Gnosis and Gnostic Anthropology in Contemporary Gnosticism: a personal view

Suggested reading sequence for newcomers to the books of Samael Aun Weor: what to read to begin with.

Mirando al Misterio ("Looking at Mystery"):

Start with this introductory collection of questions and answers about different mysterious topics of interest, and which is pitched for the general public.

Más allá de la Muerte ("Beyond Death"):

This is a similarly introductory collection of questions and answers addressed to the general public, also very interesting but shorter and perhaps slanted towards occultism.

La Doctrina Secreta de Anahuac ("The Secret Doctrine of Anahuac"):

This one is probably not as easy as the previous two books, but a definite must to know what Samael Aun Weor's Gnosis is about. Its last few chapters offer a very practical course on dreams, which complements the practices of astral projection and Jinn state that are found in the two above.

Tratado de Psicología Revolucionaria ("Treatise of Revolutionary Psychology"):

Read this jewel if nothing else. It is the first of a set of three books explaining the psychological work to change one's life by changing oneself. This brief treatise is deeper than it may be apparent on a first read. Definitely the book to include in your survival kit.

La Gran Rebelión ("The Great Rebellion"):

This is the second of the set of three books giving the psychological keys for the work on oneself. You will love it or hate it, but it is a must. Intense.

El Misterio del Áureo Florecer ("The Mystery of Golden Blossoming"):

The third of the set of three books explaining gnostic self-psychology. It also contains much more, and will prepare you for "The Three Mountains" and subsequent suggested readings.

Educación Fundamental ("Fundamental Education"):

This book is useful to understand what the requirements are for individual self-realisation when considering the wider context of society, education, and child development.

Las Tres Montañas ("The Three Mountains"):

Samael Aun Weor's initiatic autobiography, laying out the map of the vertical path, or Dry Way of alchemists.

Sí, hay Infierno... Sí, hay Diablo... Sí, hay Karma... ("Yes, there is Hell... Yes, there is Devil... Yes, there is Karma..."):

Very specific questions and answers, but even more comprehensive than the title suggests. It will make sense if you have first understood the others above.

El Parsifal Develado ("The Parsifal Unveiled"):

A truly inspiring work that conveys the role of sexuality in spiritual development.

Tratado Esotérico de Magia Rúnica ("Esoteric Treatise of Runic Magic"):

Much more wide ranging than its title suggests. Virgil's "Aeneid" unveiled.

El Sendero Iniciático en los Arcanos del Tarot y Cábala ("The Initiatic Path in the Arcana of the Tarot and Qabalah"):

Plenty of precious details drawn from Samael Aun Weor's later lectures and then added to some of his earlier material. It contains a wealth of valuable information, but is not an introductory work, except for the well-read specialist.

Pistis Sophia Develado ("Pistis Sophia Unveiled"):

This laconic work is the synthesis book in the form of a commentary to the ancient Gnostic Coptic text. Once you have understood and practised all the other works, this one will be the book against which to measure the earlier works.

El Matrimonio Perfecto ("The Perfect Matrimony"):

This historic, seminal work is probably inevitable. As it is the case with so many of the other early works, it offers quite a number of practical techniques not to be missed, but it is best read in the light of the Pistis Sophia Develado.

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