Book Reviews

Alchemy

Titles

Alchemical Works: Eirenaeus Philalethes Compiled - Broddle
The Lion Roars - The Elixir of Eternal Life - Szepes
Praxis Spagyrica Philosophica - Albertus
The Mysteries of the Great Cross of Henday - Wiedner & Bridges

Alchemical Works: Eirenaeus Philalethes Compiled
Edited by S. Merrow Broddle
from Cinnabar
P.O. Box 1930
Boulder, Colorado 80306
pp. 570, hardcover

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The Lion Roars - The Elixir of Eternal Life
By Maria Szepes
Horus Publishing, Inc.
Yelm, Wa.
1946 (Hungarian), 1997 English Edition.
377p. Hardcover

The Red Lion is one of those rare books that comes along once or twice in a generation. Written under the stress of constant terror and death, as Budapest was under siege during the final days of World War Two, the author brings to her readers a message of hope that surpasses the many New Age slogans about 'love and light' that are passed off as truth or 'occult novels' that are either psuedo-pornographic or just plain dull. If you are interested in reading about the nature of human evolution, the Western occult traditions, and the role of personal relationships across lifetimes, and how it all will come to make sense in the end, then The Red Lion is for you. The Red Lion is more than just an accurate book about alchemy and tantric mysticism, it is a book about life.

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Praxis Spagyrica Philosophica - Plain and Honest Directions on How to Make the Stone; & From “One” to “Ten” A Treatise on the Origin and Extenstion of the Prime Manifestation on the Physical Plane
By Frater Albertus
Samuel Weiser, Inc.
York Beach, Maine
142 pages, 14 color plates, bw Illustrations
Hardcover

Frater Albertus is undoubtedly the most famous practical alchemist and instructor of alchemy in this century. Learning his trade in the old Rosicrucian Order (AMORC) alchemy classes of the 1940's, Albertus established a school for the practical instruction of alchemy that ran from 1960 until slightly after his death in 1984. In Praxis Spagyrica Philosophica Albertus goes beyond his previous work, The Alchemists Handbook and through the commentary begins to show the reader how to turn old and somewhat confusing alchemical manuscripts into useful pieces of laboratory instruction. In From One to Ten Albertus demonstrates the progression of energy to matter from the subtle to dense realms. While not ideal reading for beginners, it is worth the time and trouble to read and meditate upon. Anyone interested in practical alchemy must read Albertus.

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The Mysteries of the Great Cross of Henday - Alchemy and the End of Time
By Jay Weidner and Vincent Bridges
Destiny Books
Rochester, VT.
512 pages, index, endnotes, bibliography, photographs, illustrations

The Mysteries of the Great Cross of Hendaye: Alchemy and the End of Time by Weidener and Bridges is an interesting look at applying astrological cosmology, as in Lomas' "Uriel's Machine" to the enigmatic Great Cross and commentary on it by the equally mysterious Fulcanelli.

Weidner and Bridges pickup where The Fulcanelli Phenomena lets off, and takes us on a thorough look at the secret tradition that has existed along side of Christianity (and the other revealed religions of Abraham) for nearly 2,000 years.

Their analysis of Gnosticism, early Christianity, Alexandrian Hermeticism, and their survival up to the present era is concise, informative, and a fine survey for the beginning student, or the educated reader.

The authors come to the end of the Holy Blood, Holy Grail quagmire, but never enter. While clearly siding on the belief of a Virgin, or Magdelinian cult of some kind existing, they do not enter into the "Two Mary's" and Jesus-Magdelen-Grail debate.

In one respect though the book is disappointing. Of its 450+ pages of text, two-thirds really is history, and while essential for setting the context of what is to come, most of it is fairly mundane stuff, well known to experienced readers of the genre. However, for those new to Fulcanelli, Hermeticism, sacred architecture, and the differences between millenialism, eschetology, and chilianism, it is critical material.

The final third draws upon references to the Cube of Space, as found in the Sepher Yetzirah, the Bahir, astrology, modern astrophysics, and even the rituals of the Golden Dawn, to show that the year 2012AD is a pivotal point in the cyclic history of humanity.

Supporting materials are drawn from the over stated Mayan Calendar, shamanic references, and the Tibetan Kalachakra.

Of the entire book, the most significant contribution it makes, besides tying together some very diverse materials into a coherent and logical system of cosmology, is the references to the works of Paul LaViolette, author of "Beyond the Big Bang" and "Earth Under Fire".

Apparently, LaViolette has found astronomical evidence to support the idea of cyclic destruction of the planet, and that the time for another go at it is close at hand.

Astrologers will find LaViolette's mention of background radiation in relation to the Signs of the Zodiac most interesting. Apparently, the degree of radiation matches the signs in relation to their heat - Leo being the hottest, and having the most radiation.

A good book, worthy of reading, and if the authors are right, either sell your bonds, or don't worry about peak oil, credit card rates, or terrorism, as the End of Time is near.

Welcome to the Age of Aquarius.....

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