BETWEEN THE GATES
Key Points • Hermeticism is the principal expression of esotericism in the West. • T h e Emerald Tablet of Hermes forms the basis for hermetic theory and practice. • Alchemy, qabala, and astrology are the three principal expressions of the occult arts and sciences. • The occult practices that form the practical expression of esoteric philosophy are not technical devices that operate devoid of moral and ethical requirements. Humility, mercy, and gratitude are important moral and ethical qualities that we must develop and express if we are to make an ally of the Guardian of the Threshold. • Methods of contacting the invisible world can be divided into two categories: subjective and objective methods. There are roughly nine subjective methods and four objective methods that can be used. All methods are based on the fundamental truth found in the Emerald Tablet of Hermes.
Assignments for Chapter O n e 1. Copy the text of the Emerald Tablet on a piece of paper and read it daily, making it the basis of your meditations for at least two weeks. 2. Perform a nightly review prior to going to bed or as you fall asleep. Working your way backwards, examine each of your actions across the day and determine if you could have acted in a more productive manner and what that manner would be if you had the opportunity to relive the experience. Imagine yourself going through the experience again, this time, changing your actions to the desired ones. 3. At least once a day, more if possible, offer a heartfelt prayer of gratitude for all that you have, are, and will be, and all that you have experienced, so that you may discover its meaning in your life. 4. Begin keeping a nightly log of your dreams.
22