The Secret Teachings of All Ages

This podcast and briefing offers a glimpse into the vast scope of Manly P. Hall's work, "The Secret Teachings of All Ages." The book itself is a gigantic 675 pages of heavily researched material. Our podcast saves you from having to read this highly informative book.

Hall’s book delves into a variety of esoteric and philosophical highlighting the interconnectedness of ancient wisdom traditions, mythology, religion, symbolism and scientific understanding.

It is a monumental and comprehensive work that will shock you with the symbolism of life, death, and the crucifixion of Christ.

Key themes include the nature of Deity, the structure of the universe, the significance of symbolism, the importance of numbers and geometry, the concept of inherent potential within all things, and the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. The excerpts draw upon diverse sources, including Egyptian, Greek, Pythagorean, Hermetic, Qabbalistic, and Alchemical traditions, suggesting a universal underlying truth or "secret teaching" shared across cultures and ages.

I. Key Themes and Concepts:

• The Nature of Deity and Creation: The excerpts explore various conceptions of God, often emphasizing a universal, all-encompassing, and ultimately unknowable source from which all things emanate.

• The Hermetic concept of the "Universal Father" and the power of the "Word" (Reason) in establishing all things is highlighted.

• The Pythagorean God is described as the "Monad, or the one that is Everything...the supreme mind distributed throughout all parts of the universe."

• The Qabbalistic system presents AIN SOPH (the Nothing and All, the Eternal and unconditioned Potency) as the ultimate source, from which emanations (Sephiroth) flow to form the universe.

• The belief in natural law as the mechanism of divine control (Vicoism) and God as the sole being and origin of all knowledge (Ontologism) are also presented.

• The Structure of the Universe and the Cosmos: Ancient cosmological models are discussed, often linking celestial bodies to spiritual or divine principles.

• The Zodiac and its signs are interpreted symbolically and astronomically, including the concept of "astrological ages."

• The "music of the spheres" is presented as a Pythagorean concept, where the distances between celestial bodies correspond to musical intervals.

• The Qabbalistic concept of four worlds (Atziluth, Briah, Yetzirah, and Assiah) representing different levels of divine emanation and creation is central.

• The idea that "each star was a world having its own atmosphere, with an immense extent surrounding it, of aether" (Pythagorean view) suggests a broader, more interconnected cosmos.

• The diagram illustrating "the solar system according to Genesis" (Figure 1) and another showing planetary positions and fixed stars (Figure 5) reflect symbolic rather than purely scientific representations of the cosmos.

• Symbolism and Allegory: The excerpts extensively utilize symbolism from various traditions to convey deeper meanings.

• Symbols peculiar to Isis, the Sun, the Zodiac, and various animals (fish, scarab, serpent, crocodile, dove, phoenix, cat, bull, unicorn) are discussed.

• Geometric shapes, particularly the square and cube, are presented as symbols of the lower or material world, while the circle represents the divine or eternal.

• The Pythagorean Tetractys is presented as a supreme symbol of universal forces, representing the Godhead (three dots) and the active creative powers (seven dots) – colors of the spectrum and notes of the musical scale.

• Stones, pillars, and altars are interpreted symbolically, representing concepts of the physical body, spirit, and creation.

• The allegorical significance of the Bacchic Rite, with Dionysos being torn apart and resurrected, is discussed as representing the rational soul's state of unity and diversity.

• Numbers and Geometry (Pythagoreanism and Qabbalah): Mathematics is presented as a key to understanding the divine order of the universe.

• The Pythagorean theory of numbers, including the concepts of Multitude and Magnitude, the Monad, and the significance of individual numbers (Monad, Duad, Triad), is explained.

• The Qabbalistic system of the Sephiroth is presented as a system of ten ineffable emanations or numbers originating from the divine Nothingness, forming a "Tree of Life."

• The Sepher Yetzirah is highlighted as a source for understanding the connection between the 22 Hebrew letters, the three Mother letters (Air, Water, Fire), the seven Double letters (planets and heavens), and the twelve Simple letters (zodiac).

• Numerical ciphers are mentioned as a method for concealing hidden messages, with 666 and 888 presented as examples of significant numbers in Christian mysticism.

• Alchemy and the Philosophers' Stone: The pursuit of the Philosophers' Stone is presented not just as a material transformation but also as a spiritual quest.

• The concept of the "materia prima" (first substance) and its sevenfold constitution is linked to chemical syllables.

• The Philosophers' Stone is described as capable of transforming metals, improving minerals, preserving health, and elevating the mind to God.

• The process is described allegorically, involving the crystallization of solar and lunar rays in water to produce "virgin earth."

• The internal effect of the Philosophers' Stone ("Paradisiacal Water," "Water out of which comes Gold and Silver") is described in terms of strengthening understanding, opening to hidden knowledge, and leading to a deeper understanding of nature and God.

• The Nature of Man and Spiritual Development: Man's place in the cosmos and the potential for spiritual growth are recurring themes.

• The Patristic view emphasizes the supremacy of man as a divine creation, above natural law.

• Pythagoras taught that man has a divine pattern ("seal") and the potential to cast off his gross nature and ascend to the realm of immortals.

• The Qabbalistic concept of Adam Kadmon (the archetypal man) and Adam (the human being) reflects man as a microcosm reflecting the macrocosm.

• The dialogue between Adam and the Cherubim/Serpent in the courtyard reflects the struggle for spiritual understanding and overcoming the limitations of the material world.

• The power of philosophy is seen as a stabilizing influence, leading man towards rational thinking and divine order.

• The importance of seeking what one needs rather than what one wants is a Pythagorean teaching.

• Hidden Knowledge and Secret Societies: The excerpts strongly imply the existence of hidden knowledge preserved and transmitted through secret societies and initiates.

• Pythagoras is presented as an initiate who gained astronomical knowledge in Egyptian temples that was far ahead of its time.

• Leibnitz is identified as an initiate of a secret school, whose monad theory aligns with ancient teachings.

• The Rosicrucian connection is evident in the letter describing the Philosophers' Stone.

• The allusions to Baconian influence and hidden ciphers within literature (like Shakespeare's works) suggest the deliberate concealment of esoteric knowledge.

• The concept of a hierarchy of holy men ("Axis," "Faithful Ones," etc.) in Sufism (Mysticism and Magic in Turkey) reflects the idea of a hidden spiritual governance.

• The Power of Mind and Intention: The influence of thought, prayer, and mental focus is discussed.

• The Hermetic text highlights the power of "Mind" to control the body and shut out evil.

• Pythagoras is described as possessing hypnotic power over humans and animals and the ability to see things at a distance and predict the future, suggesting the power of focused mental energy.

• The magical use of planetary associations (metals, stones, days of the week) and conjurations (like the prayer to the spirit of Jupiter, Pabiel) reflect beliefs in the power of intention and ritual.

II. Important Ideas and Facts:

• Philosophy's Ideal Function: "The ideal function of philosophy is to serve as the stabilizing influence in human thought."

• Pythagorean Concept of God: "The God of Pythagoras was the Monad, or the one that is Everything. he described God as the supreme mind distributed throughout all parts of the universe – the Cause of all things, the intelligence of all things, and the Power within all things."

• Pythagorean Concept of Man: Pythagoras believed that "each species of creatures had what he termed a seal, given to it by God, and that the physical form of each was the impression of this seal upon the wax of physical substance."

• Pythagorean Music of the Spheres: The interval between Earth and the sphere of fixed stars was a diapason, with specific tonal intervals assigned to the distances between planets.

• Pythagorean Tetractys and Color/Music: "The first three dots represent the threefold White light, which is the Godhead containing potentially all sound and color. the remaining seven dots are the colors of the spectrum and the notes of the musical scale."

• The Bacchic Rite Allegory: Represents the dismemberment and rebirth of Bacchus/Dionysos, symbolizing the dispersion and potential reunification of the rational soul.

• Laws of Atlantis: Kings agreed not to fight each other and to assist any who were attacked, with final decisions on important matters resting with the descendants of Atlas.

• Hermetic Teaching on Mind: "i will not permit the evil senses to control the bodies of those who love me, nor will i allow evil emotions and evil thoughts to enter them. i become as a porter or doorkeeper, and shut out evil, protecting the wise from their own lower nature."

• Hermetic Prayer/Hymn: Expresses reverence for the "unspeakable, unutterable" God, seeking knowledge and the ability to enlighten others.

• Isis and Manifold Forms: Isis is described as "one divinity the whole orb of the earth venerates under a manifold form, by different rites and a variety of appellations."

• Astrological Geniture of the World: Specific planetary positions (all in the 15th part of their signs) at the moment of the inferior universe's establishment are cited from Julius Firmicus Maternus.

• Symbolism of Ancient Planetary Signs: Composed of a Cross, solar Disc, and Crescent, representing "deep mysteries."

• Qabbalistic Sephiroth: Ten ineffable emanations from AIN SOPH, forming the Tree of Life, representing "the first limitation of ten abstract points within the nature of AIN SOPH Itself."

• The Divine Lightning Flash: Describes the order of creation through the four Qabbalistic worlds, starting with Macroprosophus (Kether) and culminating in Malchuth (the Kingdom).

• Microprosophus and Malchuth: Microprosophus (the Lesser Countenance) is linked to the six planetary spheres and the letter V in the Great Name, while Malchuth (the Kingdom) is the "bride" of the Lesser Adam and is in the world of Assiah, linked to the final H.

• The Serpent as Guardian of the Tree of Knowledge: In the dialogue between Adam and the Cherubim, the serpent identifies itself as "satan," the adversary who guards the Tree and attempts to lead man astray.

• Alchemical Metals and Planetary Correspondences: Specific characters represent metals associated with planets (copper/Venus, iron/Mars, tin/Jupiter, lead/Saturn, Mercury).

• Microcosm Symbolism: Figure 6 depicts the Microcosm (man) with planetary and zodiacal signs corresponding to parts of the body, inscribed with "Know thyself. In words, herbs, and stones lies a great power."

• Seed of Everything Axiom: "Within everything is the seed of everything," meaning every particle contains the potential for all of cosmos, even if latent.

• Schamayim: Described as the "Divine fiery water, the first outflow of the Word of God, the flaming river pouring from the presence of the Eternal," and the "universal mercury – sometimes called Azoth – the measureless spirit of life."

• Philosopher's Stone and Universal Recapitulation: A particle of the Stone cast on water recapitulates the history of the universe in miniature.

• Powers of the Philosophers' Stone: "THIS IS THE STRENGTH OF ALL POWERS," capable of conquering subtle and solid things, bringing "Honours of the Whole World," and leading to moral improvement ("either finds a good man or makes one").

• Oath Regarding the Philosophers' Stone: The author of the letter (likely a Rosicrucian adept) swears to keep the secret from the wicked, not to exalt himself, and to use the knowledge for the Creator's honor and the good of his neighbor.

• The Great Name and Directions (Sepher Yetzirah): Specific arrangements of the letters YHVH (יהו) are used to "seal" the six directions (height, depth, East, West, South, North).

• The 22 Basic Letters of Hebrew (Sepher Yetzirah): Divided into three Mothers (Air, Water, Fire), seven Double letters (planets, heavens, organs/faculties), and twelve Simple letters (zodiac, months, body parts/functions), forming the basis of creation.

• Hidden Spiritual Governance: The concept of a hierarchy of holy men ("Axis," "Faithful Ones," etc.) who hold spiritual supremacy over mankind.

• The Number of the Beast (666): Shown to be the numerical equivalent of names for Antichrist in Greek, and also linked to the "lower mind."

• Numerical Value of Jesus: 'Iησους has a numerical value of 888.

• Mohammed's View of God: Affirmed that God, being unmarried, was incapable of having a son, and that all belongs to Allah, who creates by saying "be, and it is."

• Comte de St.-Germain: Described as a mysterious figure with diverse names, possibly involved in political secret service, characterized by simple dress, love of diamonds, vegetarianism, and remarkable abilities like telepathy and predicting questions.

• Man's Insignificance in the Face of the Cosmos: A philosophical reflection on the limited perspective of humanity focused on earthly power and wealth compared to the vastness of time and space.

III. Significant Quotes:

• "The ideal function of philosophy is to serve as the stabilizing influence in human thought." (Page 240)

• "All things belong to the gods; the gods are friends to wise persons; all things are common amongst friends; therefore all things belong to the wise." (Diogenes' logic, Page 240)

• "To the Patristics it was inconceivable that there should ever exist another creature so noble, so fortunate, or so able as man, for whose sole benefit and edification all the kingdoms of Nature were primarily created." (Page 240)

• "thus the mundane life of every man was said to contain a portion of the bacchic life." (Regarding the Bacchic Rite, Page 240)

• "i will not permit the evil senses to control the bodies of those who love me, nor will i allow evil emotions and evil thoughts to enter them. i become as a porter or doorkeeper, and shut out evil, protecting the wise from their own lower nature." (Hermetic teaching, Page 240)

• "Holy is God, the Father of all things, the One who is before the First Beginning." (Hermetic prayer, Page 240)

• "and whose one divinity the whole orb of the earth venerates under a manifold form, by different rites and a variety of appellations." (Isis description, Page 240)

• "the Pythagoreans held that each star was a world having its own atmosphere, with an immense extent surrounding it, of aether." (Isaac Myer, Page 240)

• "the monad signifies (a) the all-including ONE. The Pythagoreans called the monad the “noble number, Sire of Gods and men.”" (Page 240)

• "the atomic theory has proved size to be the result of number, for a mass is made up of minute units though mistaken by the uninformed for a single simple substance." (Page 240)

• "the first three dots represent the threefold White light, which is the Godhead containing potentially all sound and color. the remaining seven dots are the colors of the spectrum and the notes of the musical scale." (Pythagorean Tetractys, Page 240)

• "Within everything is the seed of everything," although by the simple processes of nature it may remain latent for many centuries, or its growth may be exceedingly slow." (Alchemical axiom, Page 240)

• "Schamay-im, the fiery androgynous water, divides. The fire becomes the solar fire and the water becomes the lunar water. Schamayim is the universal mercury – sometimes called Azoth – the measureless spirit of life." (Description of Schamayim, Page 240)

• "BY THIS THOU WILT PARTAKE OF THE HONOURS OF THE WHOLE WORLD." (From the Emerald Tablet, Page 240)

• "therefore the Philosophers say with great Truth, that the L. P. either finds a good man or makes one." (Regarding the Philosophers' Stone, Page 240)

• "With this thou wilt be able to overcome all things, and to transmute all WHAT IS FINE (Q R) and What is COARSE (V W T U T )." (Regarding the Philosophers' Stone, Page 240)

• "and God, entering into His creation, hath quickened it and established therein a road that leadeth to himself." (Adam's speech, Page 240)

• "man, thou art dust and to dust thou shalt re-turn. Thou wert fashioned by the Builder of Forms; thou belongest to the sphere of form, and the breath that was breathed into thy soul was the breath of form and like a flame it shall flicker out." (Cherubim's address, Page 240)

• "i," the serpent answers, “am satan who was stoned; i am the adversary – the lord who is against you, the one who pleads for your destruction before the Eternal tribunal." (Serpent's self-identification, Page 240)

• "the one who occupies the highest position among his contemporaries is called the ‘axis’ (Qūtb) or ‘Pole’ of his time." (Sufi concept of holy men, Page 240)

• "To Allah [God] belongeth the east and the west; therefore, whithersoever ye turn yourselves to pray, there is the face of Allah; for Allah is omnipresent and om-niscient." (Koranic excerpt, Page 240)

• "If one of these plutocrats should rise until he ruled the earth itself, what would he be but a petty despot seated on a grain of Cosmic dust?" (Philosophical reflection, Page 240)

IV. Conclusion:

"The Secret Teachings of All Ages" present a rich tapestry of esoteric knowledge drawn from numerous historical and philosophical sources. It underscores the recurrent themes of a universal, underlying divine reality, the symbolic interconnectedness of the cosmos and humanity, and the pursuit of hidden knowledge and spiritual transformation. The emphasis on numbers, geometry, symbolism, and allegory suggests that these ancient traditions offered a complex and multi-layered understanding of the universe and man's place within it, often concealed from the uninitiated. The alchemical process, in particular, is presented as a profound metaphor for both material and spiritual refinement, leading to a deeper understanding of nature and the divine.

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