The Secret Teachings of all Ages: An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy

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Although few people are likely to read this book, especially to its conclusion, this is a book that has a good deal of value both on its own terms as well as in a larger context of religious reading. The perspective of this book is that of a broadminded author who has a great deal of fellowship with elites of any particular religious tradition but a strong devotion to the point of view of the mystery religions. From an insider's perspective, this book provides at least some of the approach taken by the Illuminati throughout the ages in hiding the insights of their works in layers of ciphers and symbols, the general symbolic approach that disregards historical truth in favor of the truth of a larger ideal pattern that can be applied over and over again, and the way that those who have sought to transform themselves and their worlds in alchemy have struggled to find safety among hostile and uncomprehending masses, keeping their studies secret enough to avoid prying eyes but not too secret that they cannot be passed down generation after generation to like-minded philosophically inclined readers. Quite frankly, it is an exhausting read. One almost feels a sense of sympathy and even compassion for those who have sought to plumb the secrets of the ages. Even given my general antipathy to the approach of this book, at least in its disregard for literal truth, the author's wise advice not to attempt to fool or outsmart dark spirits or court popularity among people are wise pieces of advice that adepts of the occult arts would be wise to listen to, although one cannot imagine too many wise people taking up such arts in the first place, it must be admitted. Denslow, William R. (1958). 10,000 Famous Freemasons, vol. ii. [Trenton, MO.: Missouri Lodge of Research / Educational Bureau, Royal Arch Mason Magazine]. p.165. How did Manly Hall, as a young man, create this masterpiece of contemporary occult reference material? According to Occult America, he went to the local public library to explore the mysteries of the ages, and ended up with the material to make this book. He ended up with a lot of material, which is somewhat haphazardly "organized" in this volume. The materials are at least roughly chronologically organized, starting with ruminations on Atlantis and ancient mysteries and secret societies, looking at the Zodiac, the Hiramic legend, Pythagoras, Thoth Hermes Trismegistus, and Isus, as well as a look at solar worship. Several chapters of the book are devoted to the symbolism of the Pyramid, humankind, and plant and animal worlds, and several more are devoted to Qabbala, the mystery religion of Judaism, as well as a look at Rosicrucian history and doctrine, and alchemy. There are chapters on Bacon that claim him to be the real Shakespeare, as well as chapters on Islam, mystery Christianity, American Indian symbolism, and an ode to the success of heathen mystery religions at infiltrating Christianity and using it as a way of preserving ancient pagan ways in new wineskins. The book contains text, images, and even the occasional copy of ancient texts for curious readers. Like no other book of the twentieth century, Manly P. Hall’s legendary The Secret Teachings of All Ages is a codex to the ancient occult and esoteric traditions of the world. Students of hidden wisdom, ancient symbols, and arcane practices treasure Hall’s magnum opus above all other works.

a b "Reagan and the Occult" by Mitch Horowitz, The Washington Post, Political Bookworm, 30 April 2010 After The Secret Teachings of All Ages circulated, Hall became increasingly influential on the metaphysical movement sweeping the United States. His book challenged assumptions about society's spiritual roots making readers view their spirituality in new and diverse ways. [3] :52 He subtitled his book to "the proposition that concealed within the emblematic figures, allegories and rituals of the ancients is a secret doctrine concerning the inner mysteries of life, which doctrine has been preserved in toto among a small band of initiated minds." [5] :20 As one writer put it: "The result was a gorgeous, dreamlike book of mysterious symbols, concise essays and colorful renderings of mythical beasts rising out of the sea, and angelic beings with lions' heads presiding over somber initiation rites in torch-lit temples of ancestral civilizations that had mastered latent powers beyond the reach of modern man." [3] :50 a b c Sexton, Jared Yates (25 March 2020). "The Cult of the Shining City Embraces the Plague". The New Republic. Hall and his followers went to extreme lengths to keep any rumors or information that could tarnish his image from being publicized, and little is known about his first marriage. On 28 April 1930, Hall married Fay B. deRavenne, who had been his secretary for five years. The marriage was not a happy one; his friends never discussed it, and Hall removed virtually all information about her from his papers following her suicide on 22 February 1941. [3] :55,97 Following a long friendship, on 5 December 1950, Hall married Marie Schweikert Bauer (following her divorce from George Bauer), and the marriage, though stressful, was happier than his first. [10] Marie Schweikert Bauer Hall died 21 April 2005. [3] :120,127,133,278 Hall was a Knight Patron of the Masonic Research Group of San Francisco, with which he was associated for a number of years prior to his Masonic affiliations. On 28 June 1954, Hall was initiated as a Freemason into Jewel Lodge No. 374, San Francisco (now the United Lodge); passed 20 September 1954; and raised 22 November 1954. He took the Scottish Rite Degrees a year later. [17]The preeminence of any philosophical system can be determined only by the excellence of its products. The Mysteries have demonstrated the superiority of their culture by giving to the world minds of such overwhelming greatness, souls of such beatific vision, and lives of such outstanding impeccability that even after the lapse of ages the teachings of these individuals constitute the present spiritual, intellectual, and ethical standards of the race." About the Philosophical Research Society". Philosophical Research Society. Archived from the original on 22 September 2008 . Retrieved 7 August 2008. Renowned philosopher and lecturer Manly P. Hall’s masterful encyclopedia of ancient symbols, hidden rituals, and arcane practices has remained a classic since first published in 1928. Hall’s densely detailed writings explore topics ranging from Hermeticism to Tarot, Egyptian mythology to Pythagorean theory. Each chapter is accompanied by the vivid illustrations of artist J. Augustus Knapp, with additional images by Mihran Serailian found in the companion volume, each taking their own unique approach to nearly 60 artworks depicting occult subject matter. He later received his 32° in the Valley of San Francisco AASR (SJ). [18] On 8 December 1973 (47 years after writing The Secret Teachings of All Ages), Hall was recognized as a 33° Mason (the second highest honor conferred by the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite) at a ceremony held at the Philosophical Research Society (PRS). [19] [20] Bust of Manly Hall, Manly Palmer Hall (18 March 1901– 29 August 1990) was a Canadian author, lecturer, astrologer, mystic and Freemason. Over his 70-year career he gave thousands of lectures and published over 150 volumes, of which the best known is The Secret Teachings of All Ages (1928). In 1934 he founded the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles.

Manly Palmer Hall collection of alchemical manuscripts (1500-1825)". Getty Research Institute. hdl: 10020/cifa950053 . Retrieved 23 November 2020. Philosophy reveals to man his kinship with the All. It shows him that he is a brother to the suns which dot the firmament; it lifts him from a taxpayer on a whirling atom to a citizen of Cosmos. It teaches him that while physically bound to earth (of which his blood and bones are part), there is nevertheless within him a spiritual power, a diviner Self, through which he is one with the symphony of the Whole."These are some of the authorized HC reprint editions issued by PRS over the years, any of which are worth buying. I've not seen each edition, but it seems they have color illustrations that are reprinted in b&w in the 1989 pb 'Diamond Jubilee Edition': The full title on most editions of this book is - "The Secret Teachings of All Ages: An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy". Which just goes to prove that real books don't have short titles. About the Philosophical Research Society". McRae’s Bluebook. McRae’s Bluebook. Archived from the original on 3 March 2009 . Retrieved 7 August 2008. a b c d e f g h i j k l Sahagun, Louis (2008). Master of the Mysteries: The Life of Manly Palmer Hall. Port Townsend, Washington: Process Media.