The nineteenth-century writer and Masonic scholar Kenneth R. H. Mackenzie (1833-86) studied occultism with Frederick Hockley, and met the famous French occultist Éliphas Lévi in 1861. He was also involved in the foundation of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This extensive encyclopaedia, first published in 1877, is considered to be a classic Masonic reference work. It includes detailed information on the symbols, rites, legends, terms, people and places associated with Freemasonry. Some of the symbols are illustrated and lists of rankings are given, including a 'traditional' list of Grand Masters of England that includes Sts Swithin and Dunstan, Alfred the Great, Sir Christopher Wren (twice) and Charles II. Mackenzie aims in his entries to be critical when relevant: as he says in the Preface, freemasonry has 'received a willing tribute' in his book, but he hints at difficulties encountered in publishing material about a famously secretive society.
• Examines the intricate carvings, chambers, and structures, revealing the site’s acoustical properties, shamanic symbolism, and astronomical alignments • Reveals how Karahan Tepe was used by shamans to connect with the Milky Way’s Galactic bulge in its role as the head of the cosmic serpent • Explains how the site’s builders, who created the world’s first post ice age civilization, are remembered in myth and legend as the Watchers and Nephilim of Jewish religious tradition and as the Anunnaki gods of Sumerian mythology Considered the most important archaeological discovery of the 21st century, Karahan Tepe is an enormous complex of stone structures in southeastern Turkey covering an estimated ten acres. Built more than 11,000 years ago, Karahan Tepe contains some of the oldest monumental architecture anywhere on Earth, including human and animal statues, ubiquitous snake carvings, T-shaped pillars, and interconnecting underground enclosures with stone columns carved directly from the bedrock. Chronicling his explorations of Karahan Tepe, Andrew Collins presents the first in-depth investigation of the discoveries at the site: who built it, its astronomical alignments, and its cosmological connections. He examines the intricate carvings and architectural features, including a newly discovered statue of a giant human figure. Explaining how the site functioned as a shamanic oracle center, Collins shows how its rock-cut structures were used to connect with the Milky Way’s Galactic Bulge and stars of Scorpius in their role as the head and active spirit of a perceived cosmic serpent. He traces this serpent motif throughout history, identifying it with the biblical serpent of Eden, the kundalini of Vedic tradition, and the black snake of the Yezidis. He demonstrates how the belief in the existence of the Milky Way serpent among the inhabitants of Karahan Tepe went on to influence the foundation of the Gnostic Ophite mysteries suppressed by the Christian Church. He also shows how the founders of Karahan Tepe were recalled in Hebrew myth and legend as the Watchers and Nephilim and in Sumerian and Babylonian mythology as the Anunnaki. Sharing a wealth of evidence, Collins confirms that Karahan Tepe and its sister site of Göbekli Tepe belonged to the world’s first post–Ice Age civilization, which today bears the enigmatic name of Taş Tepeler.
"I am the happiest man in the world because God entrusted me with this mission." In John of God: The Brazilian Healer Who's Touched the Lives of Millions, a seemingly average rancher from Abadiânia, Brazil, offers a powerful message of love, compassion, and hope for humanity. João Teixeira de Faria, the healer and medium known as John of God, allows "spirit doctors" to take over his body three times a week to miraculously treat the thousands of people from all over the world who come in need of remedy. John of God has fulfilled his mission as a medium for more than forty-eight years, making numerous pilgrimages around the world. Drawn by the hope of instantaneous healing, over eight million believers have proceeded in front of him throughout his life, as tens of thousands journey to Brazil each year to see John of God and his home, the Casa de Dom Inácio de Loyola, which is designed to accommodate hundreds of visitors each day. Despite all the media attention paid to this inter-nationally praised healer, little has been revealed about his personal life. Translator Heather Cumming and photographer Karen Leffler have traveled with John of God and chronicled his life and work. What began as an endeavor to document the testimonials of his remarkable healings has now become the first complete, authorized portrait of his world. Stirring words and vivid photographs -- many of which capture the haunting spiritual energy that surrounds John of God and the Casa -- take us on an affecting and deeply personal journey with the humble medium who offers hope for people with none. The result is an intimate portrait of an ordinary individual in extraordinary circumstances and a reading experience that will bring readers of every persuasion closer to their faith. To learn more about John of God and his mission, go to www.beyondword.com and www.friendsofthecasa.org.
