Awakening cannot occur solely through philosophical foundations; symbols and symbolism must be understood and applied in concrete practices. In this regard, a thorough knowledge of occult anatomy is essential. Naturally, merely reading a book is not sufficient. In fact, self-correction is necessary, and reading between the lines can be beneficial.
Following this, adopting a process of solve et coagula, or internal alchemy, becomes imperative. The temple of God is not external, in a temple, church, mosque, or any other building, but within yourself. Occult symbolism serves as a guide toward the Great Work. This occult symbolism is not limited to texts considered "occult"; this wisdom is also evident in all real and authentic traditions... Unfortunately, most of these "authentic" traditions are not genuinely so today. Their mainly exoteric teaching confines the mind in a sort of prison or matrix where dogma and unfounded beliefs reign, leading the seeker to look for existential answers externally rather than within. In truth, the true origins of these traditions lie in much older currents.
These currents have always been kept secret, passed down through a sort of primordial tradition, where the true, most important teachings are only conveyed orally, from master to disciple. Alchemy, Hermeticism, the Kabbalah, and related currents embody this teaching that was always kept secret in contrast to current traditions. These embody an esoteric (inner) teaching rather than an exoteric (outer) one—a distinction between Neidan (內丹) or internal alchemy, and Waidan (外丹), or external alchemy.
In the West, there have thus been hermetic secrets transmitted since antiquity, providing knowledge for directly achieving transcendence and “immortality.” Some texts and teachings even suggest earlier periods, such as the Holy Grail or the writings of Perceval, which hint at a quest for Spiritual Knighthood of Arab origin. These highly codified quests remain relevant in the modern world, where a person is seen not as an instigator of conflict but as a warrior engaged in an inner battle to overcome their own inner demons (obstacles).
This knowledge has often been passed down secretly through brotherhoods, masters, rites, and from father to son, in forms that may vary but retain an identical essence. The immortality spoken of here is not physical but spiritual, resulting from the union of masculine and feminine polarities (yang and yin), aiming to transcend physical life and create an immortal body.
« My journeys thus far have revealed much knowledge to me, as no one is master in their own home, nor is anyone’s teacher behind their door. The arts are not confined to one homeland; they are scattered throughout the entire world. They are not held by one person or in one place... Anyone who wishes to see and learn must go in search… But I maintain that I have been right in my travels so far. »
Paracelsus
However, even within current “traditions” or religious dogmas, esoteric teachings can be found. These esoteric aspects often aim to deepen spiritual understanding and foster a more personal relationship with the divine. Yet these teachings are usually known only to a small group of initiates and are less accessible to the public, remaining largely hidden from most adherents. For instance, in Islam, Sufism represents a form of mysticism that explores esoteric aspects of the religion. Likewise, in Christianity, Christian mysticism delves into esoteric teachings and profound spiritual experiences.
It is important to note that the presence of esoteric teachings within these broader religious traditions shows that spirituality can take many forms, and some individuals undertake a spiritual journey or personal reflection to discover a deeper truth that is sometimes misunderstood or hidden in various forms. The search for spiritual truth can be multifaceted and interpreted in different ways, depending on individual beliefs and life experiences.