This Text presents an introduction to the Alchemical Philosophy of the Ancient Mysteries, it contains extracts from many different books and is organized into 2 main sections: 1) An explanation of the Alchemical Symbolism which has 3 parts that are mostly extracts from 3 of Jean Marie Ragon's books published together in 1853: Masonic Orthodoxy, Philosophical Masonry and Occult Masonry. Taken together, these extracts are a wonderful synthesis of how Masonry is a continuation of the Ancient Mysteries. 2) Contains the Instructions and/or Catechisms from 3 different French Masonic orders: FRENCH RITE (early to mid 1700s), ADONHIRAMITE RITE (late 1700s), and MEMPHIS RITE (mid 1800s). These show the Ancient Philosophical, Hermetic, and Alchemical symbolism which was explained in the first section. Finally, in the Editor's Appendix, there is an explanation of the "Masonic Tablet", followed by an article about the "Generation of Beings" and then a list of the "Shem Hamphorash" or the '72 Names of God'.
MURIEL MCCARTHY This volume originated from a seminar organised by Richard H. Popkin in Marsh's Library on July 7-8, 1994. It was one of the most stimulating events held in the Library in recent years. Although we have hosted many special seminars on such subjects as rare books, the Huguenots, and Irish church history, this was the first time that a seminar was held which was specifically related to the books in our own collection. It seems surprising that this type of seminar has never been held before although the reason is obvious. Since there is no printed catalogue of the Library scholars are not aware of its contents. In fact the collection of books by late seventeenth and early eighteenth century European authors on, for example, such subjects as biblical criticism, political and religious controversy, is one of the richest parts of the Library's collections. Some years ago we were informed that of the 25,000 books in Marsh's at least 5,000 English books or books printed in England were printed between 1640 and 1700.
Unlock the Symbols, Meanings & Magic of the Cards Discover the esoteric roots underlying the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot, the Thoth Tarot, and contemporary decks that share their symbols. This illustrated, card-by-card analysis reveals detailed insights drawn from the multi-layered traditions of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the magical order that most strongly influenced modern tarot, helping you give better readings informed by the history of spiritual practice. For each card, you will discover how astrology, mythology, alchemy, the elements, and Qabalah contribute to the card's overall meaning. Authors T. Susan Chang and M. M. Meleen, co-hosts of the popular Fortune's Wheelhouse podcast, decipher the symbols and stories of tarot. Their carefully researched synthesis of esoteric ideas is designed to foster a deeper connection with the wisdom of the cards.
The Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor, active in the last decades of the 19th century, was the only order of its time that taught practical occultism in the Western Mystery Tradition. This is the first complete and undistorted account, tracing the origins, founders, and practices of this very secretive order, which counted among its members many of the well-known figures of late 19th-century occultism, spiritualism, and Theosophy, including Max Theon, Peter Davidson, Thomas Henry Burgoyne and Paschal Beverly Randolph. This scholarly work provides all the materials for revisioning the history, assigning the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor its rightful place as one of the most influential esoteric orders of its time.
A Comprehensive Collection of Magical Wisdom in One Indispensable Book Llewellyn's Complete Book of Ceremonial Magick brings together the myriad occult philosophies and techniques necessary for a thorough understanding of the esoteric arts. This magnificent treasury is filled with fascinating insights from today's most esteemed working practitioners, developing the rich details of a dozen topics that together comprise the Western Mystery Tradition. Within these pages, you will explore the rituals and ideas that have shaped the history and modern practice of magick. Edited by virtuoso occultists Lon Milo DuQuette and David Shoemaker, this brilliant collection of new writings is the preeminent reference work on the occult arts and sciences. Foundations of Western Magic (Sam Webster) • Qabalah (Anita Kraft & Randall Bowyer) • Planetary Magic (David Rankine) • Alchemy (Dennis William Hauck) • Demonology & Spirit Evocation (Dr. Stephen Skinner) • The Magick of Abra-Melin (Marcus Katz) • Enochian Magick & Mysticism (Aaron Leitch) • The Golden Dawn (Chic and Sandra Tabatha Cicero) • Thelema & Aleister Crowley (David Shoemaker) • Polytheistic Ceremonial Magic (John Michael Greer) • Magician's Tables (David Allen Hulse) • The Future of Ceremonial Magick (Brandy Williams)
This book demonstrates conclusively the identity of the solar and lunar rites of the Greeks, Romans and other peoples, ancient and modern, to the rites of Freemasonry and Christianity. '...a complete demonstration of the incorporation of the Solar and Phallic Mysteries in Christianity.' Aleister Crowley
THIS BOOK REVEALS THE CONSPIRACY BY LEONARDO, NEWTON, GOETHE AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE INITIATE TRADITION TO INFLUENCE THE COURSE OF HISTORY BY MAGIC. From the dawn of history and perhaps beyond a small group of magi working within a specific magical tradition have believed they have been influencing the course of history, guiding mankind towards higher levels of consciousness. Theirs is a reincarnationist philosophy and they believe that, as initiates of the highest order, they return in local groups at key moments to conspire to change the course of events. Whether or not their beliefs are right, whether or not their magical practices work in the way they believe, this book will prove that certain remarkable individuals, many of them famous in other areas, have undoubtedly held these beliefs. Bestsellers such as HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL and THE TOMB OF GOD have been written by amateur historians trying to penetrate the veil of secrecy that surrounds this conspiracy; here for the first time an initiate of the order reveals the truth.
The letters of the alphabet have been the object of speculation since their invention. This book examines the many ways in which the letters of the alphabet have been assigned value in political, spiritual, or religious systems over two millennia.
Published in 1904 (CW 10) "Not everyone can immediately achieve spiritual vision; but the discoveries of those who have it can be health-giving life nourishment for all. The results of supersensible knowledge, when properly employed in life, prove to be not impractical, but rather, practical in the highest sense.... The acquisition of higher knowledge is not the end, but the means to an end; the end consists in the attainment, thanks to this knowledge, of greater and truer self-confidence, a higher degree of courage, and a magnanimity and perseverance such as cannot, as a rule, be acquired in the lower world." This is the classic account of the modern Western esoteric path of initiation made public by Steiner in 1904. He begins with the premise that "the capacities by which we can gain insights into the higher worlds lie dormant within each one of us." Steiner carefully and precisely leads the reader from the cultivation of the fundamental soul attitudes of reverence and inner tranquility to the development of inner life through the stages of preparation, illumination, and initiation. Steiner provides practical exercises of inner and outer observation and moral development. By patiently and persistently following his guidelines, new "organs" of soul and spirit begin to form, which reveal the contours of the higher worlds thus far concealed from us. Steiner in this important work becomes a teacher, a counselor, and a friend whose advice is practical, clear, and effective. The challenges we face in life require increasingly deeper levels of understanding, and Steiner's text helps readers to cultivate the capacities for such insights and places them at the service of humanity. This is Steiner's most essential guide to the modern path of initiation he advocated throughout his life. It has been translated into many languages and has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers around the world. How to Know Higher Worlds has been admired by some of the most brilliant minds of our time. "The methods by which a student is prepared for the reception of higher knowledge are minutely prescribed. The direction he is to take is traced with unfading, everlasting letters in the worlds of the spirit where the initiates guard the higher secrets. In ancient times, anterior to our history, the temples of the spirit were also outwardly visible; today, because our life has become so unspiritual, they are not to be found in the world visible to external sight; yet they are present spiritually everywhere, and all who seek may find them." Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and Its Attainment is a translation from German of the written work Wie erlangt man Erkenntnisse der höheren Welten? (GA 10).
The Library of Alexandria was one of the greatest cultural adornments of the late ancient world, containing thousands of scrolls of Greek, Hebrew and Mesopotamian literature and art and artefacts of ancient Egypt. This book demonstrates that Alexandria became - through the contemporary reputation of its library - a point of confluence for Greek, Roman, Jewish and Syrian culture that drew scholars and statesmen from throughout the ancient world. It also explores the histories of Alexander the Great and of Alexandria itself, the greatest city of the ancient world. This new paperback edition offers general readers an accessible introduction to the history of this magnificent yet still mysterious institution from the time of its foundation up to its tragic destruction.
