David Pantano

Alchemical Hermeticism

An in-depth investigation into the Alchemical-Hermetic practices of Marco Daffi • Presents Daffi’s writings on unique and unusual experiences from five decades of alchemical and hermetic practice, available for the first time in English • Offers a view of Daffi’s “Inner Laboratory” and his pioneering investigations into consciousness, past-life regression, Hermetic healing, and divination • Offers a psychological portrait of Daffi through writings by initiates, artists, and scholars who knew or had firsthand knowledge of the Baron Following the path set by renowned alchemist Giuliano Kremmerz, Marco Daffi was one of the most interesting and controversial protagonists of magical Hermeticism in the 20th century, a master initiate who illuminated the more esoteric aspects of Hermetic practice in terms of initiation, gnosis, eros, divination, and consciousness. In this comprehensive look at the man born Baron Ricciardo Ricciardelli, yet better known by his spiritual name of Marco Daffi, historian and researcher David Pantano presents Daffi’s writings on some of the most unique and unusual topics within alchemical Hermeticism, available for the first time in English. Through his visionary writings, Daffi elucidates firsthand accounts of "initiatory experience" and the inner visions of Hermetic practices, supported by relevant experiential praxis. Readers are able to enter Daffi’s "Inner Laboratory" and experience his pioneering investigations into the numinal or interdimensional aspects of consciousness. Daffi details the descensus ad inferno he took into the dark cavernous recesses of past-life regression for purposes of Hermetic healing. His writings also reveal his practical applications of oracular-modes of consciousness, especially by exercising his considerable mediumistic capabilities. Exploring the more human side of Daffi that influenced his work, Pantano shares biographical information and writings from initiates, artists, and scholars who knew of the Baron. These never-before-translated writings provide context and additional depth for the insights that permeate Daffi’s alchemical and magical work and philosophy. Pantano also includes Daffi’s own account of the infamous "Trial of the Magus," which pitted him against the grandson of his teacher, Giuliano Kremmerz, at the height of Italy’s fascist era. Providing an inside view of the magus at work, a glimpse into the far-reaching spiritual horizon of a man who explored the depths of the astral realm and the most occult aspects of alchemy and Hermeticism, this book allows the reader to see with an initiate’s eyes the kaleidoscopic prism of Daffi’s expansive vision of reality.