Ancient Wisdom and Occult Truth

The aim of this website is to provide those sincerely interested in occultism with facts not fantasies

For the malice of Ignorance surroundeth all the Earth, and corrupteth the Soul, shut up in the Body not suffering it to arrive at the Havens of Salvation. Hermes Trismegistus — 'The Divine Pymander'

Introduction

Do you want answers to the great questions and mysteries of Life? Do you wonder who you truly are; where you have come from and where you are headed? What the purpose of Life on earth is? What the Occult, Magic, Religion and Philosophy really are and mean? Then you have come to the right place.

A tremendous amount of misinformation and fantasy is now to be found on the Internet and in books on a wide variety of occult, religious, magical and mystical subjects. Some of the authors of this tide of fallacies mean well; many more do not, and it all spells dire trouble for those genuinely in search of facts, not fantasy and half-truths.

One of the reasons we launched this website over 12 years ago was to combat this deluge of half-truths, speculations, conspiracy theories and misconceptions. The fact of the matter is that even the most elevated Occult teachings can be misinterpreted and distorted to suit almost any agenda. The same may be said for Magic, or 'magick' as many people insist on spelling it, which is even less understood nowadays than occultism. If we honestly examine the beliefs and practises of those who call themselves 'magicians' and 'occultists' today we find that they are mostly concerned with themselves, not others. They have no wish to improve the lives of their fellow human beings or worldly conditions. Their aspirations are firmly glued to the material plane and their personal needs and desires. They do not really mind if others suffer, so long as they are comfortable. Many will tell you they only have one life to live and are going to make the most of it by employing so-called 'magic' to acquire as much worldly wealth and personal power as circumstances allow. In short, 'modern' magic is often nothing more than self-indulgent mental masturbation at best and pure sorcery at worst, as you can read in our Occult FAQ and study course article on Magic.

It is these distortions and misinterpretations of the great Occult Truths which do the most harm, and lead to so much confusion, disillusion and suffering among seekers after Occult Knowledge. Many readers will pass us by once they see that we provide no glamour, thrills, fantasies, or 'magical' 'spells', 'rituals' and grimoires. Others will shudder at the very word 'Occult' and return to the safety of religious orthodoxy. That is their prerogative and we wish them well. But for the FEW who do stay and read our many articles and books, this website provides inspiration, comfort and nourishment a-plenty for body, mind and spirit.

To read what visitors say about us, see our Readers' Comments page

Reading tips for Beginners

If you know little or nothing about the Occult, we suggest you begin by reading our brief note: Misconceptions about the Occult shown below and the information given in the sidebar about the Ancient Wisdom. Then read and study the following three articles:

Occult FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the Occult answered.

Why study Occult Science?

The benefits of studying Occult Science and how to go about it.

There is only One LIGHT

True and false occult teachings and how to tell one from the other.

When you have done so, read either Astral Conversations or The Search for Truth depending on whether you have come to occultism via a secular or religious background. Astral Conversations is a series 12 articles in which many conspiracy theories and wrong occult beliefs and practises are explored and debunked. The Search for Truth explores and investigates the many links between religion and the occult. The next steps are up to you. We have published five complete books by J Michaud PhD, each of which contains the most advanced occult teachings. You can also read the articles that most appeal to you listed below, take our occult studies course, and/or search for specific topics.

Misconceptions about the Occult

THE Occult is not what most people think it is. Not one person in ten million or one 'occultist' in a thousand has the slightest idea of what the Occult really is. You may think this is an exaggeration; we assure you it is not. Moreover, if you read even a fraction of the articles we have published you will agree with our statement. The first misconception we aim to correct is that the Occult is 'evil'. It is not, neither is it 'anti-religion' or a synonym for black magic or witchcraft. Nor do we promote such subjects in any of our articles. What we do promote are the teachings of the Wise philosophers and spiritual Masters of the past and present, none of which can conflict in any way with the highest ideals of any religion. More than one religious visitor to this website has been shocked to find articles about God and the hidden wisdom in the Bible here. This is not surprising considering that the word 'occult' is nowadays mostly associated with all that is evil. But all the word really means is 'hidden'. It is in this correct sense that the word is used by doctors to describe blood that is not visibly apparent. The same definition applies to the occult mysteries; that is knowledge and truth which is not visibly apparent. This is the ONLY sense in which we use the word.

Many people ask why such knowledge and truth has been hidden from the world. The simple answer is to prevent it being misused. There has never been a single Teacher of the Eternal Verities who did not withhold the hidden, or occult mysteries, from the multitude. Jesus, for instance, tells his chosen disciples that: "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables" (Luke 8:10). You may ask that if occult knowledge and truth has been hidden from the multitude why are we now making it public? This is a good question. The answer is because the time is right to reveal some of it. We emphasise some because the higher Mysteries can only be imparted to those who can be trusted not to misuse or reveal them. You can read about the reasons for this secrecy in our Occult FAQ.

Yet the more simple truths of Occult Science—such as reincarnation and evolution—should never have been hidden; for this has done incalculable harm to humanity. They grope in the dark and make the most appalling errors with the best of intentions. There has never been a time when these truths were more vitally needed than today. A time when fear and menace stalk the world; hunger and disease afflict millions; wars strew the smiling earth with death, and the hearts of God's lost children cry out for answers. Answers neither Church nor State, least of all material science, can provide. This is the purpose of this website: to bring the one Light of Truth to all those who are willing and capable of recognising and receiving it. It will be heard by the dull and the brilliant, the pure and the impure, the stupid and the wise, and those in between such conditions of mind, who all need what they are qualified to take of the shining pearls of Holy Wisdom.

What's new?

We add new content to our website on a regular basis. To see what's new check the sidebar on our About page or visit us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Search for Truth

In this series of twelve articles occult writer and theologian, John Temple, explores and investigates the many links between Religion and the Occult, focusing especially on the hidden meaning concealed within the Bible and its many correspondences with the Wisdom Teachings of ancient Egypt. While each of these articles can be read on their own, they form an ascending scale of revelation, the full import of which will only become clear when they are studied in the order listed below.

Searching for Truth

The true story of one seeker's troubled and eventful journey of spiritual discovery.

Who are the REAL illuminati?

The author dispels the many misconceptions surrounding the mysterious 'illuminati'.

Esotericism in the Nativity

An occult investigation of the Bible story of the birth of Jesus.

If God is good why does he allow evil?

The problem of Good and Evil from the perspective of Occult Science.

Hidden Wisdom in the Bible

Why and how it was concealed and the meaning of the parable of the prodigal son.

Esoteric meaning of Easter

The true significance and meaning of Easter and the Resurrection of Christ.

Hidden meaning in the Book of Proverbs

The close similarity of Proverbs to the ancient Egyptian Teaching of Ptah-Hetep.

The sayings of the Saviour analysed

An analysis of some parables from the gospels and the real origins of Christianity.

The metaphysics of Talent

Hidden meaning in the parable of the talents in the New Testament.

The power of Prayer

The nature, purpose and power of prayer and the many misconceptions surrounding it.

Facts and fictions of the Church

The origins of the Church, some of its dogmas and the heresies which threatened it.

The Mystery of Jesus

An analysis of the evidence for the existence of the historical figure of Jesus.

Further contributions by John Temple

John Temple has written several further articles and afterwords for us. These are listed in order of publication below, oldest first. All these contributions are well worth reading in their own right as well as extensions to his series on The Search for Truth.

A Christmas Carol unwrapped

An analysis of Charles Dickens' famous ghost story.

Folly and Wisdom

The wisdom of Folly and the foolishness of Wisdom. Afterword: an analysis of the book of Ecclesiasticus in the Old Testament Apocrypha.

Star Children

An occult analysis and appreciation of a short story by Charles Dickens.

Mr Tilly's Séance

An appreciation and occult analysis of a supernatural story by the novelist E. F. Benson.

The anatomy of Sin

An occult investigation of the theological concept of Sin and its origins, and the macabre custom of sin-eating.

A Modern Easter. In his afterword to this satirical story by Gabrielle Annunziato, John Temple unveils the hidden meaning of the Eucharist (Last Supper).
The Mystery of Love. In his afterword John Temple examines the many references to Love in the Bible.
The Importance of Being Humble. In his afterword to this article by Seán Mac Gréine John Temple examines some known and unknown quotations about humility.

Astral Conversations

A series of investigations into the occult in twelve parts now available as a hardcover printed book

In this unusual series of twelve articles two colourful occult students discuss many different subjects including magic, masters, false teachers, conspiracy theories, the illuminati, aliens, planet 'x', 'Ascension', consciousness, dreams, life after death, Magic, Shamans, drugs, channeling, Wicca, witchcraft, paganism, the tarot, fate versus free will, heaven and hell, and much more. Although Bombast and Flitterflop are fictional characters, they are based on real individuals well-known to us whose names we have changed to protect their identities. READ MORE....

Bombast and Flitterflop investigate

An occasional series of topical investigations

Readers who have grown fond of Bombast and Flitterflop through listening to their Astral Conversations will welcome their return in this occasional series of investigations, listed below in order of publication, newest first.

The Akashic Records

What are they and should I get some? Flitterflop does and gets taken for a mug again.

Sigils and servitors

Are they the true Arcanum of Magic or something completely different?

Coronaspiracy?

Is the coronavirus pandemic an evil global conspiracy or a monumental cock-up?

Is the Earth flat?

Our two colourful occult students attempt to answer this tricky question.

The books of J Michaud PhD

I can show you the mysteries that will give you understanding of that which is inexplicable to most, and I will light within you a lamp that can cast its rays in all that is yet dark, and bring a gleam of Truth and comfort unto the gloomy of heart. J Michaud PhD — 'The Golden Star'

J Michaud PhD (1884 - 1961) was a gifted musician, composer and accomplished occultist who wrote six occult books during his lifetime which are almost unknown to modern seekers and occultists alike. Music was Dr Michaud's first and greatest love, and this comes through in all his books, but especially in Symphonie Fantastique, though this is not a book about music! He is said to have written an opera when he was barely eleven, in the first act of which all the singers were murdered one by one and then, in the second act, they all came back as ghosts! This, as well as such unusual compositions as Voices in the Forest, La Chinese Garden, The Silent Tomb, and Mystic Thoughts, were highly regarded by his contemporaries, among them the composers Cyril Scott, Sir Granville Bantock, Frederick Delius, and the English conductor and impresario, Sir Thomas Beecham. Many of the themes in his music later found their way into his books, which in our view are his most important and lasting gift to the world.

Dr Michaud's books were published by the UMA Press in London between 1939 and 1950, and it is now difficult to find printed copies of them. It is for this reason that we have re-published five of them in electronic format, and made them freely available to all at no cost. In September 2021, the second of his books—The Golden Star—was reprinted in a fine hardcover edition by an enterprising publisher in the USA. The same publisher reprinted The Teachings of Li Wang Ho — the third of Dr Michaud's occult books — in 2022. READ MORE....

Online Occult Studies Course

In addition to the articles and books we have published, we offer an online occult studies course which is intended for SINCERE seekers who are ready and willing to take up the SERIOUS study of the Sublime Occult Mysteries. This course is free to study online in your own time at your own pace and does not require registration or payment.
At the end of the course you will have the opportunity to take a short test and put any questions regarding the subjects covered to us. READ MORE....

Spiritus Hermeticum

Then I said, I would learn the things that are, and understand the nature of them, and know God. Hermes Trismegistus — 'The Divine Pymander'

An investigation of the origins of Hermeticism and the true teachings of Hermes Trismegistus

The spirit of Hermes Trismegistus towers like a colossus over mysticism, magic and esoteric philosophy. In this unique series of twelve articles we trace the origins of Hermeticism back to its earliest roots. Along the way we consider many different aspects of the Hermetic legacy and its influence. Our main aim, however, is to discover who Hermes was, when he lived and what his TRUE teachings were. READ MORE....

Vox Stellarum

We are stardust, we are golden, and we've got to get ourselves back to the garden.
chorus from Woodstock, a song written in 1970 by Canadian singer-songwriter, Joni Mitchell

The Voice of the Stars: the testament of the Zodiac unveiled

In this new investigation in thirteen parts we aim to reconcile Astrology with its lost sibling — Astronomy. The stars tell a story in pictorial and symbolic form. It is a story of triumph and disaster, of love and hate, rags and riches, bottomless sorrow and eternal happiness. It is the story of every man and every woman. READ MORE....

Articles and occult study resources

Articles are listed by subject and arranged by author (where applicable).

Material Science

Climate change: blowing hot and cold

An investigation of the contradictory theories of science about climate change.

Scientific materialism: the path to hell

A critical examination of the premises, promises and plans of material science.

Why matter matters

We investigate some of the theories of material science and compare them with the facts of Occult Science, to discover what matter really is.

The weighty problem of Gravity

An investigation of the flaws in the scientific theories of gravity.

Gravitational waves make a big noise

We examine the claims of science to have discovered so-called 'gravitational waves' and compare the speculations of scientists with the facts of Occult Science.

The Occult Aether

An investigation of the ancient and modern theories about Aether compared and contrasted with the facts of Occult Science.

The Occult Sun

An investigation of the hidden properties of the Sun and its forces.

The Magic of Water

An investigation of the esoteric meaning and hidden properties of water.

The Magic of Salt

An investigation of the esoteric meaning and hidden properties of salt.

Giants: fact or fiction?

An investigation of the mythological, historical, and archaeological evidence for the presence of giant human beings on earth.

Occult Science

Why study Occult Science?

The systematic study of the hidden laws and principles of man and the universe.

The Elixir of Life

This mysterious substance explored and explained.

The magic and mystery of Hypnotism

An investigation of hypnotism: its occult nature, history, uses and abuses.

Psychicism and Spirituality

The difference between the psychic and the spiritual and the dangers of the former.

Practical Magic

An investigation of the contemporary misunderstanding and misuse of the magical arts.

The Magic of Egypt

An investigation of the sciences and arts of ancient Egypt.

Life after Death

The true facts about the afterlife explained from the standpoint of Occult Science.

What are Nature spirits and Fairies?

The occult facts about nature spirits together with five recommended books on the hidden side of nature.

The Mystery Language

An investigation of the universal language of Occult Science and the keys to it.

The Science of Occult Symbolism

An investigation of symbolism and analysis of Mozart's opera The Magic Flute.

Occult evolutionary cycles

We investigate the great Cycles of Sleep and Waking to which our Earth and the Kosmos are subject.

Numerology

An introduction to the sacred science of numbers and some of their hidden qualities.

Astrology

The Ancient Wisdom and Occult Truths to be found in REAL Astrology.

Links: wisdom on the web

External websites providing real Occult Knowledge and Truth on the Internet.

Occult Teachings and Teachers

There is only one Light

We examine the claims of the many mystery schools and contradictory occult teachings the better to recognise the One Light of Truth.

The Occult Student

Hints and tips for the sincere seeker after Truth on the path to the Light.

Initiates and initiation

This article aims to dispel the misinformation that surrounds the vexed topic of initiates and initiation, and includes an afterword on the life and teachings of Pythagoras.

Was Blavatsky a plagiarist and devil-worshipping racist?

An answer to those who doubt the motives, sincerity and probity of H. P. Blavatsky and her teachings.

Franz Bardon—true guide or deceiver?

A critical review of the teachings and books of the Czech occultist.

Losing your way

How to look for real Truth and Wisdom.

Letter from a Master to his pupil

A warning to those who imagine they can master the Occult Sciences overnight.

Metaphysics

How peace leads to war

Understanding the paradox of how the desire for peace leads to conflict and war.

The mystery of Love

An occult investigation of the nature and meaning of Love, with an afterword by John Temple in which he examines some of the many references to love in the Bible.

Fate versus free-will

An investigation of the problem of predestination versus free-will.

The lost doctrine of Reincarnation

An investigation of the pre-existence of the doctrine of Reincarnation.

The lure of the law of attraction

We investigate the 'law of attraction' and the misconceptions associated with it.

Inner Peace through applied Wisdom

How to balance the often conflicting desires of the Higher and lower selves.

Christmas Message from Occult Mysteries

How to survive the Festive Season by attuning with the positive power of the Light.

Philosophy and Theology

Entering into Light

An occult investigation of the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead in three parts

Yoga Unveiled

An occult investigation of the origins, philosophy, and principles and practise of yoga in three parts. Published in January, March and May 2023.

Egyptian Enigma

An occult interpretation of an ancient Egyptian enigmatical eschatological text.

Egyptian Epistle

An occult investigation of the correspondence between the philosopher Porphyry and the Egyptian priest Abammon.

The Wisdom of China

An investigation of the philosophy and folklore of ancient China in two parts.

The Zend Avesta

An investigation of the sacred text of Persia and some of the occult truths it contains.

Opusculum philosophica

The lives and teachings of three important philosophers in three parts.

Treacherous Texts

An investigation of the many flaws and errors to be found in sacred texts.

Esoteric Philosophy

An occult investigation of Philosophy in three parts from the founders of Greek philosophy to the present day.

Spiritus Hermeticum

An investigation of the origins of Hermeticism and the true teachings of Hermes Trismegistus in 12 parts.

Hermetic Philosophy of ancient Egypt

An appreciation and review of The Kybalion

Tibetan Buddhism unveiled

An investigation of the origins, history, teachings and practises of Tibetan Buddhism together with an account of the life and teachings of the Buddha in three parts.

The Chicken and the Egg

An occult investigation of the age-old philosophical dilemma

Eschatology and Judgement

Apocalypse 2017!

An investigation of the 'Doomsday' and 'Rapture' prophecies connected with the entrance of the Sun into the zodiacal sign of Libra in September 2017.

End of the world predictions

We examine the prediction that the world would 'end' on 21 December 2012.

21 December 2012

We investigate the claims that this date heralded a "pole shift in consciousness".

The Weighing of the Heart

An occult investigation of the ancient Egyptian mystery of the Judgement of the Dead.

Occult History

The legacy of Atlantis

An investigation in three parts of the migrations of the Atlanteans and the colonies they founded around the world.

The story of Atlantis

An investigation of Plato's account of Atlantis: it's history, arts and sciences.

Atlantis

Separating fact from the fancies that surround the subject of Atlantis.

The Wisdom of the Druids

An interpretation of the wisdom teachings of the Druids.

The Mystery of the Druids

We investigate the origins, rites, beliefs and teachings of the Druids.

The Mystery of Stonehenge

Who built Britain's enigmatic prehistoric monument and why? We investigate the theories and the facts. In our customary afterword we examine the connection between Amber and the Solar cult in Britain.

Egypt in England

An investigation of the evidence for an ancient Egyptian colony in the British Isles more than 3,500 years ago.

The Arts

Symbolism in ancient Egyptian Art

An occult investigation of the hidden meaning to be found in ancient Egyptian paintings.

The Messiah unveiled

An investigation of the esoteric truths concealed in the libretto of Handel's Messiah.

The Magic of Music

An investigation of the occult nature of music and its power for good and evil.

The Magic of Poetry

Part one of an investigation of the concealed wisdom in sublime poetry.
We discuss the difference between poetastery and poetry and analyse some poems by Omar Khayyæm, Shakespeare, Keats, Milton, Spenser and Dante.

Prometheus unveiled

Part two of an investigation of the concealed wisdom in sublime poetry.
Esoteric meaning in Shelley's metaphysical drama Prometheus Unbound.

Visions of Light

An appreciation of the paintings of Tuco Amalfi and a commentary on Visionary Art.

Magic of Art

An investigation of the magical power of art for good and evil.

Occult Literature

Occult books

Reviewed and recommended for sincere seekers after Truth and Wisdom.

A Christmas Carol unwrapped

An occult appreciation of Charles Dickens' ghost story by John Temple.

The broken Violin

An allegorical tale for those who wish to learn the science of symbolism.

The Jihadi and the Jinn

A tale of the East for those who would be Wise and a brief review of the life and teachings of the Prophet Mohammed.

The Elfin Queen

A most unusual Fairy-tale by J Michaud PhD which contains many occult truths.

The Rhododendrons

In this true short story by J Michaud PhD the author reveals why Nature is the greatest Book of Wisdom ever written and how to read its mysteries.

The Bronze Mirror

A past-life in ancient Egypt recalled through psychometry by J Michaud PhD.

Meditation; or the Way of Escape

A tall tale in which are hidden in the daftest possible manner a host of real occult truths.

The Adept and the Imp

This amusing story contains a number of Occult teachings in a concealed manner.

The Road goes ever on

A three-part investigation of the esotericism in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the author's mythos, legendarium and involvement with Occultism.

Religious quotes and occult maxims

From occultists, philosophers, and the Sacred Texts of all times and places.

Health and Wellbeing

Veni, vidi, vaxi

An investigation of the lies surrounding the Covid-19 virus and vaccination programme.

The War on Death

The coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and the fear of death.

Mad Covid Disease

An investigation of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Health and the occult student

We discuss health and medicine from the perspective of Occult Science, and consider some of the better-known alternative therapies.

The Temple of Man

An occult investigation of the human body and some of its mysteries.

Vegetarianism, Spirituality and Health

An investigation of vegetarianism, spirituality and health in the light of Occult Science.

Readers' contributions

Several contributors have sent us their work over the years on a wide variety of occult, scientific, mystical and philosophical subjects. If you feel you have the ability and desire to contribute to our work of disseminating occult knowledge and truth, you will find information on what we are looking for and how to submit your work to us on our Readers Comments page. Contributions are listed in alphabetical order by author, newest submissions first. Authors who have made only one contribution are shown last.

READERS' COMMENTS

What readers are saying about this website—regularly updated.

A. S.

The madeleine moment

Further thoughts on the usages of Memory and attunement with Nature.

Divine duty to Remember

Thoughts on the usages and direction of Memory.

Gabrielle Annunziato

Frying tonight!

A salutary story about the weaponisation of warmth, the scourge of sunshine and the evils of Net Zero, and an analysis of the agenda behind it.

Do they know it's Christmas?

A tall tale about Santa, pandemics, scientists and politicians.

Sheep, goats, ravens and toads

A wry look at the follies and foibles of mankind.

A modern Easter

A humorous retelling of the Bible story of the Last Supper.

The perils of Paganism

A wry look at the modern celebration of Christmas.

A modern Nativity

A humorous and perceptive pastiche of the well-known Christmas story subtitled 'a tonic for the tired and emotional at Christmas.'

Mel Cairn

Coincidence

A strange phenomenon explained.

Liberty

An allegory of the illusions and follies of men.

Erika Hahn

The Monkey Puzzle Tree

An anthropoidal allegory for those in search of Truth.

Hidden Wisdom in Fairy-tales

An investigation of the hidden meaning in Cinderella, Brier Rose and Rumpelstiltskin.

The Divine Lady

An allegory for the Few of the earthly reward of Virtue.

The Shadow that turned

A fairy-tale about the thorny path to enlightenment.

The Wise Fish

An instructive allegory for Young and Old adapted from a children's story by Joan Grant.

The Scientist and the flower Fairy

A modern fairy-tale for enquiring minds.

The descent of Ishtar into the underworld

An interpretation of the esoteric meaning of an ancient myth.

The Magic Pearls

A fairy-tale for Wise Adults and Uncommon Children.

Seán Mac Gréine

The Holder of the Hand

A short story of an eventful past life lived in Nineveh.

The tale of Oisín

A Druid morality tale for wise adults and curious children.

The Importance of Being Humble

The virtue and uses of Humility on the path to the Light.

The power of Patience

The importance of Patience in our pursuit of Wisdom.

Prodigal Brother — poetry

The Lady of the Bluebells

An inspirational poem about Nature.

Phoenix Rising

An inspirational poem about the search for Truth and meaning.

Paul G. Vaughan

The Wings of Eros

An investigation of the ancient conception of Eros and its relationship to Wisdom.

The Sacred Boat

The author interprets the meaning in a recreation of an ancient Egyptian painting.

The Ascent to the Beautiful

An occult investigation of the meaning and essence of Beauty and the beautiful.

Cosmic Evolution

Viruses, Panspermia and the Mystery of the Grail.

Review of The Quest of Ruru

The author reviews this rare classic of occult literature by J Michaud PhD.

Review of The Teachings of Li Wang Ho

A review of the teachings of a forgotten Chinese Sage.

Greg Wade

How to study The Secret Doctrine

A helpful road map for those daunted by the sheer size and complexity of Madame Blavatsky's masterwork.

The Gift of Nature

A reminder of the power of Nature to comfort, calm and inspire us.

The Mirror of Accountability

Facing the fears and uncertainties of life.

The power of Forgiveness

The personal proofs of the power of Forgiveness.

The Art of Dying

The author shares his thoughts on the subject of death.

Down the rabbit hole. . .and up into Wonderland

The author describes his eventful journey in search of Truth.

Rose Wood

Keeping my Peace

A reader's continuing story of her struggle to hold on to Inner Peace.

Letting go

A reader's story of her struggle to find Inner Peace.

Single contributors

Shamanic Medicine

A personal account of taking Ayahuasca, a critique of so-called 'Shamanic Medicine', and the dangers of psychedelic drugs by Amber.

A word to those who lurk

An anonymous reader shares his discovery of our website and what it means to him.

The books of J Michaud PhD

A personal appreciation of the author's books by Theodore Baum.

Death to Life: my path to unity

A reader's personal journey from darkness into Light and an eloquent analysis of the evils of suicide by Eve Bennett.

What it means to be a fool

Sol Bloomfield describes her quest for knowledge with gentle humour and humility.

From war to Peace

One reader's moving story of their search for Truth by Kurt Flaxman.

Contemplating Stones

A reader's thoughts on the subject of stones by P. G.

Message of the Kosmos

A reader's story of his search for Truth by B. A. George.

Web of Wisdom

A reader's journey to the Light by Aava Meriläinen.

A Voyage of Discovery

A reader's tale of the search for Truth by Jack Samuel.

Homeward Bound

Three inspirational poems by Mason Warden.

Search our website

Ancient Wisdom

What is the Ancient Wisdom and where is it to be found?

We are often asked by readers what the 'Ancient Wisdom' is and where it is to be found. Many more ask us whether there is any truth in the teachings of those who purport to receive occult knowledge from so-called 'ETs', 'angels' and 'cosmic masters'.

These may seem elementary questions to experienced occultists and mystics, but for those confused by the sheer amount of New Age and 'occult' information on every conceivable subject now to be found on the Internet and in books, such questions deserve clear, sane and simple answers. Adding to this confusion is the never-ending tide of prophecies and predictions of imminent doom and destruction on the one hand and 'rapture' and 'planetary ascension' on the other.

In the Secret Doctrine by H. P. Blavatsky, reviewed in the books section of our website, you may read that the Ancient Wisdom

"is to be found scattered throughout thousands of volumes embodying the scriptures of the great Asiatic and early European religions."

This is true. We can find it in the Christian Bible, in the sacred books of ancient India, China, Persia and ancient Egypt.

We can find the Ancient Wisdom in the wonders of Nature, which have justly been called 'the greatest book of wisdom ever written'. We can find it in the inspired words of the sublime Messengers and Teachers such as Jesus, Buddha, Krishna, Socrates, Lao Tzu and Plato. We can find it in the works of the great Poets, such as Dante, Milton, Shelley, Omar Khayyám, Rumi, and Shakespeare.

You won't find it reading about 'polar shifts', planet X, 'DNA activation', 'ascension', witchcraft, 'ascended masters', shamanism, and the various conspiracy theories about the 'illuminati' or 'evil ETs' who are supposed to control and rule our lives.

You can read why these beliefs are completely wrong in Astral Conversations; a unique series of discussions in which two seekers after Truth investigate and expose these errors and fantasies, as well as in several other of our many articles, a full list of which can be found on this page.

So where can you find the Ancient Wisdom? You can find it in a grain of sand or a flower, if you know HOW to look! But this is far too simple and unglamorous for the many seeking thrills and fantasy to fill the spiritual vacuum in their lives. But it need not be so. Do we not all know the famous verse of William Blake?

"To see a World in a Grain of Sand
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand
And Eternity in an hour.

Many of you may also know the well-known verse from Tennyson:

"Flower in the crannied wall,
I pluck you out of the crannies,
I hold you here, root and all, in my hand,
Little flower—but if I could understand
What you are, root and all, all in all,
I should know what God and man is.

Here we see how the Mind of the inspired Poet recognises Truth intuitively in a flash of interior illumination. Although, as Tennyson admits, he may not always fully understand the sublime revelations he receives in this way. You can read more about the occult truths concealed in sublime Poetry in two articles we have published on the subject: The Magic of Poetry, which examines the poems of Omar Khayyám, Shakespeare, Keats, Milton, Spenser and Dante, and Prometheus Unveiled, which analyses Shelley's great lyrical drama Prometheus Unbound.

Please do not be misled by the word 'Ancient'. There is nothing outdated in the Ancient Wisdom. The great Spiritual Truths and the universal laws that govern the material and spiritual worlds cannot change. If they did they would not be laws, but speculations and theories. This must be evident to all thinking people. What does change is our perception of these Truths and laws as we learn to distinguish the false from the true, but this can only come about gradually.

The great problem for the inexperienced and untrained seeker is that the Ancient Wisdom, as H. P. Blavatsky tells us, is "hidden under glyph and symbol, and hitherto left unnoticed because of this veil." Without the keys of allegory, mythology and symbolism—to name but a few of the sacred Keys of the Sublime Mysteries, the Ancient Wisdom remains a closed book.

To learn these keys and how to use them to discover the Ancient Wisdom is the work of a lifetime; let no one convince you otherwise. This is the first and most difficult step for those who say they want to learn Truth. There are no 'cliff notes' or 'idiots guides' to help the seeker to understand and correctly employ these keys. They must be sought in the many books we review and recommend on this website and in the articles we have published on symbolism, allegory, mythology, philosophy and science. in short, the seeker who truly wishes to learn the Ancient Wisdom must learn a whole new language — The Mystery Language

Does this put you off? Then consider this. Even if you learn just a few of these keys and are only able to partially apply them, you will be amazed at what you will discover in the Bible and many other sacred texts you never imagined they contained. In time you will find that many other things that puzzled you will suddenly become clear.

As these 'aha!' moments increase—which they will if you work hard at your studies—you will open up an undreamed of world of wonders for yourself. And not only will this be wonderful but uplifting and enjoyable too. For what greater joy can there be than to learn the things that truly Are? For as Hermes tells us:

"Seek one that may lead you by the hand,
and conduct you to the door of Truth and Knowledge,
where the clear Light is that is pure from Darkness,
where there is not one drunken,
but all are sober and in their heart look up to him,
whose pleasure it is to be seen.

For he cannot be heard with ears,
nor seen with eyes,
nor expressed in words;
but only in mind and heart can he be known.

You may ask at this point why so many people who consider themselves 'spiritual' who say they long for Truth are so very reluctant to study the Ancient Wisdom and learn the keys to it? Why do so many listen to the pretenders to Truth and imposters of Wisdom who channel messages purporting to come from 'angel guides' or extraterrestrials, yet express no interest in studying the sacred literature of the world, where they can find the sublime truths of Life?

Why, too, do people who are otherwise intelligent and sensible blindly swallow the nonsense broadcast on Youtube and other websites by self-appointed 'messengers', 'wisdom-keepers' 'sound' and 'light' 'oracles' and similar mystery-mongers without bothering to investigate the source of such teachings or at the very least question the veracity and accuracy of the statements made?

The answer to all these questions can be stated in two words: thinking and laziness. Let us take the former first. So very many seekers after Truth have an aversion to THINKING for and by themselves, mistaking the psychic for the spiritual and fantasies for facts. They are all too willing to accept any statement, no matter how implausible or fantastic, provided it is made with sufficient gravitas and is supported by some well-known authority or other. Authorities were, are, and ever will be the enemies of Truth. A plague on 'authorities'! A very wise man once said: "mark what is written, not who wrote it." Anyone genuinely in search of truth should always follow this good advice.

Theoretically, most of us admit the duty of thorough and open-minded enquiry into the truth of any important statement before believing it. In practice, no duty is more universally neglected. And the reason? Laziness! People are simply too lazy to do any research that requires some effort and sacrifice of their 'precious' time. It is so much easier to have someone else do it for them—preferably an 'authority' who is universally admired and widely quoted. This is especially true in regard to the Ancient Wisdom which, as we said earlier, although it is to be found scattered throughout thousands of books, is largely ignored by all the best 'authorities' because they have lost the keys to interpret and understand it—that is, if they ever possessed them, which we doubt.

Let us consider some examples of the Ancient Wisdom to show what we mean. In Genesis we may read that: "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep." Unless we know, or have been TAUGHT, what is hidden behind the words 'heaven' and 'earth', 'darkness' and 'deep' this passage makes very little sense to the average seeker or mystic. Science simply laughs at such statements, and quite rightly too, for their real meaning is cloaked in allegory, symbolism and mythology.

Let us take another example, this time from The Divine Pymander of Hermes Trismegistus, Book Three: "For there were in the Chaos an infinite darkness in the Abyss or bottomless Depth, and Water, and a subtle Spirit intelligible in Power; and there went out the Holy Light, and the Elements were coagulated from the Sand out of the moist substance."

Without an understanding of what the author means by 'Chaos', 'Water', 'Light', etc, this passage makes little sense. Let us say at once that the 'water' referred to is not H₂O! Rather, it is a symbol for the 'fluid' state of matter before the infusion of Life into it. The same applies to 'chaos', 'light', 'sand' and 'moist substance'. None of these terms should be taken literally; each is a veil concealing the hidden Ancient Wisdom.

Our final example will be familiar to many readers: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God...In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:1-5). In these few lines lie concealed all the mysteries of creation and evolution. But where is the theologian, mystic or occultist who can explain this? We know of none other than the few genuine Initiates whose teachings are ignored and disparaged by those who are most in need of them.

It is in such books as H. P. Blavatsky's Secret Doctrine and The Golden Star — the latter reprinted in 2021 in a new, hardcover edition — that we can we find some of the keys that unlock the meaning of the enigmatical verses we quoted above.

But, as we said earlier, these keys have to be learned before they can be used, and that takes time and a great deal of study. Guest writer and occultist, John Temple, has employed some of these keys to great advantage in his articles on the Search for Truth in the Bible and other sacred writings which contain the Ancient Wisdom. All his articles are well worth studying, not merely for the occult truths they reveal, but also to show the ways in which sacred texts should be read if we wish to extract their hidden meaning.

We have now seen that the Ancient Wisdom is to be found everywhere; it lies literally all around us in plain sight, if we will only learn how to look with a seeing eye, open mind and understanding heart. We have also seen what it is; namely the repository of the sublime Truths of Life. It does not belong to any one race or time, nor does it have anything to do with religion as it is commonly understood. The religions of the world have borrowed from it without adding anything of value to it.

Indeed, we may go further and say that the great religions of both East and West have largely distorted what they have taken from the Ancient Wisdom, substituting dogma for Truth and empty ritual for true piety and devotion. Yet what remains, however fragmentary and incomplete, is more than sufficient to guide the feet of the sincere seeker to the fount of ALL-WISDOM, ALL-KNOWLEDGE and ALL-TRUTH—which IS God.

It is fitting that we end this short review of the Ancient Wisdom with another quotation from Hermes Trismegistus which you can find in The Virgin of the World:

"He who instructs himself concerning the universe,
its laws and its principles, its beginning and its end, gives thanks for all things to the Creator, as to a gracious father, a good protector, a faithful teacher."

What readers are saying about us

A reader from the UK writes:

After being caught in a new-age web of deception, I followed the call of my higher self, leading me to this website and to occult study. I finally feel I have found my home. I no longer feel alone, with each uplifting and soul inspiring article, I feel ever closer to my brothers and sisters.

A reader from the UK writes:

"I've been visiting your site for a few years now, and I should be punished for going this long without expressing my deepest gratitude. I thank God for your incredible efforts. If this website was collected into a book, it would easily be one of my top five most important books. The Internet is a dark place, but this website is the Light it desperately needs... even if it doesn't get the attention it deserves."

A reader from the UK writes:

"I am writing this message to express my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful and inspiring work you have committed towards this website. After years and years of reading, researching, self enquiry and study I have finally managed to stumble (although I am certain that no action ever happens without due cause) across this Library of wisdom.

"No amount of financial, sensual or material gift can bring me the sublime joy I find just sitting and being in the company of these words of truth and wisdom. In the deepest core of my being, the words resonate within me. I recognise them as I would recognise my own children however on a conscious level I have to filter so much of what I have been taught or conditioned.

"I do not deny (and am deeply grateful) for the value of effort of those before have handed to me, for if it were not for their guidance (truthful or erroneous), each step would not have led me to your doorstep. I am only at the dawn of my personal journey towards awakening. At this stage I am no different to a curious child exposed to the world for the very first time. Please kindly accept this message of gratitude as a sincere commendation (though I know that praise or slander will never shift the eternal truth). I am overjoyed to have found this site and I feel as if I am in the company of my real family."

A reader from the UK writes:

"I am really enjoying this series of articles [Spiritus Hermeticum] and I look forward to each Sunday that you publish. It is easy to understand that this series is your most 'unpopular' but for your regular readers, and I am sure they echo my sentiments of thanks and enthusiasm. You are shining a light on those books of Hermes that so many students of occultism are led to in the beginning, and now with a bit more experience you are helping us to see the dross in them as well as helping to amplify the light that is within them based on the ancient occult teachings that help us to reach out to the Light ourselves."

A reader from the UK writes:

"Time and time again you (and guest writers of course) publish absolutely fantastic writing — literally keeping us readers from going insane. These are such brainwashed times but your articles are such a cause of comfort and hope to me and I applaud your steely determination to speak out against cheesy, hysteria, lies and mis-information — with plenty of wit thrown in for good measure!!"

A reader from the USA writes:

"Raised in a literalist Christian home, I had always sought the Truth through the study of my bible, but I appeared to be moving further and further from It rather than closer to It in my literalist readings, finding that ANYTHING could be read into the bible with some effort and an unbiased reading appeared impossible. This led me to abandon Christianity and seek the Truth in other religions. I was lost until I had a certain experience I would call metaphysical—something I had stumbled upon quite by accident—which unlocked at least some of my higher faculties and drove me swiftly into a state of self-analysis and constant meditation, and by meditating on the pantheons and myths of ancient Egypt I found some of the keys to the Truth which then redeemed all other religions in my eyes.

"Since I began your studies course, I have found at least some of the unconditional love I had only a glimmer of before. Thank you for this website. It has been a blessing and has helped change my life for the better."

A reader from Australia writes:

"I just had to say thank you so much for the brilliant article on the Mystery of Love and also for John Temple's afterward. It is the most beautiful description of the different types of love. I was so inspired that I ended up reading the part about motherhood to my nephew's wife, she being a young mum of two little princesses. She said it was the most beautiful affirmation of motherhood that she had ever heard. I'm hoping they will find much soul food on your beautiful website."

A reader from Indonesia writes:

"The words fail to express the light and life your website gives me daily. Each article contains so much wisdom. This is what I have always wanted. To give you an example of how many mistakes I have avoided. I read again the article 'The adept and the imp', 'The Jihadi and Jinn' and 'The lure of the law of attraction'. Only now do I understand what it means to loose your soul. What it means to be tempted. What it means to experience the hell realms or the lower astral regions...(the online book Symphonie Fantastique is also helpful).

You can read many more comments from our readers elsewhere on our website.

Afterword

The authors of this website do not claim any famous predecessors, titles or 'occult' lineage or qualifications. We do not promote any particular religion, creed or personal agenda. Nor are we selling anything for commercial gain. Our ONLY aim is to re-state the Ancient Wisdom which has been taught by all the great Teachers, Messengers and Philosophers of the past in a modern way with sincerity, clarity and simplicity.

We bring nothing of our own to the mystical, occult and philosophical teachings we disseminate except the connecting narrative that links our articles together in the love and service we all owe to the Source of All-Wisdom and Truth, which is God.

We do not ask that you must accept these teachings; for that would be against all occult scientific laws and principles as regards personal freedom of thinking and acting; a freedom which God Himself has granted to all His creatures. But in the degree that you are willing and capable of considering them with an open mind, we venture to hope that, like our many appreciative readers, you will find our website to be a refuge of sanity and tranquillity that will inspire and encourage YOU on your own path to the Light, regardless of your personal religious beliefs and convictions or lack of any.

In connection with freedom of thought, in The Golden Star by J Michaud PhD, we may read:

"All have free-will to accept any teaching, or reject it. When force is applied in any way with regard to a teaching, this teaching becomes dogma; and it is far better to believe in nothing at all—if that were possible—than to be dogmatic.

"Dogma stultifies the brain and mind, for it prevents people from utilising their God-given freedom of thinking, or believing, if you will, (which is not the same thing). Dogma turns men from being the true sons of the Father, into unthinking slaves and machines. Besides, an honest opinion or a true teaching can never offend the wise man. It only turns into a furious beast the mindless person, or the dogmatic, or the wilfully blind, who generally have financial reasons for preventing the Truth from becoming known."

We heartily endorse these sane and reasonable sentiments from an occultist of great experience and much wisdom, and would hope that no open-minded thinking seeker genuinely in search of Truth would disagree with them.

You can read more about us and our aims on our About Page and a brief review of The Golden Star below. We list and review all five of Dr Michaud's occult books on our Books page.

Astral Conversations

Now available as a hardcover book! Bound in gold-stamped purple cloth, with purple endpapers and a purple ribbon, colour frontispiece and title pages, with one colour and thirteen monochrome illustrations by Justin Estcourt.

The book includes a purple bookmark, gold-stamped on 250gsm paper and is supplied with a gold-stamped dust jacket, price £36 ($45) direct from the publisher.

You can watch a video review of the book on YouTube by 'The Lunar Key'. We would add that the reviewer has no connection with us or the publisher.

The Golden Star

A Book for Initiates
By J Michaud PhD

Aptly described as "A BOOK FOR INITIATES", The Golden Star expounds the most ADVANCED OCCULT TEACHINGS, never before revealed to the public, yet in such a fascinating manner as to hold and extend the interest of the beginner in occult studies.

The book is written in the form of a story, in which two Egyptian pilgrims, Ma-u and Ma-uti, are conducted through the higher and lower planes by Neteru-Hem, a Messenger from the Divine.

During their remarkable journey, the two pilgrims are taught about the real nature of matter and spirit and the ways in which these two entirely opposite principles are interwoven. The many subjects covered include the origins of the universe, witchcraft, magic (both black and white), spiritualism, the inhabitants of the four elemental kingdoms (Gnomes, Sylphs, Undines and Salamanders), psychism, clairvoyance and clairaudience, true, spiritual vision, divine inspiration, the occult constitution of man and how to attain cosmic consciousness and oneness with the Divine.

NOW REPRINTED IN A HIGH QUALITY HARDCOVER EDITION AFTER 75 YEARS!

The Golden Star can be read free-of-charge online, downloaded as a FREE PDF and now purchased in a new hardcover edition direct from the publisher at J. Michaud Archive.

This new edition costs just $30 (£21 / €26). It is smyth sewn (meaning the pages will not fall out like cheap, printed-on-demand paperbacks!) and bound in foil-blocked blue buckram cloth with a colour frontispiece and forty black-and-white figure illustrations. Size 216 x 138mm (ca. 8½ x 5½ inches), 336 pages.

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