Showing results by publisher "Lamp of Trismegistus" in All Categories

Frank L. Baum is the famed author of the Wizard of Oz stories. Here he tells the tale of a mischief Jack Frost who learns that he is able to freeze the shadows of humans and in doing so he wreaks havoc throughout a kingdom!

Annie Besant was a writer, lecturer, prominent theosophist, and women's rights activist of her time. She was a frequent contributor to various theosophical publications of her day. This piece by her, from 1912, is a short, basic introduction to mysticism through the eyes of theosophy. She writes about mysticism within Christianity and the Western Mystery Tradition in general. It's also interesting to note that she mentions the Illuminati in this piece, but in a philosophical rather than historical context, which is unusual for the time period.

Renowned occult author Frater Achad dissects the ancient art of crystal gazing, for the act of scrying or otherworldly viewing. Crystal gazing can help the seer come into contact and communicate with intelligences of a higher order. He discusses the history of crystal gazing, how to get started, and what the seer can expect as well as difficulties and how to overcome them. He also discusses using this skill in ceremonial rituals. He references the methods of Trithemius and includes a section on John Dee and Edward Kelly's Enochian angelic scrying conversations.

Originally published in 1889, prominent theosophist and writer William Q. Judge addresses what he sees as failings in the Theosophical Society. He wants members to put their focus outward, toward humanity, instead of focusing, selfishly, on their own fates in life and after. He quotes from the Upanishads, discusses the astral light, and talks about karma, manvantara, and the theosophical concept of the Devachan (where souls go after death), among other things.

Roy mentions that the current, popular interest was resulting in Tagore's work being translated across Europe. He also points out the irony of backlash the poet had experienced, from the traditional Indian literary establishment, who worried his poetry would corrupt the country's youth. The author winds things up with a few samples from the poet.

Leadbeater discusses the use and acquisition of psychic powers, although this is not a how-to or an instructional article. He is writing from a philosophical standpoint, addressing students of theosophy who may be experiencing psychic changes through the course of their education and meditations. He cautions students against forcing their psychic will upon others, even if they are doing so with positive intentions and with the other individual's best interests at heart.

Florence Farr was an actress, writer, and first-wave feminist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as an active member of the British occult community who regularly worked with her male counterparts in the fields of esoterica, being an initiate of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Collected here are seven of her magical essays: "Magic of a Symbol", "On the Play of the Image-Maker", "The Tetrad or Structure of the Mind", "Egyptian Use of Symbols", "The Philosophy Called Vedanta", "On the Kabbalah", and "The Rosicrucians and the Alchemists".

William Harvey was a prolific masonic scholar of his day. In this essay from 1920, he dissects the myth of a Freemason on the battlefield saving an enemy's life after he is seen giving the Masonic sign of distress. In addition to examining similar tales from around the globe, Harvey looks at the stories from a philosophical standpoint and asks some hard questions. And, while these wars may be old, this topic never will be.

William Harvey was a prolific masonic scholar of his day. In this essay from 1920 he discusses the importance of the north-east corner of the masonic Lodge to an otherwise unsuspecting candidate. This candidate proceeds to receive lectures and an education from this location, with an emphasis on charity.

Brother Harvey examines the symbolism of the worshipful master's gavel. He also explains what differentiates it from the setting Maul used in the master mason degree of the blue lodge and the one used in the mark master degree of the York Rite.

C Jinarajadasa was a writer, philosopher, Freemason and prominent theosophist of his day. This particular piece is a lecture he gave in 1905, and he discusses consciousness, the inseparable duality of love and beauty, Plato's world of ideas, the divine mind and other related topics.

Is karma just another word for fate? Is karma subject to time? Do animals have karma? These are just some of the questions posed in this collection of seven short essays by Theosophist writer William Q. Judge, while exploring the topic of karma. The essays are: "Karma", "Aphorisms on Karma", "Karma in the Desatir", "Thoughts on Karma", "Men Karmic Agents", "Is Karma Only Punishment?" and "Is Poverty Bad Karma?"

As any Freemason will tell you, there are certain words, symbols and phrases that one primarily encounters during Masonic ritual. Two notable Masonic authors examine the works of Shakespeare in an effort to determine if there is any merit to the claim of his rumored involvement in Freemasonry, as well as what that might mean for the history and provenance of the Fraternity.

Darrow was a professor at Harvard, a prominent theosophist, and the author of numerous works on philosophy. In this piece he examines primarily the Republic, from a theosophical standpoint, in an attempt to show that many scholars have misinterpreted Plato's relationship with the arts. Darrow states that Plato's belief was that the only true art is a life well lived, with the ultimate aim being to create a heaven on Earth.

Originally published in 1896, this is the story of a debaucherous older man who roams the streets of London at night, under the influence. He encounters a mysterious woman who slowly reminds him of a lover from his past. As more wine is consumed, he seems to descend into madness, until...

Originally published in 1879, this essay begins with a quick overview of the beginnings of the Theosophical Society. The author quickly moves on to discuss theosophy's place in the religions of the world, with greater attention being paid to Buddhism. He also spends time on reincarnation and karma as two principle aspects of theosophy. There is also discussion of the Great White Brotherhood, as Blavatsky would have called it - or, more simply, the adepts or ascended masters.

Mead notices that modern students often shrug off or dismiss the mysteries and wisdom of the ages, as unimportant. He argues that spirit is entirely absent from the religion of today, because it has been divorced from science. And, what was once considered religion to the primitive man is very different than what is considered religion now. Psychology, what he called the science of antiquity, is what is needed for the student of the mysteries to regain their foothold in the world.

Algernon Blackwood was a writer of weird, occult, and ghost tales. He was also a contemporary of Arthur Machen, both of whom were members of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. It was his interest in esoteric studies that likely served as the inspiration for strange stories such as this one. In this tale Blackwood tells the story of a student up all night studying for his exams when a childhood friend he hasn't thought about in many years unexpectedly pays him a visit.

Originally published in 1914, German Theosophist Carolus writes on the subject of Atlantis, with regards to new archeological and scientific discoveries of his time. In addition he discusses the destruction of ancient monuments (and consequently lost knowledge), which was happening in places like Honduras.

Originally published in 1891, it may be difficult for modern readers to accept that there was still a relatively strong belief in vampires, in what might usually seem like an age of blossoming spiritual enlightenment. But the author, an otherwise celebrated figure in Theosophy, discusses not just the folklore of this famed monster, but he recounts first-hand tales of reported vampire attacks.