Mystery of Mystery: A Primer of Thelemic Ecclesiastical Gnosticism

Red Flame #2

by Sabazius X°, Soror Helena (Contributor), J. Edward Cornelius (Editor)

This book deals exclusively with the central ritual of the Ordo Templi Orientis: Liber XV The Gnostic Mass. This public ceremony was written by Aleister Crowley in an effort to fulfill the religious needs of mankind. Crowley's motto of "The Method of Science, the Aim of Religion" is aptly portrayed both within the ritual itself and by the exhaustive study. Written by two of our most prominent Bishops, Tau Apiryon and Soror Helena, it promises to be the reference piece for many years to come. The first section deals primarily with the history of the Gnostic Church from its early years to the present. In the second section the Mass itself is fully explored in many points of its significant from the actual performance of the ritual to the symbology hidden therein. As an extra bonus, for the first time ever, there is a 110 page listing of biographical references on each and every Saint which composes the third section. No greater research on this subject has ever been presented in one volume.
[from the back cover]

Genres: Thelema, Religion, Occult, Biography, Reference, History, Magick

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

National Grand Master General of Ordo Templi Orientis U.S.A., Primate and Presiding Bishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica within the U.S.A. Sometimes published using pseudonym Tau Apiryon (his ecclesiastical name as a bishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica).

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thorough explaination of the Gnostic Mass, including a semi-brief description of all of the saints. While the Ritual itself is beautiful, there is obviously much left out in terms of 'staging'. This book goes in depth and is exceedingly helpful.

[Ray Welt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly essential for anyone interested in the E.G.C., Thelema, or Liber XV (the Gnostic Mass). Part 1, the history of the E.G.C. can be pretty confusing with all the different groups with similar names breaking off from one another, and people changing allegiances back and forth, but, well, welcome to the world of late 19th century spiritualism. Part 2, about the Gnostic Mass specifically, is truly amazing for anyone interested in it. So much light is shed on the symbolism, the gestures, the words, all of it. This is the heart of the book, and the most interesting to read. Part 3 focuses on the Saints listed in the Collects of Liber XV. This is quite the long list, and when dealing with delivering the basics about this many people, it inevitably gets pretty dry. One can certainly read straight through (as I did), but it's probably more useful to use this part of the book as a reference. Who was Roger Bacon, and why should Thelemites care about him? Look him up in this book to get a pretty solid idea of why he was chosen as a Thelemite Saint, and get a list of further sources if you're curious enough to research him further. Part 4 deals with the E.G.C. today, and includes some good pieces on the importance of sacraments. Overall, this book has already been, and will continue to be, a great reference for me, and I expect to get quite a lot of use out of it.

[Adonay Quetzal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an amazing read. Sabazius X° states everything so eloquently and as such, has changed completely how view the Gnostic Mass and I've come to love this ritual even more so. I think all Thelemites should pick this up at the very for the biographies of the Saints. While the most larborsome of the book, knowing a little but more about each Saint whom we call forth during the Mass is beneficial to anyone trying to understand the energies the Deacon is invoking during the Collects. A must read for any Thelemite.

[Dian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is essential reading for anyone studying Liber XV: The Gnostic Mass

[Keith]

#43 of 93

[jesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

excited to delve into an analysis of one of the most sublimely constructed rituals, to better learn how to serve my thelemic community.

"I come in the Power of the Light. I come in the Light of Wisdom. I come in the Mercy of the Light. The Light hath Healing in its Wings."

[Chris Feldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must-have for anyone interested in the Ecclesia Gnostica Catholica.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invaluable.