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In this 50th episode, we’re joined by Masonic scholar, researcher, and writer Angel Millar. He has an extensive historical knowledge of The Craft and associated fraternal orders and societies. We begin our conversation with the subject of the origins of Freemasonry and the seemingly diverse streams that may have fed it, specifically ancient Mysteries, stone masons, neo-Templarism, Enlightenment philosophies, and Christianity.

The discussion delves into Rosicrucianism, particularly the Golden Rosicrucians that formed the basis for later Masonic Rosicrucian societies, such as Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia. This material is fascinating for those that enjoy the mystery of the origin of Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism. Millar does a fantastic job of explaining his perspective based on scholarly research displayed in both his first book, “Freemasonry: A History” and upcoming book, “The Forest of Symbols: Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition” soon to be released by Ouroboros Press.

We also cover topics like Sacred Geometry, the concept of clandestine or irregular Masonry, the Rite of Strict Templar Observance, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and Aleister Crowley’s Masonic adventures.

relevant links:

Angel Millar

“Freemasonry: A History” by Angel Millar

“A Gentleman and a Scholar”

“The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order” by Paul Foster Case

“Esoteric Keys of Alchemy” by Paul Foster Case

“Morals and Dogma” by Albert Pike, SacredTexts.com

“Devil Worship in France” by A.E. Waite, SacredTexts.com (an exposition on the Leo Taxil hoax)

“Pythagorean theorem: Euclid’s proof“, Wikipedia entry

“The Rite of Strict Observance”

intro music by “HipGnosis”

outro music by The Wailers, excerpt of “Cornerstone”

Technorati Tags: occult, history, Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, Alchemy, Sacred Geometry, symbolism, Philosophy, religion, spirituality, mysticism

Our conversation begins by discussing how Louis came to know Hall and his work and describes his approach to writing the book as a history of Hall and the city of Los Angeles growing up together. Next, we talk about Manly Hall’s early life and how he began his career as a teacher and seer. In the early years, Hall was identified with Rosicrucianism, as were some of his contemporaries, including Max Heindel’s widow, Augusta, and H. Spencer Lewis. We get into Hall’s history as a Freemason and how this affected the subject matter of his writings and lectures. We trace the progression from writings on Magic, Tarot, Alchemy, and Freemasonry to his later works on mysticism, meditation, Eastern philosophy, and comparative religion. We also discuss the later years and Hall’s very mysterious death at the hands of the man who was supposed to be his friend and aide. Hall’s accomplishments are legion, including the hundreds of books he wrote and published, the thousands of lectures he delivered, and the Philosophical Research Society that still stands as a living monument to the Wisdom of the Ages compiled by Hall during his lifetime.

I encourage you to obtain and read a copy of Louis Sahagun’s “Master of the Mysteries” (also available from Amazon). It reveals the real man behind the mysteries, telling all the details of Hall’s life that, apparently, not even very close friends knew. The result is a portrait of a genius who was driven to achieve great things, as well as a human being. By doing this, Louis Sahagun brings us much closer to the man and his works - a truly great accomplishment.

“The 21st century has an extreme reminiscence to the 21st year of a person’s life. It is a year of coming of age … when a person becomes an adult… Mankind has not the right to take a beautiful world with all its privileges and opportunities and turn it into a purgatory. This situation should remind Freemasons that they have something to live for. We have the power to build worlds, the wisdom to govern them, and the divine right to inherit the earth and preserve it in good condition in order to pass it on to our descendents as a place of happiness, usefulness and security for thousands of years to come. We’re not asking for treason. We’re not asking for disobedience. We’re only asking … that in every way possible, when they have the choice, stand for truth and, if necessary, take a little punishment for it.”
- Manly Palmer Hall, 33°, 26 May 1990, Scottish Rite Temple, Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California (pp. 1-2 of Sahagun’s “Master of the Mysteries”)

relevant links:

“Master of the Mysteries: The Life of Manly Palmer Hall” by Louis Sahagun (also available from Amazon.com)

“The Great Work of Manly Hall”

“The Mysterious Career of Manly P. Hall” by Mitch Horowitz in episode 6 of Sub Rosa magazine

“Podcast 21 - Mitch Horowitz” - Mitch and I spend the last portion of the show discussing Manly Hall

The Manly P. Hall Archive

Philosophical Research Society

University of Philosophical Research

“The Secret Teachings of All Ages” by Manly P. Hall

“Lectures on Ancient Philosophy” by Manly P. Hall

“The Secret Destiny of America” by Manly P. Hall

“The Lost Keys of Freemasonry (Also Includes: Freemasonry of the Ancient Egyptians / Masonic Orders of Fraternity)” by Manly P. Hall

“Road to Inner Light” by Manly P. Hall

intro music by HipGnosis

outro music by The Doors, excerpt of “Riders On the Storm”

Thanks to Jason Walraven for the audio mastering.

Technorati Tags: occult, philosophy, spirituality, mysticism, religion, consciousness, psychology, history, esoteric orders, Freemasonry

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Mitch describes how Olcott met Madame Blavatsky. The two helped found the Theosophical Society soon thereafter. Olcott served as the first president of the organization and did a tremendous amount to advance their cause. We talk about their Mahatmas and Olcott’s experiences with the Masters. Mitch describes the fascinating story of young Mohandas Gandhi’s involvement with Theosophy. We also discuss the Herculean work Olcott did to promote Buddhism and Hinduism. It is nothing short of miraculous how a man from such humble beginnings, without a formal education, was able to influence literally billions of people.

“There is a great earnestness in the character of this man and I think that too must have had something to do with the effectiveness of Theosophy as an organization. He brought principles and ideals and sincerity into Theosophy… Part of the reason we’ve heard of Henry Olcott was … that he was a man of great character… There was something of moral substance to this man. Studying the life of Henry Steel Olcott can challenge all kinds of prejudices, received opinions, and ideas about occultism, about the Western Esoteric Tradition, about how supernaturalism played itself out in the … nineteenth and twentieth centuries… His warmth, ethics, earnestness, and sincerity made him a great man of his time.” - Mitch Horowitz

Professional audio mastering by Jason Walraven (THANK YOU!!!)

relevant links:

Mitch Horowitz (previous appearances include Podcast 21 and Podcast 42 - The Life and Work of Dr. Paul Foster Case)

“Henry Steel Olcott” Wikipedia entry

“Spiritualism” Wikipedia entry

“Madame Blavatsky” Wikipedia entry

“People from Other Worlds” by Henry S. Olcott

“Morya” Wikipedia entry

“Kuthumi” Wikipedia entry

“Ascended Master Discussion”

“The Masters Revealed: Madame Blavatsky and the Myth of the Great White Lodge” by K. Paul Johnson

“The Count De Saint Germain and H.P.B.: Two Messengers of the White Lodge” by Henry S. Olcott

“Sri Aurobindo” Wikipedia entry

“Theosophy” Wikipedia entry

“Theosophical Society” Wikipedia entry

“Theosophical Society Adyar” Wikipedia entry

official website of The Theosophical Society - Adyar

“The Theosophist October 1889 to April 1890” by H.S. Olcott

“The Theosophist October 1890 to April 1891” by H.S. Olcott

“Buddhism” Wikipedia entry

“Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi” Wikipedia entry

intro music by HipGnosis

intermission music by The Quiet Earth Orchestra - excerpt of “Simple”

outro music by Derek Trucks Band - excerpt of “Maki Madni”

Technorati Tags: occult, history, spirituality, mysticism, philosophy, religion, metaphysics, Theosophy

Chris begins our conversation by talking about bringing the soul into the body, making space for this process to occur, separating the subtle from the gross, and being open to new feelings and experiences. This leads into talking about the myriad ways that conscious unfoldment might manifest.

Psychic abilities like intuition, telepathy, clairvoyance, clairaudience, and visions have been experienced by those who align the outer and inner worlds. We also speak about animals and interacting with them.

The concept of the soul journey and walking the path round out our conversation.

Check out Christopher’s new book entitled “Ruminations of the Universe“.

relevant links:

CreativeCosmos.org

Creative Cosmos Books and Archives

Creative Cosmos Soul School

Creative Cosmos Gift Shop

previous appearances - “Podcast 41 - Journey to the East” and “Podcast 32 - On the Spiritual Path with Christopher Moors”

intro music by HipGnosis

outro music by Christopher Moors - “Are We Born Once or Twice?”

Technorati Tags: occult, spirituality, mysticism, consciousness, psychism, meditation, metaphysics