The Secret Teachings of all Ages

Customer Reviews

• An Absolutely Facinating Book!

  This book is one of those rare gems that has the ability to fascinate you on every page. I recommend it to anyone who wants to soak up some mystical tidbits from a vast terrain of sources. This book was very had to find for some time and it is an amazing testimony to our times to see it for under $20!!!

• The bigger picture of esoteric knowledge

  This book is a treasure house of insights into the spiritual aspects of man and the development of the philosophy of life through the ages, starting with the esoteric wisdom of Egypt (Alchemy) and Greece, the Quabbalah, the Rosicruians and Freemasons, and also giving deep insights into the real story of Jesus, and a fair account of Mohamed and Islam. It is therefore a journey through the Western esoteric lineage up to the middle of the 19th century when the veil of secrecy began to be lifted.
  
  The true purpose of ancient philosophy is described as discovering a method whereby development of the rational nature could be accelerated instead of awaiting the slower process of nature. However, initiation into the Mysteries was always a process steeped in secrecy. This was strictly and cleverly adhered to, not only to protect them from abuse by the illiterate masses, but also to avoid persecution from intolerant religions. The most revealing information accessible is provided in their geometric symbolisms, of which many examples are shown, and which display the most astounding but difficult to unravel complexity.
  
  Only a few of the great number of illustrious adherents are well known these days and even those often not in connection with this particular role. Take for instance Benjamin Franklin, Sir Francis Bacon, or even Sir Isaac Newton. The author makes the point that the value of the ancient wisdom should actually only be judged by the impeccability of their leading proponents.
  
  For those who are considering delving into the mysteries, the author advises to look for a teacher, and he warns that the beliefs have to be practiced, which of course was always a requirement before anybody could be initiated into the Mysteries.
  
  Haran, author of '75 Lives of Haran - New Insights into Reincarnation'

• Absolutly Amazing

  This is my go-to guide for esoteric meanings. I really enjoyed the book, and learned a lot. The major thing to remember however is that it was written in the early part of the 20th century, so it is worded as such. Actually learned of this book from an interview on TV with Dan Brown, he stated most of the research for "The Lost Symbol" came from this book. A must have for fans of his work.

• If you want this book for the images, don't bother

  This reprinting of the original is smaller and the images have been mutilated by what appears to be an excess of photo copying. The majority of the images are completely unreadable, I find this book a waste of money. The text is still intact, and worth the read if that is all you desire.

• occult studies

  I was looking for a good text on the occult and especially on the Mystery Schools. "The Secret Teachings of all Ages" is a good book on a variety of topic and has much history of the occult. It is not a book on how to do magic. For instance, on pg 306, it has the topic of Hermetic Herbalism and Pharmacology. In this section there mention that herbs were sacred to early pagans and refers to Dr Culpeper's books on astrology and herbalism, but really gives no information that is usable. This text is full of such half information. There is some good examples of Masonic symbol meanings, but I think there are better books on Masonic and Rosicrucian symbols.
  
  A far better book is Cornelius Agrippa's "Three Books of Occult Philosophy". Agrippa's material appears to be used by many others after being re-worded to modern terms.
  
  In summary, Mr. Hall's book is pretty good for occult/Hermetic history and not really much else. A good book for your Occult Library, but buy it used. It does clarify some of the more technical occult aspects, ie: Egyptian God symbol descriptions.