ISRAEL REGARDIE

Israel Regardie, born Francis Israel Regudy on November 17, 1907, in London, England, was a prominent figure in the 20th-century Western esoteric tradition. He is best known for his works on the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, an influential magical order of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as his writings on occultism and psychology. 

Regardie was born to a Jewish family who emigrated from Zhitomir, Russia, to London. In 1921, the family moved to the United States, settling in Washington, D.C. Regardie showed an early interest in mysticism and the occult, which led him to study various esoteric traditions. His quest for knowledge took him to New York City, where he became acquainted with the works of Aleister Crowley, a leading occultist of the time.

In 1928, Regardie moved to Paris to work as Crowley's secretary, a position that allowed him to immerse himself in the teachings and practices of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Despite their eventual falling out, Regardie continued to respect Crowley's contributions to occultism. After his time with Crowley, Regardie returned to the United States and began his own studies in psychology, influenced by the works of Carl Jung and Wilhelm Reich.

In the 1930s, Regardie joined the Stella Matutina, a successor organization to the original Golden Dawn. His experiences and studies within this group led him to publish several books that made the previously secret rituals and teachings of the Golden Dawn accessible to the public. His most significant work, "The Golden Dawn: The Original Account of the Teachings, Rites, and Ceremonies of the Hermetic Order," published in 1937, remains a foundational text for students of Western esotericism.

Regardie also trained as a chiropractor and Reichian therapist, integrating his knowledge of psychology with his esoteric practices. His book "The Middle Pillar," published in 1938, outlines a series of exercises designed to align the practitioner's energy centers, drawing on both Kabbalistic and psychological principles. Regardie believed that a balanced psyche was crucial for successful magical work and sought to bridge the gap between Western esotericism and modern psychology.

Throughout his life, Regardie continued to write extensively, contributing to the understanding and practice of Western esoteric traditions. He emphasized the importance of personal transformation and the development of one's inner potential through disciplined practice and self-awareness. His works have had a lasting impact on the field of occultism, influencing generations of practitioners and scholars.

Israel Regardie passed away on March 10, 1985, in Sedona, Arizona. His legacy endures through his numerous publications, which continue to inspire and guide those interested in the Western esoteric tradition.

REFERENCE: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel_Regardie