Over the holidays I enjoyed reading Sylvia Browne's newest book Secret Societies. For one who enjoyed the intrigue of The Da Vinci Code and Angels and Demons, this book added insight to many of the questions raised in the novels. Sylvia acknowledges author Dan Brown for the thoroughness of his research, therein clarifying that many of the theories presented in the books have indeed more truth than fiction.
On our recent visit to the Louvre in Paris, our tour guide paused at the base of the inverted pyramid. He commented that "according to the Da Vinci Code, it was hinted that Mary Magdalene might in fact be buried here". Fiction I'm sure, but pause for concern. In Secret Societies Sylvia does point out that Mary Magdalene was buried in France.
Three of the Societies mentioned in the book are of special interest. The first is the Skull and Crossbones, a prominent clandestine group of sorts that calls Yale University its home. Prominent members include both George W. Bush and John Kerry. Can you imagine those two sharing the "secret" handshake? Two other Societies of interest are the Freemasons and the Knights Templar, both which share histories back to biblical times.
The Freemasons were originally formed as a union to protect the job security rights of the stone masons during the period of the Roman Empire. As the influence of the Empire spread throughout Europe so did the influence of the Roman Catholic Church. And as Catholicism spread, so did the construction of many new cathedrals and churches.
The masons were employed to build the churches. Yet when construction could not keep pace with the ambitious schedule set forth by the Church, problems occurred. When the Church began to bring in additional masons from other countries to increase production, a standoff occurred. The newly formed union protected the territorial rights of the masons in this endeavor.
Today the Freemasons continue to exist worldwide as a fraternal organization with thousands of members. In the United States they're more commonly known as the Shriners.
The Knights Templar came into prominence during the Middle Ages and existed as a mighty military force for more than two centuries. Templar Knights with their distinctive white mantels and red crosses were among the best fighting forces of the Crusades.
What I found interesting about the Knights is the fact that they were the essentially the world's first bankers. Travelers would "bank" their cash with the Templar's before traveling throughout the countryside. Upon completion of their journey, they would redeem their chit on the other end for cash. Their success here eventually led them into the loan business where they became quite wealthy. Even Kings borrowed from the Templar's in times of need.
The Roman Catholic Church officially endorsed the Knights Templar and contributed greatly to their wealth. Secret Societies explain some of the theories as to how the Church contributed to their accumulated wealth.
By chance I caught a program recently on the Discovery Channel which highlighted much of the historical background of the Freemasons and Knights Templar. It was quite enlightening but did not include some of the explicit facts outlined in the book.
To agree with some of the statements or conclusions drawn by Sylvia you must first accept the concept of spirit guides. Sylvia Browne often quotes her spirit guide Francine as the source of some of the facts. Many of the conclusions stated are indeed controversial, but well worth consideration.
My wife and I have both studied the phenomena of spirit guides and the merits of their existence. It is all part of a bigger picture that is not only time related but supports the supposition that we have all gone through many lives before reaching the one where our souls now reside. For those with an open mind, this is interesting reading.
Secret Societies simply opened the door for me to learn more about many of the underground organizations that exist today or have existed throughout history. Interestingly many of the Societies share the same ambitions and goals, some of which we're seeing come to fruition in Europe today. What began centuries ago may find its ultimate goal reached sometime in the future.
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