"Dalla straordinarietà degli effetti certo può indursi la straordinarietà, la grandezza, l' insistenza delle cagioni; ma l' intreccio e l' alterno prevalere di queste, l'attrazione che esercitano, sfuggono all' analisi. Il mistero precinge la notturna fecondazione. Dai più disparati sentimenti trae vigore la setta. Le materie più preziose ed insieme le meno elette concorrono a formare questo gigante, rifusione ciclopica e tetra di quanto s'agita, ribolle e schiuma nelle viscere sociali."-G. DE CASTRO. From the extraordinary nature of the effects we may infer the extraordinary nature, grandeur, and permanency of the causes; but their connection, varying predominance, and mutual attraction, escape all analysis. Mystery surrounds the obscure fecundation. Sects draw vigour from the most opposite sentiments. The most exalted as well as the meanest elements concur in forming this giant, a cyclopean and black fusion of all that seethes, boils, and ferments in the social viscera. THE SECRET SOCIETIES OF ALL AGES AND COUNTRIES A Comprehensive Account of upwards of One Hundred Embracing the Mysteries of Ancient India, China, Japan, Egypt, Mexico, And other Mysterious Sects BY CHARLES WILLIAM HECKETHORN IN TWO VOLUMES VOL. I NEW EDITION THOROUGHLY REVISED AND GREATLY ENLARGED LONDON GEORGE REDWAY 4449se The numbers preceding analytical headings refer to the sections. INTRODUCTION.-I. Intelligibility and Nature of Secret Societies. 2. Classi- 15. Original Spirit of the Mysteries, and Results of their Decay. 16. The Mysteries under their Astronomical Aspect. 17. Astronomical Aspects continued-The Mysteries funereal. 18. Uniformity of Dogmas. 19. Most Ancient Secret Society. 20. Secret Societies no PAGES I. THE MAGI.-21. Derivation of the term Magus. 22. Antiquity of the Magi. 23. Zoroaster. 24. Doctrine of Zoroaster. 25. The Light wor- shipped. 26. Origin of the word Deus, God. 27. Mode of Initiation. II. THE MITHRAICS.-29. Mysteries of Mithras. 30. Origin of Mithraic Worship. 31. Dogmas, &c. 32. Rites of Initiation. 33. Thammuz 30-33 III. BRAHMINS AND GYMNOSOPHISTS. 34. Vulgar Creed of India. 35. Secret Doctrines. 36. Hindoo Cosmogony. 37. Buddhism. 38. Budd- histic Teaching. 39. Asceticism. 40. Gymnosophists. 41. Places for celebrating Mysteries. 42. Initiation. 43. The ineffable name Aum. |