Manly P. Hall: A Prolific Teacher of Esoteric Traditions
Born in Peterborough, Canada to a Rosicrucian-Chiropractor Mom and a dentist Dad, Manly Palmer Hall moved to the United States at a young age. Armed with an obsession for mysticism, Manly became a prolific writer of esoteric books. After launching himself as an ordained minister of The Church of the People in Los Angeles, Manly P. Hall grew to become one of the century’s most active teachers of ancient philosophies and lost traditions.
In 1928, Hall wrote, “The Secret Teachings of All Ages – An Encyclopedia Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolic Philosophy.” Weighing over 15 pounds, the volume was often referred to as “The Great Book.” This work, which covers a variety of philosophical, theosophical and mathematical topics, sold for over $70, which equates to $1043 in today’s money.
“To live in the world without becoming aware of the meaning of the world is like wandering about in a great library without touching the books.”
― Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teaching of All Ages
George Barron, curator of the De Young Museum at the time, said, “Into this volume has been compressed the quintessence of a colossal learning. It is a living human document, pulsating with the mental and spiritual vibrations of a profound thinker who takes knowledge for his province and reduces whole libraries to a single tome.”
Hall wrote his opus because he was dedicated to reporting on, “the proposition that, concealed within the emblematic figures, allegories and rituals of the ancients, is a secret doctrine concerning the inner mysteries of life, which doctrine has been preserved in toto among a small band of initiated minds.“
Who was Manly P. Hall? He’s most likely the reason that esoteric writings and teachings have exponentially grown in popularity over the past 20 years. Without his longstanding commitment to inviting these ancient teachings into public consciousness, we might have lost the most essential truths of the ages.
With a career that spanned 70 years, Mr. Hall gave over eight thousand lectures, including two at Carnegie Hall in New York City. At Carnegie, Manly P. Hall’s lectures were titled “The Secret Destiny of America” (1942) and “Plato’s Prophecy of Worldwide Democracy” (1945). Over time, Manly published over 150 esoteric books, essays, treatises, and pamphlets, which covered a wide berth of topics, including:
- The Rosicrucians
- Metaphysics
- The Laws of Karma
- The Power of Women
- Palmistry
- Tibetan Art
- The Secret Destiny of America
“Experiences are the chemicals of life with which the philosopher experiments”
— Manly P. Hall
The Philosophical Research Society
In 1934, Manly P. Hall founded the nonprofit organization known as “The Philosophical Research Society” (PRS) in California. Still in existence, PRS is dedicated to the study of religion, mythology, metaphysics, and the occult. It houses over 50,000 volumes, including all of the books authored by Hall. In 1995, to keep their unprecedented library afloat, PRS sold their world-leading book collections on alchemy, esoterica, and hermetica to the Getty Research Institute.
Manly felt strongly about his organization, saying, “Education at any age is a lifelong dedication to the improvement of character, and the enlargement of understanding. There is no reason why PRS should not be remembered like Plato’s Academy, but if it is to continue, the society must make use of the most advanced technology available. I now envision a university of the mind, and think that through proper organization we can bring this message of enlightened living to a much greater audience throughout the world.”
The Philosophical Research Society has influenced many of today's thinkers and teachers, including several U.S. Presidents and other world leaders.
Manly P. Hall Quotes
Here is a handful of quotes from one of the most prolific writers of all time:
— “Though the modern world may know a million secrets, the ancient world knew one – and that was greater than the million; for the million secrets breed death, disaster, sorrow, selfishness, lust, and avarice, but the one secret confers life, light, and truth.”
— “Wisdom fears no thing, but still bows humbly to its own source, with its deeper understanding, loves all things, for it has seen the beauty, the tenderness, and the sweetness which underlie Life’s mystery.”
Manly P. Hall
— “Fascinated by the glitter of gain, man gazes at the Medusa-like face of greed and stands petrified.”
— “Plato defined good as threefold in character: good in the soul, expressed through the virtues; good in the body, expressed through the symmetry and endurance of the parts; and good in the external world, expressed through social position and companionship.”
— “A little philosophy inclineth man’s mind to atheism; but depth in philosophy bringeth men’s minds about to religion.”
— “The pineal gland is a link between the consciousness of man and the invisible worlds of Nature. Whenever the arc of the pituitary body contacts this gland there are flashes of temporary clairvoyance, but the process of making these two work together consistently is one requiring not only years bur lives of consecration and special physiological and biological training. This third eye is the Cyclopean eye of the ancients, for it was an organ of conscious vision long before the physical eyes were formed, although vision was a sense of cognition rather than sight in those ancient days.”
— “It was apparent that materialism was in complete control of the economic structure, the final objective of which was for the individual to become part of a system providing an economic security at the expense of the human soul, mind, and body.”
— “When the human race learns to read the language of symbolism, a great veil will fall from the eyes of men. They shall then know truth and, more than that, they shall realize that from the beginning truth has been in the world unrecognized, save by a small but gradually increasing number appointed by the Lords of the Dawn as ministers to the needs of human creatures struggling co regain their consciousness of divinity.”
— “Ignorance fears all things, falling, terror-stricken before the passing wind. Superstition stands as the monument to ignorance, and before it kneel all who realize their own weakness who see in all things the strength they do not possess”
Manly P. Hall Books
Manly was prolific, not only in his lectures but also in the writing of books. As his publications became more popular, Manly was able to enroll key benefactors Carolyn Lloyd and her daughter Estelle, whose family controlled oil fields in California. Carolyn funded Hall’s travels so that he could acquire ancient literature from around the world and begin sharing it with his followers.
At the start of his writing journey, Manly published a handful of small pamphlets including, “The Breastplate of the High Priest” and “Wands and Serpents.” He went on to write these robust and detailed manuals:
- The Lost Keys of Freemasonry
- The Ways of the Lonely Ones
- Nordic, Gothic, and Finnish Rites
- The Sages of China
- Pythagorean Mathematics
- The Zodiac and its Symbols
- Mystic Christianity
- How to Understand Your Bible
- Venerated Teachers of the Jains, Sikhs, and Parsis
- Black and White Magic
- The Mystical Christ
- Rosicrucians and Magister Christoph Schlegel
- First Principles of Philosophy
- Francis Bacon: The Concealed Poet
- Initiation of Plato
- The Inner Life of Minerals, Plants, and Animals
- Koyasan: Sanctuary of Esoteric Buddhism
- Krishna and the Battle of Kurukshetra
- Neoplatonism: Theology for Wanderers in the New Millennium
- The Symbolism of Light and Color
- The White Bird of Tao
- Visions and Metaphysical Experiences
Teachers, Wives, and Death
Manly had few known teachers, although he loved reading the works of H. P. Blavatsky. Madame Helena Blavatsky's work centered around theosophy, a mystical, philosophical system. With regard for Miss Blavatsky, Manly once said, “The original work of H.P Blavatsky stands unique, even within the field of related literature; and as a result of the years, which have passed, since 1888, when the Volumes were first published, we are aware that her own peculiar and particular insight, still makes these works unique, remarkable and valuable.”
While Manly’s first marriage was with Fay B. deRavenne, who later committed suicide, his second wife, Marie Bauer Hall, was born in Germany and lived a full life from 1904-2005. At an early age, Marie joined the convent to learn how to be a teacher. At 18, she ventured to the United States and married George Bauer. After raising two children with George, in 1950, she married Manly P. Hall.
“It is for this reason that the candidate assumes the vows of celibacy, for the close connection existing in the advanced disciple between the brain and the reproductive system necessitates an absolute conservation of all life energies.”
— Manly P. Hall
Marie Bauer Hall’s life work, which she was known to defend, was loving and supporting Manly P. Hall, and excavating the grounds of the Bruton Church and the elusive Bruton Vault in Williamsburg, VA. She hoped to unearth the secrets of Shakespeare, Francis Bacon, the Illuminati, and The Seventh Seal. In 1938, the Rockefeller Foundation funded her excavation to unearth the original foundation of the 1676 Bruton Church. Despite her team’s worthy attempt and others throughout her life, Marie never found her treasure.
Manly P. Hall died in 1990 at the age of 89. He succumbed to the hands of his greedy, thieving assistant, Daniel Fritz. While the evil conman did not abscond with Manly’s vast riches and library, he also did not serve prison time. It was an unkind and unjust conclusion to one of the most generous teachers of our time.
Manly P. Hall’s work inspired millions of people to seek their inner truths and expand their understandings of the universe. His work continues to be a beacon of light for those who seek it. When Manly died, he was a 33° Mason, the highest honor bestowed by The Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite.
“The esoteric system is all based upon the ultimate motive. Ultimate motive is the service of truth itself, a complete dedication to the service of the realities of existence.”
— Manly P. Hall
About the Author
Gematria: Understanding the Numerical System that Decodes the Divine
Have you ever thought that numbers might tell stories just like words do? Gematria, a fascinating form of numerology found in Kabbalistic teachings, suggests that there’s a deep connection between numbers and words.
This ancient method, deeply rooted in sacred texts, proposes that every letter and word carries a numerical value that unveils deeper meanings. These connections might even offer clues to understanding both historical and future events through sacred texts like the Torah.
The concept of gematria numerology stems from the idea that mathematics is the universal language of nature and within it may be the keys to explaining our universe or evidence of supernatural power. Marty Leeds has taken this concept of the Kabbalistic gematria and applied it to the English language, believing that he has found a cipher in our alphabet to prove this theory.
What is Gematria?
Gematria is a numerological system where each letter of the Hebrew alphabet is assigned a specific numerical value. This system is used to interpret the hidden meanings within words, names, or phrases, based on the belief that God created the universe through the numerical values of Hebrew letters.
This practice, deeply rooted in the mystical aspects of the Hebrew Bible and embraced within Kabbalistic traditions, transcends simple word-to-number correspondences. It serves as a profound tool to explore the divine blueprint encoded within sacred texts, suggesting that every letter and word carries an intrinsic numerical value that reveals deeper, spiritual insights.
Modern scholars, including Marty Leeds, have extended the principles of gematria beyond Hebrew to the English language, proposing that these numerical ciphers uncover universal truths and mystical insights across different languages and cultures.
How Does Gematria Work?
The idea behind gematria numerology is that mathematics is a universal language, which might hold the keys to explaining our universe or even pointing to the existence of supernatural powers. In the practice of gematria, each Hebrew letter’s numerical value allows scholars and mystics to draw connections between words and uncover deeper meanings. These numerical values can also reflect broader concepts and beliefs. For instance:
- Number 888: In Christian numerology, the number 888 represents Jesus, or more specifically Christ the Redeemer. This comes from the fact that in Greek gematria, the letters of Jesus’ name add up to 888. This number is seen as a representation of infinite love and redemption.
- Number 666: Often recognized as the number of the beast from the Book of Revelation in the New Testament, 666 is associated with evil and Satan in popular culture. However, in the context of gematria, this number can have more complex interpretations depending on the scriptural and cultural context.
- Number 4: The number 4 is often seen as a symbol of stability and order in many cultures. In the context of gematria, it can represent the four elements (earth, water, air, fire), the four cardinal directions, or the foundational aspects of creation. This reflects its universal significance in forming the basis of the world’s structure.
- Number 33: This is a number with significant importance in Freemasonry where it signifies the highest degree of the Scottish Rite. In Kabbalistic tradition, it can represent the age at which Jesus was crucified and, by extension, a period of accomplishment or completion.
For example, the tzitzit, a shawl worn during Jewish ceremonies, provides a perfect illustration: the numerical value of its knots and strands adds up to 613, which intriguingly corresponds to the total number of commandments in the Torah. These numerical associations are believed to hold deeper spiritual or mystical significance, revealing connections that go beyond the surface and delve into the divine or universal truths.
What is Gematria Used For?
Gematria is not just about playing with numbers; it’s a tool embedded in the Kabbalistic tradition to interpret deeper meanings within sacred texts. Scholars use it to uncover insights about life, the divine, and cosmic mysteries. Beyond Judaism, gematria also appears in other cultures and languages, demonstrating its widespread influence and importance in various religious and philosophical traditions.
Exploring the Origins of Gematria
The practice of gematria is believed to have originated in the Jewish mystical tradition known as Kabbalah, but its influences can be traced back even further to ancient Greek and Arabic cultures. The practice was likely influenced by Greek isopsephy and Arabic abjad numerals, which also connect letters with numerical values. These practices highlight a universal quest to find deeper meaning in language and numbers across different cultures and historical periods.
Gematria in Different Cultures
While Hebrew gematria is most prominent, similar numerological practices exist in other cultures such as Greek and Arabic. These systems adapt to the peculiarities of their own languages and scriptures, providing a broad field of study for numerologists worldwide. The Greek system, for example, has been referenced by philosophers like Plato, showing gematria’s influence on early philosophical thought.
Examples of Gematria in Practice
- Biblical Texts and Jewish Tradition: Gematria is often used to interpret the Hebrew Bible. For instance, the Hebrew word for ‘life’ (חי) sums to 18, making it a significant number in Jewish culture.
- Modern Applications by Marty Leeds: Leeds argues that even the English alphabet can be broken down into numbers that reveal hidden codes, blending traditional and contemporary interpretations of gematria.
Kabbalistic Connections
In Kabbalah, gematria is not merely a numerological curiosity; it is an essential tool for exploring the esoteric and mystical dimensions of Hebrew scriptures. This practice is particularly valuable for interpreting the hidden meanings behind the names of God, such as the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) and other sacred words.
Kabbalists believe that each letter in these divine names carries specific numerical values that are direct expressions of cosmic energy and divine attributes. By decoding these numbers, mystics can gain insights into the fundamental structures of existence and the inner workings of the cosmos.
The use of gematria in Kabbalistic studies is seen as a method of interpretation and a form of meditation and spiritual practice, aimed at bringing practitioners closer to divine wisdom.
Key Aspects of Kabbalistic Gematria:
- Interpretation of divine names and cosmic energy
- Insights into the fundamental structures of existence
- Meditation and spiritual practice to connect with divine wisdom
Practical Uses of Gematria Today
While its roots are ancient, gematria has evolved to meet the needs of modern society. Today, it finds applications in various personal and practical contexts:
- Event Planning: Individuals use gematria to select auspicious dates for significant events, such as weddings or business openings. Aligning activities with favorable numerical values is believed to influence outcomes positively.
- Personal Insight: Gematria is used to analyze personal names, birth dates, and keywords, helping individuals uncover deeper spiritual meanings and potential life paths.
- Creative Applications: Artists and writers often use gematria to structure their works around specific numerical themes, adding a layer of symbolic significance to their creative outputs.
- Digital Accessibility: In the digital age, the principles of gematria have been adapted for online use, making this ancient wisdom accessible globally and allowing its exploration across different languages and cultures.
The Ongoing Relevance of Gematria
Gematria’s roots stretch deep into Kabbalistic mysticism and have branched out into modern linguistic studies. It remains a vital tool in the study of sacred texts and offers a unique perspective on the numerical patterns that many believe govern the universe. Whether used for spiritual discovery, theological study, or philosophical exploration, gematria captivates those who seek to understand the intersection of numbers and words in various cultures.
Gematria FAQs
How do you calculate words using gematria?
Calculating a word’s gematria value involves adding up the numerical values of each letter in the word. Different traditions may have their own set of values and methods, adding a layer of complexity to the calculations.
What is a Gematria Calculator?
A Gematria calculator is a digital tool that simplifies these calculations, allowing users to quickly find the numerical value of words and phrases across different Gematria systems.
How does gematria work in the Hebrew language?
In Hebrew, each letter is assigned a numerical value, and these numbers are used to explore relationships and uncover deeper symbolic meanings between words, based on their numerical equivalence.
