The Book of Secrets

by Pineda, Daniel

• ISBN13: 9781578634859
• ISBN10: 1578634857
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-03-01
• Publisher: Weiser

Summary

From the strange symbols on a one-dollar bill to the secret signs of the Knights Templar and Freemasons, invisible societies, and the world of magic and alchemy,The Book of Secretsis a comprehensive introduction to the world of secret and esoteric knowledge throughout history. In the mystery tradition, "secrets" are levels of consciousness that are hidden from our normal mental state, the acquisition of a new point of view.The Book of Secretsdelves into the world of the "occult," the initiated secret traditions of the fascinating unseen spiritual world: its symbols, secret societies, and seers. You'll discover: * Key Concepts: the Great Work, the Universal Force, Polarity, the Four Elements, Magick and Mysticism, Esoteric Anatomy, Qabalah, Alchemy, Astrology, the Astral Plane and more. * Symbolism: More than 100 secrets symbols, words, objects including their meanings and the secret powers they invoke: Animals, spiritual beings, and sacred objects. * Secret Societies and Holy Orders: The gatekeepers and the transmitters of sacred knowledge: Freemasons, O.T.O., Cathars, Templars, Assassins. Pineda places them all in history and geography, and explains who they are/ were and what they stood for. * Luminaries and Seers: More than 200 legends and historical personages: Hermes Trismegistus, Jesus, Siddartha, Osiris, and other seers from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the 19th and 20th centuries. From video games such as "Limbo" and "Castlevania" to TV shows and movies to comic book heroes, or Dan Brown's novels, secret symbols and societies fascinate. Pineda provides a comprehensive introduction to secret knowledge for readers who want to know more.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. vii
Key Concepts	p. 1
The Great Work	p. 5
The Universal Force, the Tao, Polarity, and the Four Elements	p. 6
Magick and Mysticism, or The Left and Right Eye	p. 10
The Siddhis or Magical Gifts	p. 15
Esoteric Anatomy, the Chakra System, and the Aura	p. 17
Qabalah	p. 20
Alchemy	p. 25
Astrology and the New Age	p. 27
Divination and the Tarot	p. 30
The Astral Plane	p. 34
Symbolism, The Language of Mystery	p. 37
Animals and Spiritual Beings	p. 40
Objects	p. 59
The Word: Formula of the Spirit	p. 77
Secret Societies and Holy Orders, Gatekeepers of Hidden Wisdom	p. 85
Freemasons	p. 88
Magicians, Mystics, and Alchemists	p. 92
Warriors	p. 110
Luminaries and Seers, Torchbearers of Secret Knowledge	p. 119
Legends and Gods	p. 122
Medieval and Renaissance Masters	p. 137
Sages of the Enlightenment: The 18th Century	p. 142
Magi of the Occult Revival: The 19th Century	p. 146
Modern Adepti: The 20th Century	p. 152
Conclusion	p. 159
Further Reading	p. 161
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.