Mystery Cult:

A group of people who get together regularly to perform sacred mysteries and to study their meanings.

(See also: Mystery Cult , Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

When Hassan discovered Alamut in the late 11th Century, it was in the hands of a Seljuk subject. Hassan prepared the takeover of the castle by secretly converting its staff. With the household on his side, he was smuggled into the castle and began to establish his rule at Alamut. When the castle's residents realized they were no longer in control it was too late. Hassan graciously allowed the former tenant leave of his castle in addition to a draft of 3,000 silver dinars in payment for the castle. From this point on his community and its branches spread throughout Iran and Syria and came to be called Ha ...

See also:

Hassan-i-Sabah, Hassan-i-Sabah - Life and work, Hassan-i-Sabah - Hassan Sabbah: A Ismaili Perspective, Hassan-i-Sabah - The Assassins, Hassan-i-Sabah - Hassan in music, Hassan-i-Sabah - Hassan in popular culture

Read more here: » Hassan-i-Sabah: Encyclopedia II - Hassan-i-Sabah - Life and work

Until 3,000 years ago, all religions were pantheistic and polytheistic as Hinduism, Taoism and Shinto still are. They tolerated the religions of other tribes and cultures, recognising in their worship the same divine energies as their own, albeit with different names.

Why then did patriarchal, monotheistic religions arise in the Middle East 3,000 years ago, and spread in their Christian forms throughout Europe and then on to the European colonised overseas territories during the last 1,500 years? Why did these monotheistic religions fight so fiercely to eradicate nature worship in the lands they controlled? Why did Christianity promote a dualistic antagonism between the spirit and the flesh, with only the former conceived as being in the "image of God"?

(See also: Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Peace on Earth: Cosmic Balance and World Peace

Alexander Hislop (1807-1862) was a Scottish Protestant minister famous for his outspoken criticisms of the Roman Catholic Church. He wrote several books, his most famous being The Two Babylons: Papal worship Revealed to be the worship of Nimrod and His wife. This book was initially published in 1853 as a pamphlet, then greatly revised and expanded and released as a book in 1858. He claimed the Roman Catholic Church was a Babylonian mystery cult, and pagan, whereas Protestants worshipped the true Jesus and the true ...

Read more here: » Alexander Hislop: Encyclopedia - Alexander Hislop

Isis - Early Isis. The first prominent role of Isis was as the assistant to the deceased king. Thus she gained a funerary association, her name appearing over 80 times in the Pyramid Texts, and was said to be the mother of the four gods who protected the canopic jars - more specifically, Isis was viewed as protector of the liver-jar-god Imsety. Isis also became considered as the spouse of Horus, who was the protector, and later the deification, of the Pharaoh himself. Consequently, on occasion, her mother was sai ...

See also:

Isis, Isis - Name and pronunciation, Isis - Worship, Isis - Temples, Isis - Priesthood, Isis - Associations, Isis - Titles, Isis - Iconography, Isis - Mythology, Isis - Early Isis, Isis - Sister-wife to Osiris, Isis - Assimilation of Hathor, Isis - Mother of Horus, Isis - Magic, Isis - Assimilation of Mut, Isis - Mother of the Pharaoh, Isis - Mourner and protector of the Dead, Isis - Assimilation of other deities, Isis - Isis outside Egypt, Isis - Links to Christianity, Isis - Isis in modern culture

Read more here: » Isis: Encyclopedia II - Isis - Mythology

Comedy Central began on April Fool's Day 1991, after Home Box Office, owned by Time Warner, merged its Comedy Channel with MTV Networks' HA! comedy channel, owned by Viacom. Viacom bought Time Warner's half in April 2003 for $1.225 billion. When the merged channel first aired, it was known as Comedy TV or CTV for short, but copyright issues with the Canadian network CTV forced the name change to Comedy Central. With the exception of cult favorite Mystery Science Theater 3000, the channel had a relatively sm ...

See also:

Comedy Central, Comedy Central - History, Comedy Central - Notable original programming, Comedy Central - Current, Comedy Central - Past, Comedy Central - Notable non-original programming, Comedy Central - External link

Read more here: » Comedy Central: Encyclopedia II - Comedy Central - History

Hephaestus (World Book «hih FEHS tuhs») (Greek: Ἡφαιστος Hêphaistos) is the Greek god whose approximate Roman equivalent is Vulcan; he is the god of blacksmiths, craftsmen, artisans, sculptors, metals and metallurgy, and fire. He was worshipped in all the manufacturing and industrial centers of Greece, especially Athens. Though his forge lay in the volcanic heart of Lemnos, Hephaestus became associa ...

Including:

• Hephaestus - Hephaestus and Aphrodite

Read more here: » Hephaestus: Encyclopedia - Hephaestus

The New Age movement is hardly novel! Its philosophy is rooted in ancient traditions, often based on mystical experiences, each within a different context.

Part I of II, written by Michael Rogge

Read more here: » New Age Spirituality: The roots of the New Age Movement � Part I

The Secret of Agni (Agni Rahasya):

In ancient Vedic thought, the individual soul was symbolized by fire. Our inner soul, hidden like a secret flame deep within our hearts, abides inextinguishable throughout all our states of consciousness of waking, dream and deep sleep. It endures as the witness through our every birth and death, through all the many sojourns in the various worlds and planes of existence of our soul�s vast manifestation.

Read more here: » Agni: The Secret of Agni

Absolute (from Latin ab away + solvere to loosen, dissolve)

Freed, released, absolved; parallel to the Sanskrit moksha, mukti (set free, released), also to the Buddhist nirvana (blown out), all three terms signifying one who has obtained freedom from the cycle of material existence.

Absolute, in European philosophy, is used somewhat loosely for the unconditional or boundless infinitude. On the other hand, Sir W. Hamilton (Disc 13n) considers the Absolute as "diametrically opposed to, . . . contradictory of, the Infinite," which is correct from the standpoint of both etymology and abstract philosophy. Blavatsky uses the term both ways: sometimes equating it with infinity, at other times with the first cause or one divine substance-principle.

Strictly speaking, absolute is a relative term. It is the philosophic One or cosmic originant, but not the mystic zero or infinitude. An absolute or a cosmic freed one is not That (infinity), for infinity has no attributes: it is neither absolute nor nonabsolute, conscious nor unconscious, because all attributes and qualities belong to manifested and therefore noninfinite beings and things (cf FSO 89-90). The boundless or infinite, in which exist innumerable absolutes, includes the cognizer, the cognized, and the cognition, and is both matter and spirit, subject and object; all egos and non-egos are included within it.

From the zero emanate an infinite number of cosmic Ones or monads. Every absolute is not only the hierarch of its own hierarchy, the One from which all subsequent differentiations emanate, but is also a cosmic jivanmukta, a released monad freed from the pull of the lower planes. Every monad at the threshold of paranirvana reassumes its primeval essence and becomes at one with the absolute of its own hierarchy once more. The absolute is thus the goal of evolution as well as the source, the highest divinity or Silent Watcher of the hierarchy of compassion, which forms the light side of a universe or cosmic hierarchy.

(See also: Absolute , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

 Laya Yoga - The Essence Of All Religion

Yoga is the essence of every religion and is that what all religions have in common. If a man really wants to go deeply into the mystical and spiritual essence of their religion, then he or she comes to practise yoga. We say that yoga is not a religion in a sense of an individual creed or a sect separating from others, we also say that yoga is the substance and profundity of every religion and its inner cult. That is why one can be a member of every religious society and practise yoga. Two rules, or if one prefers, two commandments present in all scriptures such as Veda, Koran or the Bible are as if two angelic, divine wings of the Laya Yoga training. " Be holy because I am Holy" and " Be so perfect as your Heavenly Father is" these are the signs of an authentic, spiritual path of universal life.

Read more here: » Laya Yoga: The Essence Of All Religion - Laya Yoga

Mormonism is a religion, movement, ideology and subculture that originated in the early 1800s as a product of the Latter Day Saint movement led principally by Joseph Smith, Jr. It is self-described as a form of Christian Restorationism, and it encompasses numerous religious denominations. Not easily categorized, Mormonism is generally understood as much more than a religion. Mormonism has been described at various times and in various contexts as "a sect, a mystery cult, a new religion, a church, a people, a nation, or ...

Including:

• Mormonism - Mormonism as a theology
• Mormonism - Typical Mormon doctrines
• Mormonism - Reference

Read more here: » Mormonism: Encyclopedia - Mormonism

Definition and meaning of Insurance :

A contract whereby an insurer promises to pay the insured a sum of money or some other benefit upon the happening of one or more uncertain events in exchange for the payment of a premium. There must be uncertainty as to whether the relevant event(s) may happen at all or, if they will occur (e.g. death) as to their timing.

(Source Lloyd's )

Also see these pages: Insurance , Insurance, Insurance Sitemap, Insurance Dictionary - I

By the hellenic era, Greek awareness of Osiris had grown, and attempts had been made to merge greek philosophy, such as Platonism, and the cult of Osiris (especially the myth of his resurrection), resulting in a mystery religion. Gradually, this became more popular, and was exported to other parts of the greek sphere of influence. However, these mystery religions valued the change in wisdom, personality, and knowledge of fundamental truth, rather than the exact details of the acknowledged myths on which their teachings were superimposed. Thu ...

See also:

Osiris, Osiris - Early Mythology, Osiris - God of the Dead, Osiris - Centipede, Osiris - Father of Anubis, Osiris - Father of Horus, Osiris - Ram God, Osiris - Mystery religion, Osiris - Rituals, Osiris - Serapis, Osiris - Destruction, Osiris - Osiris in popular culture

Read more here: » Osiris: Encyclopedia II - Osiris - Mystery religion

Paul of Tarsus - Early life. Paul described himself as an Israelite of the tribe of Benjamin, circumcised on the eighth day, a Pharisee (Rom. 11:1; Phil. 3:5), and of the "Jews' religion ... more exceedingly zealous of the traditions" (Gal. 1:14 KJV). However, he was born as Saul in Tarsus of Cilicia and received a Jewish education. He apparently originated the use of Paul as a first name. In Latin, Paulus was a family surname, never a first name. The Latin word paulus, related to the Koine G ...

See also:

Paul of Tarsus, Paul of Tarsus - Life, Paul of Tarsus - Early life, Paul of Tarsus - Conversion and early teachings, Paul of Tarsus - Consultations with the Apostles, Paul of Tarsus - Founding of churches, Paul of Tarsus - Arrest Rome and later life, Paul of Tarsus - Paul's trip to Rome imprisonment and death, Paul of Tarsus - Theological teachings, Paul of Tarsus - Social views, Paul of Tarsus - Writings, Paul of Tarsus - The Legendary tradition, Paul of Tarsus - Alternative views, Paul of Tarsus - Christianity as mystery religion, Paul of Tarsus - Paul as usurper of the Apostles, Paul of Tarsus - Gnostic, Paul of Tarsus - Paul as inclusionist, Paul of Tarsus - New Perspective on Paul, Paul of Tarsus - Agent of Rome?, Paul of Tarsus - Notes

Read more here: » Paul of Tarsus: Encyclopedia II - Paul of Tarsus - Life

Voodoo or Voodooism [from Fongbe dialect vodunu from vodu moral and religious life of the Fons of Dahomey]

A definite system of African black magic or sorcery, including various types of necromantic practice. It reached the Americas with the African slaves brought from the West Coast, and in and around the Caribbean various degrees of the cult persist and constitute a recognized if little understood social feature in the history and life of the people.

Especially significant in the original Fon religion are the principal temples in the sacred forests, with symbolic hieroglyphics on the walls, depicting the exploits of their kings, voodoo legends, etc., and explaining their belief in the unknowable god Meru (Great Master); this unmanifest god, too far removed from men for them to give to him any form, dealt with them through lesser gods and nature spirit, i.e., voodoo; the priestesses serving the temple in a secret cult with four degrees of initiation, and having passwords unknown to laymen; the cult of the snake or adder as the most primitive form of the religion.

Such findings in voodoo history, however degraded in course of time and overlaid by beliefs and customs of cruder native tribes, have the basic elements of a hierarchic religion so enveloped in mystery as to indicate an origin far beyond the creative imagination of any people. Rather, here in strange temples of dark mystery, were the lingering echoes of some ancient wisdom teaching of those who were truly "as wise as serpents." The least altered of the original system is probably the voodoo music with its solemn, insistent rhythm in the mood of prayer or an invocation. This rhythm persists, even when the ritual songs in Haiti are composed entirely of Creole words, or of a series of unintelligible sounds.

Counterparts of the debasing and malign system of voodoo are found elsewhere under many different names, like the left-hand Tantrika of India, and the Dugpas of Tibet. In general, all of these unholy practices date back to the abuse of spiritual knowledge and power by the late Atlanteans.

(See also: Voodoo, Voodooism , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body mind and Soul)

Sabean, Sabaean, Sabian, Sabianism [from Hebrew tsaba host, army, celestial hosts]

A name given by the Shemitic peoples to those who worship the spiritual beings in the universe; and because the celestial bodies were the most evident manifestations of some classes of these spiritual beings, this religion naturally became confused with the worship of the celestial bodies themselves as the dwellings or mansions of the regents above, in, and behind the visible orbs. Hence the Sabeans were called astrolaters or star-worshipers; but it was not the physical bodies of the celestial orbs which were worshiped, but the spiritual entities, powers, or spirits which ensouled these orbs. This was one of the very archaic religions of the human race, found all over the globe in various forms; and in its origins Sabianism was undoubtedly an outpouring of occult teaching from the archaic Mysteries.

The word Sabean itself has come down to us mainly through Greek and Latin writers, but so thoroughly imbued were the ancient Hebrews with this idea of the celestial hosts or cosmic spirits that the Bible is full of references where the context even wrongly endows the celestial hosts with the properties of the Most High God, and it has been so understood by Christian theologians; forgetting, however, that manifested deities, however high, are but the manifestations of the infinite and ineffable Mystery or parabrahman, from which all the celestial hosts flow or emanate. Thus not only ancient and modern Judaism, but Christianity itself, is filled with the thought of the ancient Sabeans.

Sabeanism was unquestionably the main religious belief of the ancient Chaldeans and Assyrians, but likewise the very foundation stone of practically all the great religions of all the great peoples of the past. Upon the authority of the Jewish scholar Maimonides, scholars have considered the Sabeans as an ancient race whose principal religion was that of star-worship and closely affiliated with the Babylonians and Syrians. But the Sabeans were not a race, but those who followed and practiced the divine astrological astrolatry of the hoariest antiquity. Mohammed in the Koran mentions a sect between the Jews and Christians called Sabi una -- to whom certain privileges were granted; older Moslem theologians were agreed that the Sabeans possessed manuscripts which they regarded in the light of a revelation, and the Mandeans came under the same protection granted to the Sabeans; hence the Mandeans also came to be regarded as Sabeans. Another sect of polytheists, the Harranians (830 AD), also affiliated with the Sabeans and shielded themselves under the same privileges; they were a remnant of a Mesopotamian cult, and star-worship had a prominent place in their system.

Certain Arabian writers termed the Sabean language the science of astronomy, but what we now call astronomy was but a minor portion of ancient astrolatry; they also state that Seth or Set was the founder of Sabeanism, and that the pyramids were regarded as the place of sepulture of Seth or Agathodaimon. We see here confusion, reductions of general principles to details, and anthropomorphizations of cosmic principles. Hermes is in many senses the same as Seth, and the pyramids were consecrated to the regents of the stars, rather than to the orbs (SD 2:362).

(See also: Sabean, Sabaean, Sabian, Sabianism , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary)

The Beatles - Early members. Stuart Sutcliffe: bass, vocals (1960–1961). Pete Best: drums (1960–1962). ...

See also:

The Beatles, The Beatles - History, The Beatles - Studio style evolution, The Beatles - In film, The Beatles - Influences and music, The Beatles - Band members, The Beatles - Early members, The Beatles - Song catalogue, The Beatles - Trivia, The Beatles - Song samples

Read more here: » The Beatles: Encyclopedia II - The Beatles - Band members

Charles Milles Manson (born November 12, 1934) was the leader of a group known as "The Family", in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Manson convinced his young followers of his apocalyptic vision and still has a considerable amount of control over some of the former family members who are still alive. He planned and ordered the family to commit several brutal murders, most notably that of movie actress Sharon Tate who was pregnant at the time. He was convicted of murder in what came to be known as the "Tate-La Bianca case", named after ...

Including:

• Charles Manson - Life
• Charles Manson - The Family
• Charles Manson - The Killings
• Charles Manson - Possible Motive
• Charles Manson - Trial
• Charles Manson - Aftermath
• Charles Manson - Media influence
• Charles Manson - Parole hearings
• Charles Manson - References and further reading
• Charles Manson - Books
• Charles Manson - Films

Read more here: » Charles Manson: Encyclopedia - Charles Manson

Osiris - The passion and resurrection. Plutarch and others have noted that the sacrifices to Osiris were “gloomy, solemn, and mournful…” (Isis and Osiris, 69) and that the great mystery festival, celebrated in two phases, began at Abydos on the 17th of Athyr (Nov. 13th) commemorating the death of the god, which is also the same day that grain was planted in the ground. “The death of the grain and the death of the god were one and the same: the cereal was identified with the god who came from heaven; he wa ...

See also:

Osiris, Osiris - Early mythology, Osiris - God of the dead, Osiris - Centipede, Osiris - Father of Anubis, Osiris - Father of Horus, Osiris - Ram god, Osiris - Mystery religion, Osiris - The passion and resurrection, Osiris - Wheat and clay rituals, Osiris - The Osirian Sacrament, Osiris - Osiris-Dionysus, Osiris - Serapis, Osiris - Destruction, Osiris - Osiris in popular culture

Read more here: » Osiris: Encyclopedia II - Osiris - Mystery religion