The book of secrets : esoteric societies and holy orders, luminaries and seers, symbols and rituals, and the key concepts of occult sciences through the ages and around the world

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, <i>The Book of Secrets</i> is a comprehensive introduction to the world of secret and esoteric knowledge throughout history.<br><br>In the mystery tradition, "secrets" are levels of consciousness that are hidden from our normal mental state, the acquisition of a new point of view. <i>The Book of Secrets</i> delves into the world of the "occult," the initiated secret traditions of the fascinating unseen spiritual world: its symbols, secret societies, and seers. <br><br>You'll discover: <br><br>* <b>Key Concepts</b>: the Great Work, the Universal Force, Polarity, the Four Elements, Magick and Mysticism, Esoteric Anatomy, Qabalah, Alchemy, Astrology, the Astral Plane, and more.<br><br>* <b>Symbolism</b>: More than 100 secrets symbols, words, objects, including their meanings and the secret powers they invoke: Animals, spiritual beings, and sacred objects. <br><br>* <b>Secret Societies and Holy Orders</b>: 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. <br><br>* <b>Luminaries and Seers</b>: More than 200 legends and historical personages: Hermes Trismegistus, Jesus, Siddartha, Osiris, and other seers from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the 19th and 20th centuries. <br><br>From 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