Reality

The mystical tradition that lies at the root of Western culture and the magic of the ancient masters of wisdom who laid the foundations for the world we now live in are introduced in this book. Containing lost and forgotten ancient Greek texts in modern translation, this book relates the teachings of Parmenides, Empedocles, and others like them—spiritual guides and experts in other states of consciousness, prophets and magicians, and healers and interpreters of dreams. Based on texts from more than 2,000 years ago, it also documents the process that led to their work and teaching being distorted, covered over, and forgotten.

Peter Kingsley is an honorary professor of philosophy at the University of New Mexico and an honorary professor in humanities at Simon Fraser University in Canada. He is the author of Ancient Philosophy, Mystery and Magic and In the Dark Places of Wisdom. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.