The Masonic Magician: The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite

No.You do not need to "do everything in 3's" to obtain "Power" in Life.Yes. There is a claim made as such, by Cagliostro.BTW - Cagliostro and the Count of St. Germain were one and the same.There is a lot of "contention" about that. I just spared You the wild Goose-Chase.[ There is an Ancient Obsession ] with command of the Forces of Nature, to do Wonderful Things.Possible Feats, Yes.Must be done by the right Means, Yes.But those means are unbeknown to the modern-day psuedo-illuminist...Which is what these types of silly books aim to get you curious about joining: Pseudo-Illuminism.You're not going to gain immortality by drinking the "Elixir of Life" and having Your hair and nails be shed in 40 days and be "renewed", as they say Cagliostro experienced.For that...You're likely going to have to put in Years of Dedication to Your Maker's Will, and figuring out the Science of it all.No Magical Formula of herbs mixed with colloidal silver is going to do it.No arrangement of letters, mixed in a bag, is going to " Divine " the future for You like Your [ Improved ] Intuition will. And the method of the improvement of that is unknown to these Sciolists - the Authors and the Historical Figures.Read this book if You want to know what's being said in the Lodges of Freemasonry, in the conversations of their supposed "Seekers".Otherwise...Don't take it to Heart.You will need deep insight to know if the things mentioned in such books are true - alchemy etc.But likely the means advertised commonly, even secretively, hold no water.Improve that Insight.

The book presents a nice balance between the biography of Cagliostro and a discussion of the alchemical and arcane lore (particularly that of ancient Egypt) which resulted in the development of his Egyptian Rite of Freemasonry. The book also demonstrates how the thinking of other mystics and Age of Englightenment philosophers with whom he interacted and studied shaped his own opinions and world view. The book treats the Count with objectivity, leaving it to the reader to form his own opinions as to whether or not the Count was a tragic, misguided charlatan or a philanthropist who sought to aid men and bring them to a higher state of intellectual and moral purity. The latter part of the book discusses the development of Cagliostro's Egyptian Rite and its Adoptive Grades (for women) and presents a full translation of a manuscript of the three degrees of the Rite held in the Museum of the Grand Lodge of Scotland, followed by an analysis of these degrees by the authors and an interpretation of the symbolic devices utilized in them.A well-written and illustrated book on one of the premier thinkers of the latter 18th century that quickly engages the reader's attention and interest and holds it throughout the reading.

Excellent study, and correct interpretation, of the Count and Egyptian Freemasonry. Highly recommend to Hermetic students. Awaiting a more complete and inspired work on his soror mystica, the Countess Saraphina. Students of Bardon would do well to consider the work of this true Master. Perhaps a look into the work of Peter Davidson, too.

I learned a lot from reading this book and found a lot of hidden connections, ideas and history. The author does a great job in creating a story and keeping you in the book. Its a well written and straightforward read.

WOW!!! Freemasons, Martinists, Rosicrucians, Gnostic students, Alchemy students, Hermetic students, and Cabalistic students, you must buy this book, now! Why? For two reasons. One, because this is currently the best book in the world written on the life and times of one the Occult's and Initiactic fraternal world's most enigmatic characters. And two, because chances are high you will meet the enigmatic Count Cagliostro somewhere in your studies or be involved in a rite or two which has been directly or indirectly influenced by him. Authors Philippa Faulks and Brother Robert Cooper have constructed a great book complete with an Index, Glossary, Appendices, Endnotes, and Bibliography, which will satisfy all scholars. The color plates are lovely to look at and serve to place the reader in the context of the time period in which Brother Count Cagliostro lived and died. The Illustrations help clarify certain portions of the text. This book is not only a historical study which reads like an adventure novel, but an important reference tool as well. The authors do a great job in chronicling the series of events and characters of the Western Mystery Tradition who had an impact on Brother Cagliostro, and whose impact is still to be found today. This book is top-notch and has my highest recommendation. Bravo Indeed!!!

Highly recommended. I learnt a lot about Cagliostro, the history of Freemasonry in general and the Egyptian Rite of Cagliostro. This book is packed with info

This is a very readable book that tells the story of Count Cagliostro, some historical aspects "new age" thinking, and of the formation of modern Freemasonry and its rituals. I highly recommend this book if you are a Freemason and you want to learn more about the early days of Freemasonry in Europe.

One of the best books I've read. Recommended to me by my York rite news letter, still find myself looking at the high lights. Brother MM you will love this. MM will love it the best (they will understand it).

Great service and value for money and an interesting read.