Western esotericism has been a pervasive presence in Western culture from late antiquity to the present day, but until recently it was largely ignored by scholars and surrounded by misconceptions and prejudice. This accessible guide provides readers with the basic knowledge and tools that will allow them to find their way in this bewildering but fascinating field.

What is it that unites phenomena as diverse as ancient gnosticism and hermetism, the "occult sciences" of astrology, alc...