The Chaldean Oracles

W. Wynn Westcott's Collectanea Hermetica, Volume 6

By: W. Wynn Westcott, Jason Augustus Newcomb

Narrated by: Alan Weyman

Length: 1 hr and 45 mins

Publisher's summary

This is a heavily revised and updated version of this classic occult text. While the utterances and philosophy expressed in this book represent a concise statement of esoteric philosophy spanning several millennia, the importance of this work lies in part with whom it has influenced. Most if not all of the Golden Dawn initiates were affected by the aphorisms in this short tract. Aleister Crowley quotes from this book almost more than any other. Two of his favorite pet phrases - "invoke often" and "enflame thyself with praying" - were drawn directly from this book. Crowley's Thelemic ritual, the Star Ruby, calls upon the beings discussed throughout the Oracle. In fact much of Crowley's Thelemic metaphysics are influenced by this book. Many examples of the influence of this book are scattered throughout his writings, and the astute student of his writings will recognize many passages.

This also had a large influence upon the other adepts of the Golden Dawn as well as upon the movements that came to be known as Wicca and the New Age. This treatise can be savored again and again, bringing new insights with each study.

©2014 Jason Augustus Newcomb (P)2015 Jason Augustus Newcomb

Exotic, Esoteric, and loved it!

This may be an acquired taste for some, so be patient and let the words sink in. If you're a fan of mystic knowledge from antiquity, this is very enjoyable work. I love all the books from Arcane Hermetic Books.

Absolutly wonderful reading

I never appreciated the Chaldean Oracles when I was first introduced to them but in time you connect to them. The erudite narration of one Alan Weyman makes this a deep relaxing listen. It feels like a Learned ancient scribe reading from a papyrus scroll.Close your eyes and visualize these ancient sayings and you will have a profound experience indeed.

Poorly Narrated

Its probably a good book, but the narrator has a major speech impediment that makes it painful to listen to,. He sounds like the Abbott from "Princess Bride" who says "wuv... twue wuv..." Just buy the text version instead.

fragments of the Neoplatonic Bible

Christianity had a major competitor in philosophy: Neoplatonism. They read Plato in a way similar to how the Christians read the Old Testament and build upon it for years until it was suppressed by Christianity's attempts at patricide.

Julian the Apostate, who would've restored the Empire back to it's hyperion glory would've had this become the new education. Proculus, a great philosopher and commentator instructed at the academy beginning with this text along with Plato's timaeus.

It unfortunately did not survive Christianity's onslaught. This recording is from a collection of fragments passed down to us from the Hermetic tradition. As such, the first 5 chapters are commentaries, falsely attributing it to Zoroaster. Although there is considerable Zoroastrian influence these come from the Chaldaen dynasty of Assyria/Babylon.

The content is a mythical account of philosophical doctrine. Anyone interested in religions dealing with transcendant emanations such as Platonism, Sufism, Hermeticism, Kaballah or Christian gnosticism or anyone interested in meditation, communicating with their subconcious "flower of mind" will be sure to benefit from this.

Drive me crazy

For over an hour every single line had a reference. It drove me crazy.