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Ancient Future
Chandler explains how applying the Seven Hermetic principles of living (mentalism, correspondence, vibration, polarity, gender, rhythm, and causation) can enhance our modern understanding of social, political, psychological, and spiritual matters.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 1998
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 13, 2025
Ancient Future has been the flagship moral tome in my personal library for just over a decade, but as I review it again this time, I now discover that I no longer find many of the principles personally applicable to my present worldview. When I initially encountered the text, I was a seeker and novice critical thinker milling through each church, mosque, temple and movement of the organizational multitude in search of an answer to an obscure internal question. Ancient Future was filled with precisely the sort of supernatural ambiguity which could fill that void. Furthermore, it was written in the tradition of my namesake, Djehuti, which added to my idyllic attraction.
There was a time when I loved nothing more than to contemplate these forms of artificial complexity while ascribing to all things a meaning whose truth of knowing may have made me none the wiser for my worry. Things have changed greatly since that time. I love my humanity and want nothing more than to embrace that notion more fully. "Divinity" and "Eternal Life" are still as cryptic as they were in a previous era, but I have disengaged from grappling to comprehend such mysteries for what I posit are more worthwhile pursuits where concrete and finite answers are to be found.
The feelings noted above are applicable mostly to the first 5 principles where a great deal of energy is expended establishing ground for concepts like mental metaphysics, karma and "the All". In order to accomplish this aim, subjects such as physics and geometry are tackled with the goal of displaying how all things cooperate in cosmic order. I am such the lover of mathematics and science that I am both fascinated and appreciative of the glorious beauty that lives within the symmetry of nature. Still I am not so bemused as to think that should I write an exegetical text on the diameter of the spots decorating the back of the monarch butterfly that the gates of great wisdom will open to me either.
My life at present is more practical and driven by the desire to ascertain a greater workable understanding of the human condition. Perhaps this is why I found the greatest insight in the closing chapters of the text which were also the most densely packed containing "The Principle of Rhythm" and "The Principle of Causation". The former was filled with histories of ethnic and social migration and conflict throughout West Asia (Europe), East Asia, Africa and the Pacific. The latter contained a simple admonition to remember that the actions humans pursue on this planet hold serious consequences which we must prepare ourselves to face in the future with changing weather, water wars and famine encroaching ever nearer on the horizon. I would arguably state that "The Principle of Rhythm" is the greatest concise history of human migration patterns ever written. Chandler also veers off on the direction of discussions of the descent of matriarchy which accompanied the rise of patriarchy, sexual exploitation, subjugation by gender and other social ills.
From a wide view, this volume will remain an important addition to my library and I am likely to reference it in future writings, but it has certainly lost some of its luster since that first awesome encounter in the Underground Bookstore on 71st Street. This is understandable for we are always growing from the place where we stood previously and we must be prepared to recognize that growth when it makes itself apparent.
There was a time when I loved nothing more than to contemplate these forms of artificial complexity while ascribing to all things a meaning whose truth of knowing may have made me none the wiser for my worry. Things have changed greatly since that time. I love my humanity and want nothing more than to embrace that notion more fully. "Divinity" and "Eternal Life" are still as cryptic as they were in a previous era, but I have disengaged from grappling to comprehend such mysteries for what I posit are more worthwhile pursuits where concrete and finite answers are to be found.
The feelings noted above are applicable mostly to the first 5 principles where a great deal of energy is expended establishing ground for concepts like mental metaphysics, karma and "the All". In order to accomplish this aim, subjects such as physics and geometry are tackled with the goal of displaying how all things cooperate in cosmic order. I am such the lover of mathematics and science that I am both fascinated and appreciative of the glorious beauty that lives within the symmetry of nature. Still I am not so bemused as to think that should I write an exegetical text on the diameter of the spots decorating the back of the monarch butterfly that the gates of great wisdom will open to me either.
My life at present is more practical and driven by the desire to ascertain a greater workable understanding of the human condition. Perhaps this is why I found the greatest insight in the closing chapters of the text which were also the most densely packed containing "The Principle of Rhythm" and "The Principle of Causation". The former was filled with histories of ethnic and social migration and conflict throughout West Asia (Europe), East Asia, Africa and the Pacific. The latter contained a simple admonition to remember that the actions humans pursue on this planet hold serious consequences which we must prepare ourselves to face in the future with changing weather, water wars and famine encroaching ever nearer on the horizon. I would arguably state that "The Principle of Rhythm" is the greatest concise history of human migration patterns ever written. Chandler also veers off on the direction of discussions of the descent of matriarchy which accompanied the rise of patriarchy, sexual exploitation, subjugation by gender and other social ills.
From a wide view, this volume will remain an important addition to my library and I am likely to reference it in future writings, but it has certainly lost some of its luster since that first awesome encounter in the Underground Bookstore on 71st Street. This is understandable for we are always growing from the place where we stood previously and we must be prepared to recognize that growth when it makes itself apparent.
November 8, 2011
One of the most important books in terms of understanding what has happened to people of color over not just the past 500 years but the past 5000 years.
February 18, 2021
To accept premises that set foundations...
Belief, whatever one believes, especially as it relates to religion, spiritualism, ways of life, was built upon by a book (knowledge) which was built upon by older books, which owe their beginnings to books of antiquity, which owe their beginnings to_________?
Premise...
The ancients, the ones who thoughts continue to create, cultivate, and mold present day beliefs wrote that they encountered ( from within)_______(fill in the blank with any deity of your choice.)
Thus, what we have before us, present day, is either a result of man's great imagination or divine muses that came from within or the outer, instructing the conduit to spread the word.
Ancient Future is a book that makes one question everything one has been taught, as it relates to the above. It's heavy content, spanning Ancient religious thought, mainly Hermitic philosophy and its affect/effect on the universe.
I believe in the Seven Hermetic Axioms which are the Laws of the Universe...But I am not going to get lost in all the claims the book states, be it true, be it not. I have no energy for that at this stage of my rotation around the Sun.
What I do take away is the message of Mentalism and Meditation: The way to one's Zenith is through Zen.
Belief, whatever one believes, especially as it relates to religion, spiritualism, ways of life, was built upon by a book (knowledge) which was built upon by older books, which owe their beginnings to books of antiquity, which owe their beginnings to_________?
Premise...
The ancients, the ones who thoughts continue to create, cultivate, and mold present day beliefs wrote that they encountered ( from within)_______(fill in the blank with any deity of your choice.)
Thus, what we have before us, present day, is either a result of man's great imagination or divine muses that came from within or the outer, instructing the conduit to spread the word.
Ancient Future is a book that makes one question everything one has been taught, as it relates to the above. It's heavy content, spanning Ancient religious thought, mainly Hermitic philosophy and its affect/effect on the universe.
I believe in the Seven Hermetic Axioms which are the Laws of the Universe...But I am not going to get lost in all the claims the book states, be it true, be it not. I have no energy for that at this stage of my rotation around the Sun.
What I do take away is the message of Mentalism and Meditation: The way to one's Zenith is through Zen.
July 25, 2012
Wayne Chandler has provided for the reader a detailed treatise on the historical significance of the ancient knowledge transmitted through the Hermetic principles which are still today shaping the world’s scientific and religious thought. Chandler shows how the scientific and spiritual thinking of the ancients can serve as a modern day blueprint for a return of mankind to spiritual consciousness. Ancient Future is a must read and will change forever the way past civilizations are viewed.
November 10, 2015
After reading this book I felt I had missed a vital part of my educational process. The Principles are laid out in a fashion that allows the reader to fully incorporate each conceptinto their daily thinking pattern. The information it contains is intuitive. The Oneness of all creation is evident. I marked this book with 2 highlighters.
June 22, 2010
This is a powerful book. I have studied the Kyballion. I had an intuitive probelem with how the 7 principles were illustrated in the Kyballion.
The Ancient Future was a blessing in how the principles were illustrated in that the principle of Cause and Effect was last.
This is a must read for at least three times. I will read again in a month.
The Ancient Future was a blessing in how the principles were illustrated in that the principle of Cause and Effect was last.
This is a must read for at least three times. I will read again in a month.
November 23, 2021
What can I say about this book except what a breath of fresh air. Real food for the mind and soul.
Chandler guides the reader through all the seven Hermetic Laws outlined in the popular book 'The Kybalion' going deeper into their meaning and relevance to human history and consciousness with past and present (as of 1999 when the book was written) examples. Though this book was written at the turn of the 21st century, it is still relevant today.
He writes with a fluid style that easily unpacks what could be construed as complex ideas into chewable chunks of information. Photos and illustrations help to confirm statements and stimulate the mind to consider the depths of these ancient truths and the evolution of humanity. I love that there is a bibliography and cited notes for cross referencing and further research and study.
This book is for someone who likes to think for themselves. Chandler consistently points out the (often negative) effects Indo-European culture and values have had on the human race for the past few thousand years and anyone fully indoctrinated by Western philosophy, academia and ideals may initially seek to contest these observations (taking them for personal bias instead) before reflecting on their verity. Consider the fact that a historical book written by a white man is vary rarely taken to be personal bias. When we have believed something for so long, it is hard to have these beliefs shattered by some 'new' information. We must remember that all literature is very likely colored by the writer's personal observations, experiences and sources from which they collect information. Chandler mentions various ancient cultures and how they ALL have contributed to our current state of affairs. He writes in an objective way that I really appreciate.
The contribution and influence of Ancient Egyptian (African) culture and spirituality cannot be denied and Chandler presents many examples of how the most ancient civilizations all share at their core an African spirituality. A return to the learning and understanding of the 7 Hermetic Laws is vital to restoring balance and harmony to the Earth and our human bodies and minds.
Read this book if you are ready to open your eyes.
Chandler guides the reader through all the seven Hermetic Laws outlined in the popular book 'The Kybalion' going deeper into their meaning and relevance to human history and consciousness with past and present (as of 1999 when the book was written) examples. Though this book was written at the turn of the 21st century, it is still relevant today.
He writes with a fluid style that easily unpacks what could be construed as complex ideas into chewable chunks of information. Photos and illustrations help to confirm statements and stimulate the mind to consider the depths of these ancient truths and the evolution of humanity. I love that there is a bibliography and cited notes for cross referencing and further research and study.
This book is for someone who likes to think for themselves. Chandler consistently points out the (often negative) effects Indo-European culture and values have had on the human race for the past few thousand years and anyone fully indoctrinated by Western philosophy, academia and ideals may initially seek to contest these observations (taking them for personal bias instead) before reflecting on their verity. Consider the fact that a historical book written by a white man is vary rarely taken to be personal bias. When we have believed something for so long, it is hard to have these beliefs shattered by some 'new' information. We must remember that all literature is very likely colored by the writer's personal observations, experiences and sources from which they collect information. Chandler mentions various ancient cultures and how they ALL have contributed to our current state of affairs. He writes in an objective way that I really appreciate.
The contribution and influence of Ancient Egyptian (African) culture and spirituality cannot be denied and Chandler presents many examples of how the most ancient civilizations all share at their core an African spirituality. A return to the learning and understanding of the 7 Hermetic Laws is vital to restoring balance and harmony to the Earth and our human bodies and minds.
Read this book if you are ready to open your eyes.
June 16, 2022
I stopped reading Dark Light Consciousness by Edward Bruce Bynum (published in 2012) to read this book because it was mentioned in the footnotes of that book. I am glad because Ancient Future (published in 1999) has given me a deeper, preliminary understanding of Universal Laws otherwise known as The Laws of Tehuti or the Hermetic Principles as written in the Kybalion, and many other concepts, which in turn have helped me to comprehend Bynum’s book better.
Furthermore, Ancient Future was written well and thoroughly researched making reference to some other great historians and their masterpiece writings such as Cheikh Anta Diop, Runuko Rashidi, Wade Nobles, P.K. Manikkalingam, Henry Charles Lea, Peter Tompkins, and even Deepak Chopra.
Furthermore, Ancient Future was written well and thoroughly researched making reference to some other great historians and their masterpiece writings such as Cheikh Anta Diop, Runuko Rashidi, Wade Nobles, P.K. Manikkalingam, Henry Charles Lea, Peter Tompkins, and even Deepak Chopra.
April 30, 2020
I tell everyone who I get in a conversation with about history or ourstory that they must read this book. Me Chandler gives vivid information and facts about how our enemies have oppressed us. How we need to know how they did it so we know how to free ourselves. Fact upon facts. I borrowed my friends
Ancient Future book and I couldn’t put it down I think if it were not for taking notes I could have read it in two days. I’m buying this book now because I need it in my Library and so do you. You want to start to free your mind and or continue to free your mind of European thoughts you need to read this.
Ancient Future book and I couldn’t put it down I think if it were not for taking notes I could have read it in two days. I’m buying this book now because I need it in my Library and so do you. You want to start to free your mind and or continue to free your mind of European thoughts you need to read this.
May 3, 2019
https://youtu.be/2fS9ixfQ_no
https://youtu.be/mrR2rHPg1Zg
After watching these two documentaries I decided to read this book that was waiting in my "to read" list for a couple of years. I now feel like the book was waiting for me to get ready for it. Everything I read was mind-blowing and I made lots of hilights that fit together nicely with other documentation I gathered from other sources. A must read and I recommend watching those documentary videos.
https://youtu.be/mrR2rHPg1Zg
After watching these two documentaries I decided to read this book that was waiting in my "to read" list for a couple of years. I now feel like the book was waiting for me to get ready for it. Everything I read was mind-blowing and I made lots of hilights that fit together nicely with other documentation I gathered from other sources. A must read and I recommend watching those documentary videos.
August 31, 2019
Some of this has some pseudoscience (especially towaeds the end) the rest is ancient history mixed with religious history. The ancient and religious history is quite worthwhile and is a point for further research the science is quite basic for this time but only further inflamed from a religious reading of marginalized science. All and all very thought provoking work for further research into the origin of civilization and the necessary teachings of ancient KMT and its diasporic philosophies.
December 13, 2017
One of the most extraordinary book full of winsdom.
reading this book will change your mind and the way you see the world.
reading this book will change your mind and the way you see the world.
February 7, 2021
Masterpiece! Buy it now!!!
Right now
Right now
February 8, 2016
When most people think of Hermetic Philosophy, they're often led to the Kybalion. However, in Ancient Future, Wayne Chandler does of phenomenal job decomposing and exemplifying the seven immutable principles that govern our Universe. This text brought a lot things together for me. I highly recommend it!
July 22, 2009
This book made a lot of historical claims that I was not aware of....I even got a tattoo based off of one of the symbols in this book.
Read
July 24, 2012love this book as it matches ancient knowledge with modern science and physics
July 11, 2014
This book really helps to explain "why" in a spiritual sense!!! A must read!!
Read
May 29, 2012Nice piece of history. Reclaims a bit of Africa for herself by herself.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews