Ancient Mysteries and Modern Masonry. Collected Writings of Jewel P Lightfoot. Billy J Hamilton

Ancient Mysteries and Modern Masonry. Collected Writings of Jewel P Lightfoot. Billy J Hamilton

"Ancient Mysteries and Modern Masonry: The Collected Writings of Jewel P. Lightfoot" (Edited by Billy J. Hamilton) is one of the best Masonic books I've read in recent years.



Jewel P. Lightfoot. Former Attorney General of the State of Texas. Past Grand Master of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas. From humble beginnings in rural Arkansas, he worked to become an educated man who excelled in law and Freemasonry. He was a gentleman of his time, well-known as a scholar, public speaker, and Masonic philosopher.

This book contains Brother Lightfoot’s recently discovered speeches, essays, and personal notes. In these pages, he walks us through a journey of Masonic symbolism and customs originating in ancient Brahman practices, which were transmitted through the Chaldeans, Egyptians, Hebrews, and into Renaissance Europe. Brother Lightfoot touches upon common themes in mythology, shared words in multiple cultures, and the origin of measurements used in the Western world. Here we find what was in the early 20th century cutting-edge ideas in religion, sociology, linguistics, physics, and metaphysics. Lightfoot made these connections through a lifetime of study and connected the dots to create a linear narrative of a possible Masonic origin.

Billy Hamilton was initiated into Masonry in 1996 at Triangle Masonic Lodge No. 548 in Lawton, Oklahoma. He is the Worshipful Master of Texas Lodge of Research (2023-2024) and a Past Master of Fort Worth Masonic Lodge No. 148 in Fort Worth, Texas. A data analyst, he resides with his wife, Bette, in Fort Worth, Texas. Brother Hamilton has written articles for the Knights Templar Magazine, Fraternal Review, Journal of the Masonic Society, and other periodicals. He is a co-host of the Fort Worth Masonic Podcast and one of the organizers of Texas MasoniCon, an annual Masonic education and history conference.

The Power of Mantra and the Mystery of Initiation. Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

The Power of Mantra and the Mystery of Initiation. Pandit Rajmani Tigunait

I'm enjoying "The Power of Mantra and the Mystery of Initiation" by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait.



The use of sacred words for their transformative powers lies at the core of countless traditions, and transcends the barriers of geographic location and time. In this book, Pandit Tigunait draws from his comprehensive knowledge of ancient yogic scripture, and his personal experiences with great Himalayan sages, to make this esoteric science accessible to a 21st-century audience.

The wisdom Pandit Tigunait shares in this book explains:
What mantras are and the nature of their practice
The various classes of mantras and their specific effects
How to use the inherent power of mantra to awaken inner peace and fuel spiritual
enfoldment

Seekers in all times and from all traditions have made the journey from transitory pleasures to eternal joy with the science of mantra. Purchase your copy of The Power of Mantra and the Mystery of Initiation today and discover the profound change mantra meditation can make in your life.

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

William Walker Atkinson

(1862 - 1932)

Attorney, Publisher, Occultist

Pioneer of the

New Thought Movement

likely author of The Kybalion (by Three Initiates)

wrote under the pseudonyms

Theron Q. Dumont, Yogi Ramacharaka

Swami Bhakta Vishita, Swami Panchadasi

by Travis Simpkins

William Walker Atkinson

For more info, please visit:

wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Walker_Atkinson

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

 

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

William Walker Atkinson

(1862 - 1932)

Attorney, Publisher, Occultist

Pioneer of the

New Thought Movement

likely author of The Kybalion (by Three Initiates)

wrote under the pseudonyms

Theron Q. Dumont, Yogi Ramacharaka

Swami Bhakta Vishita, Swami Panchadasi

by Travis Simpkins

William Walker Atkinson

For more info, please visit:

wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Walker_Atkinson

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

 

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

William Walker Atkinson

(1862 - 1932)

Attorney, Publisher, Occultist

Pioneer of the

New Thought Movement

likely author of The Kybalion (by Three Initiates)

wrote under the pseudonyms

Theron Q. Dumont, Yogi Ramacharaka

Swami Bhakta Vishita, Swami Panchadasi

by Travis Simpkins

William Walker Atkinson

For more info, please visit:

wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Walker_Atkinson

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

 

Man, Visible and Invisible. C.W. Leadbeater. Aura. Theosophical Society

Man, Visible and Invisible. C.W. Leadbeater. Aura. Theosophical Society

Originally published in 1902, "Man Visible and Invisible" by C.W. Leadbeater has become a classic Theosophical text on Clairvoyance and Auras.



This esoteric classic examines the invisible bodies of humans, showing how the colors of the aura change with different emotional states.

Long before the modern-day interest in clairvoyance, Leadbeater used his clairvoyant powers to probe the hidden dimensions of human beings. In this reprint of a classic, originally published in 1902, he presents his findings in an accessible way. By examining the invisible bodies of humans, he shows how the colors of the aura change with different emotional states. He also points out the hidden differences between humans and animals. The result is a book which emphasizes that we are more than just the physical body; we are actually a spark of the Divine.

Charles Webster Leadbeater (1847-1934) was a Church of England clergyman until he joined the Theosophical Society in 1883. He spent some years in Sri Lanka working for the revival of Buddhism, and later became the Presiding Bishop of the Liberal Catholic Church, which seeks to combine the preservation of the Catholic sacraments with the widest measure of freedom of thought and interpretation of the scriptures. He was a highly developed clairvoyant and the author of over thirty books on the spiritual life and on the psychic nature of man. He unfolded and perfected his own psychic faculties under the guidance of his Adept teacher and in 1893 began his clairvoyant investigations, on occasion collaborating with Annie Besant, the second President of the Theosophical Society. His worldwide lectures presented a new viewpoint to thousands of people.

Global Ritualism. Myth and Magic Around the World. Denny Sargent

Global Ritualism. Myth and Magic Around the World. Denny Sargent

I'm enjoying "Global Ritualism: Myth and Magic Around the World" by Denny Sargent. More than a survey text, this book examines common threads within the rituals of various cultures. The intent is that practitioners might broaden their horizons to include a more eclectic mix of elements in their personal rituals, a mix that best suits their unique individual goals.


From Haiti to Egypt, this book analyzes the common themes and archetypal symbols of higher ritual so that readers can define how these archetypes play out in their own lives. It enables the construction of personal, living rituals and includes photographs of actual rituals from around the world.

Ecstasy Through Tantra. Dr. John Mumford

Ecstasy Through Tantra. Dr. John Mumford. Buddhism. Hinduism. Tantric Sex. Sex Magick

"Ecstasy Through Tantra" by Dr. John Mumford was originally published in the 1970s and has become somewhat of a classic in the genre of Tantric practice. 


Now you and your lover can engage in specific sexual techniques and positions for ritual intercourse that will flood you with the overwhelming physical ecstasy which triggers expanded states of consciousness. Tantric practices will teach you how to build sexual love and passion to an amazing peak―and how to push your mind even higher to achieve transcendental bliss.

Bring holiness and magick into your sexual relationship with Ecstasy Through Tantra. Discover the God/Goddess as incarnate in your beloved, and experience the same Divinity within yourself, through the joy of complete physical and spiritual union. This guide features a wealth of illustrations and photographs.

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

Portrait Sketch of

William Walker Atkinson

(1862 - 1932)

Attorney, Publisher, Occultist

Pioneer of the

New Thought Movement

likely author of The Kybalion (by Three Initiates)

wrote under the pseudonyms

Theron Q. Dumont, Yogi Ramacharaka

Swami Bhakta Vishita, Swami Panchadasi

by Travis Simpkins

William Walker Atkinson

For more info, please visit:

wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Walker_Atkinson

William Walker Atkinson. Occultist. The Kybalion. New Thought Movement. by Travis Simpkins

 

Creating Affluence. Deepak Chopra. Wealth Consciousness in the Field of All Possibilities. New Age

Creating Affluence. Deepak Chopra. Wealth Consciousness in the Field of All Possibilities. New Age

Two books by Deepak Chopra are apparently intended to be read as a pair. "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" and this one, "Creating Affluence." I read the first one a while ago, and am finally getting around to reading through the other half.



In this remarkable book lies the secret to creating affluence. Here you will discover that you are the dancer and the dance, the creator and the creation, and unlimited wealth is yours merely for the asking. With clear and simple wisdom, Deepak Chopra explores the full meaning of wealth consciousness and presents a step-by-step plan for creating affluence and fulfillment on all levels of our lives.
According to the author, affluence is our natural state, and the entire physical universe with all its abundance is the offspring of an unbounded, limitless field of all possibilities. Through a series of simple steps and everyday actions, Creating Affluence gently fosters the wealth consciousness needed to tap into this field and create anything you desire.

The Deva Handbook. How to Work with Nature's Subtle Energies. Nathaniel Altman. New Age. Hinduism

The Deva Handbook. How to Work with Nature's Subtle Energies. Nathaniel Altman. New Age. Hinduism

Many cultures and mythologies throughout the world make reference to "nature spirits" that correspond to the four elements (earth, air, fire and water). In sanskrit, these entities are called Devas. In "The Deva Handbook" Nathaniel Altman examines these phenomena with practical means of invocation and communication.


When we experience the powerful force of a waterfall, the elusive beauty of a rainbow, or the stark strength of a craggy expanse of cliff many of us have perceived “something else” that goes beyond the five senses: feelings of peace, comfort, healing, and inspiration. Native traditions throughout the world have taught that these intuitive impressions are caused by the subtle forces of the living world. These forces are known by different names: angels, nature spirits, orishas, or by the Sanskrit term devas, meaning “the shining ones.” The Deva Handbook guides us back to these keepers of earth wisdom. The author draws on native traditions from around the world as well as modern teachings to explore the roles, characteristics, and significance of the devas. You can learn to communicate with the devas anywhere: in a backyard garden, or near a tree in a city park. This illustrated handbook offers practical tools--including visualizations, prayers, and offerings--that will help you to get in touch with the “power spots” of nature and receive their healing energy.

The Essential Yoga Sutra. Patanjali. Geshe Michael Roach. Christie McNally. Karma. Buddhism

The Essential Yoga Sutra. Patanjali. Geshe Michael Roach. Christie McNally. Karma. Buddhism

The Yoga Sutras, by Master Patanjali, was written nearly 2,000 years ago. I'm enjoying this version, "The Essential Yoga Sutra: Ancient Wisdom for Your Yoga" translated by Geshe Michael Roach and Christie McNally. The text features insightful commentary by the translators, both knowledgeable authors on the subject.



The Yoga Sutra of Patanjali is a classic Sanskrit treatise consisting of 195 “threads,” or aphorisms, describing the process of liberation through yoga. Although little is known about Patanjali (most scholars estimate that he lived in India circa 200–300 B.C.), his writings have long been recognized as a vital contribution to the philosophy and practice of yoga. This new, expert translation of the original Sanskrit text of Patanjali’s best-known work presents his seminal ideas and methods in accessible, plain-language English.
Patanjali organized the sutra into four parts: Samadhi (absorption), Sadhana (practice), Vibhuti (supernatural powers), and Kaivalya (liberation). Each represents a step in breaking free of our limited definition of consciousness and training the mind to achieve oneness with the universe. Geshe Michael Roach, one of the most respected teachers of Tibetan Buddhism in America and a renowned scholar of Sanskrit, provides authoritative commentary on each of the sutras. His notes and clarification are straightforward and highly readable, untainted by obscure, academic terminology or New Age jargon. The first edition of the Yoga Sutra to present a Buddhist perspective, this paperback original will be welcomed by students and spiritual seekers alike.

Invisible Helpers. C.W. Leadbeater. Theosophical Society. Astral Plane. Spiritualism. Clairvoyance

Invisible Helpers. C.W. Leadbeater. Theosophical Society. Astral Plane. Spiritualism. Clairvoyance

Originally published in 1915 by the Theosophical Society, "Invisible Helpers" by C.W. Leadbeater takes an intriguing look at the concept of transdimensional aid coming from the Astral plane.


Invisible Helpers by English priest, spiritualist, theosophist and author Charles Webster Leadbeater, was originally published in 1915. The work looks at examples of "invisible helpers" coming to the aid of those in danger. What this implies about higher planes of existence, and whether transdimensional beings watch over us from the astral plane. Leadbeater outlines the notion that there is a universal belief in spiritual assistance in times of need, from superphysical reality. He also considers what lies in the beyond for us all.

The Chakras. C.W. Leadbeater. Theosophical Society. New Age

The Chakras. C.W. Leadbeater. Theosophical Society. New Age

I'm enjoying "The Chakras" by C.W. Leadbeater. Originally published in 1927 by the Theosophical Society, many consider this to be a classic text on the subject.


Chakra (Sanskrit, "wheel") refers to the ancient Hindu concept of seven vortices of energy located on the spine from the tailbone to the crown of the head. These centers define the physical and spiritual contact points in the human body. In yoga they are bridges to higher consciousness symbolizing the journey from the material world to the divine. Alternative-medicine healers recognize them as a dynamic resource for health.

First published in 1927, this pioneering book by famed clairvoyant C. W. Leadbeater was the first to introduce the chakras to the West. With great clarity, he explains what each chakra means regarding our well-being, insight, and personal power, his color illustrations showing the chakras as they actually appear to those who can see them. Anyone can perceive the chakras, he says. We must merely become sensitive to vibrations finer than those to which we normally respond

The book has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and remains a classic.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Deepak Chopra

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Deepak Chopra. Hinduism. Buddhism. New Age

I follow Deepak Chopra on social media and enjoy his posts, but I haven't read many of his books. "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success" is a distilled synopsis of some of his other writings. There is a lot of useful information in this convenient little book. But honestly, you could discover all of these "Laws" and many more if you just go direct to the source and read some key Eastern religious texts, like the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the Dhammapada.


The creation of wealth has always been regarded as a process that requires hard work and luck--often at the expense of others. In this remarkable book, the author of Quantum Healing and other bestsellers reveals how to align with the subtle yet powerful, unseen forces that affect the flow of money in our lives.

Based on natural laws which govern all of creation, this book shatters the myth that success is the result of hard work, exacting plans, or driving ambition. In The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Deepak Chopra offers a life-altering perspective on the attainment of success: Once we understand our true nature and learn to live in harmony with natural law, a sense of well-being, good health, fulfilling relationships, energy and enthusiasm for life, and material abundance will spring forth easily and effortlessly. Filled with timeless wisdom and practical steps you can apply right away, this is a book you will want to read and refer to again and again.

The Wisdom of the Vedas. J.C. Chatterji. Theosophical Society. Brahmanism. Hinduism. Buddhism

The Wisdom of the Vedas. J.C. Chatterji. Theosophical Society. Brahmanism. Hinduism. Buddhism

This book by J.C. Chatterji has been in print for the past 90 years under a couple different titles. About 50 years ago, it was republished as "The Wisdom of the Vedas" by the Theosophical Society. It is one of the most accessible books on the Vedic system of thought, India's oldest philosophical/religious tradition.


How did the universe come into being? What is the nature of God? Of the human spirit? All who seek understanding will find this book an illuminating presentation of India's oldest and most profound religious and philosophical tradition. The Wisdom of the Vedas was first published in 1931 by Kailas Press under the title India's Outlook on Life. The Theosophical Publishing House published a second edition in 1973, and again in 1980 under the Quest imprint. The present 1992 edition was edited to reflect the modern use of inclusive language, and includes an introduction by Vedic scholar David Frawley. Mr. Frawley explains to the Western reader, "The Vedas are the original scripture or source teaching of the Hindu tradition, from which its many branches of Vedanta, Yoga, and Tantra have emerged through time, and to which they all look back with reverence." The Vedas are also "..the background relative to which the Buddhist religion evolved, and Buddhism also preserves many Vedic terms and practices." The study then, of the Vedas is important to understanding many different Eastern teachings. The author is from India, and has an unusual ability to frame the subtleties of Eastern thought for the Western world.

Bhagavad-Gita. Translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood

Bhagavad-Gita. Translated by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood

Some peaceful reading for a quiet winter evening...
Few things put my mind more at ease than reading ancient texts. I have a scholarly interest in most all religions, and one of the books that I find to be the most calming is the Bhagavad-Gita. I think I've read it a half dozen times since the start of COVID-19.




"The Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God Retold in Simplified English is the latest title in the Essential Wisdom Library. This unique edition of the timeless epic is designed to be accessible for readers without any prior experience of Hinduism. Not simply a translation of the original, Viljoen has simplified and restated the Gita’s complex ideas, so that a first-time reader can fully appreciate the scope and beauty of this magnificent Indian classic. Written in concise, modern language the retelling vividly captures the power and depth of the original work.
Part of the Mahabharata, the Gita is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. Its verses contain some of the key ideas of Hindu philosophy―Dharma, Moksha, and various yogic practices. Originally written well over a thousand years ago, the Gita has proven to be a timeless source of wisdom, inspiring philosophers and revolutionaries alike in the millennia since it was written.
In addition to the retelling of the text, this edition includes a character list, a glossary of important terms, and chapters exploring the back-story from the Mahabharata and the impact and meaning of the Bhagavad Gita itself. The Bhagavad Gita is an approachable way for today’s readers to engage with one of history's richest spiritual epics."