The Ageless Wisdom of the Western Mystery Traditions
Quest Books, 2007
Publisher’s description:
The Golden Thread traces the interconnectedness of esoteric wisdom in the Western world, from classical antiquity to contemporary Europe and America. Joscelyn Godwin lends personal perspective to an arrangement of text that is historical and wisdom that is timeless, creating a source of inspiration that calls us to action in our everyday spiritual practice. Every chapter, therefore, makes reference to some aspect of contemporary life and issues of immediate concern. Elegantly written and not without irony and humor, readers will appreciate the non-threatening tone of Godwin’s writing, which is not meant to preach or convert but rather inform the public on an often baffling field. Educated readers who are curious about the esoteric and mystery traditions and interested in finding surprising, new approaches to subjects that veer away from the trends of current thought will be particularly drawn to this book.
Back cover:
Godwin is a modern psychopomp, leading us into the secret chambers of the ancient world.
Gary Lachman, author of In Search of P. D. Ouspensky
The ancient sages of the Western Mystery Traditions passed on a knowledge beyond reason, allowing us to access transcendent states that reveal our own nature and that of the cosmos. Such sages exist in every age and elevate all of humanity, says Joscelyn Godwin, whether we realize it or not. Among those whose wisdom he traces from antiquity to the present include [sic]:
– Hermes Trismegistus
– Zoroaster
– Orpheus
– Pythagoras
– Plato
– the Gnostics, the alchemists
– and the Rosicrucians, Freemasons, and Theosophists
Each stage is always with us, Godwin emphasizes, and so each offers a potential source of inspiration and action for today.
“Joscelyn Godwin’s clear voice guides and expands our understanding in unexpected and rewarding ways, illuminating fascinating and little explored areas of the perennial philosophy.”
John Major Jenkins, author of Unlocking the Secrets of 2012
“Thoughtful and thought provoking, this is a delightful and erudite collectio of gently subversive essays – a book to savor.”
Arthur Versluis, author of Magic and Mysticism
Joscelyn Godwin, Ph.D., a widely respected authority of Western esotericism, is professor of music at Colgate University and author of The Theosophical Enlightenment. His translation of the Renaissance allegory Hypnerotomachia Poliphili was featured in the best-selling mystery, The Rule of Four.
Jan Olof Bengtsson 