Occult Fundamentals and Spiritual Unfoldment, Vol. 1: The Early Writings

by Paul Foster Case, Paul A. Clark (Introduction), Tony DeLuce (Forward)

Shortly after leaving the Alpha et Omega (MacGregor Mather's reformulation of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn), Paul Foster Case developed a lecture series entitled -The First Year Course-. The purpose of the lectures was to provide students with a firm foundation in spiritual science and practice and to prepare them for Paul Case's rendition of the Golden Dawn Order. When this coursework was expanded in 1924, the contents of the -The First Year Course- became known as Section A, The Life Power', and Section B, The Seven Steps of Spiritual Unfoldment'. The Life Power' provided a firm foundation of Occult Fundamentals and the The Seven Steps of Spiritual Unfoldment' utilized the Major Arcana of the Tarot to communicate the stages of Spiritual Evolution. The early writings of Paul Foster Case are exceptionally clear and represent some of his finest work. Anyone approaching these lessons for the first time are encouraged to spend at least two weeks on each before proceeding to the next. This is precisely the manner in which the lectures and lessons were intended to be assimilated. Paul Case utilizes images in addition to words to communicate principles. Proceeding in such a manner will allow the corresponding ideas to take root and mature and thus facilitate understanding of the next lesson in the series.

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2008

Reviews

[Teri Uktena · Rating 2 out of 5]

A product of it's time. The author claims universality for concepts he has appropriated from other cultures and yet doesn't quite understand. He admits to not having studied Kabbalah or anything specific about Judaism, but to know it fully from having read the Sephir Yetzirah. The same pattern for European astology, astronomy, with the addition of Rider-Smith-Waite tarot.

He then makes truth claims about what things mean which are now easily disproven by a quick Google or Wikipedia search. Also, claims universal truths about scientific facts which have since been debunked. Add to this a dash of misogyny.

All of this to have power over creation in all aspects. Because that's worked out well so far...(Atomic bombs, Fukushima, genocide)...

It's an interesting historical piece and a great way to see where we've been and how far we've come.

[Nathen]

This is a very concise and well rounded introduction to the various approaches to the esoteric sciences. Very concise. An easy read.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This content is an early version of the core confidential instruction provided by the Builders of the Adytum, the mystical school formed by Paul Case. The very best!

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A somewhat repetitive but useful overview of fundamentals of occultism.

[Jamal Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone serious in learning magick this is an incredible book to start with. Paul Foster Case gives a few mature and structured approach to the occult.