Light on the Path: A Study Guide for Qabala, Alchemy, & Astrology (IHS Study Guides)

Light on the Path is a fantastic resource for anyone serious about moving from merely reading about esoteric topics to engaging in the serious practice of putting those theories into action. What you have in this book are in-depth reviews of Hermetic ritual work, Alchemy, Qabala, and Astrology along with a syllabus that takes you week-by-week through a four year process of education and, should you put the Work in, true initiation. This includes weekly readings, tasks, and periodic tests to see what you have or have not internalized. There are options for those who wish to walk this path alone as well as excellent guidance for those who would use this as part of a group effort.Pros: This provides a sound structure to guide someone from interested lay reader to Initiate. It is absolutely astounding in its scope. The level of clarity in what is expected each week is the type of guidance sorely lacking in many esoteric works. When you decide to get serious in pursuing the Great Work, this resource will shed much-needed light on your path. The insights provided in the chapters that accompany the course syllabus will prove very valuable as you work through the suggested steps.Cons: This is not an all-inclusive tome. To work through the four-year syllabus you will need a variety of other texts and manuals. I hesitated to put this in the "Con" category, but I wanted to be explicit in what this is and is not. I expect many of the individuals interested in this book will have some, if not most, of the other books referenced, but be aware, this is set up like a four-year college course - you will need to buy the appropriate text books for the various topics. This is another reason to use this manual as part of a group of serious practitioners - you can share the load.If you are someone who is into just reading about esoteric practices, this is probably not the guide for you. For those who are doing their best to walk the talk, this study guide will prove to be invaluable.

If you are not familiar with the author, Mark Stavish possesses an incredible ability to synthesize multiple disciplines into concise, straight forward and practical philosophies and practices. He is one of the MOST practical authors who's Work I have had the joy to read and put to practice.There is an enormous amount of time, energy and resources that a student of the Art expends while on his or her Path and I feel truly grateful that this man has literally created a roadmap for this Path. It is a rare occasion to catch a glimpse of the mind of the master, what inspires him, and this is one of those gifts.This is not a book to sell a student to learn a particular aspect of the Art, he has plenty of those books which I highly recommend, but rather it is a reference to and a sharing of his references. I find it respectable that that he would reveal from where he has pulled his resources and to organize the massive amount of material into a system that the reader can build upon. This is no easy feat; the referenced material is vast to say the least and will take years to accomplish. I have put off writing this review because of this point, I have not "finished" the book, but it would be doing a disservice to wait four years to write one. The structure, how the subjects are fed, and the resources referred to take command of these subjects are a gift; get this and be prepared to build an impressive library for an incredible journey; one that you may pass on to others who will be seeking the Light.

This handbook is for anyone who has an interest in kabbalah, astrology, and alchemy and wants to embark on a path but doesn't know where to start. Rather than stumbling around online by yourself going down dubious rabbit holes as you search for more information you can really use, you can use this book. It provides courses of study, practices, a list of books and resources you can trust to give you information that is worth using, and it gives you optionsThe book is good for the solo hermetic practitioner, but it can also be used by groups or a bunch of people who are interested in these paths but can't find a teacher or leader in their area.As someone who has studied with Mark, I can attest to how usable his books are, how knowledgeable, experienced, and committed he is as a teacher, and most importantly - that if you use his meditations and practices, they will work for you. You will experience shifts in consciousness, energy, and connection. Mark shares his knowledge, and he does so in a way that is truly meant to help each person find and employ their own path.You can certainly read all of the books that he recommends in the study guide, but unless you know exactly WHY you are reading them, they can be hard to comprehend and apprehend - and you want to do both. Mark provides context and focus, something that is invaluable for someone new to the material.Stop reading my review, and go buy the book!

You could not ask for a better guide on the path than Mark Stavish, who has generously shared his legacy in this book. I understand there will be companion books, and they will surely all be classics of Hermetic studies. This slim volume may take you four years to finish -- each chapter is a course. If you have ever tried to navigate these waters on your own, you will immediately recognize the value of such a teacher and such a book. What you take away will depend upon what you are willing to give in time, intention and energy, but that is the dynamic way the world works. The tools and materials are here.

I can honestly say anyone or group who wishes to study the esoteric will find this book the most indepth and well structure guide for those on who wish to advance on the esoteric path without the eye candy and fluff. As a former graduate of this very course which I took at the hermetic institute with Mr.Stavish all I can say this book is well worth purchasing and you will not be disappointed with the guidance you will get.

I was anticipating that the guide included the study materials, it doesn't. So I haven't gone forward with this as I don't have the source resources. The book assumes you already have the resources, and doesn't source online available options.