Egregores

The idea of egregores could inspire paranoia in a certain kind of personality, and of course that is unwise. But it is no doubt a good idea to remember that false idols can take the form of thoughts and ideas as well as objects. Stavish's book is a timely, intelligent, and enjoyable reminder of this truth. * Richard Smoley, Quest: Journal of the Theosophical Society in America * While the egregore is a concept with which most esoteric students are at least somewhat familiar, it is unlikely you would find a commonality of definitions among them. It is very appropriate for this vaguely understood concept to be the subject of a more in-depth study, and I can think of no better person to do this than Mark Stavish, whose background brings both authority and depth to such a review. The book provides a historical understanding of the origin of the term and its use through the ages, the various types that may exist in passive and active form, and an explanation of them through profound personal experience. This alone makes the book valuable. However, chapter 7 should be required reading for anyone contemplating joining an esoteric order--or any group with a common objective, for that matter. Stavish writes in a comfortable and informative style, and one comes to the end of the book with new information and much to think about. An excellent primer on egregores. * Piers A. Vaughan, author of Renaissance Man & Mason * Suddenly there is a lot of talk about egregores, but what are they? Mark Stavish introduces some fascinating examples of these mysterious thoughtforms as they appear in different contexts from Tibetan Buddhism to the world of modern pop culture. Stavish's book is an important foray into what is still almost virgin territory for researchers. * Christopher McIntosh, author of The Rosicrucians * This encyclopedic account of group consciousness as an egregore, a being conceived to have arisen from the mutual psychic activity of serious initiates, traces the egregore idea throughout the history of Western esotericism and even into the practices of Tibetan Buddhism. Butler, Evola, Masters, Lovecraft, Machen, the AMORC and the OTO, and many other sources are quoted so as to give their opinions about the functions and dangers of egregores. It is unlikely that a more comprehensive book on the subject will ever be written. * Stevan Davies, Ph.D., author of Spirit Possession and the Origins of Christianity * Every now and then, there's a book that can change the way you see the world. This remarkable little book about enthrallment and freedom is one. Read Egregores--you'll look at society around you in new ways. * Arthur Versluis, author of The Secret History of Western Sexual Mysticism and Sacred Earth * It is a memorable day when the concept of the egregore enters one's worldview. While these energy-complexes have been around as long as humanity, this is the first book to explain how they work and what to do about it. Mark Stavish's clear writing and rich examples should convince any reader, whether schooled in esotericism or simply curious about their inner and outer world. * Joscelyn Godwin, author of Athanasius Kircher's Theatre of the World * Egregores: The Occult Entities That Watch Over Human Destiny marks a major turning point in popular esotericism, with Mark Stavish tackling head-on our society's most pressing issue--the psychic and physical embodiment of ideologies and systems--with a penetrating and insightful text addressing the hidden life of thoughtforms as they emerge in our culture through mass movements, fundamentalist sects, corporate branding, and identity politics. Put down the fake news, pick up this book, and find out why Enoch warns us that the cosmic control system's been put on divine probation! * David Metcalfe, editor in chief of Threshold * Stavish gives not only theories but also facts and examples of these forces in spirituality, politics, news, and entertainment. More importantly, he explains how to recognize and free ourselves from their influences if we so choose. * George Noory, host of Coast to Coast AM *