I have just completed this book and I am quiet taken aback.
I have read DK's books for many decades and have been one of the excited thousands waiting for the externalization to be seen here on earth. I was staggered to read that a group had actually taken DK's material and put it into ritual practice. I had no idea that such a group existed or about the work in twelves as foretold by Master M. in the book Agni Yoga and DK in the 24 books with Alice Bailey.
It was a thrill to read this group met and worked together in harmony to bring light and love to our world and this was predicted by DK and M. I do wish this work was continuing today and I can only assume this sets a kind of template for the future?
Bravo! to all of you who joined in and how lucky you were!
Any practicing Theosophist/Esotericist will wish to read this book as it is a very rare account of group practice in the real world. It builds upon the work of Alice A. Bailey concerning groups and outlines a group attempt to further grow this work from threes into twelves. It's a slim volume but size isn't everything and it is very readable. It won't appeal to all but if your interest is in the serious side of occult/esoteric group work then this is a must read.
This book is a very new and intriguing, behind the curtain examination of an extremely rare venture. It feels incredibly special to get a glimpse of the work undertaken by this inspiring group and the fact the first meeting took place in Glastonbury, only a stones throw away from where I live, makes it all the more outstanding. I've read Alice Bailey's books and this expands on her work in a very exciting way. Definitely a must read!
The Esoteric Apprentice offers a fascinating look into the world of inner group work and meditation, the challenges involved in group co-operation and working in the subtle realms.
Students of the esoteric realm understand not only the importance but the necessity of group work for the future of humanity. The Esoteric Apprentice is an account of some who responded to the call and worked as a group for 20 years. From the first GONG until the eventual dissipation of this group, we can learn much. As each of us plays a role, however small, in the lives and future of all, it is my hope that more groups form and undertake the service that lies ahead. Kudos Steven for your service and for bringing this concept more into the light!
The Esoteric Apprentice is a special book that makes an important contribution to the understanding of esoteric practice when it is aimed at human and planetary betterment. The work in question, Twelves, concerns, in layperson's terms, a form of ritualised group meditation. Chernikeeff provides insights into the motivations, purpose or intention, the methods and the reasoning behind pure, spiritually focused group work, which serves to put into practice that which was delineated at considerable length in the texts of Theosophist Alice A. Bailey. Written as memoir in accessible and engaging prose, the narrative is peppered with explanations and quotations, providing the lay reader with a sort of primer, and the esoterically minded with an example of what is achievable through dedication and a commitment to act. Chernikeeff documents twenty years of dedication and commitment in a very human manner. Honesty, integrity and above all humility infuse this short book. The structure and presentation are excellent.Alice Bailey's texts were meant not only to inform and help foster inner transformation, they were given as guidance for esoteric practice in all its forms, for the use by those on the right-hand path of love, wisdom and goodwill. Chernikeeff and the Twelves participants are to be commended for their efforts at applying the teachings, captured by the author in The Esoteric Apprentice.In all, The Esoteric Apprentice is a valuable resource and a must read for all esoteric practitioners who aspire to foster global change for the better.
Esoteric Apprentice is a special book that makes an important contribution to the understanding of esoteric practice when it is aimed at human and planetary betterment. The work in question, Twelves, concerns, in layperson’s terms, a form of ritualised group meditation. Chernikeeff provides insights into the motivations, purpose or intention, the methods and the reasoning behind pure, spiritually focused group work, which serves to put into practice that which was delineated at considerable length in the texts of Theosophist Alice A. Bailey.
Written as memoir in accessible and engaging prose, the narrative is peppered with explanations and quotations, providing the lay reader with a sort of primer, and the esoterically minded with an example of what is achievable through dedication and a commitment to act. Chernikeeff documents twenty years of dedication and commitment in a very human manner. Honesty, integrity and above all humility infuse this short book. The structure and presentation are excellent.
Alice Bailey’s texts were meant not only to inform and help foster inner transformation, they were given as guidance for esoteric practice in all its forms, for the use by those on the right-hand path of love, wisdom and goodwill. Chernikeeff and the Twelves participants are to be commended for their efforts at applying the teachings, captured by the author in Esoteric Apprentice.
In all, Esoteric Apprentice is a valuable resource and a must read for all esoteric practitioners who aspire to foster global change for the better.
Inspiring experience for all who wish to make a difference in the world's.
Excellent explanation of the beauty and challenges one might expect in performing group work of an esoteric nature. The book is easy to read, written from the Heart and with humility, with profound insight into the ways we can join forces with others to bring about collective healing when entered into with sincerity and love. I highly recommend Steven's book and encourage participation within your community in whatever capacity you are called to do.
Having read many books by Bailey, Besant, Blavatsky, Steiner and Hall, I looked forward to reading The Esoteric Apprentice by Steven Chernikeeff. How exciting that their group of twelve was doing this work and I hope others are able to assume the mantle. A must read for other Theosophists.
This book is very interesting. I learned a lot. For anyone who was raised in either the Hebrew or Christian religion, this explains some of the symbolism.
Esoteric Apprentice is a definite must read for those engaging in group work. As the group Steven worked with traversed 20 years together, we, the readers, garner insight and wisdom through their experiences. The call goes out for groups to prepare themselves. With the guidance of those who have forged the path ahead, humanity steps closer to realizing what we're meant to do and how to go about it.
For all interested in serving humanity in unison with higher realms of consciousness, this is a must read book. I am grateful to have been divinely guided to it.
The author doesn't really say anything solid. There's a lot of rambling and repetitive vague explanations. The author states that there's a word for a special something but is unable to share it because of how the whole practice is set up. That's not a great practice for anyone who wants to share experiences or information. Then he rephrases this statement a few more times.
There's also an odd point of view change in the first part of the book. The author talks about a boy(third person) and then, rather clumsily, transitions into first person with no clear break of going to the next chapter or a paragraph change.