🕯️ Occult Philosophy

Her-Bak: Egyptian Initiate (Original)

✍️ Isha Schwaller de Lubicz, Lucie Lamy
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$22.95
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A fictional account of Egyptian initiation through the eyes of Her-Bak.

The narrative follows Her-Bak’s journey from candidate to initiate, revealing the secret symbolism behind temple life. Schwaller de Lubicz uses this framework to explain complex theological ideas like the Neters and the Ba-Ka duality. The structure moves from abstract questions to specific daily practices, grounding high metaphysics in ritual action. This approach bridges Eastern mysticism with Egyptian tradition, offering a unique perspective on spiritual hierarchy and fate.

Key Themes
Inner Temple initiation Hierarchy of the Neters Ba and Ka days
Literary Context

The book sits at the intersection of Western esotericism and Egyptology. Schwaller de Lubicz combines her background in multiple theological traditions with fifteen years of residence in Egyptian temples. This work reflects a mid-twentieth-century interest in mystical interpretations of ancient symbols rather than conventional historical analysis.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
Manly P. Hall · G.R.S. Mead · Aleister Crowley · The Kybalion
🕯️
Occult Philosophy
🏛 Inner Traditions International 📅 1978 📖 400 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780892810024
Fun Fact
Her-Bak: Egyptian Initiate" is a foundational text revealing ancient Egypt's spiritual dimensions. It masterfully weaves complex esoteric concepts into an engaging, albeit didactic, narrative. Readers seeking fast-paced action or conventional historical fiction might find its philosophical depth challenging. However, for those ready for a profound symbolic journey, it offers unparalleled insight into the initiatory path and Nile Valley wisdom, solidifying its place as a unique classic in esoteric literature.

📝 Description: Her-Bak: Egyptian Initiate (Original)

Isha Schwaller de Lubicz presents Ancient Egypt through the fictional narrative of Her-Bak, a young candidate for initiation into the Inner Temple. This work allows readers to access esoteric traditions by following the protagonist’s spiritual development rather than relying on dry academic exposition. The text is organized into two main parts that guide the reader through specific metaphysical concepts. Part I covers foundational topics such as The Question, The Answer, and The Three Circles. It further explores The Divine Word, Illusion, and the Colossus before addressing broader cosmological themes like The Sky, Free Will and Fate, and the Hierarchy of the Neters. The section concludes with chapters on Astrology. Part II shifts focus to the Ba and Ka, introducing the seven days of their existence. This segment includes detailed examinations of each day, from The First Day through The Fifth Day, offering a structured look at these dual aspects of the soul. Schwaller de Lubicz draws upon her extensive study of Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and Hebrew theology, as well as Taoism and Islam. Her fifteen years living among Egyptian temples and tombs enabled her to penetrate the secret symbolism of hieroglyphs, a discovery that gained recognition from Egyptologist Alexandre Varille. This book suits readers interested in mystical interpretations of ancient history and comparative religion. It may not appeal to those seeking strictly archaeological or historical accounts devoid of metaphysical speculation.

📑 What's inside

  1. Her-Bak
  2. Egyptian Initiate
  3. Preface
  4. Summary of Her-Bak "Chick Pea"
  5. Part I
  6. I The Question
  7. II The Answer
  8. III The Three Circles
  9. IV The Divine Word
  10. V The Voyage
  11. VI Illusion
  12. VII The Colossus
  13. VIII The Sky
  14. IX Free Will and Fate
  15. X Hierarchy of the Neters
  16. XI Astrology
  17. Part II
  18. Ba and Ka
  19. Introduction to the seven days of the BA and KA
  20. Summary of the seven chapters of the BA and KA
  21. XII The First Day
  22. XIII Second Day
  23. XIV Third Day
  24. XV Fourth Day
  25. XVI Fifth Day
  26. XVII Sixth Day
  27. XVIII Seventh Day
  28. Part III
  29. XIX The Legacy of Egypt
  30. XX Pharaoh and Sage
  31. Part IV
  32. Plates I Through VII
  33. Commentaries
  34. Commentray I: Hieroglyphic Writing
  35. Commentary II: The Inner, or Estoeric, Teaching
  36. Commentary III: Animals in Egyptian Myth
  37. Commentary IV: Some Detailed Information Necessary to the Study of Egyptian Teaching
  38. Commentary VI: Astrology-Astronomy
  39. CommentaryVII: Man the Microcosm
  40. Physical Man
  41. Intermediate Man-The Intellect
  42. Psychospiritual Man
  43. Commentary VIII: The Teaching of Egyptian Tombs
  44. Footnotes to the Text and Commentaries

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
This title offers a distinctive approach to Egyptian mysticism by weaving esoteric principles into a narrative framework. While it successfully unveils the symbolic cosmology of the pharaonic age for dedicated students, it may not suit readers seeking rigorous historical documentation or scientific archaeology. Those looking for straightforward factual accounts might find the allegorical nature frustrating. However, for those willing to engage with the metaphysical significance behind rituals, it provides a rich, immersive experience. The book is best appreciated by individuals comfortable with abstract spiritual concepts and symbolic interpretation, rather than literalist historians.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers deeply interested in the intersection of ancient history and spiritual transformation will find this book profoundly rewarding. It is ideal for those seeking to understand the philosophical depths of antiquity through an accessible, narrative format rather than dry academic texts. By following Her-Bak’s journey, readers gain insight into the esoteric principles that guided seekers of truth in the pharaonic age. The book serves as a unique window into a world where every ritual held metaphysical significance, offering transformative practices and symbolic cosmology to those ready for inner spiritual trials. It is perfect for occultists and philosophers looking to connect with the hidden wisdom of Egypt through a compelling story that makes complex teachings digestible.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★★
This book is for seekers intrigued by ancient wisdom traditions, spiritual development, and esoteric philosophy. If you yearn for a narrative that blends historical imagination with profound metaphysical insights, and are ready to embark on an inner journey alongside a fictional initiate, this…

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Esoterica Books editorial team

This title offers a distinctive approach to Egyptian mysticism by weaving esoteric principles into a narrative framework. While it successfully unveils the symbolic cosmology of the pharaonic age for dedicated students, it may not suit readers seeking rigorous historical documentation or scientific archaeology. Those looking for straightforward factual accounts might find the allegorical nature frustrating. However, for those willing to engage with the metaphysical significance behind rituals, it provides a rich, immersive experience. The book is best appreciated by individuals comfortable with abstract spiritual concepts and symbolic interpretation, rather than literalist historians.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While a work of fiction, "Her-Bak" is deeply informed by Schwaller de Lubicz's extensive, lifelong research into ancient Egyptian philosophy and symbolism. It aims for spiritual accuracy rather than purely historical events.
Unlike typical historical novels, "Her-Bak" functions as a spiritual allegory and guide, using the setting of ancient Egypt to convey profound esoteric teachings and the process of initiation, rather than focusing solely on historical events or character drama.

📖 Who should read this

This book is for seekers intrigued by ancient wisdom traditions, spiritual development, and esoteric philosophy. If you yearn for a narrative that blends historical imagination with profound metaphysical insights, and are ready to embark on an inner journey alongside a fictional initiate, this volume awaits.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Ancient Egyptian Metaphysics

Uncover the intricate philosophical underpinnings of ancient Egyptian civilization, moving beyond popular historical accounts to reveal a sophisticated understanding of consciousness, cosmic order, and the interconnectedness of all existence. The narrative skillfully integrates these concepts into Her-Bak's learning.

Symbolic Language Unveiled

The book illuminates the profound symbolic meanings embedded within Egyptian art, architecture, and religious practices. It teaches readers to perceive the world not just as it appears, but as a living tapestry of symbols, each conveying timeless universal principles and hidden spiritual laws.

📜 Historical context

Born from the deep esoteric research of Schwaller de Lubicz, this work extends his groundbreaking studies on Egyptian symbolism and sacred geometry into a narrative form. It stands as a fictional companion to his non-fiction analyses, offering a unique literary expression of his "Symbolist School" interpretation of ancient Egypt, placing it firmly within 20th-century esotericism.

📚 Glossary

Initiate
Inner Temple
Metaphysics

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Reflect on a time in your life when you felt you were undergoing an "initiation." What challenges did you face, and what hidden truths did you discover about yourself?
  2. Consider a symbol or ritual from your own culture or personal experience. What deeper, metaphysical meanings might it hold beyond its obvious interpretation?
  3. How do you currently distinguish between "seeing" the world and "understanding" its underlying essence? What practices might help you bridge this gap?

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