Light on the Path – A Study Guide for Qabala, Alchemy, and Astrology from the Institute for Hermetic Studies is a self-paced program for the study and practice of Western esotericism. Using Hermetic Qabala as its core, individuals or groups can use this program to progressively study and apply the principles of ritual magic, practical alchemy (spagyrics and mineral) and astrology (natal, horary, and mundane). Designed as a four year course of study, each "Year" is approached in twenty-four bi-weekly sessions (for groups meeting twice a month) or can be done at your own pace. Each "Year" has two sets of twenty-five questions which can be used as quizzes or catechisms to test one's level of proficiency for review or before moving on to new material. Standard off-the-shelf sources are suggested for use through-out the course, making it easy to obtain the needed references. In addition, students are given: Instructions on How to Use this Manual Articles on studying the tarot, the essential Hermetic attitude for success, and the Path of Awakening. Suggestions for working with various schools as well as non-ritualistic approaches. A Concise Explanation of the Stages of the Path of Return – specifically written for this manual, outlining the stages of the Path and how to self-assess your progress on both an exoteric and esoteric level. Extensive Ritual Protocols to help guide groups working in a ritual setting. Some Advice to Group Leaders and Members – a summary of key points for running an effective spiritual study group – regardless of tradition or approach. Sample Ritual of Jupiter originally written and performed in the Great Hall of the Villa Saraceno, Vicenza, Italy for the Palladian Academy. Extensive monograph entitled, Introduction to Hermeticism: Its Theory and Practice The Liturgy of Hermes – In Praise of the Lord of Light, a ritual for solitary or group practice, used primarily as a hermetic retreat for encountering the spiritual focal point of the Hermetic traditions – the mind of Thoth-Hermes itself.