15 posts tagged “mystery schools”
In podcast episode 72, Christopher Knowles returns to the show for the second part of our fascinating interview (if you haven’t already, please listen to part 1 – Christopher Knowles and The Secret Sun, pt. 1).
Chris continues to stress the importance of questions instead of answers and that fiction, especially science fiction, is one of the best methods to use for exploring the possibilities of our imagination and the Universe. Don’t miss this second part of the conversation with the amazing Christopher Knowles. His research and inquisitive perspective highlight some of the great mysteries that continue to occupy humanity in our quest to discover who and what we truly are.
relevant links:
Christopher Knowles and The Secret Sun, pt. 1
“Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes” by Christopher Knowles
“The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies” by Chris Knowles and Matt Hurwitz
intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold
outro music by Aarni – “Anima”
direct link to download .mp3 podcast file -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast72_ChrisKnowles_it.mp3
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Coming Soon!
I am pleased to announce that Occult of Personality will soon offer additional recordings as part of a new members subscription section. In these additional interviews and conversations, featured guests will provide expertise in specific areas of esoteric study. Members will also have access to meditations guided by featured guests that utilize the power of consciousness to aid in personal development. The audio archives of older podcast episodes will be made available to members as an added bonus.
In addition to receiving extra audio recordings for most upcoming guests on the show, listeners will also have an option to sign up for Rising Phoenix Foundation’s “The Inner Fire Journal” by David Goddard (our guest in episodes 54 and 62). “The Inner Fire Journal” is dedicated to the practice of true Alchemy and the Hermetic Arts and is published each month. “The Inner Fire Journal” features high grade Western Mystery teachings, guided meditations, audio, video, and more.
Look for more details about how you can sign up for the Occult of Personality membership subscription in the next episode!
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In podcast episode 68, we’re joined again by Christopher Knowles. Chris is the author of the Eagle Award-winning “Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes,” published by Red Wheel/Weiser and co-author of “The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies,” published by Insight Editions. This time, Chris joins us for a very in-depth discussion about the themes explored in his blog, “The Secret Sun”.
Chris describes his research as modern mythology, alt-history and pop-cult symbology. We begin our conversation as he analyzes the Sun from a variety of perspectives, including scientific, symbolic, mythological, and religious. Chris traces some of the beginnings of solar symbolism and how these origins informs his work. By examining current events with a focus on symbolism and synchronicity, his work uncovers many interesting correspondences.
Chris expresses his view that the evolution of humanity will include
the development of many concepts that are now considered marginal, but
celebrated in popular culture and media, such as psychism,
psychedelics, shamanism, and other ways of changing consciousness. Of
course, these ideas hearken back to ancient cultures.
Chris talks about his views of ancient Mystery schools, esoteric orders, Freemasonry and the similar symbols that they employ. He shares his thoughts about the Sirius mystery and we talk about the multiple levels of meaning in esoteric symbols and texts. From there, we delve into ancient astronaut theory, space travel, and the living Universe of which everything is an expression.
Chris stresses the importance of asking questions instead of finding answers. He also talks about the utilization of science fiction, and fiction in general, to express ideas that often are not considered seriously outside of that realm.
Don’t miss the second part of this fascinating conversation…
relevant links:
“Our Gods Wear Spandex: The Secret History of Comic Book Heroes” by Christopher Knowles
“The Complete X-Files: Behind the Series, the Myths, and the Movies” by Chris Knowles and Matt Hurwitz
intro music by HipGnosis and Darkfold
outro music by John McNair – “Pagan Queen”
download .mp3 podcast -- http://media.blubrry.com/occultofpersonality/www.occultofpersonality.net/wp-content/uploads/OoP_Podcast68_ChrisKnowles_it.mp3
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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.
