that they obtain, moral relativists, like most Freemasons, who only care about their own. Aleister Crowley is the most influential of these people and he was a heroin addict, a sexual deviant, liar and abandoned his children.
There's simply no need for these paths, make silent meditation, Prayer and self-observation your main 'practice methods' (practice lasts 24h every single day) and you will safely advance, at the pace that's right for you and get knowledge that's unique to you and your situation. We need to cleanse ourselves of the intellectual ballast we carry, not add even more to it, but it's easier said than done, especially today.
I hope we persevere.
I gave it a 3 star rating, because even though it describes the rituals, how and why they work in a manner where it's all easily understandable even for someone who's new to occult literature and practices I am still against this path. Mr. Regardie compared to the degenerate Crowley seems like a decent man, who actually led a moral life and honestly wanted to help others trough his writing. He doesn't mystify the topic even further and LARP like Crowley.
I believe that there's no need for a person to perform these rituals, cloud his mind with Jewish, Hebrew expressions, evocations, angels, archangels, Tarot, astrology etc. You don't need to draw pentagrams and imagine rays of light... It might work for someone, it might make sense, but there are superior, safer practices.
I used a wrong expression, I don't just believe that there's no need for it, I experientially know it. Most of the benefits of the practice Mr. Regardie lists in the book are achievable by far less confusing and dangerous paths, such as Theravada and Zen Buddhist practice, Christian Hesychastic practices and real Yoga, strictly based on Yoga Sutras and almost nothing else. There are many traditional paths, that produced Saints. You don't have to be devoted to a single religion/philosophy/path, but it's the best to chose one and fully devote yourself to it. My practice is mostly based on Yogic practices and Christian Mysticism, which don't have many, or almost any, conflicts. I also highly respect and value Theravada and especially Zen Buddhism.
Many of spiritual seekers today are intellectually gifted and really like delving deep, finding new challenges, thinking and talking about cosmologies, symbols, astral beings, Tarot, astrology... I'm the same, but my own practice is giving me all the answers I need and keeps me on The Narrow Path. I never actually had the need to bother with any of these things besides researching them in order to be able to understand all the different Paths that people follow and getting a theme to contemplate or some new information that will be useful to me in the future. I would like to help others when I reach a higher level than I am on now, God willing, so I have to know and understand many, many things.
In closing, I have to say that I think that these Western occult, mostly Jewish and Egyptian inspired practices should be avoided. I don't think they produced many enlightened people or even one, they usually breed even more intellecualism, elitism (because they are usually performed by secret, invite-only, groups) and don't lead a person to absolute love and re-absorption into God. They usually create Luciferian-minded people, very capable in the material, who misuse the knowledge that they obtain, moral relativists, like most Freemasons, who only care about their own. Aleister Crowley is the most influential of these people and he was a heroin addict, a sexual deviant, liar and abandoned his children.
There's simply no need for these paths, make silent meditation, Prayer and self-observation your main 'practice methods' (practice lasts 24h every single day) and you will safely advance, at the pace that's right for you and get knowledge that's unique to you and your situation. We need to cleanse ourselves of the intellectual ballast we carry, not add even more to it, but it's easier said than done, especially today.
I hope we persevere.
Read
July 14, 2008If you want to know about the Middle Pillar, then this is the book for you. It is essentially a manual for bringing about balance of mind and spirit through the use of a high magickal ritual called the middle pillar. The concepts and methods here owe more than a little to Eastern philosophies and methods of mental training. I've often thought of this book as viewing Buddhist and Hindu mind training techniques through the lens of Western psychology, layered with Qabbalistic trappings. Like any serious practice of meditation, a life time could be devoted to Regardie's methods. This isn't for seekers of instant gratification.
February 9, 2017
This work is core to the Regardie system.
April 28, 2020
This book seemingly tries to put magic and psychology together to form a occult system that seems to be based a lot on Christian and Jewish mysticism, the Golden Dawn, Tarot etc in with relaxation techniques. Can be a bit dense in parts but interesting to read about religious practice outside of the norm.
July 24, 2022
I feel like my loquacious wife after reading some of these books containing occulted, or hidden, wisdom. I hereto, therefore, force myself into an unnatural state of brevity. Israel Regardie it seems was yet another author who, like Napoleon Hill, was in trouble with self proclaimed elites for writing far too many ancient secrets in way too many delicious tomes. Speaking for plebeians everywhere, for whom this information has been kept hidden by the ruling class for far too long, allow me to thank Professor Regardie for his entire oeuvre from the very bottom of my soul, from the depths of many lifetimes with the Imperial Self, a sincere bow and Namasté from the Master Within, if you please. When I am prepared, and not a second before, will I use the formula from this sacred, holy script to connect with my Higher Guardian Angel and get serious about my purpose this time around and my contributions to the Magnum Opus. I say this with all humility compared to some of the true heavies, who came before me and tried to help us evolve without sequestering this wisdom for themselves, like Rudolf Steiner, Manly Palmer Hall, Mark Passio, Carlos Castaneda, and Drs. Regardie and Crowley to boot. As I have said many times before, at the end each of these books, one is led to their next read or lifetime of research, in the case of David Icke or the like. It appears now I am opening up parts of my brain previously dormant as my psychic abilities continue to grow. In the last three pages he mentioned a book I had not heard about prior to a few weeks back. However, I read about Carl Gustav Jung’s take on the Secret of the Golden Flower and I felt an overwhelming urge to check out my first Jung book. This time, I had already started reading what Dr. Regardie suggested here in the end.
October 23, 2018
This book offers valuable insights into Hermeticism and initiation of the Golden Dawn tradition associated with the kabbalah. It covers aspects of subtle bodies, aura, subconscious mind, the working of symbols, rituals for cleansing and harnessing spiritual energy.
The teachings here are a means to progress in the Order which manages humans to evolve in a system. We recall that famous writers and authors of literature were initiated in this tradition, and had skills to control their subconscious mentality, thereby optimizing their powers of symbolic storytelling.
The MIddle Pillar is also an essential reference point in CNF for the arrangement of the memoir to be an exalted style in literary writing.
Rituals listed seem inadequate in the modern day, however it helps to recognize awareness exercises and body-mind quotients may be noted best practises in personal development.
The teachings here are a means to progress in the Order which manages humans to evolve in a system. We recall that famous writers and authors of literature were initiated in this tradition, and had skills to control their subconscious mentality, thereby optimizing their powers of symbolic storytelling.
The MIddle Pillar is also an essential reference point in CNF for the arrangement of the memoir to be an exalted style in literary writing.
Rituals listed seem inadequate in the modern day, however it helps to recognize awareness exercises and body-mind quotients may be noted best practises in personal development.
October 28, 2020
Wonderful book and actually had some Magick practices in it that work quite effectively in my opinion.
February 3, 2020
Israel Regardie does an excellent job at explaining the importance of the Qabalistic Cross, Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram, and the Middle Pillar Ritual for the foundations of ceremonial magic work.
He also makes insightful connections between ceremonial magic and the work of Freud and Jung.
He also makes insightful connections between ceremonial magic and the work of Freud and Jung.
September 14, 2015
Useful, but I can't totally get into it--too much generalization about the polarizing differences between the Western Tradition and the Mysterious East, too much vitriol even for someone who seems as generally affable as Israel Regardie. I mean I will go back to it, and I definitely like the key statement that psychotherapy is maybe the first "ritual" someone should learn on their journey into magic, but for now, I don't know--I just never want to be reminded that I am reading a book written in the 1930s when I am actually doing that, which is obvs more my problem than Regardie's. Recommended tho!
(CONFESSION: I only skimmed the second part of the book, by the Ciceros, because it seemed more like a cookbook for different "flavors" of ritual than this weird argument in favor of/exegesis of the Middle Pillar, as per the first part. It is probably good and useful!)
(CONFESSION: I only skimmed the second part of the book, by the Ciceros, because it seemed more like a cookbook for different "flavors" of ritual than this weird argument in favor of/exegesis of the Middle Pillar, as per the first part. It is probably good and useful!)
March 20, 2017
A classic book regardings the western esoteric tradition and a must-have for any Golden Dawn practitioner. I have read this book 7 years ago translated in hellenic. I bought it in english and there is no comparisson. It is by far one of the best books concerning Hermetic Kabbalah, Golden Dawn Magick and it comes right from the source, Frater A.M.A.G. The commentaries of the Ciceros both on the original text and to their second part of the book, which is half of the book, really help a lot not only to understand the practices and their importance, but they also provide various methods and exercises for the serious practitioner to experiment and work alone. It is a really impressive book with a lot of energy from the Ciceros. Great book. Great work.
April 2, 2007
You have to read it AND practice the exercise. Very simple yet VERY profound material.
December 30, 2019
A hard read but worth many future read-throughs. The Middle Pillar is something that can be worked upon for many lifetimes and Dr Regardie lays out a solid foundation.
Read
June 24, 2019Relationship of modern psychology to ceremonial practices of the Golden Dawn tradition. All very formulaic and Kabbalah focused. Some angelic work too.
March 31, 2022
A very good introduction to the Qabalah and the Golden Dawn. The explanation of the rituals could've used a lot more visuals. Perhaps its my learning style but this would've made a much better YouTube video or short documentary. I enjoyed reading about the relationship between ceremonial magic and modern psychology. I appreciated the creativity in adapting the rituals to a variety of cultural contexts, although I felt that it was done lazily especially in the context of indigenous culture. My least favorite aspect of this book was how redundant it was. I felt like it explained the rituals multiple time and personally left me confused at points when there was different information given such directions or sides of the body. The contrast to yogic philosophy seemed a bit a forced and Regardie argued that kundalini had the potential to be dangerous and that his rituals were not dangerous whereas just a few chapters ago he warned against his rituals being dangerous without the proper preparation and psychological preparation. Overall, a lot of great, practical ideas but presented in a rather sloppy, haphazardly way.
January 13, 2021
Regardies Middle Pillar is pretty much the source text for the Middle Pillar ritual and a must read for any occultist.
The updated edition with new material from the Ciceros doubles the content and is worth reading. They include versions of classic rituals such as the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram and the middle pillar ritual that incorporate different cultures such as Greek or Egyptian which I thought was interesting. Living in Scotland I especially appreciated the Gaelic versions of the rituals although I’m a little sceptical of the “shamanic” versions which appear to be quite appropriative of a mixture of different indigenous cultures and I’m not sure how authoritative the authors are on those particular traditions.
All in all, a must read occult text with interesting new material from the Ciceros that makes the updated version worth buying
The updated edition with new material from the Ciceros doubles the content and is worth reading. They include versions of classic rituals such as the lesser banishing ritual of the pentagram and the middle pillar ritual that incorporate different cultures such as Greek or Egyptian which I thought was interesting. Living in Scotland I especially appreciated the Gaelic versions of the rituals although I’m a little sceptical of the “shamanic” versions which appear to be quite appropriative of a mixture of different indigenous cultures and I’m not sure how authoritative the authors are on those particular traditions.
All in all, a must read occult text with interesting new material from the Ciceros that makes the updated version worth buying
June 21, 2021
A truly deep dive into the "middle pillar" ritual. Regardie describes things in a way that can give the practitioner new perspective on these center balancing sephirah. The attempt to clinicize magic practice into psychological theory undoubtedly holds weight even moreso to current therapeutic methods involving meditation, grounding, and centering. A great read to reflect on the neverending depth of a ritual that is often glossed over by many in practice. The Cicero footnotes were welcome and give good insight. Nice variation of additional meditation techniques plus correspondence references at the end.
May 11, 2018
A good introduction to Magic. There was a bit of psychology in here (which is the first time I recall seeing it in a magic book), but not as pervasive as I would have thought. Has some nice relaxation exercises that also do not show up in other magic books (including one with circulation that I don't believe I've seen anywhere).
Read
December 9, 2020Good concise introduction into the workings of psychic forces and how one may think and exercise to bring this under control. Regardless of all the technical education in the world, humans are inherently emotional beings and must attach an emotion to an object or event to harness its energy; there are some pretty good tips on how that can be done on a more conscious level.
April 11, 2021
This is a bit over the top for most people - but interesting non the less.
It should be seen as an instruction manual and not a body of philosophy - get into the action and practice the techniques - then the rest will make sense!
As far as I am concerned all people should be do in this exercise to balance themselves and bring clarity of mind.
I highly recommend it!
It should be seen as an instruction manual and not a body of philosophy - get into the action and practice the techniques - then the rest will make sense!
As far as I am concerned all people should be do in this exercise to balance themselves and bring clarity of mind.
I highly recommend it!
July 15, 2017
Well the concepts are very interesting but the psychological parts were a bit on the dull side , that's just my opinion, I am a fan of philosophy and psychology however fusing them with spiritual practice is a bit odd.....
Either way , Great explanations for Kabbalah ...
Either way , Great explanations for Kabbalah ...
August 30, 2017
It was amazing ! the same thought that Regadie possess and so I ! ther is a middle pillar between magic and mind they are to things one spiritual and one psychological . what I want to say is spiritual thing is used as psychological. and everything is not meant to be since.
July 24, 2022
Excellent reference material
This book is an excellent reference source for your your esoteric training. It contains plenty of exercises that one can perform on a daily basis. Definitely a must read for all practitioners of Magick.
This book is an excellent reference source for your your esoteric training. It contains plenty of exercises that one can perform on a daily basis. Definitely a must read for all practitioners of Magick.
April 19, 2024
This book is very very interesting on hoe Hermetica and Hestetic dogma about manifestation and the will getting what you cam. There is alot on meditation wich really worked as well aa talking about Yoga vhakras opening.
March 22, 2017
It was so long ago now, I barely remember it, to be honest, but I do recall finding it engrossing, at least. it occurs to me that Regardie did a bang-up job of describing basic Kabalistic principles in an organised and easy to comprehend manner.
August 30, 2019
Book tells us about the middle pillar throughout from its philosophy to exercises and its concepts. Tries to answer all possible questions you can have in your mind
February 12, 2020
If you want to go in depth into the LBRP and Middle Pillar exercises, this is the book for you.
January 16, 2021
Amazing book which connects ceremonial magick and psychoanalysis.
My first time performing the ritual was the most amazing energy experience I have ever had.
My first time performing the ritual was the most amazing energy experience I have ever had.
February 4, 2021
Useful primarily for the descriptions of what success in this is supposed to feel like
Read
December 6, 2021Amazing book, first part is kinda boring but the second is excellent for people who want to know meaning of LBRP
January 18, 2022
This was exactly what I needed for continuation on my magical journey. Highly recommend for anyone that is interested in a magical practice or already had one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews