The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art [Paperback]

James Wasserman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 2005

A beautifully illustrated lexicon of the major symbology of the great esoteric traditions

• Includes a new chapter on secret societies and their role in safeguarding and transmitting of esoteric knowledge

• Includes a full-color reproduction of the medieval alchemical masterpiece Splendor Solis

Symbol in the esoteric sense is not to be confused with allegory; symbolic images are the alphabet of the "theory of correspondences" that underlies all the Mystery traditions of the West. This theory recognizes the interdependent relationship of all things and provides, for example, the basis of the belief that the position of the stars in the heavens will influence our thought, emotion, and perception. It also explains how the alchemist’s work with base metals will result in a transformation of his own consciousness.

In The Mystery Traditions James Wasserman offers a full-color lexicon of occult imagery drawn from the Kabbalah and tarot as well as the traditions of magic, alchemy, and astrology, accompanied by commentary on each image’s significance and the wisdom teachings from which it derives. In this new edition he also looks at the pivotal role played by secret societies in safeguarding and transmitting these teachings and presents rarely seen artifacts of these societies. Among the splendid offerings in this collection are all 22 paintings of the medieval alchemical masterpiece Splendor Solis in full color and works by significant artists and esoteric thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Robert Fludd, Austin Osman Spare, Harry Smith, Manly P. Hall, and Raymond Lull. This book provides an excellent introduction to the timeless and hidden dimensions of occult practice. An extensive bibliography of classical occult works also complements this unique collection.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Within this book, in vivid color, are the sacred colors, shapes and symbols of the Western Mystery Tradition. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the wisdom contained herein is infinite. As a reference book for symbols and sacred art, as a gateway into the Western Mystery Tradition, or simply as a pleasant read, this book is well worth adding to your library. You will turn to it again and again, and walk away pleased each and every time."
(Bonnie Cehovet, Angelfire.com, April 2006 )

"This is a beautifully illustrated book, and the text matches the illustrations in its honesty and approach. Highly recommended."
(Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, May 2006 )

"This is a fabulous volume of insightful prose, and images that stir the soul. If you already have the previous edition it is worth taking the time to examine this new edition as well, if you own neither, you will enjoy adding it to your collection."
(Mark Stavish, Institute for Hermetic Studies, June 2006 )

“This is one of the most visually stunning works I have seen in a very long time. I would have expected a much higher price for the quality, or a much lower quality based on the price. The combination of excellent quality and reasonable price was a very pleasant surprise. If you are interested in symbolic representations of mystical themes, this book belongs in your library. It is a book to be savored and enjoyed on an on-going basis.”
(Mike Gleason, Witchgrove, March 2007 )

From the Back Cover

OCCULT STUDIES / HERMETICISM

Symbolic images are the alphabet of the theory of correspondences that underlies all the Mystery traditions of the West. This theory recognizes an implicit interdependence of all things in the universe and the existence of multiple relationships between various aspects of nature’s kaleidoscopic richness. Through the beauty and symmetry shown in the holy art of the alchemist, the magician, and the priestess, we can see the spiritual heritage and operating principles of Western Esotericism.

In The Mystery Traditions James Wasserman offers a full-color lexicon of occult imagery drawn from the Kabbalah and tarot as well as the traditions of magick, alchemy, esoteric sexuality, and astrology, accompanied by commentary on each image’s significance and the wisdom teachings from which it derives. In this revised and expanded edition of Art and Symbols of the Occult he also looks at the pivotal role played by secret societies in safeguarding and transmitting these teachings and presents rarely seen artifacts of such groups. Among the splendid offerings in this collection are all twenty-two paintings of the medieval alchemical masterpiece Splendor Solis in full color and works by significant artists and esoteric thinkers such as Leonardo da Vinci, Robert Fludd, Austin Osman Spare, Harry Smith, Manly P. Hall, and Raymond Lull. This book provides an excellent introduction to the timeless and hidden dimensions of occult practice. An extensive bibliography of classical occult works also complements this unique collection.

JAMES WASSERMAN is the author of the bestselling Templars and Assassins: The Militia of Heaven and The Slaves Shall Serve: Meditations on Liberty. He is responsible for the widely acclaimed restoration of the Papyrus of Ani, published in full color with an integrated English translation in The Egyptian Book of the Dead: The Book of Going Forth by Day, and also played a key role in presenting the works of Aleister Crowley, including the Thoth Tarot cards, The Holy Books of Thelema, as well as his Aleister Crowley and the Practice of the Magical Diary. A longtime student of the occult sciences, he lives in New York City.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books (December 31, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1594770883
• ISBN-13: 978-1594770883
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #329,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James Wasserman is a lifelong student of religion and spiritual development. His writings and editorial efforts maintain a focus on spirituality, creative mythology, secret societies, history, religion, and politics. He is a passionate advocate of individual liberty. An admirer of the teachings of Aleister Crowley, he has played a key role in numerous seminal publications of the Crowley literary corpus. A book designer by trade, Jim is the owner of Studio 31. He is married with two children.

In 2009, he participated in an address to the National Press Club with Brother Akram Elias. The occasion was the publication of Dan Brown's book The Lost Symbol. Jim's portion of the talk may be found on Youtube. In it, he expresses both the truths of esoteric symbolism and the beauty of America's Masonic heritage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QDMK_CUeP8

For more information on the author, please visit Jim's website:
www.jameswassermanbooks.com

Our Facebook page is:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/James-Wasserman/285958821416078

Studio 31 book design and production is located at:
www.studio31.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous!, April 18, 2007

By 

Aleea Major "knowledge seeker" (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art (Paperback)

This book is visually stunning. The author provides general information about esoteric traditions nicely divided into specific categories; Kabala, Tarot, Secret Societies, etc... Well written, but not an in depth discourse. Each of the sections show cases the art of the topic described. The paper and inks are of great quality and the detail is wonderful. You could look at the art displayed and never see what is truly there. The author points out is hidden and the meaning behind the works.

15 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding Book About a Neglected Subject, June 28, 2006

By 

Charles J. Rector (Woodstock, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art (Paperback)

This is one of the best books about art of ancient cultures and societies published in a long time. This book is a must read about its subject. Specific subjects covered by this book include astrology and cosmology, initiation rites, magic, religion, secret societies, alchemy, tarot and visionary art.

This is truly an excellent book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Occult Symbols Collection, April 13, 2009

By 

Joan A. Adamak "Joan Adamak" (Prescott Valley, AZ) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art (Paperback)

I heard this author interviewed on the internet and the interviewer said it was one of the most complete collection of occult symbols in the western world. Much of them were gathered by Aleister Crowley and were used in the Golden Dawn. I don't know much about Aleister Crowley except his reputation and the same with the Golden Dawn. But the book identifies many individuals whom I have read about through the years and to that extent it was informative. Only a reader who enjoys searching unusual realms would enjoy this book. It is not written as a novel, but impressive in that the interpretation is so far from what the symbology shows. Much of this goes back to fifteenth, sixteenth, and later centuries, the basis of much of the witchcraft folklore of Egypt and even the mid-east.