In this article, I will present my findings concerning a second such instance: the initiatory experiences of the Hermetists of late antiquity, which were legendary and perhaps historical forerunners of Western alchemical initiations. No doubt the topic will repay further research.

One may point to shamanism (Merkur 1992) and Tibetan tantra (Hopkins 1977:191-2) but the gnostic tradition is the only instance in a Western culture that has been documented to date. However, the use of multiple techniques to induce more than one desired experience is comparatively rare. The literature occasionally suggests that a single technique of ecstasy, such as reciting a Hindu or Buddhist mantra, or the Muslim la illaha, or the Christian Jesus prayer, is able to induce several experiences en route to the desired experience of union. Comparably complex mystical initiations have rarely been documented in the general history of religion.

In the Paracelsian tradition of spiritual alchemy, initiates sought four specific mystical experiences in a deliberate sequence in order to inculcate a particular doctrinal orientation to mystical practice and metaphysics. In some eras, the practices were more elaborate than they were in others.

In Gnosis (Merkur 1991:56-73), I argued that the gnostic tradition that passed from late antique Gnosticism through Judaism and Islam, before it influenced Western esotericism, engaged throughout its history in practices of both mystical visions and unions.

Sky journies or astral ascent