top of page

The Mystic

Home
About Us
Q&A
Blog
Western Mysteries
The Western Mystery Tradition
The Western Mysteries has a profound history extending across many centuries. It is interwoven with esoteric practices, mystical traditions, and hidden societies. Ancient Egypt was an early contributor to the Western Mysteries. Egypt's teachings also reached influential Greek philosophers, including Pythagoras. This wisdom further grew and diversified, manifesting in the works of various groups such as the alchemists, Rosicrucians, and Freemasons.

At the turn of the century, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn was central in synthesizing and expanding upon much of the previous teachings. This organization's work continues today as the foundation of the Western Mystery Tradition. During its early period, the Golden Dawn's magical practices were characterized by complex rituals. In contrast, modern-day magick, shaped by thinkers like Damon Brand, has evolved toward more streamlined and approachable rituals without losing its effectiveness.

The Western Mystery Tradition integrates elements from the Qabalah which was derived in part from Jewish mysticism. The Qabalah provides an insightful framework for exploring the nature of the divine. Central to the Qabalah is the Sefirot, beautifully symbolized in the Tree of Life. This design represents ten interconnected attributes or channels, expressing the myriad ways God interacts with creation.

By weaving together contemporary insights and a rich legacy of ancient wisdom, the Western Mysteries persist as a vibrant and evolving path, continually inspiring and guiding those drawn to deeper spiritual exploration.

The Western Mysteries
The Qabalah
The Middle Pillar Rituals
72 Shem Angels
Author's Experience
The Work of Angels
Angelology Interpretations
Archangel Tzadkiel
Angel Database 100+ Angels
FEATURED PAGES
The Middle Pillar Rituals
The Hermetic Qabalah
The Secrets of The Tarot
Meditation & Contemplation
Meditation and Contemplation
Contemplation
Meditation vs Contemplation
The Contemplative Process
Steps to Learning Contemplation
Discernment and Contemplation
Purification for Contemplation
The Purgative Way
Meditation
Types of Meditation
The Benefits of Meditation
Mindfulness Stress Reduction
Mindfulness & Zen
Equanimity
Progressive Relaxation Meditation
Chakra Meditation
Dr. Joe Dispenza
Unified and Quantum Fields
Guided Meditations
Prepare for Guided Meditations
Get to Know Jesus
Developing Mindfulness
Contemplation is a powerful spiritual practice that can deepen our relationship with God and bring peace and clarity to our lives. By creating a peaceful environment, focusing on a word or phrase, and opening ourselves to God's presence, we can experience the transformative power of contemplation.
Meditation practices can increase awareness and train our minds to observe thoughts and emotions without judgment.

There are many types of meditation, but most involve focusing on your breath, a word or phrase (mantra), a visualization, or bodily sensations.
The Presence of Jesus
Loving Kindness
Christian Topics
Christian Topics
Who is Jesus
Teachings of Jesus
Books of the Bible
Synopsis of The Gospel of Mark
Synopsis of The Gospel of John
Synopsis of The Acts of The Apostles
Virtues and other Topics
The Virtues
Wisdom and Compassion
Authentic Disciple
50 Bible Verses
Who is Mary
Synopsis of The Book of Galatians
Synopsis of The Book of Hebrews
Synopsis of The Book of Romans
Prayer Life
Powerful Prayer
Traditional Prayers
Personal Prayers
Problem Solving
How to Pray the Rosary
Gallery
Angels and Archangles
Spirituality
Spirituality and Mysticism
Spirituality refers to a personal experience of connection to a higher power or source of meaning. It involves seeking a deeper understanding of oneself and one's place in the world and can be practiced in various ways, such as prayer, meditation, and contemplation. Spirituality is often associated with organized religion but can also be practiced in a non-religious context.
Spirituality and Esotericism
Spirituality and Mysticism
Spiritual Growth and Health
Jesus's Role in Spiritual Practices
Monism and Theism Mystical Traditions
Mystical Traditions
Christian Mysticism
Spiritual Exercises Loyola
Kerkabah Mysticism
The Christian Cabalah
Ignatian Contemplation
Greatest of All Time
The Greatest of All Time
Great Meditation Teachers
US Meditation Teachers
Great Philosophers
Great Christian Ministers
Great Mystics
Marian Devotion
Marian Devotion
She was a humble girl from an ordinary Jewish family. Yet Mary came to be exalted as the daughter of Zion, the Mother of God, the Queen of Heaven. All because the simple girl said a simple word: Yes.
All About Holy Mary
The Life of Mary
Prayers to Mary
History of the Rosary
Rosary Promises of Mary
How to Pray the Rosary

Christian Contemplation Resources

Keating, Thomas. Intimacy with God. New York; The Crossroad Publishing Company, 2019.

Translated by Carmen Butcher. The Cloud of Unknowing. Colorado; Shambhala, 2018.

Vincent Pizzuto. Contemplating Christ: The Gospels, and the Interior Life. MN; Liturgical Press, 2018.

Merton, Thomas. A Course in Christian Mysticism. MN; Liturgical Press, 2017.

Merton, Thomas. The pocket Thomas Merton. Colorado; Shambhala, 2017.

Cynthia Bourgeault. The Heart of Centering Prayer. Colorado; Shambhala Publications, Inc., 2016.

Keating, Thomas. The Daily Reader for Contemplative Living. New York; The Continuum International Publishing Group, Inc., 2009.

Timothy M. Gallagher O.M.V. Meditation and Contemplation: An Ignatian Guide to Praying with Scripture. NY; The Crossroad Publishing Company, 2008.

Martin Laird. Into The Silent Land: A Guide to the Christian Practice of Contemplation. NY; Oxford University Press, 2006.

Keating, Thomas. Open Mind, Open Heart. New York; London; New Delhi; Sydney: Bloomsbury, 2006.

Cynthia Bourgeault. Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening. MD; Crowley Publications, Inc., 2004.

Keating, Thomas. Active Meditations for Contemplative Prayer. New York; London; New Delhi; Sydney: Bloomsbury, 1997.

St. Louis Marie de Montfort. God Alone: The Collected Writings of St. Louis Marie de Montfort Bay Shore, NY: Montfort Publications, 2008.

Jenny Lynn Estes. The Anglican Rosary. Bakersfield CA: Theophany Press, 2019.

Tami Allen. Contemplative Prayers: for use with Anglican Prayer Beads. NV, independently published, 2019

Fr. James Martin SJ. Learning to Pray: A Guide for Everyone. NY; Harper Collins Publishers, 2021.

Thomas Merton's Life and Practices

Thomas Keating on Contemplation

The Contemplative Process

Christian Contemplation Introduction

The Practice of Christian Contemplation

Ongoing Steps to Learning Contemplation

Discernment for Contemplation

Purification for the Contemplative

The Purgative Way

Saint John Paul II on The Rosary

Differences between Meditation and Contemplation

bottom of page