Book Review – The Magic of Pathworking: A Meditation Guide for Your Inner Vision by Simon Court
Book Review
The Magic of Pathworking
A Meditation Guide for
Your Inner Vision
by Simon Court
Llewellyn
288 Pages
When I saw that this title was available for review, I admit to being rather excited. Pathworkings are my favorite tools of use for teaching, reflection and personal growth. I’ve written them, participated in and learned from the best of the best about the potency and power of their work at all levels of being. So, add to this already impassioned perspective and author’s work background and training is derived from some of the best esotericists, magicians and teachers of Hermetic knowledge and you have all of the ingredients for a book not only of substance, but of tried and true approach. The Magic of Pathworking: A Meditation Guide for Your Inner Vision by Simon Court did not disappoint!
The Magic of Pathworking: A Meditation Guide for Your Inner Vision is thoughtfully divided into two (2) parts and each of the Pathworkings contained therein are separated out as “Paths” vs. chapters. The conclusion of the title includes three (3) appendices that give additional insight into Relaxation, Breathing and Seed Thought Meditations (App A), A Note on the Structure of the Paths of the New Moon (App B) and a listing of Magical and Training Organizations (App C). I like this ending point, whether intentional or not, that I feel gives acknowledgment to the core nature of pathworkings which is that the work is ongoing and when you think you have all the information needed, there is always more within that path’s journey.
The Introduction provides very thorough and comprehensive instructions regarding gaining the most from this exploration. Discussion of the origins and difference between Pathworkings and “Fantasy Journeys” and the structure behind workings of this type set the tone for what can be expected and what is required to successfully engage in the work of personal spiritual development. Additionally, we are reminded that the use of pathworkings in this way is not limited to any specific spiritual practice/religion and can be employed effectively because of the core nature of its intention which is directly on the individual. Traditional myths and symbology from a multi-cultural perspective are used throughout and woven into the experiences.
As would be expected a journal/diary is encouraged as well as methodically working though the book as each pathworking and section builds upon the other, albeit at times in a transparent way.
… Having created the groundwork and location for inner work, you are then presented with the main work in Part Two, which is a set of thirteen workings. These further establish the locations, geography and relationships for the inner landscape within which all work is performed….
Part One: Introductory Path-The Garden highlights those paths of the alchemical elements of Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Spirit. Each pathworking throughout the book is organized with Preliminary intentions and information, The Working and conclusory Discussion of the components of the path and why certain images and symbols were used.
Part Two of The Magic of Pathworking is divided into four (4) inner realms of exploration: Journeys to the Realms Within, Journeys to the Realms Between, Interlude: Realms Unknown and Journeys to the Realms Beyond. The symbology and underpinnings used are drawn from the hermetic disciplines of the Qabalah and Astrology. The paths of each of the segments of realms move through the influences held on your existence and life, into the psyche and broader issues of connection, and finally moving beyond the identification of self and into the Collective Unconscious. Journeys to the Realms Within and its four (4) pathworkings, guides the reader through the steps of setting an anchor point for the pathworkings to come and those that have prepared the seeker in Part One.
…. “The Dark Wood” in which you will find your special place within the landscape of the paths.
“The Crystal Cave”, a place where you may see shadows of things that have been or things yet to come.
“Town and Tower”, where mind, thought and philosophy present their wares.
“The Sacred Grove”, a natural meeting point with nature and the powers behind nature….
Each of the subsequent “Journeys” takes the reader deeper into the highly nuanced parts of our being that we may shy away from or simply not know how to effectively communicate with. Our consciousness and psyche are ripe with symbology as means of dialogue. Pathworkinsg allow for the opening of those passages using precisely and carefully constructed keys cloaked in the very language of symbols. And, in keeping with the methodical approach of the previous journeys, those that comprise Part Two, bring us to a resounding conclusion of possibilities and the stimulating question of “what more?”
There is so much more I could write about each of the paths, but the beauty lay in the experience and formulation of your unique and individual interpretation of that experience. So no more spoilers. Simply the suggestion to give it a try.
Would I Recommend:
If you follow the trail and carefully and thoughtfully spend time in the flow of the paths, having arrived at the final journeys, you will without question be changed. The impressive Bibliography supports the vast resources and coalescence of many well-established studies and organizations, giving credibility and confidence in opening to this tool of self-growth.
The Magic of Pathworking: A Meditation Guide for Your Inner Vision by Simon Court is definitely a recommended addition to the shelves of anyone seeking greater knowledge of themselves. It is not for the faint of heart as pathworkings, just by virtue of their intention, will stir up and reveal aspects of yourself that you may be disconcerted by. This also means that there is a definite commitment that you are making to change when you step onto any of these “paths”. But, anything of value requires tie and effort and if you are seeking to reach int the depths of who you are in all of your parts of being, The Magic of Pathworking: A Meditation Guide for Your Inner Vision is a valuable guidebook. Really looking forward to its publication!
About the Author:
Simon Court (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) is a past president of the Canberra Lodge of the Theosophical Society and he organized the Rainbow Serpent Lodge in Sydney. He has organized eclectic magical gatherings in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Footnotes:
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- Back Cover
- p. 15
- p. 16
The Magic of Pathworking: A Meditation Guide for Your Inner Vision on Amazon
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About the Author:
Robin Fennelly is a Third Degree Initiate within The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition and serves as High Priestess of Coven of the Mystic Path, the 12th Coven within the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition. She teaches and facilitates classes for the Pagan Experience Study Group that serves as foundation for membership within Coven of the Mystic Path.
Her spiritual journey is strongly rooted in both Eastern philosophy and the Western Magickal systems from which she has formed a core foundation that is diverse in knowledge and rich in spiritual practice. A life-long learner, her practice has evolved from the classical and philosophical teachings of books, practical experience and enrichment of this knowledge base by attending workshops of various spiritual traditions presented by master teachers.
Robin formally came to the Wiccan path in 1994. Following practice as a solitary for 2 years, she dedicated to Oak and Willow Coven of The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel Tradition in November of 1996. She received her 1st, 2nd and finally 3rd degrees within the Assembly Tradition and has served as High Priestess of Oak and Willow since Samhain of 2001.
As a teacher of esoteric and magickal studies she has used Energetic Anatomy, Tarot, Astrology, Hermetic Qabala, Eastern Philosophy, and Numerology as the foundations of her diverse selection of workshops and writings for more than 25 years. Exploration of varied energetic protocol has been the focus of her work for some time now and the information gained through direct experience informs all of her magickal and spiritual work.
Robin’s writings have been featured online, and in print Internationally. She has authored several books incorporating her unique style of writing making use of poetry, prose and pathworking to enhance the concepts presented. She has taught extensively throughout the Pagan community, including Sacred Space Conference, Spring Magick, Between the Worlds Interfaith Conference and Free Spirit Gathering Festival this Summer. Her most recent project is hosting an online blogging community entitled The Pagan Experience.
Robin is the owner of Holistic Embrace providing services for mind, body and spirit such as Tarot readings, Astrology reports, Spiritual Guidance and other related offerings. She lives in Eastern Pennsylvania and her life is blessed by a 40+- year marriage, five children and the opportunity to work in the field of public education.
Robin’s Books
The Inner Chamber, Vol. 1 It’s Written in the Stars-Astrology
The Inner Chamber, Vol. 2 Poetry of the Spheres-Qabalah
The Inner Chamber, Vol. 3 Awakening the Paths-Qabalah
The Light of SELF: Consciousness, Spiritual Practice and Learning to Breathe
Magickal Verse: A Collection of Poetry and Prose
A Year of Gaia: The Eternal Cord
The Elemental Year: Aligning the Elements of SELF
Temple of the Sun and Moon: Luminous Devotions
Sleeping with the Goddess: Nights of Devotion
A Weekly Reflection: Musings for the Year
The Magickal Pen: A Collection of Esoteric Writings
The Enchanted Gate: Musings on the Magick of the Natural World
For more info: http://www.robinfennelly.com/books.html
Robin’s Website: www.robinfennelly.com
Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW: www.covenofthemysticpath.org