4 posts tagged “esoteric orders”

Dr. Paul Clark is a renowned writer and lecturer, as well as the Steward of the Fraternity of the Hidden Light, or F.L.O. (Fraternitas L.V.X. Occulta). F.L.O. is a Mystery school in the western esoteric tradition. Dr. Clark joins us to discuss the nature and purpose of the Fraternity of the Hidden Light, and what it offers to its members.

Fraternity of the Hidden Light

“Dr. Paul Clark began esoteric studies at an early age by corresponding with W.E. Butler. When Paul reached the age of twelve, W.E. Butler suggested Paul contact the Reverend Ann Davies, who was then Prolocutor-General of the Builders of the Adytum and thus began a long and rewarding relationship. Paul spent the next thirteen years studying under Ann Davies and Paul was a member of a select circle of seven “stewards” receiving advanced instruction directly from Ann.

In 1982, Paul and a group of Initiates of high grade, founded the Fraternity of the Hidden Light, an Aquarian Age Mystery School. As Steward of the Fraternity, Paul is known for his ability to inspire others to take their spiritual evolution in hand so that they may achieve their full potential as co-creators.

Paul has written several books including “The Book of the Rose”, “The Secret Cipher of the Golden Dawn” and “The Broken Seal” and has authored two instructional courses taken by numerous students around the world: “The Threshold” and “The Path of Return”.”

Universum excerpt

Our discussion also covers the influence of Paul Foster Case and Ann Davies, the importance and relevance of Qabalah to the study of esoteric science, the symbolism of the Tarot, and the purpose of ceremonial magick. These modalities of study allow us insight and unfoldment that has proven effective for seekers throughout the ages. The importance of balance and aligning the self-conscious and the subconscious is also stressed. Lastly, Paul also shares his hopes for the future with us.

Key 18 - The Moon

“My presence is the cause of every form,
And to those who have eyes to see,
Wherever a man may plant his foot is holy ground.

Not alone in sanctuaries set apart,
But in the street and market-place,
In the abode of sin
As well as in the house of prayer,
Mayest thou say with thy Father Jacob,
“Surely the Lord is in this place;
And I knew it not.”

Verily, thy consciousness of body
Is my self-knowledge of form,
And by that knowledge working in thee
Do I maintain thine existence
In all states and conditions.

Behold, I dwell with thee, O Israel,
And thou dwellest with me.
Take heed
That thou despise not thy Lord in human form.

- excerpt from “The Meditation on Qoph” in “The Book of Tokens”

Our friend Bishop T Allen Greenfield returns to the show to talk about Gnostic history and philosophy.

"Ancient of Days" by William Blake (1794)

Dr. Greenfield is particularly well-qualified to discuss this subject considering his extensive experience in Gnostic churches serving as bishop. Our conversation covers the definition of Gnosis and Gnostic, the history of ancient sects, the philosophy through the ages, modern permutations of the Gnostic doctrine, and Dr. Greenfield’s own personal lineage.

an interpretation of the Gnostic Cosmos

2 comments

Notable points include differing perspectives on the concept of the Demiurgus and the resultant differences in the views on body and spirit, the secret societies and esoteric orders that have carried the Wisdom, and Apostolic succession.

"Montsalvat, the Castle of the Grail" by Franz Stassen (1903)

“These are mysteries, O Israel,
Difficult to understand.
With much searching shalt thou still fail
To grasp them,
Unless thy search be rightly prosecuted.
Yet the Way to Understanding is ever open
To him who will follow it steadfastly.
It is the Way of the Heart,
And thou shalt be guided therein
By thine own inner Hearing.”

- Paul Foster Case from “The Meditation on Vav” in “The Book of Tokens”

Key 5 - The Hierophant

relevant links:

Smashing Illusions - Dr. T Allen Greenfield’s Livejournal web site

The Assembly of the Knowledge and Wisdom of Solomon

“T Allen Greenfield’s Spiritual and Fraternal Heritage”

Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis

The North American College of Gnostic Bishops

previous appearances - “Podcast 35 - An Inquiry Into Suppressed Information“, “Podcast 31 - Scrying the Universe“, and “Podcast 17 - The Secret Cipher”

“Victorian Fire: The Origins of Sexual Magick” by T Allen Greenfield

“Fragments of a Faith Forgotten: The Gnostics, a Contibution to the Study of the Origins of Christianity” by G.R.S. Mead

“Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism” by Kurt Rudolph

“Gnosis and Hermeticism from Antiquity to Modern Times” by Roelof van den Broek

intro music by HipGnosis

outro music by The Quiet Earth Orchestra, excerpt of “God” (thanks to John Ludi)