This is a two-part practical guide to the Western mystery tradition: its history and relevance to the present day, now brought together in one volume. The first section deals with shamanism, early-mysteries and myths of the otherworld, while the second, moves on the the world of the sibyls, alchemists and qabalists whose mystical aim has been to achieve the grail, find the philospher's stone, and reassemble the scattered body of light.