13 posts tagged “mystery schools”
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"Fulcanelli" wrote "The Mystery of the Cathedrals," but his identity was a matter of speculation, until now.
For more on "Fulcanelli" and the cathedrals, check out:
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In
1926, Fulcanelli – an obvious pseudonym – wrote “Le
Mystère des Cathédrales” – The Mystery
of the Cathedrals. The publication not merely created a renewed
interest in the how and the why of the Gothic cathedrals, but
also raised the question who Fulcanelli was.
Several names have since been put forward, tall stories have been
spun, including how Fulcanelli was over a hundred years old, did
not die, but instead disappeared. It is now generally believed
that the man at the origin of the mystery was René Schwaller
– the man who, with the addition of “de Lubicz”
to his name, would later make a name for himself as an Egyptologist,
performing detailed analyses that would inspire the likes of John
Anthony West. 
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Check it out.
 clipped from synkronos23.vox.com
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I’m very pleased to introduce Synkronos23 (http://synkronos23.vox.com/). She’s a truthseeker and researcher of many, if not all, the same topics that you are familiar with - the occult, astrology, ancient civilizations, the origins of religion (astrotheology), magick, secret societies, and conspiracy. Her knowledge of the material, both academic and experiential, is noteworthy. Join us for a discussion of classical occult concepts and their relationship to the modern aeon.
In this episode, we discuss some of her recent articles, including ancient Egyptian Mystery initiation (Setian Consciousness), the pervasive symbolism of Columbia, and mainly, Aleister Crowley and “The Crowley Conspiracy.”
Thanks Synkronos23!
The movie "The Secret" has made quite a splash. It is being promoted by some of the most mainstream media entities ever created. There has also been quite a bit of praise for it in alternative press as well. IMO, it is time for another take on this cinematic chicanery. Thankfully, Stuart Davis provides it in an article he recently wrote -- "The Secret - The Spirituality of Narcissism."
Here is an excerpt from the end of the article, summing it up quite nicely:
Rhonda Byrne's Secret is bad Self-Help masquerading as mysticism. Broadly, "spirituality" can mean anything. So when we say spirituality, what level of spirituality are we talking about? What altitude of awareness are we coming from, what level of "spirit" are we referring to? I'm not saying The Secret is not spiritual. I'm saying it's a very low-level of spirituality masquerading as a high one. What it uses as enticements (become wealthy, get a better job, get a lover) are very telling. It is appealing to a person's desire to attain, acheive, and better their personal station. It is promising you a better STORY. And that is indeed one altitude of spirituality. But it's the bottom, and inflating it can end up keeping people stuck in the cycle of suffering even longer. Because the self is addicted to its STORY. The Self is the end of all stories.
Now contrast The Secret with The Mystery. The Mystery, to me, includes all four domains (inner, outer, individual, collective) and does not privilege one over the other. It engages them as tetra-arising. It includes them as inextricably inter-woven, yet distinct in important ways. The Mystery includes every altitude in every domain, and values each of them, but also understand their differences. The Mystery includes every methodology, every ontology or Way of Knowing, but it also understands what they do, and what they don't do. The Secret is but a method, and it will not set you free from The Story. In fact, it will probably suck you deeper into it. It promises money, power, increased attraction, and tells you it is "spiritual" practice. Your story could become so comfortable, why would you ever forfeit it?
Here is an important question: What level of YOU wants to get rich? What altitude of YOU wants a new house, a better lover, an improved Story?
Here's what I feel is a healthier approach. Use the right tool for the right job. The right decoy for the right level. I think it is GOOD to improve our financial station. I think it is GOOD to have an exciting love life. That's why I have a financial advisor. That's why I see a therapist. I need to work on my self. I want to improve my relative reality. But I don't need to invoke "the Universe" or quantum mechanics or magical-narcissistic mysticism to do so. That's tremendously misguided. Want to find your Self? See Swami Sally. Want to get a new house? A better blow job? See Suze Ormon and Dr Ruth. Stop it with this Secret delusion. It's offensive and detrimental to our work in the Mystery.
Perhaps worst of all, until we are truly FREE -free from the Source of Suffering, free from desire, clutching, the assault of our false identities and all their Stories- until we are that FREE, we cannot really be available to help others become FREE. And that my friends, is the hokey pokey.
After the discussion the other day with Kent of The Kentroversy Papers about occult symbolism in rock music, I couldn't resist posting the lyrics (and video) of this song by the 80's metal powerhouse, Iron Maiden. Nothing subliminal here at all - this particular piece is so overflowing with occult symbolism that it is over-the-top.
"O God of earth and altar
Bow down and hear our cry
Our earthly rulers falter
Our peolple drift and die
The walls of gold entomb us
The swords of scorn divide
Take not thy thunder from us
But take away our pride"
(excerpt from an English hymnal written by G. K. Chesterton)
Just a babe in a black abyss
No reason for a place like this
The walls are cold and souls cry out in pain
An easy way for the Blind to go
A clever Path for the Fools who know
The Secret of the Hanged Man - the smile on his lips
The Light of the Blind you'll see
The venom that tears my spine
The Eyes of the Nile are opening - you'll see
She came to me with a Serpent's kiss
As the Eye of the Sun rose on her lips
Moonlight catches silver tears I cry
So we lay in a black embrace
And the seed is sown in a holy place
And I watched and I waited for the Dawn
The Light of the Blind you'll see
The venom that tears my spine
The Eyes of the Nile are opening - you'll see
Bind all of us together
Ablaze of hope and free
No storm or heavy weather
Will rock the boat you'll see
The time has come to close your eyes
And still the wind and rain
For the one who will be king
The Watcher in the Ring
It is you
The study of astrology is inextricably linked to ancient civilizations and the origins of religion (astrotheology). Most are familiar with the 12 signs of the zodiac, the times of the solar year that they represent, and maybe even their characteristics. Of course, just like all occult studies, there is an exoteric and esoteric understanding of these concepts.
While the ignorant multitudes worshiped the house of the sun's reflection, which in the case described would be the Bull, the wise revered the house of the sun's actual dwelling, which would be the Scorpion, or the Serpent, the symbol of the concealed spiritual mystery. [2]
So the first point to be noted is the esoteric, heliocentric nature of the astrology practiced by the wise. Next, note the significance of the sign of Scorpio - that of wisdom and "the concealed spiritual mystery." The esoteric sign is not the backbiting Scorpion, but the Serpent. Even more than that is the Eagle, Scorpio's ultimate sign. The sign of occult initiation, Scorpio - from the venomous of the earth to the king of the sky. [3]
It is said by the ancients that there were originally only 10 zodiac signs, not 12 - Libra was added and Virgo and Scorpio were split into 2 separate signs. According to various sources, including Madame Blavatsky, the sign of Libra was inserted and divided the formerly unified sign of Virgo-Scorpio. The Virgin and the Serpent. Genesis, the Garden of Eden, and the "fall" of man.
This division was called Ezekiel's wheel and was completed in the following way: First came the ascending signs (euphermerized into patriarchs), Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, and the group concluded with Virgo-Scorpio. Then came the turning-point, Libra. After which, the first half of the sign of Virgo-Scorpio, was duplicated and transferred to lead the lower, or descending group of Microcosm which ran down to Pisces, or Noah (deluge). To make it clearer, the sign Virgo-Scorpio, became simply Virgo, and the duplication, Scorpio, was placed between Libra, the seventh sign (which is Enoch, or the angel Metatron, or Mediator between spirit and matter, or God and man). It now became Scorpio (or Cain), which sign or patriarch led mankind to destruction, according to exoteric theology; but, according to the true doctrine of the wisdom-religion, it indicated the degradation of the whole universe in its course of evolution downward from the subjective to the objective. [4]
So the original 10 became 12. Virgo and Scorpio, the Virgin and the Serpent, linked in so many ways. So the second esoteric point is the origin of Virgo and Scorpio and the all the implications inherent in it.
Next, the importance of the sign of Leo. When the sun arrives at the summer solstice (just before St. John's Day), Leo appears to lead the way,
It is clear how revered the sign of Leo is to the wisdom-religion. Of course, when these points are all considered as a whole, the implications for the coming New Age are rather revealing. This doctrine indicates that we are currently in the Age of Virgo, not Pisces, and instead of the Age of Aquarius that we have been led to expect - we will enter, esoterically, the Age of Leo as the sun will be dwelling in the house of the Lion. This new age will be signified by the height of solar power - power for those that worship the sun, and all that represents.... and to aid by his powerful paw in lifting up the sun up to the summit of the zodiacal arch. This visible connection between the constellation Leo and the return of the sun to his place of power and glory, at the summit of the Royal Arch of heaven, was the principal reason why that constellation was held in such high esteem and reverence by the ancients. ... "The lion was adored in the East and West by the Egyptians and the Mexicans. The chief Druid of Britain was styled a lion." [5]
Then, indeed, will the secret religions of the world include once more the raising to initiation by the Grip of the Lion's Paw. [6]
Esoteric astrology - consider it when you read about the coming New Age and 2012.
1. Hall, Manly P. The Secret Teachings of All Ages, Readers' ed. (New York: Tarcher/Penguin, 2003). p. 156.
2. ibid.
3. ibid.
4. Blavatsky, H.P. Isis Unveiled. (Theosophy Trust, 2006). p. 419.
5. Hall, Manly P. The Secret Teachings of All Ages, Readers' ed. (New York: Tarcher/Penguin, 2003). p. 157.
6. ibid.
Behind the veil of all the hieratic and mystical allegories of ancient doctrines, behind the darkness and strange ordeals of all initiations, under the seal of all sacred writings, in the ruins of Nineveh or Thebes, on the crumbling stones of old temples and on the blackened visage of the Assyrian or Egyptian sphinx, in the monstrous or marvellous paintings which interpret to the faithful of India the inspired pages of the Vedas, in the cryptic emblems of our old books on alchemy, in the ceremonies practised at reception by all secret societies, there are found indications of a doctrine which is everywhere the same and everywhere carefully concealed.
- Eliphas Levi, Introduction to Dogme et Rituel de la Haute Magie
One of the most famous occultists of all time, Eliphas Levi's work is considered crucial.
Astute readers will recall that Levi, a native of Paris, was responsible for the drawing of the Goat of Mendes, symbolising Baphomet. Again, this hideous figure represents the "astral light" among many other occult concepts.
More to come...
... the great materialistic progress which we have venerated for so long is on the verge of bankruptcy. We can no longer believe that we are born into this world to accumulate wealth and abandon ourselves to mortal pleasures. We see the dangers and realize that we have been exploited for centuries. We were told the twentieth century was the most progressive that the world has ever known, but unfortunately the progression was in the direction of self-destruction.
To avoid a future of war, crime, and bankruptcy, the individual must begin to plan his own destiny, and the best source for the necessary information comes down to us through the writings of the ancients. The greatest knowledge of all time should be available ... in a book that would be a monument, not merely a coffin.
Hall was born March 18, 1901 in Peterborough, Ontario. His parents divorced and he was raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota by his maternal grandmother, Florence Palmer. A sickly child, Hall spent much of his time reading. At some point, they moved to Chicago and then Hall attended a military school. When Hall was sixteen, his grandmother died. Somehow, a young Manly Hall ended up in the care of a "self-styled Rosicrucian community" in California. Hall lived with this group until, at age nineteen, he became "suspicious of their claims of ancient wisdom" and moved out on his own. From this point, Hall's star began to rise. He lectured on various esoteric topics and garnered notoriety and sponsorship from many apparently very influential people to continue his esoteric studies. He traveled the world in search of ancient wisdom, including Egypt, India, China, and Japan. He was provided access to libraries containing ancient manuscripts that most men have never laid eyes upon, and most likely never will. Beginning in 1921 this research culminated in a two-year period from 1926 - 1928, during which time the majority of the research and writing was done. The most shocking thing of all is that this amazing book was completed before Hall's twenty-eighth birthday! Hall did not only research and write this massive book, he raised funds and published it himself. The first printing was primarily for the many who invested in his project. It was such a hit that it has never once been out-of-print.
From his quote at the beginning of this piece, Hall's motivation for writing, securing financing, and self-publishing The Secret Teachings of All Ages was in reaction to the blatant and reckless materialism he saw in society at the expense of the spiritual and mystical. Hall seemed to realize quite early in life that, for him, and he believed humanity, materialism was a false light that would leave only empty shells. His intent was to stoke the inner flame of wisdom and convince people to turn inward,