The Book of Secrets: Esoteric Societies and Holy Orders, Luminaries and Seers, Symbols and Rituals, and the Key Concepts of Occult Sciences Through the Ages and Around the World by Daniel Pineda

Author:Daniel Pineda [Pineda, Daniel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781609253387
Google: xAyX8dERdjwC
Barnesnoble:
Goodreads: 10661350
Publisher: Red Wheel Weiser Conari
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Part three

Secret Societies and Holy Orders

Gatekeepers of the Hidden Wisdom

The very essence of Gnosis is the rejection of intercessors between Man and God. Gnosis is thus at odds with all power structures.

— The Templars and the Assassins

by James Wasserman

The world of secret societies is wrought with intrigue and illumination, lofty ideals, and at times sinister plots. In this world are ancient mysteries, royal bloodlines, and magical rituals too powerful to be shown to anyone improperly prepared. The occult brotherhoods maintain that there is indeed strength in numbers, but their greatest advantage has always been secrecy.

There are many kinds of secret societies. From the criminal and political to the spiritual to the social, they all share commonalities such as secret words, symbols, and member anonymity. At times it is difficult to say which type of society is which, for as with any group, members can act independently based on their own beliefs or self-interests. However, the majority of mystical secret societies concern themselves with the spiritual and moral welfare of humanity, helping people to gain greater liberty along the way.

In this section, some of the most influential spiritual societies have been organized by the modality in which they transmitted the light of Gnosis. Freemasons built the foundations of modern democratic republics. Mystics, magicians, and alchemists transmuted the base, the misunderstood, and the discarded into spiritual and material wealth. Holy Warriors, however, found the discipline of steel to be a sure path to victory over enemies of the faith, and God.

Behind the well-guarded doors of these secret fraternities, candidates for initiation may be subjected to a host of challenges. These trials are meant to instruct and to elevate their consciousness by leading them from belief through knowledge and into experience. To educate, not indoctrinate, has always been the goal of true initiation. Gradually, candidates learn to let go of fear and to embrace courage, to harmonize opposites, and to guide others on the path of light.

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