Secret Societies
Perspectives on Initiation
By Rene GuenonPerspectives on Initiation presents initiation as essentially the transmission, by the appropriate rites of a given tradition, of a ‘spiritual influence’ which represents the ‘beginning’ (initium) of the spiritual journey. It is unique in giving a comprehensive account both of the conditions of initiation and of the characteristics of organizations qualified to transmit it. While [...]
The Arcane Schools
By John YarkerIn this extensive work, John Yarker attempts to trace the history of Masonry and Masonic rites through history, proving its legitimacy through seniority and the power of tradition. Yarker establishes the roots of Masonry in an unknown race of conquerors who developed the early human arts, such as stoneworking, metalworking, and agriculture. Yarker then explains [...]
Esoteric Orders and Their Work
By Dion FortuneExamines how and why esoteric schools have restricted admission to their secret societies and orders, and shrouded their practices in mystery. The knowledge guarded by these schools–passed down through the ages, and revised from time to time by by great teachers–is a secret science that studies the causes that lie behind observable phenomena. “In all [...]
Mysteria – History of the Secret Doctrines and Mystic Rites of Ancient Religions and Medieval and Modern Secret Orders
By Otto RhynThe Mysteries of the Ancient Grecian religions; the cryptic teachings and occult interpretations of the popular religious beliefs communicated to disciples by the priests in the temples of ancient Egypt, Assyria, and India: the interesting, half fabulous, half historical episode of Pythagoras and the Pythagorean League in Magna Graecia; the mystic, ascetic, and semi-monastic communities [...]