A review of "The Element Encyclopedia of Secret Societies"
If you think all the world is in the throes of a
Masonic-Jewish cabal of the llluminati (with reptoid aliens at the very apex of
the shadow hierarchy and, I suppose, cosmic food chain), this is probably not a
book for you. For starters, author John Michael Greer is a Grand Archdruid, a
Scottish Freemason and a firm believer in the reality of climate change. This
would make him an unreliable source of pretty much anything as far as
conspiracy buffs are concerned.
If, on the other hand, you want a relatively down-to-earth look at Freemasons, Odd Fellows, Skull & Bones, the Illuminati (the real ones) and a host of other lesser known “secret” frats and lodges, this may be just what you've been looking for. Apart from various Masonic, Quasi-Masonic and Masonic-inspired societies, the encyclopedia also contain information about occult brotherhoods (such as the elusive Rosicrucians), rejected knowledge claims (Atlantis, anyone?) and political seditionists (Decembrists and Carbonari, to mention just a few). Greer has also included an entry on the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), a small group headed by…Greer himself.
The point of the book seems to be to demystify secret societies, show their diversity, and discuss aspects of their symbolism and esoteric teachings (if such exist). Another purpose is to deny the wilder conspiracy claims, for instance about the Illuminati, the Scottish Rite or Bohemian Grove. However, Greer isn't opposed to all “rejected knowledge” claims – he can't be, since his very own esoteric curriculum (found in another book by the same author, called “Celtic Golden Dawn”) deals with Druid symbolism, ritual magic, sacred geometry and divination. Skeptics may be taken aback by Greer's support to the Anti-Stratfordians or soft spots for non-Viking pre-Columbian contacts with the New World. Nor is Greer particularly “objective”, in contrast to modern encyclopedias which try to sound dispassionate. His sympathies and antipathies do show here and now, as when he “disses” Traditionalism as a Theosophy mimic.
That being said, I nevertheless consider this encyclopedia a comprehensive treatment of the subject (I read it cover to cover) and a good counterpoint to more sensationalist books on Masons, conspiracies and/or the occult.
If, on the other hand, you want a relatively down-to-earth look at Freemasons, Odd Fellows, Skull & Bones, the Illuminati (the real ones) and a host of other lesser known “secret” frats and lodges, this may be just what you've been looking for. Apart from various Masonic, Quasi-Masonic and Masonic-inspired societies, the encyclopedia also contain information about occult brotherhoods (such as the elusive Rosicrucians), rejected knowledge claims (Atlantis, anyone?) and political seditionists (Decembrists and Carbonari, to mention just a few). Greer has also included an entry on the Ancient Order of Druids in America (AODA), a small group headed by…Greer himself.
The point of the book seems to be to demystify secret societies, show their diversity, and discuss aspects of their symbolism and esoteric teachings (if such exist). Another purpose is to deny the wilder conspiracy claims, for instance about the Illuminati, the Scottish Rite or Bohemian Grove. However, Greer isn't opposed to all “rejected knowledge” claims – he can't be, since his very own esoteric curriculum (found in another book by the same author, called “Celtic Golden Dawn”) deals with Druid symbolism, ritual magic, sacred geometry and divination. Skeptics may be taken aback by Greer's support to the Anti-Stratfordians or soft spots for non-Viking pre-Columbian contacts with the New World. Nor is Greer particularly “objective”, in contrast to modern encyclopedias which try to sound dispassionate. His sympathies and antipathies do show here and now, as when he “disses” Traditionalism as a Theosophy mimic.
That being said, I nevertheless consider this encyclopedia a comprehensive treatment of the subject (I read it cover to cover) and a good counterpoint to more sensationalist books on Masons, conspiracies and/or the occult.
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