As the pineal gland was the one most recognized and written about by the earlier adepts, it is the logical beginning of any occult discussion of the endocrine chain. The epiphysis cerebri, or pineal body, secures its name from its peculiar shape (the pinus, or pine cone) and arises in the fifth week of the human embryo as a blind sac branching off from that section of the brain which is next in front of the mid-brain—the diencephalon—which includes the area of the third ventricle and adjacent parts. The distal, or remote, portion of this sac becomes the body of the gland. The proximal portion (the point of attachment or origin) remains as the stalk. Is not this pine cone the one to which E. A. Wallis-Budge refers in his Osiris and the Egyptian Resurrection, when in describing the entry of Ani into the presence of Osiris in the Egyptian ritual of Coming Forth by Day as “the so-called ‘cone’ on Ani’s wig,” for which the good Egyptologist could find no intelligent reason? Is this not also the whirring cone which was among the symbolic playthings of the child Bacchus and which Bastius describes as a small cone-shaped piece of wood around which a cord was wound so that it might be made to spin and give out a “humming noise”? (See Orpheus, by G. R. S. Mead.) Those acquainted with the esoteric function of the pineal gland or who have experienced the “whirring” sound attendant upon its activity will realize how apt is the analogy.
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 P Hall sure knew how to do research! This book, added with his lectures on the pineal and endocrine functions, written before the science of our day, was ahead of its time. Today, the foods on the market that are most popular are also the ones most destructive to pineal and endocrine operations. Do you smell conspiracy? Thyroid issues are on the rise due to the western diet and people are 'thinking' less and less. Hall goes into the importance of these vital body parts and takes the reader on a journey throughout history where the third eye (or pineal process) was depicted in art by illumined masters as halos, rays of light, and more. Why did these ancients put so much focus on these vital functions? Because the sages and gurus of history knew that without healthy functioning pineal and endocrine operations, man would not be able to think properly, thus be unable to manifest via creative thought laws such as the law of attraction. What better way to rule the world as a tyrant than to keep the people ignorant of such power? For ages, this information has been hidden from the populous and kept only for the elite. It's time to educate yourself about how important it is to abstain from processed foods, artificial sweeteners, high sugar content, GMOs and western diet and return to mans's natural diet. Otherwise, enjoy being ruled by those who do. This book is a great companion to modern information, now available to the people who are willing to search for knowledge. Wake up. YOU too have the eye of God. Use it!
Amazon offered me this curious book for four bucks, so I bought it without further inspection.
When it arrived, I beheld its total of 9 pages of text, and admit to having felt robbed. It's but one chapter from a whole book.
That aside, the text is densely put to the point, and my initial regret is remedied. My prior knowledge about ancient Egyptian surgery, Greek philosophy, general biology in vertebrate and evolution and so on, though all of a mediocre level, helped a lot in interpreting the given references and explorations.
In short, almost all vertebrate have a third eye. It's still somewhat functional in lizards, but in most others it has degenerated. In humans, some tests show that the gland/eye responds to stimuli by vibrating. The learned mystic can experience and provoke this vibration through discipline and exercise. Though I doubt ancient surgeons could perform such a test on a living human as we could today, it was no difficulty for them to find the gland in a brain and deduce its meaning through observation and analogy - they cut open reptiles too, you see, and drew references from what they learned.
Since the gland is situated between the sides of the brain, it's assumed it functions as a central conduit for all senses, for the left and the right, the ratio and emotio - reason and intuition, the factual and the ephemeral.
Philosophies of all times tried to discipline the individual into harmonizing both, his/her reason and intuition, knowledge and faith, to acquire some sort of personal ascendance. Once found, the gland was held as the seat of the soul, of the mind, the place where all this harmonizing and transcending occurs in the body. I am somewhat familiar with the idea behind the so-called philosopher's stone, and was not surprised to find its organic representative here.
A final detail: The gland is a pine shaped thing hanging on a cord, connected to the spine. As mentioned before it reacts to stimuli by vibration, but also by swelling and the cord can stiffen. It amuses me greatly to see that so many symbols of old (staffs with cone top, erect feathers, etc.), today thought to have phallic origin, less than a hundred years ago where still recognized as connected to this part of the brain all humans share, independent of gender or race.
As for so many things about the brain, our technology is still too inferior to measure and represent their exact function, nature and meaning. Incapable of illuminating or eradicating any of the herein given hypotheses, we are stuck once more at dealing with the unknown, the unsure, the obscure, or, to use a very outdated word of the very same thing, the occult.
From shiva to Horus to bacchus they all spoke of the apple pine cone shaped organ that bestows immortality and godhood… these sacred teachings depict the study of the organ and the masters that expounded upon them from Aphrodite being the inchoate body-spirit to Hermes being the fully realized god
Some of the anatomical and technical details are difficult to grasp, but the basic ideas are very clear. As always, Manly P. Hall is an accessible, clear writer.
Okay, so I mostly ran into this one due to weird issues with discoverability with Manly P. Hall's works. I'd argue that you should skip this, and instead just buy the full book, instead of getting it Chapter by Chapter--like is also an option
Due to the full book this was taken from being, also, released Chapter By Chapter, it results in the Chapters being much easier to discover than the full book. Which, would have been a main way it would have been distributed when it was first making circles way back in the day. So if you wanted to have an authentic feeling esoteric library of Manly P. Hall's stuff, knock yourself out and do the Chapter by Chapter deal
I've ordered the full book, and might update my review of this single chapter after reading the full book... but I'm guessing most of it will seem rather relevant
This book is a standard bit of Ole Timey Esoteric material, and if you are wanting to ape that Aesthetic, it certainly helps with doing that. Not from the same era as Plague Doctors, Phrenology (well, as an acknowledged Science) or Lamarck's Evolution Theory (which uh, still shows up in Biology Textbooks constantly today)... it reads similar to stuff you'd group in with those eras
Essentially, you _COULD_ get away with the Ye Ole "Edwardian and Victorian Era Fushion-Ha" of aesthetic based material with the works of Manly P. Hall very easily
As per the actual content--this chapter (at least) is filled with tidbits of esotericism and science that were generally discredited at the time of its initial publishing. Though, this chapter seems to use that as confirmation its claims are correct. Considering how much of "Science!" from that time has further been discredited--I cannot really hold that against the author
Remember people were _STILL_ arguing about washing their hands at the time of... wait, bad example, people are _STILL_ arguing about that to this day. With the people against washing their hands being given just as much of a platform (sometimes more), than the people in favour of not having dirty disease smegem covered hands
The book makes various claims about various world cultures that at the time would have been hard to challenge--as most of the members of the culture were not White (and thus not actually understand to be human)--mixed with the lack of world wide communication networks that would allow the easier transfer of information between cities (much less continents). Though, anybody today with even a passing knowledge of said cultures will be making The Roblox Noise Personally Invented by Tommy Tallarico(TM)(C)(R) between doing sharp inhales. So uh... trigger warning for that, I guess?
The sciences (or more accurately "SCIENCE!" with too many capitals and required "Bang" punctuation) is the sort of stuff that would become staples of B-Movies and esoteric literature of the 1900s. So if you are tired of hearing "reverse polarity" and need something refreshing for writing works aping the style of Roger Corman and other examples of Cheapnis--I'd highly recommend giving a read to Manly P. Hall
As much as this sounds like I am doing a call out, keep in mind, these were originally written in 1932 (or at least that is when the earliest copyright in this book seems to be)--at which point the Big Four Cults in the USA were still ahead of the other Sciences on the grounds of "how likely following what they would say will unalive you". The FDA was not yet any kind of real major force--stuff (mis)labelled as "Raw Milk" was everywhere (it would me more accurate to call it "Bleach, Worms and Cow Brains"--mmm delicious Prions) and doing the exact opposite of the Medical Industry was still not terrible advice. You know... like washing your hands regularly, eating a decent amount of vegetables and of course making use of The Healing Powers of Electricity. All things that Medical Science has adopted... sans acknowledging The Healing Powers of Electricity (which does not get mentioned in this chapter, I just enjoy some of these Old Timey bits of nonsense)
Again, most of the stuff in this chapter (and maybe the rest of the book) was discredited at the time of writing, and has not been undiscredited after its writing. With the latter part of that statement being the more important part. Keep that in mind, when just amusing yourself with all the direct assertions it regularly makes without any form of backing them up and just moving VERY RAPIDLY in order to look authoritatively. Don't take that as an accusation of a Gish Gallop, as a Gish Gallop usually involves small claims in rapid processions--this book has the Giant Spleens to make big claims in rapid processions, and should be rewarded for doing such a thing
Honestly, I'd suggest going over every claim made here to fully understand the cultures and area of science as an exercise left to the reader. Just be all, "okay, so this claim, why is it correct and why is it wrong?" (it will not be straight forward) when reading further into various topics about it
My low review is purely due to me being annoyed at how bad discovery systems had me able to find the Chapters, as oppose the full book. Which looks like it will be a fun enjoyable time. Full of stuff that could be incorporated into Ole Timey Medicine Show Aesthetics... though, in a way that is definitely doing the Ye Ole Edwardian and Victorian Era Fushion-Ha
If you want an Authentic Old Timey Esoteric Library Experience(TM)(C)(R) then sure, grab it Chapter by Chapter... but outside of that, just grab the full darn book. It is possible. We are living in beyond the far distant future year of 1993. We have the technology. We can rebuild this book: better, faster and stronger. Oh right, I think I've given away what sort of audience would love the crap out of this with my weird allusions to a specific Zeitgeist [lit: German for Time Ghost] of media from the 1900s
I learned two additional insights from this super quick book or brochure if you will; namely that the possibility of the Egyptians wore the coiled serpent as their Uraeus because they knew that reptiles have the highest development of the pineal gland; and, more than likely, the pineal gland, when stimulated by "kundalini," stands upright like the head of cobra ready to strike...then, the gland increases in size and has little finger projections that move with the rapidity of a serpent's tongue.
This "could" be the reason why the Egyptians chose the Cobra to go on their forehead. Further research and development on this line of thinking is surely needed, but I am glad that I stumbled upon these two insight in this short read by Hall. It hardly can be easily dismissed that the pineal gland has been very important to our ancient past, and there must be very good reason indeed.
Some significant occult references and references to Spinoza and Descartes, but I feel you'll get alot more out of the Pineal Gland chapter in Joe Dispenza's Becoming Supernatural.
I didn't realize this 'book' is actually a chapter from Man: The Grand Symbol of the Mysteries. It's extremely short. You may as well order the full book.
This short book talks about the Pineal Gland and its relationship to metaphysical theory throughout time and history. Most of what was discussed was vague and general and I'd already learned these things before reading other authors' work. Interesting to a newbie to this field of discussion.
"The Pineal Gland: The Eye of God" by Manly P. Hall is a concise exploration of the pineal gland's significance in both scientific and spiritual contexts. Originally published in 1934 as Chapter XVI of Hall's "Man: The Grand Symbol of the Mysteries," this work delves into the pineal gland's role as the "atrophied third eye," a term used by scientists to describe its vestigial nature.
Hall discusses the pineal gland's association with the third eye chakra or energy center, suggesting that, along with the pituitary gland, it remains more dormant than atrophied. He references Max Heindel's perspective that, in ancient times, humans maintained a connection with inner worlds through an activated pineal and pituitary gland.
The text emphasizes the pineal gland as a potent source of ethereal energy, integral to initiating psychic abilities such as clairvoyance and aura perception. Hall traces the gland's historical and spiritual significance, highlighting its prominence in various esoteric traditions and its symbolic representation as the "Eye of God."
Throughout the book, Hall integrates scientific knowledge with spiritual traditions, offering insights into the pineal gland's function and its potential as a bridge between the physical and metaphysical realms. This work serves as an essential resource for those interested in the intersection of anatomy, spirituality, and esoteric symbolism.
Like others, I was shocked when it said on Amazon 26 pages and ended up only having 9. However, again discovering it was a chapter from a larger text by Hall made sense. I was curious to find exercises and actions to take to strengthen this gland to add to my repertoire to not just absorb info but apply it as well. Unfortunately this chapter doesn’t offer that really. But, I did find it interesting for all Hall ties together. He showed plenty of old gods or deities that represented this gland, single eye, or unlocking of the bridge between the 2 sides which gives context I hadn’t found to the same depths before. Fascinating nonetheless with the history he showed of speculated references to said gland over the centuries as well as more anatomical aspects of it in our brain and its peculiarity. Short read but very interesting info!
Honestly I forgot I was reading it. I purchased this very slender reprint of what I can only call a chapter,and set it aside.While it is a valuable addition to my collection,it’s not going to get a rave review—simply “interesting information “ for reference.The other book I bought to go with it was about the Montauk experiments...ah,rabbit holes that lead to 3 am book purchases;oh well.
Mind blowing wealth of knowledge interlapping human biology and mystical ideas of many cultures. It hasn't yet ceased to amaze me this book is book was written in the 1920's. The research of the pineal gland is profound and the writing is accessible.
I bought this as a separate chapter from the rest of the book. I didn't really know when I ordered it on Amazon for like $6 or something. Very interesting chapter, but it is quite short and just got me wanting to read the rest of the book, ha.
I do love Manly’s writing because they are a great souce for all the documents and who wrote them. I do not agree with the assessment of basics but at least its easier to trace the origination when the writers use references. Again if we accept that the Chaldeans actually saw the Cyclops like did the explorers and documented the contact with the Catholic Church and in their logs and writings then why persist on the central eye, why not accept HP Blavatsky as seeing a binocular which would allow someone to see long distances and verify before others. How about just accepting that spun up pine cone with the thread wrapped was a spinning top; just a toy. Basic science and facts verses the esoteric hoopla meant to generate revenue and power over others. Perhaps like the Tree of Life, the Dangma all from the East where Lord Shiva “That which is not” man but really an android/AI who drips or leaks his fluid. His energy source is now leaking and I would bet it looks just like a pine cone that ENKI and Enlil are holding, but of course the caregivers must be blindfolded. What do you think his third eye is that when every time it opens destroys everything in its path.... Do not magnifying glasses use the ray of the sun to cause fire.
Manly P Hall is my absolute favorite teacher on the occult mysteries. I highly recommend any opportunity to get a glimpse inside the mind of this man who possessed one of the most incredible memories. This brief book is no different, highly recommend.
This was a waste of my time and money. I would have been better off investing 30 minutes using search engines to understand what is believed to be the purpose of this gland within the human body and our perceptive consciousness. Content appears more like a student report with a 4-page limit.
Very very short read (10-30min). Great visuals and an even better analogy.
Basically, all you need to know is that the Pineal Gland is imperative for the functions of spiritual work, which has been known for thousands of years throughout Greek, Egyptian, Abrahamic, Eastern, etc. cultures.
Gives a different perspective of the pineal gland. The mystery surrounding the pineal gland only deepens after reading the book. My curiosity is even more stimulated to get a clear understanding of its current and past function. Great entry in to the eye of God.
An exquisitely researched book on a fascinating topic. Manly P. Hall always does his homework and presents in a superbly comprehensible fashion. A requisite brief on the subject.