This is a collection of 18 essays on a variety of occult-themed topics, covering the full spectrum of classic esoteric and related subjects, which include hermeticism, alchemy, magic, the Kabbalah, ancient wisdom and philosophy, the Tarot, Rosicrucia...

A Collection of Writings Related to Occult, Esoteric, Rosicrucian and Hermetic Literature, Including Freemasonry, the Kabbalah, the Tarot, Alchemy and Theosophy Volume 1

Manly P. Hall, masonic and esoteric scholar, traces the path followed by initiates to the ancient craft. Hall also recounts the ethical training required of a Freemason, and he profiles the character traits a Mason must "build" within himself.  More ...

The Lost Keys of Freemasonry or the Secret of Hiram Abiff

The oldest, the most profound, the most universal of all symbols is the human body. The Greeks, Persians, Egyptians, and Hindus considered a philosophical analysis of man's triune nature to be an indispensable part of ethical and religious training. ...

The Human Body in Symbolism

Famed writer Manly P. Hall explores the symbolism of the most famous Master of the Builders. He continues to delve into the Hiramic legend and how it connects with other cultures and similar myths. He examines the name Hiram as compared to the name C...

The Legend of Hiram Abiff

The content of this piece covers Enoch's journey through the multiple heavens, meeting the angels Gabriel and Michael, Enoch instructing Methuselah and his other sons on moral and ethical lessons, which he had written out in 366 books and which he ev...

The Secrets of Enoch Also Known as the Second Book of Enoch

Notable esoteric writer and scholar examines the history and symbology of the zodiac.  The word zodiac is derived from the Greek zodiakos, which means a circle of animals, or, as some believe, little animals. It is the name given by the old pagan ast...

The Zodiac and Its Signs: Esoteric Classics

Notable scholar of all things occult and esoteric Manly P. Hall delves into the world of ceremonial magic and sorcery. He discusses black magic and offers up some lore and legends of Atlantis that have been passed down through oral tradition. He disc...

Ceremonial Magic and Sorcery

That, which is usually presented as the first 36 chapters of The Book of Enoch was originally known as the Book of the Watchers and dates to around 200 BC. This translation of the Book of the Watchers comes to us from notable scholar of apocryphal li...

The Book of Enoch: Book of the Watchers

Famed esoteric scholar Manly P. Hall examines the origins and evolution of Qabbalism and the role of the Sepher Yetzirah in a wonderful and insightful essay.  He also offers a fantastic, simplified, and unique translation of the Sepher Yetzirah, the ...

The Sepher Yetzirah and the Qabalah

Renowned author Manly P. Hall covers a range of esoteric history, showcasing the significance behind numerous instances of important stones. He discusses the ancient Greeks, Saturn, logan stones, the philosopher's stone, Moses and the tablets of law,...

The Occult Symbolism of Stones, Metals and Gems

Esoteric scholar Manly P. Hall covers a lot of areas relating to the ancient mysteries, including common roots in religious and ritual practices, the practices of the Druids and how they relate to Masonry, the rites of Mithras, Simon Magus and the Gnostics, Abraxas, the Egyptian Serapis, the Odinic mysteries and how they compare, the rites of Eleusis, the Orphic mysteries, Bacchus, Dionysos, and much more. 

Ancient Mysteries and Secret Societies

Renowned occult writer, Manly P. Hall, not only explores the history and images of the tarot cards, but he delves into the secret occult symbolism while examining the divinatory meaning behind each of the 22 major arcana. Manly P. Hall quotes Eliphas...

An Analysis of the Tarot Cards

Member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and co-creator of probably the most famous and most commonly used tarot deck, Arthur Edward Waite was also a prolific writer and prominent Freemason. Here he looks into the trio of Blue Lodge degrees an...

Some Deeper Aspects of Masonic Symbolism

The First Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ, also commonly referred to as The Infancy Gospel of Thomas (not to be confused with the apocryphal book simply called the Gospel of Thomas), dates to AD 185 and tells stories of the early events in the ...

The First Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ: Two Translations

This is a collection of 14 essays on a variety of occult-themed topics, covering the full spectrum of classic esoterica and related subjects, which include hermeticism, alchemy, magic, the Kabbalah, ancient wisdom and philosophy, the Tarot, Rosicruci...

A Collection of Writings Related to Occult, Esoteric, Rosicrucian and Hermetic Literature, Including Freemasonry, the Kabbalah, the Tarot, Alchemy and Theosophy, Volume 2

This is a collection of 14 essays on a variety of occult-themed topics, covering the full spectrum of classic occultism and related subjects, but with a focus on the western mystery tradition within esotericism. The topics include Hermeticism, Ceremo...

An Esoteric Reader

 Arthur Edward Waite was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and cocreator of probably the most famous and commonly used tarot deck. He was also a prolific writer and a prominent Freemason. In this short discourse, he examined the symbolism of our often-ignored second degree. 

Discourse on the Fellowcraft Degree

This is a collection of 26 essays on a variety of theosophical, spiritual and esoteric subjects by some of the most notable and prominent names in the history of theosophy. Compiled specifically with the student in mind. The contents include:  1. "Th...

A Collection of Essays Related to Theosophy and Spiritual, Esoteric and Occult Literature

Karl von Eckhartshausen was an 18th-century German mystic. The Cloud upon the Sanctuary is Christian mysticism veiled in hermetic code and often considered a classic among Rosicrucians and Theosophists. Eckhartshausen was briefly a member of Adam Wei...

Cloud upon the Sanctuary

Leadbeater attempts to answer the age-old question, which all aspirants to the occult sciences ask their teacher: How can I have those powers? He outlines different examples of the steps and the philosophy behind what the student will need to do in order to begin accessing the extraordinary powers they have within. In doing so, he doesn't limit the discussion to simply clairvoyance, but he touches on astral travel and other psychic powers. 

How Clairvoyance Is Developed

This is a collection of 21 essays on a variety of occult-themed topics, covering the full spectrum of classic esoteric and related subjects, which include Hermeticism, alchemy, magic, the Kabbalah, ancient wisdom and philosophy, the Tarot, Rosicrucia...

A Companion of Esoteric Essays on Occult Subjects Such as Freemasonry, the Tarot, Hermetic and Rosicrucian Literature, the Kabbalah, Theosophy, Alchemy and More

This is a collection of 14 works of biblical apocrypha for students of lost Christian writings. The Apocrypha are a loosely knit series of books, written by early vanguards of Christianity (covering the eras of both the old and new testaments), which...

A Collection of Lost and Forgotten Gospels, Texts and Apocryphal Books of the Bible

The initial origins of Enochian magick date to 1581, with 1584 being perhaps a more technical birthdate of the alphabet of the Enochian angels, with whom John Dee and Edward Kelley were the first to communicate with. The two men maintained detailed r...

The Enochian Calls of John Dee

This banned and largely forgotten biblical book, dating to the first century, is a series of secret messages and instructions, which Moses revealed to Joshua, prior to the act of passing leadership of the Israelites on to him, and it includes apocalyptic descriptions in addition to prophecies. It is a fascinating look at one small piece of a much larger, rich history of the myths surrounding Moses. 

The Assumption of Moses, also known as The Testament of Moses

Leadbeater discusses the astral plane at length; why it should be studied, descriptions of it, if the astral world is in opposition with various holy scriptures, the astral and death, the appearance of astral bodies, and the advantages of studying the astral. Written from a Theosophical viewpoint. 

The Reality of the Astral Plane

This is a collection of 13 essays on a variety of occult-themed topics, covering the full spectrum of classic esoteric and related subjects, which include Hermeticism, alchemy, magic, the Kabbalah, ancient wisdom and philosophy, the Tarot, Rosicrucia...

A Collection of Writings Related to Occult, Esoteric, Rosicrucian and Hermetic Literature, Including Freemasonry, the Kabbalah, the Tarot, Alchemy and Theosophy, Volume 4

Waite covers a lot of esoteric territory in this work, from mysticism, to alchemy to the Kabbalah, with a spattering of Latin throughout, for those wishing to brush up. The overall theme here being the search for personal adeptship, to which Waite proclaims, "Lift up your eyes." This is the advice that Brother Waite gives the zealous aspirant who may be seeking the secret tradition or the hidden college of the Rosicrucians. 

The Hermetic and Rosicrucian Mystery

Renowned Masonic scholar Albert G. Mackey examines the role Pythagoras has played in our fraternity. He begins by examining old records and the potential origin of how the Masonic name "Peter Gower" became a synonym for Pythagoras. He points to an ea...

The Influence of Pythagoras on Freemasonry

Roger Bacon was born in England in 1219, and while he is primarily remembered as a philosopher, linguist, educator, and scientist, he also spent a fair amount of time exploring the art of alchemy. The Mirror of Alchemy is one of the many texts he pro...

The Mirror of Alchemy

Member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and co-creator of probably the most famous and commonly used tarot deck, Arthur Edward Waite was also a prolific writer and prominent Freemason. Here, he examines the classic Legend of San Graal (or the...

The Legend of the Holy Grail and Its Connection with Templars and Freemasons

There is no symbol more interesting to the masonic student than the Sprig of Acacia—not only on account of its own peculiar import—but also because it introduces us to an extensive and delightful field of research: that, namely, which embraces the sy...

The Sprig of Acacia

John Sebastian Marlow Ward was a British author who published widely on the subject of Freemasonry. In this handbook, he takes the mason, step-by-step, through the third degree ritual, attempting to highlight lessons, as well as explain the underlying symbolism which was encountered. He covers questions, passwords, the opening, the symbolic journey, secrets learned, the tracing board and many more facets of the masonic raising ritual.

The Master Mason's Handbook

Prominent Theosophical writer, Charles Webster Leadbeater, discusses how we are influenced by everything that surrounds us, be it rocks, plants, or other people. Everything we encounter possesses an essence appropriate to its elemental counterpart, which imparts an influence on us. Leadbeater explains how to navigate our environment with this in mind. Written for students of Theosophy. 

The Influence of Surroundings

Notable French esoteric writer and occultist, Eliphas Levi, left behind numerous hints for the diligent student who may be seeking out communication with and travel across the astral plane. Here, his thoughts on the subject, culled from dozens of sources, have been collected together for students of the esoteric sciences.

Notes on the Astral Light: Esoteric Classics

Prolific writer and influential member of the Theosophical Society, Charles Leadbeater enlightens seekers on the law of divine justice, karma and chance. Written for students of Theosophy. 

The Law of Cause and Effect

Brother Strauss discusses the importance of the letter “G” that all masons will recognize as prominently appearing in every lodge room they have ever met in. He discusses the symbolism and significance, as well as why in foreign lands where English i...

Gematria and the Letter G: Foundations in Freemasonry Series: Studies in Kabbalah

Leadbeater addresses the sorrow, grief, and despair we all sometimes experience in this mortal coil, especially when someone close to us has passed beyond the veil. He explains how our mourning for those who have transitioned beyond a terrestrial life affects those who now exist in spirit form. As well, before we can understand their position there, we must first understand our own here. 

To Those Who Mourn

Renowned Masonic scholar and author W. W. Westcott discusses the formula of masonic rituals and why secrets are an important part of that. He discusses the inclusion of the concept of legends in our rituals and why it is important to separate those l...

The Kabbalah of Masonry

Renowned French occultist Eliphas Levi left behind a vast legacy of fundamental esoteric writings that have influenced a century and a half of writers that followed in his footsteps. Here he examines the true science of the Holy Kabbalah, with attention paid to the Tetragrammaton, the Shemhamphorash and other symbolic parts of the overall tradition.

Magical Tradition and the Hermetic Qabalah

William Wynn Westcott was a theosophist, Freemason, and Rosicrucian and one of the cofounders of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. In his own personal spiritual belief system, he subscribed to the concept of successive lives in the form of earth...

Death: Theosophical Classics

The Vision of Enoch the Righteous is largely a forgotten first-century text, not being connected to any of the numbered versions of the Book of Enoch. It is part of a tradition referred to as Apocalyptic Literature. The content of The Vision of Enoch the Righteous alternates between the voice of Enoch and that of a chorus of cherubim, who have descended from heaven, in order to deliver a message to Enoch. Includes a prologue discussing the text. 

The Vision of Enoch the Righteous

Leadbeater writes about the distinctive theosophical idea of the Perfected Man, which is intended to be the final stage past evolution and repeated reincarnation. He discusses the path of Adeptship and achieving the life of the Monad. He writes about the terrestrial evolution of human progress to the attainment of perfection and being unselfish as well as the ability to meet the Great Masters in astral form. 

Masters of Wisdom: Theosophical Classics

Over 350 years before the British occultist Aleister Crowley was sitting quietly in a Cairo hotel room receiving the text of his Book of the Law, the famous French renaissance author Francois Rabelais was busy writing the second book of his legendary fantasy quintology Gargantua and Pantagruel, which included the story of the founding of the Abbey of Theleme, wherein but one clause was observed: "Do What Thou Wilt"! 

The Abbey of Theleme

Leadbeater discusses his own struggles in occult initiation, through both astral and physical trials, which eventually led him to the ability to access what he describes as the Buddhic consciousness. He describes how each master has his own plan and that every path is different. Also, he discusses the relationship between the student and the teacher and gives examples of what a new student on the path might expect. 

Buddhic Consciousness: Theosophical Classics

Famed masonic scholar Albert G Mackey discusses some deeper symbolism and lesser known masonic lore. 

Initiation, the Ancient Mysteries and the Dionysiac Artificers

The author, a prolific writer and a member of the Theosophical Society, describes his personal journey through the Masonic fraternity, as a co-mason. He explains his shock with the familiarity of the lodge room, as he recalled it exactly from a past ...

Ancient Ideals in Modern Masonry

Notable theosophical author and colleague of Madame Blavatsky, writer C De Leiningen examines the more mystical and transcendental side of a subject that sometimes is approached from too much of a mathematical or analytical viewpoint. He discusses concepts like morality, reasoning, divinity and humanity and how the spiritual experience comes into play with regards to the four Qabalistic parts of the soul.

The Soul According to the Qabalah

"I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing." - Socrates  Ancient Greece has laid way for some of the most influential people, systems and stories of our civilization. It is hard to believe on one hand because technology-wise the...

Socrates

Leadbeater addresses this question of the aspirant, who may be wondering why the Master hasn't singled them out and asked for more. Leadbeater points out that the offer must come from the other side. It is the role of the student to make him or herself available and wait for the Master to reach out to them, since any older student can help teach and attend to a newcomer's immediate needs. The Master's role is a higher one. 

Why Not I?

William Harvey was a prolific masonic scholar of his day. In this essay from 1920, he dissects the myth of a Freemason on the battlefield saving an enemy's life after he is seen giving the Masonic sign of distress. In addition to examining similar tales from around the globe, Harvey looks at the stories from a philosophical standpoint and asks some hard questions. And, while these wars may be old, this topic never will be. 

Freemasonry and War: The Masonic Sign on the Battlefield

The author discusses numerous topics related to physical alchemy, including the practical methods, which the Renaissance alchemists would have used for transmutation of baser metals into gold. He discusses alchemical mercury, calcination, First Matte...

The Stone of the Philosophers

The Origin and Nature of Folk Music: As Exemplified in the Welsh National Melodies was originally published in 1911. Kenneth Morris was a fantasy writer and Theosophist from Wales. In this short piece, he looks at the bardic poetry and chants of Ireland, Wales and England, called a "hwyl". 

The Origin and Nature of Folk Music

Nearly all kinds of ancient mythology and religions were constructed from early civilizations trying to make sense of their surroundings. The idea of science was completely unknown to them; rather they explained natural phenomena as done by mythical ...

Greek Mythology: Learn About the Powerful Lessons You Can Learn from 3 Ancient Greek Titans and How to Apply Them to Modern Day Life

Leadbeater gives advice on how to approach those who demand proof of the claims of the Theosophical doctrine. He also advises on where to begin, if you are a newcomer to the field and don't have the time to consume the vast depth of Theosophical literature that sits before you. He also highlights the importance of approaching Theosophy with an open mind. 

The Attitude of the Enquirer: Theosophical Classics

Is karma just another word for fate? Is karma subject to time? Do animals have karma? These are just some of the questions posed in this collection of seven short essays by Theosophist writer William Q. Judge, while exploring the topic of karma. The essays are: "Karma", "Aphorisms on Karma", "Karma in the Desatir", "Thoughts on Karma", "Men Karmic Agents", "Is Karma Only Punishment?" and "Is Poverty Bad Karma?" 

Essays on Karma

A. E. Waite presents a short but informative essay on Pico della Mirandola and how his collection of Kabbalistic conclusions came into existence. The 49 conclusions, which are also presented here, have been often connected to the 50 Gates of Wisdom (Binah) in Kabbalistic studies. 

The Kabbalistic Conclusions of Pico della Mirandola

Dating by tradition to the year 3,139 B.C., the Bhagavad Gita is the essence of Vedic knowledge and is considered by eastern and western scholars alike to be among the greatest spiritual books the world has ever been given.  In a clear and wonderful ...

Bhagavad Gita

Famed masonic and spiritual writer J. D. Buck discusses and examines a lesser-known book called The Great Work: The Constructive Principle of Nature in Individual Life, by John Emmett Richardson.  Buck believes that Richardson has uncovered some deep...

The Lost Word Found in the Great Work

Member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and cocreator of probably the most famous and commonly used tarot deck, Arthur Edward Waite was also a prolific writer and prominent Freemason. Here he examines many of the adjacent intellectual movemen...

Emblematic Freemasonry, Building Guilds and Hermetic Schools: Foundations of Freemasonry Series

Generally, when we hear the word “psalm”, we tend to think of the traditional 150 psalms that collectively comprise the Book of Psalms of the Old Testament. Of those 150 psalms, about half of them are traditionally attributed to David. But, King Solo...

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