Anthropology and Mysticism in the Making of Initiation

Book Description

This comprehensive exploration examines how the concept of initiation evolved from ancient sacred mysteries into modern therapeutic and spiritual practices. Andy Hilton traces a fascinating journey through centuries of human understanding, revealing how initiation transformed from secretive religious rites into contemporary rites of passage.

The book uncovers the roots of initiation in early Mystery traditions and Christian writings, following its rediscovery during the Renaissance and its adoption into Masonic ceremonies. Hilton demonstrates how anthropological studies across French Canada and British Australia contributed to shaping our current understanding of these transformative practices.

Central to this work is the development of what Hilton calls the "initiation discourse" - a framework constructed through centuries of translation and nineteenth-century human sciences that gave birth to modern initiation concepts. The author argues that this evolution created a new field of "initiation studies," which secularized traditional admission rites to create twentieth-century passage ceremonies.

As compensation for this departure from ancient mysteries, the book explores the emergence of shamanic spirit-work, death and rebirth symbolism, and the sacred nature of liminal experiences in adolescent and adult development. Hilton concludes by proposing a contemporary revision that integrates depth psychology and educational approaches, reaffirming the religious dimension through an examination of cosmic consciousness and the enduring Great Mystery.

This scholarly yet accessible work offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand the spiritual and psychological foundations of human transformation.