Secret Wisdom: Occult Societies and Arcane Knowledge Through the Ages

by Ruth Clydesdale

Secret Wisdom is a profusely illustrated exploration of the Western mystery tradition and its development through the centuries. Aspects of the tradition can be seen to have influenced the growth of Christianity, the culture of the Renaissance, and even the great discoveries of astronomy and experimental science. The book explains this hidden current of knowledge and demonstrates how profoundly important it has been, subtly yet strongly influencing our culture in a variety of ways.

Genres: Reference

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2012

Reviews

[Brett C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a broad overview of occult mysticism and arcane knowledge. The author presented basic information from the ancient Greeks, Indian, Persian/Islamic, and early Christian philosophies. There were a lot of concepts explained including Orphic and Eleusinian Mysteries, astrology, kabbalah, Enochian magic and communicating with angels (John Dee), alchemy, mystery influences in the arts/theater/poetry, and other occult mysteries.

The book also discussed many prominent individuals like Pythagoras, Socrates, Paracelsus, Heinrich Agrippa, Giordano Bruno, Galileo Galilei, Newton/Copernicus/Kepler, Aleister Crowley, Madame Blavatsky, and William Butler Yeats.

Overall this was a decent introduction to a much larger subject. This is a good reference book for anyone interested in reading on occult mysteries. Thanks!

[Joshua Mogg · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars—very nice explanation on the interconnectedness of the occult societies. delved a lot into alchemy and astrology and their effect on the modern world. overall, very insightful and well paced!