Novo Clavis Esoterika

There are 2 types of Masons, those who are involved strictly for fraternal fellowship and those who believe that ancient wisdom is encoded within its rituals. For those who belong to the latter type, and for those who seek to unlock the mysteries contained within Masonic ritual, this book is a must have. Besides being beautifully constructed, a book that will last many generations, this book contains material that will launch your search for Truth many miles ahead of where other authors achieved maximum orbit. The ancient temples were books in stone. They were a mystery that needed to be unlocked via an intensive study of their architecture, harmonic design, and artwork, but at the same time with the guidance of a wise sage or master... a conductor if you will. The rituals of Freemasonry, and other traditions which can be categorized within the scope of the Western Essoteric Philosophy, were constructed according to the same principle. Unfortunately there are few Masters of the Lodge who possess the keys to greater light, who can conduct us from darkness to light via a journey that is impeded by many obstacles. This book and others by Timothy Hogan (aka Chevalier Emerys) fill in the void left off by a tradition that is progressively treading farther astray from the original intent of its authors. You will finish the book with more questions than answers, but it is believed that the content of this book helps the seeker of Truth to ask the right questions, and points the seeker of truth in the right direction. The content of this book is not original. Albert Pike, Manly Hall, William Wilmshurst and other have covered similar material in their publications. Unlike the other authors, however, brother Timothy Hogan brilliantly establishes and explains the relationship between the rituals of Freemasonry and other schools of Western Essoteric thought. He doesn't answer all of the questions that a seeker will ask, but gives us enough information whereby we are enabled to continue with our own quest for Truth. Each Knight of the Round Table had to go on his own quest for the Holy Grail. Likewise, each Mason must be the creator of his own quest for Light. Brother Hogan has shown us what direction the East lies in.

FYI -- this review is several years overdue.I LOVE this book. I've had the pleasure of hearing WB Tim speak a number of times, and had some of the books in this collection already. But when I saw this deluxe edition, I couldn't pass it up. The binding is absolutely first-class,and reminds me why my tablet will never quite replace real books!As for the content... "The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual" was my introduction to esoteric Masonry. I had almost completely worn out my slim paperwork version if it, and was quite happy to see it included in this edition. If you aren't a Mason most of this won't make any sense to you. For Masons who feel esoterica isn't "your" Masonry, then that's certainly your right. But if you want want your mind blown, "Alchemical Keys" will give you enough material to ponder for the rest of your life.I highly recommend all of the other books included in this collection. If you can't spring for one of these limited editions, please search out the individual volumes.

I enjoy reading Timothy Hogan's books, they are always enlightening. I'm not that I would recommend the book to non-Masons but, it is certainly worth reading if you are a Freemason.

If you're a Freemason and you buy books on the Craft, this is the book you should get next. I wish I had bought a second copy. I could write much about this text, but I'm not here to sell the mysteries. This would also be an indispensable resource to practitioners of several esoteric paradigms.

Great book. This compilation was a very insightful read. Bro Timothy must have an incredible grasp of the subjects included in this book to have put so many of these concepts together. A quick read yes, but you will absolutely want the book around for future reference. Also, I only recommend great books.

Timothy Hogan puts it down in plain simple English for everyone to understand.

Great book for every Freemason to read and see how alchemy is a part and parcel of our brotherhood.

This gorgeous, hand-bound in leather, book is a collection of some of Wor.: Bro.: Hogan's most important works in esoteric Masonry and its underpinnings: Alchemy, Kabbalah, Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, Gnosticism and Martinism. In general, it is my considered opinion that Wor.: Bro.: Hogan has produced the most important scholarly and practice-based articles, monographs and books on esoteric Masonry since Wilmshurst, perhaps even since Pike. This book, "Novo Clavis Esoterika", need be supplemented only by "Revelation of the Holy Grail", which Hogan published under his nom de l'ordre, Chevalier Emerys. In addition to his numerous and distinguished positions in Freemasonic Orders, Wor.: Bro.: Hogan is Grand Master of the Templar lineage "Ordre Souvereign du Temple Initiatique", which claims unbroken descent from DeMolay, the so-called "last Grand Master". Hogan's works are pithy, well thought out and structured, and written in accessible language, though, as he says, if you are not a Master Mason, you are not likely to comprehend much beyond the surface. "Novo Clavis Esoterika" is definitely a candidate for the one book I would want to have with me if I were stranded on a desert island!