Book of Secrets

A comprehensive guidebook to over one hundred occult secrets from throughout the world and throughout the ages. From the strange symbols on a one-dollar bill to the secret signs of the Knights Templar and Freemasons, invisible societies, and the world of magic and alchemy, The Book of Secrets is a comprehensive introduction to the world of secret and esoteric knowledge throughout history. In the mystery tradition, "e;secrets"e; are levels of consciousness that are hidden from our normal mental state, the acquisition of a new point of view. The Book of Secrets delves into the world of the "e;occult,"e; the initiated secret traditions of the fascinating unseen spiritual world: its symbols, secret societies, and seers. You'll discover:- Key Concepts: the Great Work, the Universal Force, Polarity, the Four Elements, Magick and Mysticism, Esoteric Anatomy, Qabalah, Alchemy, Astrology, the Astral Plane, and more- Symbolism: More than one hundred secrets symbols, words, objects, including their meanings and the secret powers they invoke: Animals, spiritual beings, and sacred objects- Secret Societies and Holy Orders: The gatekeepers and the transmitters of sacred knowledge: Freemasons, O.T.O., Cathars, Templars, Assassins. Pineda places them all in history and geography and explains who they are/were and what they stood for- Luminaries and Seers: More than two hundred legends and historical personages: Hermes Trismegistus, Jesus, Siddartha, Osiris, and other seers from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the nineteenth and twentieth centuriesFrom video games such as Limbo and Castlevania to TV shows and movies to comic book heroes, or Dan Brown's novels, secret symbols and societies fascinate. Pineda provides a comprehensive introduction to secret knowledge for readers who want to know more. Praise for The Book of Secrets"e;This erudite and sweeping survey of the esoteric realm investigates such diverse topics as mystical doctrines, occult symbols, magical rituals, secret societies, the lives of great adepts, and more. . . . Daniel Pineda displays rare versatility, writing with inspiration, clarity, and humility."e; James Wasserman, editor of Aleister Crowley and the Practice of the Magical Diary and author of An Illustrated History of Solomon's Temple