Arthur Versluis Bücher

The book explores a mysterious island renowned for its ancient Mystery tradition, shrouded in myth and secrecy. Arthur Versluis embarks on a journey to Samothrace, delving into archaic European symbolism and religious traditions. He investigates ancient Greek myths and the island's connection to a once mainland sanctuary, revealing insights into the enigmatic spiritual practices of indigenous Europe. Through this exploration, readers are invited to uncover the hidden layers of history and belief that have shaped the region's cultural heritage.

Focusing on the intersection of mysticism and modernity, the book explores how spiritual insights can inspire cultural and political renewal. It examines the origins of contemporary crises while offering an optimistic vision for the future, emphasizing the potential for cultural emergence amidst challenging times. Arthur Versluis encourages readers to envision new possibilities for societal transformation, highlighting the importance of spirituality in shaping a more hopeful and enlightened world.

Exploring the profound symbolism of light across various world religions, this book delves into its meanings and significance from ancient times to modern interpretations. It examines the aspirations of Buddhists for enlightenment and the mystical pursuits of Christians and others seeking illumination. Covering a wide range of topics, including ancient standing stones and the lost religion of Manichaeism, it offers a unique perspective on how light shapes our consciousness and spiritual practices throughout history.

Ranging from Eskimos of the far North to the Aztecs and Incas of South America, the author offers a lucid concise introduction to the traditions of the Native American peoples.

Blending personal memoir with philosophical reflection, this work explores the American agrarian tradition through the lens of the Versluis family's orchards in Michigan. Arthur Versluis shares his experiences growing up on the family farm, founded over a century ago, while contemplating the cultural loss associated with the decline of farmland. The narrative serves as both a tribute to generational farming and a meditation on humanity's connection to the earth, emphasizing the significance of preserving these vital landscapes for future generations.

xiv, 168 p. : 20 cm

Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions is a concise overview, from antiquity to the present, of all the major Western religious esoteric movements. Topics covered include alchemy, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy and many more.

Alice Bunker Stockham (1833-1912) was one of the first female M.D.s in the United States. In her remarkable _Karezza_, she develops her theory of secular sexual mysticism in relation to human creativity. In this seminal book of Stockham, we see a particularly American kind of pragmatic esoteric praxis. An important figure in the history of sexual mysticism, Stockham insisted that the practice of karezza, a special kind of sexual union, was a key to mysticism, magic, and creativity. Like John Humphrey Noyes before her, like William James, and like the later American pioneers of consciousness in the second half of the twentieth century, Stockham was concerned not only with results and effects for the individual, but also with the potential transformation of the whole of human society.Introduced by Arthur Versluis, author of several dozen books, many on mysticism or esoteric religious or literary traditions.

Exploring the essence of perennial philosophy, Arthur Versluis presents a clear and engaging study that makes this often esoteric tradition accessible. His work distills extensive scholarship into a compact volume, revealing how this philosophy connects readers to a spiritual hierarchy linking heaven and earth. Versluis articulates what perennial philosophy truly encompasses, offering clarity and depth in his prose. This insightful examination serves as both an introduction and a profound exploration of the foundational philosophical traditions shaping Western culture.