The occult

Rumor has it that there’s a hidden knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation. It spans millennia and reaches all continents. Mystery cults and secret societies convey its principles to the initiates. Not everyone can join these organizations, though. They are fellowships of like-minded brothers and sisters who have sworn secrecy about their content. Only people who are worthy—who passes through initiation rites—can have access to these secret teachings. There are many schools of thought, traditions, and sects. Despite their variety, they share one common trait. Their members are generally known to be dealing with the occult.

Mystery cults and secret societies

I have been reading so many books that deals with esotericism and occultism, it has truly become an obsession. Undoubtedly, you will be hearing more of it here in my blog. It is irrelevant if I myself believe or not in what these groups have to say. The fact that there are actual secret societies and they believe in all those things is what matters. Willing it or not, they have been shaping the way humans think and behave since the dawn of civilization. To understand all that hidden symbolism is illuminating. In truth, we can in turn understand better the world itself.

One of the books I read in its entirety was The Secret Teachings of All Ages by Manly P. Hall.

The Secret Teachings of All Ages

On this fascinating book, Manly P. Hall didn’t leave any stone unturned in what concerns the occult. He examines the ancients mystery cults and how they inspired the modern secret societies. Uncountable myths are narrated, symbols are described, founders of religions are brought back to life. He investigates amulets, systems of beliefs, historical events. The original 1928 edition had full color illustrations and black and white drawings by John Augustus Knapp. The HS Crocker Company of San Francisco agreed to publish his work. They required him to secure the interest of book designer John Henry Nash, who had worked as a printer for the Vatican. The result was a gorgeous edition that made people want to reconnect and learn more about occultism.

Hermes Trismegistus

In this dynamic illustration from the book, Hermes Trismegistus appears triumphant. He is depicted with a commanding presence. He places his foot upon the monstrous form of Typhon, the ancient Egyptian symbol of chaos, ignorance, and base instincts. Radiant and composed, Hermes raises the caduceus in his left hand. This is a sign of spiritual authority. It stands for the harmonious union of opposites. In the right hand, the immortal Emerald, upon whose surface was inscribed in raised letters the sum of philosophy.

Meanwhile, in the upper circle, we have symbols of the ibis. Its curious characteristics have caused it to be particularly linked to the medical art. The lower circle displays the dog, an animal always connected with Hermes because of its intelligence and devotion.

This powerful image captures the essence of Hermes not merely as a teacher of wisdom. Surely, it portrays him as a conqueror of darkness. Also, it illustrates the initiatory journey of mastering the lower self. Finally, it shows the ascent toward divine knowledge.

The occult is an intriguing topic. There’s always something to learn and explore. I’m sure going to do it here and in my writings.