Franz Bardon
INITIATION INTO
HERMETICS
The Path of the True Adept
Volume I
Of The Holy Mysteries
MMXIV
Merkur Publishing, Inc.
Wisdom of the Occident
Contents
1956 Verlag Hermann Bauer
Freiburg/Breisgau, Western Germany
Der Weg zum Wahren Adepten
1962, 1971 Dieter Rggeberg
Postfach 130844, D-42035 Wuppertal, Germany
First English Edition Translated by A. Radspieler, Graz, Austria
First English Translation: First Publication 1962
1999 Dieter Rggeberg
Second English Translation Translated by Gerhard Hanswille and Franca Gallo
Translated from the original German edition:
Der Weg zum Wahren Adepten
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a mechanical retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by electronic, video, laser, mechanical, photocopying, recording means or otherwise, in part or in whole, without the express written consent of the publisher, except for brief quotations embodied in critical articles for review.
This Merkur Publishing, Inc. publication is published under license with Dieter Rggeberg Verlag. The author or appointed representatives retains all rights to this work.
Published: January, 2014
ISBN 978-1-885-92824-5
Merkur Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 171306
Salt Lake City, UT
U.S.A. 84117
Franz Bardon, circa 1946
Dedication
I dedicate this work in sincere friendship to my faithful co-worker and dear student, Mrs. Otti Votavova.
Foreword to the First German Edition
It need not be said that one who is interested in ascertaining true knowledge may search in vain for years, or even an entire lifetime, for a reliable method of instruction. With the help of these instructions the student can begin to realize his most fervent wish, the path to perfection. The yearning towards this exalted goal again and again forces the student to collect, from far and wide, books and works which are considered to be the best on the particular subject of magic. However, for the greater part these collected works are only embellished with eloquent and promising words, but have little or nothing to offer for the actual practice. Over a period of time the student discovers that he cannot make sense of all the methods collected, and the goal for which he yearns unfortunately slips farther and farther away. Even when the neophyte begins work on his progress with a recommended course of instruction, his diligence and good will does not produce any satisfactory results. Besides that, no one can give a dependable answer to the always emerging, nagging question: Was the path he had taken the right one for his individuality?
Divine Providence had an understanding for all these honest human beings seeking and waiting with patience. Divine Providence determined that the proper moment had arrived and requested that one of Its Chosen Ones place a universal work into the hands of those striving for divine truth. This Great Work is based on the initiates many years of practically gained and proven insights on all subjects of the Highest Knowledge.
Franz Bardon considered this request by Divine Providence as his holiest duty, and presents to the public in this work his theoretical and practical knowledge with a clear conscience, without striving for recognition or to make a name for himself. It should be mentioned that, in his past lives, Franz Bardon had the highest Oriental initiates as his great masters and teachers, and that he has been blessed by Divine Providence in this way.
The simple style of this work was chosen on purpose in order to make it possible for all seekers of truth, regardless of age or profession, to begin immediately with the enjoyable task of discovering their own true perfection in order to dependably reach the final goal, which is becoming one with God.
Since it was the will of Divine Providence to have these works written and published, it therefore remains at the discretion of Divine Providence to make them available to those who most yearn to work on their spiritual ascent in accordance with reliable methods. It can be justifiably said without exaggeration that, from time immemorial, this is the first time that a work as complete as this has been made available to the public.
Otti Votavova
1956
Foreword to the Second German Edition
In a few months the first edition of this work was sold out, which was to be expected. In retrospect it is not surprising, when considering its rich and rare content.
In order to satisfy all those who are interested in this course of instruction, Franz Bardon decided in agreement with the publisher to publish an entirely new and improved second edition in a relatively short time.
Initiation Into Hermetics not only reached many true seekers in Germany, but also in many other countries in Europe. Many scientists who are interested in the true path of perfection have a copy in their possession. In this short time the book has also found its way to other continents, such as America, Australia and Asia. All those who are fortunate and who are in possession of a copy of this book are probably grateful to the publisher. Franz Bardon expresses herewith his gratitude for the great enthusiasm with which the publisher agreed to publish his works.
The author also takes this opportunity with this second edition of Initiation Into Hermetics to sincerely thank all his readers for their many letters. He considers the exceptional interest in his works, which he made available to the public by the express request of Divine Providence, to be the greatest reward for this unselfish task. The authors profession is not that of a writer but of a naturopath, and as such he is fully occupied. The mission with which he has been entrusted by Divine Providence is mainly to guide all seekers of truth upon the path of perfection. However, due to a lack of time it is not possible to deal with the wishes of individuals, which certainly should be understandable to the reader.
It is evident from the many letters that the author has received that several readers would like to bypass certain steps, or that they prefer those exercises which are more pleasing to them. However, such an approach is not correct from the Hermetic point of view; in this book the author mentions this fact many times, and urgently emphasizes that one must not hasten along, because not only will the result be failure, but the student may also subject himself to various kinds of harm. The fundamental exercises that are published in this course of instruction lead to the development of the body, soul and spirit. The concomitance of these practical exercises, the so-called occult abilities, can be of benefit to the student because he can improve his existence on this earth in accordance with his own wishes, since everyone has different needs, different ideals and different goals. Whoever works thoroughly, practically and conscientiously step by step will be able to favorably carry out his material affairs himself.
The author wishes everyone true divine blessings, plenty of patience, the greatest perseverance and the highest love for this joyful task in Hermetic science. May all future editions of his first volume reach all those who yearn for this knowledge.
Otti Votavova
May 1957
Introduction