Writer and reporter Louis Sahagun joins us to discuss his amazing new book, “Master of the Mysteries: The Life of Manly Palmer Hall” available from Process Media. Louis’ book is an incredibly well-researched and revealing a biography of Manly Hall that contains so many previously unknown facts and stories that it is simply amazing. This book is a must-read for anyone that considers themselves a student of Hall and his work, or is simply interested in how a man came from almost nothing and made himself into one of the greatest teachers of his generation.

Louis Sahagun's "Master of the Mysteries"

Our conversation begins by discussing how Louis came to know Hall and his work and describes his approach to writing the book as a history of Hall and the city of Los Angeles growing up together. Next, we talk about Manly Hall’s early life and how he began his career as a teacher and seer. In the early years, Hall was identified with Rosicrucianism, as were some of his contemporaries, including Max Heindel’s widow, Augusta, and H. Spencer Lewis. We get into Hall’s history as a Freemason and how this affected the subject matter of his writings and lectures. We trace the progression from writings on Magic, Tarot, Alchemy, and Freemasonry to his later works on mysticism, meditation, Eastern philosophy, and comparative religion. We also discuss the later years and Hall’s very mysterious death at the hands of the man who was supposed to be his friend and aide. Hall’s accomplishments are legion, including the hundreds of books, thousands of lectures, and the Philosophical Research Society that still stands as a living monument to the Wisdom of the Ages compiled by Hall during his lifetime.

PRS library doors

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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”

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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

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)

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clipped from www.occultofpersonality.com In this episode, we’re joined by author Christopher Knowles. The discussion revolves around his new book, “Our Gods Wear Spandex, The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes.” We talk about the history of comic books and how the ideas contained and promoted in this medium can be traced directly to esoteric and occult concepts. “The collision of science, morality, and magic is being played out hundreds of times a month in comic books and other media, showing us the implications of superhuman potential. Is this an unconscious form of preparation for an inevitable shift in human reality? Should we pay more careful attention to the visionaries and lunatics who anticipate the future in comic-book storylines? In that supernatural realm called the human imagination, comic-book creators like Alan Moore and Alex Ross may be time-travelers, forecasting the future for us and showing us the way. It’s funny how it all seems so similar to the ancient myths. The past and future are always with us.” The Secret Sun - Christopher Knowles’ blog

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clipped from www.occultofpersonality.com We welcome back to the program T Allen Greenfield to discuss his two most recent books - “Inquisition In 21st Century America” and “Victorian Fire: The Origins of Sexual Magick“. “Inquisition In 21st Century America” is Dr. Greenfield’s description of his personal experiences with regard to expulsion from a “magical order of antiquity“. We discuss how this book has subsequently been censored and is no longer available from the publisher, as well as the idea of censorship and free speech in a larger context. Described as “the essence of 19th century sexual magick under one cover”, “Victorian Fire” details the story of the (re)emergence of sex magick into a somewhat more public environment. One individual that we talk about who is integral to this history is Dr. Paschal Beverly Randolph. These ideas, according to Dr. Greenfield, can be reliably traced back to before the dawn of civilization as we currently understand it. “Victorian Fire: The Origins of Sexual Magick”

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