Occult Anatomy of Man & Occult Masonry

by Manly P. Hall

In Scripture we are told that God made man in his own image. It is so stated not only in the Christian Bible but also in the holy writings of nearly all enlightened people. The Jewish patriarchs taught that the human body was the microcosm, or little cosmos, made in the image of the macrocosm, or the great cosmos. This analogy between the finite and the infinite is said to be one of the keys by the aid of which the secrets of Holy Writ are unlocked. There is no doubt that the Old Testament is a physiological and anatomical textbook to those capable of reading it from a scientific viewpoint. The functions of the human body, the attributes of the human mind, and the qualities of the human soul, have been personified by the wise men of the ancient world, and a great drama has been built around their relationships to themselves and to each other. To the great Egyptian demigod, Hermes, the human race owes its concept of the law of analogy. The great Hermetic axiom was, That which is above is like unto that which is below, and that which is below is like unto that which is above.

FROM THE PUBLISHER
The Philosophical Research Society is a nonprofit organization founded in 1934 for the purpose of assisting thoughtful persons to live more graciously and constructively in a confused and troubled world. The Society is entirely free from educational, political, or ecclesiastical control. Dedicated to an idealistic approach to the solution of human problems, the Society's program stresses the need for the integration of religion, philosophy, and the science of psychology into one system of instruction. The goal of this instruction is to enable the individual to develop a mature philosophy of life, to recognize his proper responsibilities and opportunities, and to understand and appreciate his place in the unfolding universal pattern.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Manly P. Hall was the founder of the Philosophical Research Society. In over seventy-five years of dynamic public activity, he delivered more than 8,000 lectures in the United States and abroad, and authored countless books, essays, and articles. In his lectures and writings, Manly Hall always emphasized the practical aspects of philosophy and religion as they applied to daily living. He restated for modern man those spiritual and ethical doctrines which have given humanity its noblest ideals and most adequate codes of conduct. Believing that philosophy is a working tool to help the individual in building a solid foundation for his dreams and purposes, Manly Hall steadfastly sought recognition of the belief that world civilization can be perfected only when human beings meet on a common ground of intelligence, cooperation, and worthy purpose.

Genres: Occult, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Philosophy, Mysticism, Science, Religion

40 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1986

About the author

Canadian born, Manly Palmer Hall is the author of over 150 published works, the best known of which are Initiates of the Flame, The Story of Healing, The Divine Art,Aliens Magick and Sorcery The Secret Teachings of All Ages, and An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy.
He was also the author of a masonic curiosity, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry in 1923, more than thirty years before he joined a lodge. The preface of later editions states "At the time I wrote this slender volume, I had just passed my twenty-first birthday, and my only contact with Freemasonry was through a few books commonly available to the public." Later, in 1944, he wrote The Secret Destiny of America which popularized the myth of a masonic purpose for the founding of the USA. In 1950 he weighed in again on the meaning of Freemasonry with his booklet: Masonic Orders of Fraternity.
***
Initiated: June 28, 1954
Passed: September 20, 1954
Raised November 22, 1954
Jewel Lodge No. 374
Source: Grand Lodge of California records ; William R. Denslow, 10,000 Famous Freemasons, vol. ii. Trenton, MO. : Missouri Lodge of Research / Educational Bureau, Royal Arch Mason Magazine, 1958. p. 165.

Reviews

[Khalid Abdul-Mumin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that endeavors in shedding much needed light between allegorical fancies and real meaning, genius as usual with Manly P. Hall. Highly recommended.

[Idontknow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manly P. Hall
The Occult Anatomy of Man

At 38 pages, an easy cheat read for your 2017 “books read” list. I personally found this book from Hebrew Roots movement; realizing many terms in Hebrew sounded like modern day anatomical terms (I studied nursing). Definitely a recommended read for anyone seeking “truth” in regards to human history and the lineage of understanding of human physiology. I’ve already come to terms with many of the points presented within this pamphlet, and will give my elaboration thereon herein.

The 38-page pamphlet that boldly states to Christians on the first page “It’s all in your head” in regards to their Holy book:

“There is no doubt that the OT is a physiological and anatomical textbook to those capable of reading it from a scientific viewpoint”.

The pamphlet doesn’t pull any punches, and immediately precedes to expound upon the Hindu Varnas (caste system, particularly the role of the priests), implying Abrahamic/Brahmic priesthoods similarities in structure and aim (“bodily” governance/mind control); the enduring legacy of which modernity itself is but another victim (Paragraphs 3-5). It then somewhat dissolves (as many esoteric writings are want to do) into an attempt to pull Christianity down brick-by-brick (at times perhaps unfairly; though at other times with good points). Example: Many amongst Brahmic tradition (myself included) assume any prophet post-Mahabharata War is largely a deceiver, twisting Vedic and Upanishadic/Puranna traditions; this includes (amongst others) the obvious “Big Three” of Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad; though this may be incorrect, this book takes the stance it is true (p4, last paragraph).

So you know what you are getting yourself into, these assumptions made (faithless faith), the book (pamphlet, pamphlet!) weaves an interesting narrative of heritage from generation to generation, carrying on remnants of the old temple system (see varnas/caste system above), its typical symbols/analogies/implementations and relations; no matter what new “religion” or "seculat order" arises, the same basic structure prevails! Be it alchemy, kabbalah, mysticism, whatever! It is all esoteric understanding of anatomy, this book claims; understand the human faculties, and you can understand their manipulations.

Potentially thought provoking, though it didn’t mention the Kerub/Cherib – Cerebellum implication that I recall *. This Kerub/Cerebrum/Cerebellum hypothesis is my own though; research into which was how I found this “book”. Of course, it’s by Manly P. Hall, a household name in New Age or Spiritual groups anyway. As for this pamphlet itself, could be possibly hard to follow (I had at least novice knowledge/familiarity of many topics covered prior to picking it up); mentions many occult analogies and terms and only briefly describes them. Some basic research in both anatomy and “spirituality” may be required to grasp some of his analogies. Many (such as Kundalini) are associated with Ego Death; another of my current pursuits in reading ~ though maybe that’s reading too much into a 40-page pamphlet. Oh yeah it mentions Atlantis and Le[mu]ria, and the 3rd (and 4th) eye connection. And the caduceus. What are you waiting for? JFRI, yolo. I could write and theorize all about it all day, but fact of the matter is it’s only 38 pages! Pick any one paragraph and bam you could write a dissertation on it, desu.

* The covering Kerib was cast down from “heaven” (the mind/brain) and 2 Keribs were put in its place (Cerebrum/Cerebellum). Though some angels in the bible have “the faces of Kerib” (notably Ezekiel’s description of the creatures with the wheels), so that would be something to see, a face of a brain lobe.

[Jayke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This essay shed some light on what previously was for me, a dim vision regarding how mystic schools use physiological symbology to convey their knowledge in allegorical stories. Once you read this, it should bless you with a new and profound way to interpret many enigmatic symbols and deepen your understanding to a degree that can only help reveal more of the veiled fragmented tapestry that we all seek to uncover and know more of...

[Anthony Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Occult Anatomy of Man by Manly P. Hall. Some really interesting ideas explored. I think the magic and wonder of the human body is missing from standard anatomy classes. A very good little book to look at as you study the topics of anatomy and physiology.

[Jóel Daði · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strong words from the book:
“Among most peoples the demon is symbolized as part animal, part human. He dwells in the animal nature of man, and those who are controlled by their appetites, their likes and dislikes, their hates and fears, need no further damnation; they have built their own hell and are experiencing its torments.”

[Mariam Keshealshvili · Rating 5 out of 5]

საკმაოდ საინტერესოდ იკითხება, მარტივი ენითაა დაწერილი, გასაგებად ხსნის ყველაფერს.

გამეხარდა რომ ასეთი საინტერესო ლიტერატურის გაცნობა ქართულად შეგვიძლია. ჰოლს ძალზედ საინტერესო ბიოგრაფია და შრომები აქვს, რომელსაც იმედია ქართულ ენაზეც ვიხილავთ.
5/5

[Rommel Flores · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome with open eyes! Over all a good interesting small book!

[Bill Bowyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read from MPH. Like his other works, there's a lot to digest and it requires multiple readings.

[Sofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thinking of joining a cult xx



(For legal reasons this is a joke)

[Sid Quatrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little out there, but makes sense through a metaphysical esoteric lens

[Zach Rampone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid overview of occult anatomy, a perfect introduction to the topic as this is more of a lecture/pamphlet than an actual book. Kind of a wish I read this before reading Manly’s book Man, but still loved his thoughts as usual.

[Darren-lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book...

[Steven Maenhout · Rating 4 out of 5]

MANLY P. HALL 🖤

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished this pamphlet, it is a wonderful introduction and companion to any of Manly Hall's writing.

[Scarlett Diaz]

enlightning

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.51 // 75b24 “…The decimal system is the result of the primitive man counting on his fingers, whereby ten became the unit of enumeration. The ancient cubit also was the distance between the elbow and the end of the second finger, or approximately eighteen inches. So it goes back through the study of things until we find that nearly everything with which man has surrounded himself is an adaption from the body with which God surrounded his spirit.”

Reader beware and prepared. I don’t believe one simply jumps into light Sunday, Manly P. Hall reading—And so The Occult Anatomy of Man delivered exactly what you might imagine to find in such a title (some loosely organized highlights):

BODY

“Man is an inverted plant, gaining his nourishment from the sun as the plant does from the earth. So, as the life of the plant ascends its stem to nourish its leaves and branches, the life of man (rooted in the brain) descends to produce the same result. This life descending is symbolized as the World Saviors who come down into the world to die for men. Later these lives are returned again to the brain, where they glorify man before all the worlds of creation. So much for the story of the brain.”

…

“Connecting the two worlds (heaven above and the sphere of darkness below) is the spinal column—a chain of thirty-three segments protecting within them the spinal cord. This ladder of bones plays a very important part in the religious symbolism of the ancients. It is often referred to as a winding road or stairway. Sometimes it is called the serpent; at other times, the wand or sceptre.”

…

“There is a small plexus in the region of the kidneys called the sagittarial plexus, which the ancients knew as the city of Tarsus, where St. Paul fought with the beasts.”

…

“It is said that the Logos, when the time came to create the material universe, entered a state of deep meditation, centralizing His thought power upon the seven flower-like centers of the seven worlds. Gradually His life force descended from the brain (which was the great superior world) and, striking these flowers one after the other, gave birth to the lower worlds. When at last His spirit, fire struck the lowest center, the physical world was created and His fire was at the base of the spine. When the world returns to Him again and He once more becomes supreme in consciousness, it will be because He withdraws the life from these seven centers, beginning with the lowest, and returns it again to the brain.”

…

SPIRIT

“To the occultist, birth is death and death is an awakening. The mystics of ancient days taught that to be born into the physical world was to enter a tomb, for no other plane of Nature is so unresponsive, so limited as the earth world. Time and distance were prison bars chaining the soul to narrow environments. Heat and cold tormented the soul, age deprived it of its faculties, and all man’s life was but a preparation for death.”

…

“The lunar spirits are called “the ancestors” and are known to Christians as angels. These beings have control of the generating powers of animal and man. The life coming into incarnation often chooses its future vehicle many years before it appears in the world. It is said that the etheric germ is placed in the body of the parent as long as twenty years before the child comes into the world. This is the result of its search for environment especially suited to its spiritual and material needs.”

…

“An ancient philosopher once said that the bee extracts honey from the pollen of the flower, while from the same source the spider extracts poison. The problem which then confronts us is: are we bees or spiders? Do we transform the experiences of life into honey or do we change them into poison? Do they lift us (they should) or do we eternally kick against the pricks?”

…

RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM

“The Christian cross comes from Egypt and India; the triple mitre from the faith of the Mithraics; the shepherd’s crook from the Hermetic Mysteries and Greece; the Immaculate Conception from India; the Transfiguration from Persia; and the Trinity from the Brahmins. The Virgin Mary, as the mother of God, is found in a dozen different faiths. There are over twenty crucified world Saviors. The church steeple is an adaptation of Egyptian obelisks and pyramids, while the Christian devil is the Egyptian Typhon with certain modifications. The deeper one goes into the problem, the more he realizes that there is nothing new under the sun. A truly sincere study of the Christian faith proves beyond all doubt that it is the evolutionary outgrowth of primitive doctrines.”

…

“Scripture leaves historians hopelessly involved in self-contradictory chronological tables, where the majority of historians will remain until the judgment day.”

…

Overall, Hall, so far, definitely gives me Otto Rank meets Alex Jones vibes (if you know, you know, but give me the former). Reading Hall feels like rollercoaster of sanity and insanity, information and disinformation, truth in humanity and unhinged conspiracy, but at the end of the day I feel he’s absolutely due further excavating.

Say hi on IG @nonfictionfervor or @jux.booksbinge

[Mark Blane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very brief summary of the esoteric parts of the human body and how they were depicted with certain symbols throughout history. For example, the human spine has always been symbolized as a serpent and as such, it lends but one reason why the serpent was deified in many parts of the world, particularly in Mexico and Yucatan.

It touched upon head cranium area as being the "dome" which is where we get wisdom "wise dome." The 12 main nerve roots where upon one begets the 12 disciples, and so on. It is definitely a launch board read into further readings if one is interested in such ideals. I enjoyed it as I see occultic symbolism in architecture, culture and ideas; the very fabric of the human condition as we know it today.

[Justin Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

Manly P. Hall’s books I’ve read so far have not been anything hard to digest, but I enjoy what he adds. From what I’ve read he’s managed to give good connections to symbolism across religions and what they mean to the occultist. This helps broaden my understanding of how I view things and especially in this book. Seeming to connect as above so below in his comments on embryology but also in general showing the symbolic connections to the body a lot of scripture across religions has and overlap of kundalini there was as well. Left me curious. Will have to reread to retain more of it but it was a fun read!

[Vostok_landing_gear · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting topic that feels very close to the very moment one is reading in.
The occult anatomy of man covers how the writings of the world we are, originates in the study of the human physiology. It makes marvelous connections between systems, organs and geographical areas in the body to theological writings.
It's a short book (69 pages) and very worth the read.
Would recommend to anyone interested in occult anatomy, theology, physiology and spirituality.

[Sophia A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise, it's not what you think.

We are conundrums to ourselves and what I greatly appreciated about the information is that there was no fear. Could be due to my curiosity and willingness to read through as well as stop and perform some of the exercises which made me smile leaving my imprints. Titles attracts me to look inside and many times I'm pleasantly surprised. Thank you.

[Amie Tatro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book was great, the audio download was not so great.

The book was great. I enjoyed the take on the human anatomy and occult symbolism in religions and religious artifacts.
The audio download to read along was not so great. It seemed as though every reference to Jesus as the Christ or in a religious reverence was skipped to the loss of entire paragraphs. I would have to pause the audio and catch up.
I do not recommend adding the audio.

[Billy Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read and a lot of fun. There's a lot of information that I've noted to research and it has inspired me to continue to read on this subject. This book reads like an introduction without foundation, which on the one hand is great because it can wash over you as an enjoyable experience but on the other hand it lacks any evidence. If the writer was to add references it would make it a heavy read but lines like 'a philosopher once said' is a bit too vague.

[Ramon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The flow and clarity how he explained so manny tradition trying to explain the unexplainable; the dot in the middle of the circle.

The flow and clarity how he explained so manny different traditions trying to explained the unexplainable, i.e. the dot in the middle of the circle.

[Colvet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super insightful book considering when it was written. I just wish it was longer (only 69 pgs with the masonic order added) and had more source information for continued reading. However if you are interested in the intersection of science and spirituality, you MUST have this on your shelf. Beautiful synthesis throughout.

[Anastasia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book while studying about the surrealist art movement. Not that I had any scientific expectations from an occult book, but it could have been a lot more researched and explained instead of just giving analogies. Possibly I’m thinking in a context from a century later than when it was published and it’s not fair to judge it harshly.

[Pamela H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro aunque es breve de extensión, es inmenso en el contenido simbólico que ofrece. En algunas líneas desarrolla ideas que te permiten adentrarte en enseñanzas antiguas sobre trasmutación y evolución del ser humano.

[Jason Baldauf · Rating 4 out of 5]

An illuminated book detailing the human body and the mystical links that transcend the physical. Manly P. Hall pulls together information from several spiritual institutions and successfully ties the information together in a short, enjoyable read.

[Meredith Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading about the connections made between christianity and other religions, though it is hard to not hear the dogwhistles in his writing. His opinion on clairvoyants being superior to mediums did give me a chuckle.

[Arbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

All people will find important information and threads to pull on regardless of where they are in their life's journey.

[deborah banks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowledgeable read

Truly enlightening and encourages you to do more research into the many areas that the author touched on I loved it