2014 Reprint of 1926 Edition. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. In this essay, Hall clearly sets forth the relationship of the fire symbols to the life forces within the human body. Special treatment is given to the subjects of the ductless glands and the part which they play in the development of spiritual consciousness. Mr. Hall describes how man's body is a living temple and how the places of initiation and ritual in the temple's various chambers and passageways symbolize processes occurring in the human body.
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.
Manly Palmer Hall's treatise "Melchizedek and the Mystery of Fire is a fascinating work. Formal & systematic, it won't reveal much to a casual reader.
As usual, Hall deals with & promotes inner space exploration. In the short introduction he describes the nature of the book as being "devoted to...interpreting...allegories; it does this & more. Symbolism, Alchemy, Freemasonry, Mystic Christianity, Numerology, Brahmism & more are introduced-yet he manages to treat all within the context of the book's title. Fire and Melchizedec are introduced respectively on pages 13 & 39 which may be a sign that a pattern of information conveyance is present which might be unapparent to superficial perusal. Fire is extensively covered including its various manifestations in nature & man. Melchizedek is introduced on page 39 & never appears again yet it is done in such a way as to place the entire work within the context of this mysterious figure & Order.
Noted quote: "What oil is to flame, blood is to the spirit of man."
My opinion of the book? It is a concise introduction (only 54 pages long) to important unapparent truths. Reading it was like sitting with a very well informed historian. Hall introduces you to lost arts & sciences in a way that can make your imagination soar. I've enjoyed this book for years & plan to receive many more years of pleasure & wisdom from it.
Wow, I am now a student of the Philosophical Research Society. This book has given me some revelations of current beliefs, solidifying them in philosophy, through science and religion. The concepts found within this book only scratched the surface of more topics I am now craving to research. For a student of symbology such as myself, it is still amazing to me how sacred truths are hidden right in front of our faces and we don't even "see" them until we are initiated...but we are initiated.
As without so within. The external world as a projection of the internal. The journey of all mystics is the inward one towards the source of man's true identity.
The only other aspect that was intriguing was the idea of Christianity as a Mystery School and he contends that if most Christians were aware of this it would totally alter their view and interpretation of it.
That basically sums up this book. Not too exciting, and Hall is definetly taking some artistic liberties with his interpretations.
A great introduction into the history of some of the ancient Mysteries and a general overview of occult anatomy and astrotheology. Unfortunately there's very little on the Order of Melchizedek as the title may lead you to assume, but still an enlightening read.
The date shows maybe my second reading and of course now we have the wonderful Goodreads to help us keep track.
By now it should be no surprise that I am a fan of Manly P Hall. Which I think he too has had an encounter just as so many thought readers and researchers have. I would also suggest adding Zechariah Sitchen’s to the list which makes for a life of purpose of searching to meet the truth.
I think one of my levels of Heaven would be to be in California in Manly’s library. Lord knows I could edit his works, I contacted the PRS but things are quite different now and then again perhaps it was the same then…
Does anyone really not know where the serpent groups originated….
This book was on the esoteric side for me. The author talks about he connection of God to the symbolism of fire. He connects his references to ancient hermetic philosophy and the rituals associated with Freemasons. The most important aspect of this book was introduction of the reader to the study of self. This book may require more meditation and a re-reading for any final conclusion is drawn.
Pretty good read. Helps you understand, a bit, about yourself and your spirituality. Has some typos but négligeable. Just love to read and also learn something new. This book gives plenty of food for thought if you are willing to further your understanding of self.
Melchizedek and the Mystery of Fire by Manly P. Hall.
The religion of the past is preserved today for those who care to understand it. A pure delight. This work offers soooooo much to the curious mind. Will definitely be reading more from this author.
Good book it has no stories about the tittle if thats what you looking for,but a great explanation of the meaning of light and fired to the ancients and religions!
In the Mystery of Fire Hall explores the symbolism and import of fire in religion and occult understanding. Hall draws conclusions that intrigued and inspired my wary eyes. By the end of part two I was completely sold and excited for the content yet to come. In part three Hall shows off his research on occult human anatomy. Part three holds less value for me as he identifies parts of the body and various cultural significances without much in the way of constructive conclusion. I have read Hall out of order so this retread territory I've already explored in the Occult anatomy of Man and Man the Grand Symbol of the Mysteries. I do love Hall's passion, I was just a little disappointed part three returned to Hall's research-listing style instead of tying off the content from parts one and two.
I wrote this because it explains the reason for so many different schools of intuition&thought...they exist.to .educate.people's..understanding.of The body as in relation to The ..big ..Q...god..this is explained in many different types.each one leading to the ..answer..if mankind's. Can ..see beyond.his own ..greed.....think passed his arrogance &loins....and understand the true meaning of the. Book
I did not have any parts of this book that I did not like , however I do get frustrated at my own understanding, of concepts being taught. I would suggest this book for any metaphysics students or people who just wish to learn deeper meanings of things we are not taught because most people are ignorant of the material or no one tries to explain this type of subject.
Must read for anyone interested in the mind, spirit, body, soul connection. Although the title is misleading I would have liked to see more on the origins of Melchizedek.
I would still recommend reading it to anyone looking into hermetic mysteries. I will be looking into more of his works.
Hall wrote his way into Masonry by authoring Books that appealed to many Masons who felt he had discovered much on his own. I bought this book because I recently was ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood.
I haven't really preferred Manly P. Hall's teachings in the past, but I've never read a better treatise on the spiritual world and spiritual wisdom in my whole life. It is worth the read.
Its funny how far we get into quantum theory it really proves alot of the mystics correct. Loved this book. If your interested in these subjects this is a great read!!
manly p hall’s illuminating esoteric discursion of this principal of flame itself is a highlight in my reading journey this year ! ! has much edified my knowledge regarding the initiate mysteries