by J. S. M. Ward (Author)
A classic of occult lore, this volume was the first book of rigorous scholarship to explore the secret signs, symbols, and gestures used in various religions, priesthoods, and secret societies, along with their origins, development, and hidden meanings. This legendary study includes 136 rare illustrations from Medieval manuscripts, stained-glass windows, ancient wall paintings, and much more, demonstrating the existence and meaning of these mantric signs throughout history and in every culture around the world, from the ancient Egyptians to the American Indians. Although this facsimile reprint of the rare, original book may contain imperfectly aligned pages or other scanning imperfections, it is nevertheless valuable for the information it contains. This arcane classic is a must-read for anyone interested in art, theology, anthropology, or the occult.