When visiting bookstores and antiquarian booksellers
I usually look for the shelf labelled Esoterica. In most cases the shelf
comprise a mixture of esotericism, occultism, spiritualism, mysticism and New
Age literature. On this blog I have often referred to writings from the
Esoteric Tradition or science of the multiverse, books which very few
investigators of UFOs and paranormal phenomena are acquainted with. For those heretics
who wish to take a step further into Forbiddden Science I present a short list
of gems from the Esoterica shelf.
If you are a beginner in this study don´t make the
common mistake of starting with the classic The Secret Doctrine by Helena P.
Blavatsky. In 1973 the meditation group I belonged to decided to read and
discuss The Secret Doctrine. We gave up after a few sessions. Although this
work contain a mountain of interesting facts it is hopelessly unstructured with
an abstruse terminology. Esotericism is the science of the multiverse, the
knowledge of reality offered mankind by individuals belonging to the next or
fifth kingdom in nature, our future in evolution. It is not some vague form of
mysticism but as exact as any academic discipline. It is important to remember
the glimpses of this science so far presented by various authors have been more
or less successful tests or experiments, implemented by the organization of
Planetary Guardians, custodians of this knowledge or Ancient Wisdom. They are
far from the pathetic mystics and fanatical ascetics portrayed in much popular
occultism and channeling. Of necessity these men and women must at the present
time work behind the scenes. If the forces of goodwill and construction on this
planet can overcome the perveyors of hate and destruction the Planetary
Guardians plan to reveal themselves more openly to humanity.
These volumes should not be regarded as authoritative but read with an open and critical mind, the necessary tool of every serious investigator and esotericist. Even the best authors makes mistakes and have their personal idiosynchrasies. After having studied these books you will have a basic idea of the science and philosophy esotericism.
The
Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett
Published
in 1923 by A. Trevor Barker, this book includes all the letters written by two
members of the Planetary Guardians, known as M. And K.H. between 1880- 1884. The letters are now housed in the British Library. Basic facts of the esoteric
science and much discussion of the problems of revealing themselves, their work
and organization to humanity.
”In common with many you blame us for our great secrecy. Yet we know something of human nature, for the experience of long centuries – aye, ages, has taught us. And we know, that so long as science has anything to learn, and a shadow of religious dogmatism lingers in the heart of the multitudes, the world´s prejudices have to be conquered step by step, not by a rush.” (The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett, Letter no 1, Oct. 15, 1880, p. 3).
”In common with many you blame us for our great secrecy. Yet we know something of human nature, for the experience of long centuries – aye, ages, has taught us. And we know, that so long as science has anything to learn, and a shadow of religious dogmatism lingers in the heart of the multitudes, the world´s prejudices have to be conquered step by step, not by a rush.” (The Mahatma Letters to A.P. Sinnett, Letter no 1, Oct. 15, 1880, p. 3).
Charles
Leadbeater, The Astral Plane (1895)
A
clairvoyant study of the inhabitants of the astral plane by Theosophist Charles
Leadbeater. This, in my view, is the most comprehensive and detailed taxonomy
of non-human entities and phenomena from the multiverse perspective of the
Esoteric Tradition. In his introduction C. Jinarajadasa mentions that this was
also the opinion of one of the adepts who consequently wanted a copy of the
manuscript for the "Museum of Records of the Great White Brotherhood". The Astral Plane was regarded as a "landmark in the
intellectual history of humanity." It is a study of great interest to all
investigators of UFOs and paranormal phenomena. This quote regarding nature
spirits is interesting to compare with John Keel´s theory of the deceptive
ultraterrestrials:
"Their forms are many and various, but most frequently human in shape and somewhat diminutive in size. Like almost all inhabitants of the astral plane, they are able to assume any appearance at will... Under ordinary conditions they are not visible to physical sight at all, but they have the power of making themselves so by materialization when they wish to be seen... in most cases when they come into contact with man they either show indifference or dislike, or else take an impish delight in deceiving him and playing childish tricks upon him." (p. 111-112).
"Their forms are many and various, but most frequently human in shape and somewhat diminutive in size. Like almost all inhabitants of the astral plane, they are able to assume any appearance at will... Under ordinary conditions they are not visible to physical sight at all, but they have the power of making themselves so by materialization when they wish to be seen... in most cases when they come into contact with man they either show indifference or dislike, or else take an impish delight in deceiving him and playing childish tricks upon him." (p. 111-112).
Geoffrey
Hodson, Fairies at Work and at Play (1925)
This
charming little book is the first written by clairvoyant Theosophist Geoffrey Hodson. He is the author of over fifty titles on Theosophy, psychic powers,
spiritualism, meditation and many other subjects. Perhaps best known for his clairvoyant
studies of nature spirits and devas. In april 1922 he observed several sylphs
or air-spirits. The close resemblance to the famous Mothman, encountered in West
Virginia 1966-1967 is fascinating:
”Watching the approach across the valley of some dense storm-clouds, the presence was observed of a number of bird-like air-spirits travelling swiftly in front of the approaching clouds. Many of them are dark and unpleasant to look upon – slightly reminiscent of bats… Their faces are human and well formed, their expression is unpleasant; the rest of the body is not fully formed, and they rather resemble birds with human faces… They utter a weird shrieking noise, and occasionally shoot almost vertically upwards into and beyond the clouds… It is evident that there are many different species of storm-sylphs, varying in size, power, and evolutionary position.” (Geoffrey Hodson, Fairies at Work and at Play, pp. 84-85).
”Watching the approach across the valley of some dense storm-clouds, the presence was observed of a number of bird-like air-spirits travelling swiftly in front of the approaching clouds. Many of them are dark and unpleasant to look upon – slightly reminiscent of bats… Their faces are human and well formed, their expression is unpleasant; the rest of the body is not fully formed, and they rather resemble birds with human faces… They utter a weird shrieking noise, and occasionally shoot almost vertically upwards into and beyond the clouds… It is evident that there are many different species of storm-sylphs, varying in size, power, and evolutionary position.” (Geoffrey Hodson, Fairies at Work and at Play, pp. 84-85).
Cyril
Scott, The Initiate (1920)
In
the 1920s and 30s three books excited enormous interest, especially among
Theosophists and those interested in the Esoteric Tradition. They were first
published pseudonymously, "by his pupil", but later editions gave the
actual name of the author, Cyril Scott (1879-1970), English composer, writer
and poet. The trilogy was named in sequence The Initiate. Some Impressions of a
Great Soul (1920), The Initiate in the New World (1927) and The Initiate in the
Dark Cycle (1932). The Initiate trilogy is the life story of Charles Broadbent
(Cyril Scott) and his involvement with a man, Justin Morewood Haig, to whom he
is introduced in wordly London. Haig seems as first to be as other men but
Broadbent soon comes to realize he is an initiate and accepts to be his pupil.
The books combine the personal life history of Broadbent with the teachings
given by Haig. The Initiate trilogy is a treasure trove of esoteric wisdom and
sound psychological insights and advice, presented in a somewhat unusual
context but easy and fascinating to read.
"Level - headedness and good sound common sense are what I try to instill into my pupils before I encourage them to peep into the hidden realms. A thorough grounding in philosophy is the first thing to be acquired- otherwise one’s up against hysteria and imagination of a wrong type, and all the other evils we know so well. I know of women who come down to breakfast every morning with the story of some wonderful vision they’ve had in the night, in which some supposed ‘Master’ has appeared and given them ‘teaching’, it turns out to be sheer nonsense or some moral platitude. Well, well- it is fortunate we gurus have a sense of humour.” (The Initiate in the New World, p. 48).
"Level - headedness and good sound common sense are what I try to instill into my pupils before I encourage them to peep into the hidden realms. A thorough grounding in philosophy is the first thing to be acquired- otherwise one’s up against hysteria and imagination of a wrong type, and all the other evils we know so well. I know of women who come down to breakfast every morning with the story of some wonderful vision they’ve had in the night, in which some supposed ‘Master’ has appeared and given them ‘teaching’, it turns out to be sheer nonsense or some moral platitude. Well, well- it is fortunate we gurus have a sense of humour.” (The Initiate in the New World, p. 48).
Theodore
Illion, In Secret Tibet (1937)
In
Secret Tibet is the story of Theodore Illion´s travel in disguise in
Tibet in the 1930s, meeting hermits, lamas and the somewhat more mysterious few
"wise men". For many years I have been very intrigued by his two
books In Secret Tibet (1937, orig. Rätselhaftes Tibet, 1936) and Darkness Over
Tibet (1937). Using the pseudonym Theodore Burang he also wrote several books
and articles on Tibetan medicine. There are no definite data to confirm that
Theodore Illion ever visited Tibet in the 1930s. There have been some
speculation that he relied on the information in the books by Alexandra
David-Neel, published in the 1920s, and simply used the travelogue about Tibet
as a way to present his philosophy. Whatever the truth the books by Theodore Illion are a treasure trove of wisdom. Anyone thoroughly acquainted with the Esoteric
Tradition will here find a kindred soul. I do find it amazing that Illion at
his young age could have such extraordinary deep insights into esoteric
philosophy, coupled with a critical mind and wonderful humour.
"I travelled in Tibet neither as a Christian nor as a Buddhist. I did not look at things there merely with the eyes of the scientist or the philosopher. I tried to examine things in an absolutely unprejudiced way. I do not belong to any sect, party, or denomination." "...my interest in Tibet was centered around the reality of Tibetan mysteries and psychical phenomena." (p. 18).
And I love his humor: "I am a non-smoker. I only smoke in the company of people who consider non-smoking a virtue". (p. 31).
"I travelled in Tibet neither as a Christian nor as a Buddhist. I did not look at things there merely with the eyes of the scientist or the philosopher. I tried to examine things in an absolutely unprejudiced way. I do not belong to any sect, party, or denomination." "...my interest in Tibet was centered around the reality of Tibetan mysteries and psychical phenomena." (p. 18).
And I love his humor: "I am a non-smoker. I only smoke in the company of people who consider non-smoking a virtue". (p. 31).
Robert
A. Heinlein, Lost Legacy (1941)
The
novel, Lost Legacy, by science fiction writer Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988)
has been one of my absolute favourite novels since I first read it many years
ago. It was originally published in the November 1941 issue of Super Science
Stories and later included in the collection Assignment in Eternity. I know of
few novels that reveal such a deep and innate understanding of esoteric
philosophy. An accomplished and erudite esotericist could hardly have done a
better job. The narrative centers around a trio from a California university,
Dr. Philip Huxley, professor of Psychology, Dr. Ben Coburn, neurosurgeon, and
Joan Freeman, student of Psychology. They discover psychic abilities in one
another and theorize that all humans possess these faculties as potentialities.
This trio of heretic academics decides on a road trip to Mount Shasta. Climbing
the mountain Ben Coburn falls on a slippery cliff and receives a fracture of
the shin bone. A tall, elderly man appears from nowhere and offer his help. The
group are led through a passageway into the mountain where they find themselves
in a living room, illuminated by indirect lightning. They spend the night in
this room and in the morning Ben´s wound has mysteriously and completely
healed. They are then introduced to the around thirty persons resident in
several rooms, men and women of different ages and nationalities. Philip, Ben
and Joan are then briefed on the history of the community, their philosophy,
inner powers and work in the world. They are custodians of the Ancient Wisdom
and have for ages worked behind the scenes to further the cultural and
spiritual evolution of man on planet earth.
"... the forces that killed enlightenment in the rest of the world are spreading here. Little by little they have whittled away human liberty and human dignity. A repressive law... a blind dogma, to be accepted under pain of persecution... You see, sir, our antagonists don´t wait. They are active all the time. They´ve won i Asia, they are in the ascendancy in Europe, they may win here in America... With the aid of the archives they (Philip, Ben, Joan) learned the techniques byt which the brotherhood of adepts had interceded in the past when freedom of thought and action in America had been threatened." (p.p. 65, 88-90).
"... the forces that killed enlightenment in the rest of the world are spreading here. Little by little they have whittled away human liberty and human dignity. A repressive law... a blind dogma, to be accepted under pain of persecution... You see, sir, our antagonists don´t wait. They are active all the time. They´ve won i Asia, they are in the ascendancy in Europe, they may win here in America... With the aid of the archives they (Philip, Ben, Joan) learned the techniques byt which the brotherhood of adepts had interceded in the past when freedom of thought and action in America had been threatened." (p.p. 65, 88-90).
Alice Bailey
Alice
Bailey, Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle (1950)
The
books by Alice Bailey, amanuencis for the Tibetan adept D.K. are generally not
for beginners in esoteric study. Telepathy and
the Etheric Vehicle is an exception. It was actually the first Alice
Bailey book I stumbled across 1973 at an antiquarian bookseller in Norrköping,
Sweden. The balanced approach and sound advice regarding paranormal phenomena and
experiences makes this volume an important contribution to esotericism. Naive devotees
of channeling should listen to this advice:
”Messages emanating from the relatively nice, well-trained subconscious nature of the recipient. These well up from the subconscious but are regarded by the recipient as coming from an outside source. Introspective people frequently penetrate into the layer of subconscious recollection and are quite unaware of so doing. Their interest in themselves is so intense. Not knowing that they have done this, they regard what they find as unusual, beautiful and important, and then proceed to formulate it into messages, which they expect their friends and the general public to regard as spiritually based. These messages are normally innocuous, sometimes beautiful, because they are a mixture of what the recipients have read and gathered from the mystical writing or have heard from Christian sources and the Bible. It is really the content of their right thinking along spiritual lines and can do no one any harm, but is of no true importance whatsoever. It accounts, however, for eighty-five percent (85%) of the so-called telepathic or inspired writings so prevalent at this time.” (Alice Bailey, Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle, pp. 75-76).
”Messages emanating from the relatively nice, well-trained subconscious nature of the recipient. These well up from the subconscious but are regarded by the recipient as coming from an outside source. Introspective people frequently penetrate into the layer of subconscious recollection and are quite unaware of so doing. Their interest in themselves is so intense. Not knowing that they have done this, they regard what they find as unusual, beautiful and important, and then proceed to formulate it into messages, which they expect their friends and the general public to regard as spiritually based. These messages are normally innocuous, sometimes beautiful, because they are a mixture of what the recipients have read and gathered from the mystical writing or have heard from Christian sources and the Bible. It is really the content of their right thinking along spiritual lines and can do no one any harm, but is of no true importance whatsoever. It accounts, however, for eighty-five percent (85%) of the so-called telepathic or inspired writings so prevalent at this time.” (Alice Bailey, Telepathy and the Etheric Vehicle, pp. 75-76).
Henry T. Laurency
Henry
T. Laurency, Knowledge of Reality (1961)
HenryT. Laurency (Henrik von Zeipel, 1882-1971) was an exceptional intellectual who
studied philosophy at Uppsala University. His teachers were the famous Swedish
philosophers Axel Hägerström and Karl Hedvall. With this background and most
assuredly inspiration from one of the planetary adepts he was able to formulate
the esoteric worldview in such a clear and scientific language, with a new
terminology, that his books can appeal to academic scholars and humanist
intellectuals. His presentation of esoteric philosophy is in an international
perspective of a quality unsurpassed. I assume that the international academic
community of esoteric scholars will soon discover Laurency as he is a
extraordinary intellectual and a fascinating iconoclast even among esotericists
because of his harsh, almost Blavatskyan, criticism of other authors in the
genre. His criticism of other authors and writing style can be a stumbling
block for the more emotional new age mystics but his books are not for the
general public. Laurency is addressing the intellectual and cultural elite, His
comments on science, philosophy, religion and cultural issues reveal a profound
and penetrating knowledge.
"The Knowledge of Reality is not my work, even though I was the instrument holding the pen that wrote it, and was made to rewrite every page until the content was approved as being correctly perceived." (Knowledge of Life. Four. Online version, p. 17).
"The Knowledge of Reality is not my work, even though I was the instrument holding the pen that wrote it, and was made to rewrite every page until the content was approved as being correctly perceived." (Knowledge of Life. Four. Online version, p. 17).
For the critical student to accept the esoteric worldview as a paradigm or working hypothesis most scholars would probably need some form of empirical data indicating a multiverse. To me the empirical evidence became obvious when investigating UFO and paranormal phenomena. But of course a bridge to esotericism could be found by researching a number of borderland phenomena: healing, out-of-body experiences, remote viewing, materializations etc. In my many blog entries I have tried to show that accepting esotericism as a working hypothesis does not imply irrationalism or a loss of intellectual integrity. UFO researchers such as Jacques Vallee and Allen Hynek have entertained similar ideas. The UFO community have much to learn by a study of the Esoteric Tradition. I predict many heureka moments for those heretical investigators who wish to follow this path in research.
