For the last month I have been on a very strange journey. It's hard for me to describe it to you if you have not gone on the same adventure, but let me try. Imagine if you were to travel through the biblical desert in some kind of dream, learning about the principles of existence and lessons of life from the Bedouin, but because it's a dream there are no rules. You can meet ancient Greek philosophers or sing Ald Lang Syne. We can use modern science to explain something or use dramatic lessons.
Welcome to the Order of Ishmael!
From the moment I opened Billy Hamilton's work, I felt a pull, a sense of stepping into a world that had been carefully preserved, its secrets waiting to be unveiled.
What struck me first, and what I continue to marvel at, is the sheer dedication to detail. This isn't a cursory glance at a historical footnote; it’s a deep dive, a meticulous reconstruction of a society that once thrived. The letters, the biographical sketches, they aren't just dry facts; they are threads that weave a rich tapestry of human endeavor. You feel the passion, the debates, the very lifeblood of the Ancient Oriental Order of Ishmael.
And then, there are the rituals. Oh, the rituals. Hamilton has taken the manuscripts and made a workable system, revealing their wonderfully eccentric nature. We're not talking about mundane ceremonies here. Picture this: candidates dramatically banging swords upon the floor, the clang echoing through the temple, a visceral display of initiation. Or imagine the alchemical spectacle of two liquids mixed in a chalice, spontaneously combusting into a brilliant flash, a moment of startling, almost magical transformation. These are not just symbolic gestures; they are theatrical events, designed to engage the senses and imprint the Order's teachings upon the very soul. Each of the thirty-six degrees is a journey, a symbolic voyage through biblical stories and philosophical concepts. The stories of Abraham and Ishmael, once distant narratives, become living, breathing experiences. You begin to understand the power of symbolism, the way ritual can transform abstract ideas into tangible realities.
But what truly sets this book apart, what I truly love, is the visual element. The illustrations of the medals of the degree, which are not supposed to be mere decorations; they are keys, unlocking the deeper meanings of the ceremonies. To see the intricate details, the symbols woven into the fabric of the Order, is to truly understand its essence. It’s like holding a piece of history in your hands, a tangible connection to the past.
Are you ready for the same journey? I recommend you get a copy and spend the next month (and six days) reading a degree a day. It’s an interesting journey to say the least!