Israel Regardie

Israel Regardie, born on November seventeenth, nineteen oh seven, was a prominent figure in the realms of occultism and psychology. Originally hailing from a working-class Orthodox Jewish family in the East End of London, he relocated to Washington, D.C., where he began to explore various spiritual traditions, including Theosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jewish mysticism. His teenage years marked a departure from Orthodox Judaism, leading him to the writings of the influential occultist Aleister Crowley.

In nineteen twenty-eight, Regardie moved to Paris to serve as Crowley's secretary, a role that deepened his involvement in ceremonial magic. His time with Crowley was significant, culminating in the publication of two notable works on the Qabalah, namely 'A Garden of Pomegranates' and 'The Tree of Life.' However, his journey through the mystical landscape was not without its challenges; he later joined the Stella Matutina, a ceremonial magic order, but left due to dissatisfaction with its leadership.

Returning to the United States in nineteen thirty-seven, Regardie took it upon himself to preserve the Golden Dawn's ceremonial magic traditions. He published the Stella Matutina rituals between nineteen thirty-eight and nineteen forty, a decision that sparked controversy among fellow occultists due to his breach of secrecy. His contributions to psychology were equally noteworthy, as he was influenced by Jungian concepts and delved into Christian mysticism.

During the Second World War, Regardie served in the U.S. Army, and upon his return, he earned a doctorate in psychology. In nineteen forty-seven, he settled in Los Angeles, where he established a chiropractic practice. After a fulfilling career, he retired to Sedona, Arizona, in nineteen eighty-one, where he lived until his passing from a heart attack four years later.