Through the Gates of Death

by Dion Fortune

This clear, concise guide explains the stages in the natural process of dying that every soul passes through from this world to the next. Fortune sets out the requisite states of mind as well as the necessary actions by which those closest to the deceased can speed and smooth their passing, that should accompany the natural progression of death, laying out, burial, and mourning.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Metaphysics, Philosophy, Magic

65 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1930

About the author

Violet Mary Firth Evans (better known as Dion Fortune), was a British occultist and author. Her pseudonym was inspired by her family motto "Deo, non fortuna" (Latin for "by God, not fate").

From 1919 she began writing a number of novels and short stories that explored various aspects of magic and mysticism, including The Demon Lover, The Winged Bull, The Goat-Foot God, and The Secrets of Dr. Taverner. This latter is a collection of short stories based on her experiences with Theodore Moriarty. Two of her novels, The Sea Priestess and Moon Magic, became influential within the religion of Wicca, especially upon Doreen Valiente.

Of her non-fiction works on magical subjects, the best remembered of her books are; The Cosmic Doctrine, meant to be a summation of her basic teachings on mysticism; The Mystical Qabalah, an introduction to Hermetic Qabalah; and Psychic Self Defence, a manual on how to protect oneself from psychic attacks. Though some of her writings may seem dated to contemporary readers, they have the virtue of lucidity and avoid the deliberate obscurity that characterised many of her forerunners and contemporaries.

Reviews

[Judy Croome · Rating 4 out of 5]

An odd mix of profound wisdom and debatable ideas, I rated this book four stars instead of three because, in this year of death and dying my family is experiencing, Dion Fortune’s exposition on what happens after a person dies brought me comfort and a sense of peace. The unknown is frightening; having some idea of what is to come or what happened to a loved one’s soul at the time of their death is reassuring.

What I liked least about the book was Fortune’s rather dictatorial style and “tough love” advice for departed souls, as well as a strong emphasis on the Christian faith. But she died in 1946, and is a soul of a different era, when life itself was a harsh struggle.

One needs to read this book with a willingness to look beyond the limitations of the era in which it was written. Then it’s possible to draw on the universal perceptions around the process of death and dying that make this book worth reading.

[Cevizin_kitaplari · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book is especially ideal for those who fear death or have loved ones diagnosed with a terminal illness. If you ask what exactly the book is about: it explains that death is not something to be feared, and that it’s not the end. It portrays death as something like passing through a door, where we’ll be greeted by those who love us—or, if we’re utterly alone in life, by people devoted to welcoming the departed. That might sound a bit funny at first, but those who read or work in the field of the occult and spiritual matters will recognize the subtle nuances in the book.

The book advocates for reincarnation, what we refer to as rebirth. In our society, the concept of death is often approached differently, and many people fear it. The reasons for this, in fact, are explained in the book. It suggests that this fear might stem from the unknown, or from the idea of suffering. It offers different perspectives on both. Personally, I’m not among those who fear death. According to the book, people who do not fear death are considered more spiritually evolved. It also mentions that the fear of death tends to be greater in individuals who are strongly attached to worldly things. While the book claims that death is generally painless, it also says that for people who are excessively attached to the material world, pain during death is more likely.

So how is all this information known? There is something called “initiation.” Initiates conduct research by bringing themselves into a state very close to death in order to explore the afterlife. The book explains this process in detail. Let me mention some of the topics it covers: the presence of ‘death angels’—which is described in a way that doesn't align with traditional religious beliefs—what one might see during the first transition into the afterlife, how to help someone who is dying or prevent their passing, overcoming grief after death, the idea that everyone has a preferred time to die, the body experiencing death, the hidden aspects of death, the concept of the “Arabian Heaven,” communication with the dead, pathological types of death, and much more.

I really loved the book. The author is considered one of the most mysterious and important figures of the English esoteric tradition. Her real name was Violet Firth, and the book was written in the 19th century. As a child, she displayed psychic tendencies. Later she transitioned into a Freudian approach, and eventually pursued occult and magical traditions. She studied Christian Science and Theosophy, and ultimately founded her own esoteric society called the Fraternity of the Inner Light.

[Regan Halas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little gem of a book. I love Dion's lucid and practical language. I didn't feel any hitch while reading her explanations of assisting the dead with their journey or the origins of particular funerary traditions, (from the perspective of a person of psychic abilities); blessedly free of saccharine, new-agey vaguarities. I want to buy it for my mother and my partner's mother; though conventionally-minded, I believe it would offer them comfort as they age.

[Onur · Rating 3 out of 5]

She must have collected data from departed souls and created a common database about death, after death, and the related processes in seances she joined (or performed). I cant say say all she says here is true especially about the purgotary, because it doesnt fit with the hermetic principles. As a result, datas were collected from creatures (or dead souls) from the astral world, not higher worlds. But it is worth reading to have an idea about death, departed ones (loved ones).

[Adonay Quetzal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book that really makes you think on the subject of death, dying, and what the Universe holds beyond corporal death. It really gave me a new way to think about death and what may come after. A must read for any occultist and I would even say anyone venturing into the funeral business as well.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short overview of what happens when we die, from the point of view of occult philosophy and the Mystery tradition. It does not go into great detail, but provides the essentials for the human being looking to prepare for this inevitable event. How do you feel about dying, and why do you feel that way?

[Michalis Filippou]

If you want to learn about how theosophy and esoteric tradition sees life after death then this is a good book. It does not go as in-depth as other books might but it gives a clear idea of what is considered to be the journey after death. It is an easy read and can be done so quite fast.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I echo many of reviewer Judy’s statements, but want to add, I also gave four stars instead of three because the last chapter was worth the entire (albeit small) book. Prior to the final chapter it was very much looking like a three star review.

[Victoria Maxwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you're contemplating your own mortality or dealing with the loss of a loved one, this book will bring comfort and guidance.

A must read for anyone on the magickal path.

[Domi Holle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this work, very informative with a somewhat personal dreamy feel to the thought of life, death and rebirth.