Book excerpt: Initially published in 1909, spanning three editions, Max Heindel's Ancient and Modern Initiation is a roadmap that leads to the Inner-Christ. With stops along the way, Heindel describes in simple details the symbology of the words used in the Holy Scriptures and lays bare for the reader the secrets to Christian Mystic Initiation. Few works will connect the reader to the mystical process explained herein and to Max Heindel himself. This Special Edition is complete with a short biography on Max Heindel, as well as an epilogue that will make you understand the man behind the work. Heindel's transformative work, embellished with care and diligence by the always-to-the-point Robert H. Johnson, makes this version of Ancient and Modern Initiation the one to read. Johnson's work into the history of Heindel himself adds poignancy to the life and work of this famed Christian Mystic. Whereas it was already a must-have for those interested in the concepts of Initiation and Self-Actualization, Johnson's edition of this text is a better and more timely carrier of the universal message to humanity. - Joe Martinez, Refracted Light, Co-Host of Mid-Atlantic Esotericon