Book Review: The Mystical Labyrinth in Russia
by Konstantin Serebrov^[credits]

"However, the one who wants to work on himself has just started to take form. And he will have to struggle with all the other 'selves'. And you have plenty of them. If you win this long-lasting and merciless struggle, you will attain perfection. If not, then you have missed an opportunity until your next incarnation." - Konstantin Serebrov

Before kicking off the review I would like to note that this book is translated from Russian into English. The English is not perfect, however I found it actually adds to the charm of the book. The English is actually quite good, however there are places where wrong words are used, or the grammar isn't perfect. It could be said that this actually fits in well with the "lessons" in the book, as it isn't the outward forms that are the most important, but the "lesson" behind that form.

The Mystical Labyrinth in Russia is work of fiction, and as such it is the story of fictional characters following, or attempting to follow a spiritual path. The story is interwoven with esoteric ideas and concepts, primarily in the form of dialogue between characters, and especially in the instruction that Kasyan receives from 'G'.

Perhaps it is just me, but I have wondered from time to time if there was a special significance in the choice of 'G' for the name of the main 'Master'/'Teacher' character. In Freemasonry the 'G' hangs from the lodge ceiling and represents the Great Architect (God) or more specifically the universal presence of God as symbolised in the Hebrew letter 'Yod' that the 'G' is said the represent. (see: Eric's Masonic Journey - G and The Letter "G").

It is also interesting that some of the esoteric teachings within the story are from Gurdjieff and Ouspensky (such as "Self Remembering"). So perhaps to 'G' has some relation to this... of course this isn't really important, and having a single character / syllable to represent the "Wise Old Man" of the story adds to the mystique and allows for more connections that one fixed name. So both the Masonic 'G' and Gurdjieff may well be fitting connections, and the individual reader may come up with their own.

I found portions of the book to be a good mirror for some of my own experiences during my own spiritual journeying. To me, this is an essential sign of a 'good' esoteric book. In this sense it certainly suited me, and I look forward to reading the next 2 volumes. It isn't that I necessarily agree with the philosophies discussed by the characters. It is more so that there are certainly gems of wisdom found in the interactions and conflicts. It shows that spiritual path can be walked within a modern urban environment, and that lessons abound there. One does not need to withdraw from the modern world and seek escape in fantasy. Urban magick, it could be said, is the practice of magick within the context of modern society. While occultists may often be at the fringes of their society or cultures, they are still connected with that society to a certain degree. Even to rebel against it is to play the oppositional or heretical role, to become a polar opposite of the currents within that society.

It is interesting seeing the discussion around the various 'selves' we all have. This topic fits in well with the Psychosynthesis concept of "subpersonalities". There is also talk of the search for one's "Highest Self" (a.k.a. Higher Self). I believe these are important topics for occultists to consider and to work with. Without an understanding of the competing and disruptive parts of our personality we are prone to Self-limiting or Self-destructive behaviour. It is interesting that a background theme to the story is the "Ship of the Argonauts". An analogy for disruptive subpersonalities has been given as the mutinous crew of a ship, with the 'Self' as the captain. Also fitting with the Psychosynthesis perspective of subpersonalities G suggest to Kasyan to "Follow the different emotions of your different 'selves' and you will notice that most of the time you are in a negative state of mind." It is the emotional energy behind these 'selves' that is the key to understanding them - not through rationalizing and brute-force thinking.

"The love and the aspiration of spiritual freedom are the two wings on which we can ascend into the highest worlds." - Konstantin Serebrov

I liked the way Konstantin sets up the dialogue for the teaching situations between G and Kasyan (or others). Having the lessons on the spot and not in a sterile classroom setting is far more realistic I believe. A good example is the discussion around the theme of "the map is not the territory":

G: "What do you think, is there any resemblance between the map and the real Moscow?"
Kasyan: "The map is just a plan on a piece of paper, while Moscow is real."
G: "What is written about the Path in books has as much in reality as this map has in common with the real city."
G saw that something inside me was collapsing, and sensed the problem I had to get rid of my favourite illusions.

Another theme repeated throughout the book is Kasyan's interaction (or attempts at interaction) with various women. It provides a great illustration of the occult task of working with the contra-gender aspects of ourselves. G relates to Kasyan that "The women to whom you are attracted reflect your inner feminine side. Your communication with your 'inner females' is also projected to the outside world."

The concept of the inner/outer mirrors is taken a step further when G tells Kasyan that "Each weak and ugly person outside yourself, is the reflection of something that is within you." This provides a great basis for exploration of the outer world in everyday life, and the lessons that are learnt from the many and varied people we may come into contact with. It is often said that the people we dislike the most have the most to teach us.

"The Universe is within us, but not every soul is prepared to realize it." - Konstantin Serebrov

Another theme interwoven with the story is a mystical interpretation of Christianity. In a dialogue discussing the "inner fire" an alternative interpretation of "I.N.R.I." (Iesus Nazareum, Rex Iudeorum) is given as "In nobis regnat Iesus" which translates to "Jesus reigns in us" (or "Within ourselves reigns Jesus"). You can read some more on the theme of Jesus (or the Messiah energy within) in the review of the Gospel of Thomas.

This is really only a slight glimpse at the broad range of concepts and ideas interwoven throughout Kasyan's journey to the Mystical Labyrinth in Russia. As well as topics familiar to many Western occultists mention is made of various books and folk stories that may not be very well known outside of Russia. This provides a great new dimension for comparison and exploration.

Fiction is a great way of teaching esoteric knowledge, so I highly recommend these books for anyone looking for fiction contain gems of esoteric teachings. Keep in mind that the intention of the book isn’t to provide a complete and complex system, but rather to offer hints, suggestions, and concepts important to an occultists journey.

Article by MagicalPath.net

This review originally appeared on the Magical Path website and is used here with permission.