The Inner West
An Introduction to the Hidden Wisdom of the West
Edited & Introduced by Jay Kinney
Published by Tarcher/Penguin
paperback original, $14.95
ISBN #1-58542-339-4
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The founder of the influential Gnosis magazine collects essays by some of today's finest spiritual writers to explore the West's magical and esoteric traditions.
Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry, Gnosticism, The Knights Templar . . . Even before the success of The Da Vinci Code, many readers knew of these and other aspects of Western esoterica. But few understand their true meaning.
In The Inner West, more than twenty essays by seventeen leading authors shine a light on some of the most mysterious and closely held aspects of the Western tradition. Its authors bring to life the symbolist and occult philosophies that populate the history and beliefs of the Western way. These same philosophies – which include variants of Christian and Jewish mysticism, and the teachings of figures like Rudolf Steiner and G. I. Gurdjieff – can present a deep and different spiritual path for today's seekers.
Spiritual seekers have often looked to the East for inspiration and guidance. Yet increasing numbers of people are discovering that many helpful wisdom traditions have existed right here in the West. With the Kabbalah and Tarot cards more popular than ever, and alternative spirituality from Wicca to Sufism gaining a new audience, The Inner West is a timely book for this expanding audience.
"Jay Kinney's collection presents the esoteric currents of the West in all their richness and ambiguity. For those disenchanted with the 'outer West' of politics, scientific materialism, and established religion, it will be a wonder and a joy to see what has been here all along." — Joscelyn Godwin
"The Inner West resurrects the lost and hidden traditions of the West in a reader-friendly, accessible way with both wit and impartiality. This is a path-breaking, serious work for anyone interested in learning more about the hidden treasures of our spiritual heritage." — Christopher Bamford
