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Ancient Mystic Rites (Theosophical Classics Series)

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Most Masons of today will consider this book too metaphysical, yet as the author himself points out, there are at east three distinct kinds of Freemasonry, ie: social, mystical, and occult. He follows the thread of Freemasonry from earliest times to the present, a connection which many modern day Masons deny exists. It is true that the author was a noted clairvoyant and acquired much of his information from his own innate abilities. Nevertheless, year by year, more and more evidence keeps turning up that indeed shows the links that this man said were there. I think this book is very insightful and useful for the Freemason looking for the deeper meanings of his craft.

The original title to this classic work was "Glimpses of Masonic History." This showed the author's purpose to demonstrate a direct connection between modern masonry and the ancient mystery religions. How well he made this case is up to the reader to decide. Personally, it is obvious to me that there is a golden thread connecting the traditions. This is most obvious at the level of the Occult School (as opposed to the "Authentic", Anthropological", and "Mystical" Schools.)

Leadbeater showed a remarkable knowledge of the Egyptian, Cretan, Jewish, Greek, and Mithraic mysteries. This is knowledge based not merely on a deep familiarity with ancient written source works and archeological finds (there are numerous photographic plates of these), but on the unconventional knowing of the clairvoyant. Leadbeater was considered one of the most distinguished clairvoyants of his day. You will find much here that is not included in more "scholarly" works. Needless to say, such knowledge is not varifiable to the satisfaction of most of the scientific establishment. Yet, this is not to say that it is in error.

The second half of the book covers the operative masonry of Medieval Times, and then the more traditional history of speculative masonry in the early 17th century. It ends with an examination of the Co-Masonic Order (a more metaphysical branch of masonry closely associated with the Theosophical Society, and which accepts both men and women.)

Transmutemini, Transmutemini De Lapidibus Mortuis In Lapides Vivos Philosophicos.