Manly P. Hall
Manly P. Hall
Manly P. Hall was a Canadian-born author, lecturer, and mystic. He is best known for his work on the occult and esoteric traditions, particularly in the areas of astrology, tarot, and the Western mystery tradition.
Hall was born in 1901 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. At the age of 16, he moved to Los Angeles, where he began his lifelong study of the occult and esoteric traditions. In 1923, at the age of 22, he published his first book, "The Initiates of the Flame," which detailed his own spiritual journey and the teachings of mystical and occult traditions.
Throughout his career, Hall wrote over 50 books on a wide range of subjects, including astrology, tarot, the Western mystery tradition, and the secret teachings of the ancient mystery schools. He was also a popular lecturer, giving talks and lectures on these subjects to audiences around the world.
One of Hall's most famous books is "The Secret Teachings of All Ages," which was first published in 1928. This book is considered a classic in the field of esotericism, and it remains widely read and referenced to this day. In it, Hall provides a comprehensive overview of the various occult and esoteric traditions, including the teachings of the ancient Egyptians, the Hermetica, the Kabbalah, and the Tarot.
Hall was also a member of various secret societies and fraternal organizations, including the Freemasons, the Rosicrucians, and the Theosophical Society. He was a firm believer in the power of secret societies to transmit ancient wisdom and knowledge, and he believed that these societies played an important role in preserving and promoting esoteric traditions.
In addition to his work as an author and lecturer, Hall was also a gifted teacher. He founded the Philosophical Research Society in 1934, which is still active today, and through this organization, he provided instruction in various subjects related to the occult and esoteric traditions, including astrology, tarot, and the Western mystery tradition.
Manly P. Hall passed away in 1990, but his work continues to be widely read and influential. He is considered one of the most important figures in the field of esotericism, and his books and lectures have been a source of inspiration and guidance for many people interested in occult and esoteric traditions.
Overall, Manly P. Hall was an extraordinary figure in the field of esotericism and occultism, he dedicated his life to researching and disseminating knowledge on ancient mystery teachings, secret societies, and other hidden knowledge. His work continues to be widely read and studied today, and his legacy continues to inspire those interested in the deeper aspects of human knowledge and the human experience.
Freemasonry
Manly P. Hall was deeply interested in the teachings and practices of the Freemasons, a fraternal organization that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, which from the end of the fourteenth century regulated the qualifications of stonemasons and their interaction with authorities and clients. He was a member of various Masonic bodies, including the Scottish Rite, York Rite, and the Shriners. He also wrote several books on the subject of Freemasonry, including "The Secret Destiny of America" and "The Lost Keys of Freemasonry."
In "The Secret Destiny of America," Hall argues that the founding fathers of the United States were influenced by the ancient wisdom of the mystery schools and that they intended for the United States to become a beacon of enlightenment for the world. He believed that the Great Seal of the United States, which appears on the back of the one-dollar bill, is imbued with deep esoteric meaning and that it symbolizes the secret destiny of America as a nation.
In "The Lost Keys of Freemasonry," Hall explores the deeper meaning and symbolism of the Masonic ritual and the use of ritual in spiritual development. He believed that Freemasonry was not just a social club but it had a deeper purpose to it, a way of attaining spiritual enlightenment.
Hall's interest in Freemasonry was not limited to the study of its symbolism and teachings, but he was also actively involved in the fraternity. He was a frequent speaker at Masonic events, and his lectures and writings on the subject helped to increase public interest and understanding of the organization. He was also honored with many awards and accolades by various Masonic bodies for his contributions to the fraternity.
Manly P. Hall's interest in Freemasonry was a central part of his life's work, and he dedicated much of his time and energy to studying, teaching, and promoting the fraternity and its teachings. He believed that the principles of Freemasonry were closely aligned with the ancient wisdom of the mystery schools and that they held the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe.
Writings
Manly P. Hall wrote over 50 books during his lifetime, some of his most notable and popular books include:
"The Secret Teachings of All Ages" (1928) "The Secret Destiny of America" (1944) "The Lost Keys of Freemasonry" (1923) "The Phoenix: An Illustrated Review of Occultism and Philosophy" (1936) "The Mystical Christ" (1948) "Lectures on Ancient Philosophy" (1929) "The Initiates of the Flame" (1923) "The Adepts in the Western Esoteric Tradition" (1958) "The Great Pyramid: Its Divine Message" (1936)
Hall's books cover a wide range of subjects, including astrology, tarot, the Western mystery tradition, the secret teachings of the ancient mystery schools, the philosophy and teachings of Freemasonry, and the spiritual principles of the ancient Egyptians, Hermetica, Kabbalah, and more.