Customer Reviews

The Mystery Traditions: Secret Symbols and Sacred Art

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Not a bad visual experience from an author I respect alot but it doesn't contain more than the basic tip of the proverbial 'Iceberg" as far as the expression of esoteric sciences, more for the apprentice than the adept I think.

This book will appeal to people who have little or no knowledge about secret symbols and sacred art. If you're already somewhat knowledgeable, looking for more in-depth information, keep looking, this isn't it. Having said that, it is a nice book, visually appealing, but not nearly as much substance as I had hoped for.

I really was looking for Christian symbolism and this has one page in the entire book. I was a little disappointed. But other than that the book is good.