Description
isbn 9781885928375 $21.99
Introduction
The fourth letter in the book of Wisdom is [actually] the fourth tarot card. This card is [symbolically] represented by an image of a sage and, sometimes, also by the image of an emperor. For magicians, spherical magicians, and Kabbalists, its description will be a significant aid, as it will allow them to delve deeper into the secrets of Wisdom and help them to easily resolve even the most difficult problems. And not only will they be able to solve any problem from the standpoint of science but, more importantly, also from the standpoint of [metaphysical] knowledge; that is, from the standpoint of Wisdom [itself]. The initiate must be able to answer any question he might be asked at any time. If his path developed well, he will also be able to immediately solve any problem that stands in his way with regard to the universal laws.
But even a theorist will be able to acquire enrichment for his theoretical knowledge from this book because he will be able to answer many questions he himself has, which may suddenly arise [during his studies] in connection with the universal laws.
It is logically impossible to comprehend and clarify all Wisdom in a single book. [Either way, part of it is encapsulated in this work. The material contained in my three previous books, Initiation into Hermetics, The Practice of Magical Evocation, and The Key to the True Kabbalah, is [newly] clarified here from various points of view. Therefore, any practitioner who immerses himself in studying the contents of this book will understand it even more intimately, [as] his consciousness will expand and his knowledge will be enriched according to the universal laws, their influences, and effects. The more [the practitioner] identifies with this rich subject matter [now presented to him,] the more captivated he will become by the greatness and power of these laws, and he will ultimately humbly look up to Divine Providence, filled with [boundless] respect.
The fourth tarot card, the book of Wisdom, served as the basic teaching material in [all] the prophetic and secret priestly schools throughout time. It prepared the initiate for his high office as an instructor, initiator, and teacher (guru). Consequently, this book was an initiatory work that revealed the deepest mysteries. For students (neophytes), the book of Wisdom was also a book of trials on their spiritual path. Therefore, we can consider this fourth scientific work to be the [true] foundation of esoteric Hermeticism.
The great mysteries, symbolically represented by the fourth tarot card, were only allowed, thus far, to be communicated through the language of symbols, which is mostly incomprehensible to intellectuals. Therefore, the reader will certainly welcome the fact that, with the permission of Divine Providence, I will also try to translate the fourth book into the language of intellectuals in order that it may be understood not only by initiates but also by the uninitiated — philosophers and theorists.
He who fully masters this book of Wisdom will know the very foundation of Hermetic philosophy. From the point of view of the universal laws, he will continue to be considered a Hermetic philosopher who, as a philosopher and a practitioner, joins the Hermetic fraternities or orders that teach the true Hermetic science.
If this fourth scientific work of mine is accepted with the same level of enthusiasm as my previous works, then the description of the fourth tarot card, which symbolically depicts this book of Wisdom, will fulfill its mission.
Accordingly, may this book be an inexhaustible source of knowledge and Wisdom for all readers and those interested in the spiritual sciences. And may all [these people] be accompanied on their path to perfection with the highest blessing of Divine Providence!
—Franz Bardon
