The Temple of Solomon: From Ancient Israel to Secret Societies
“Erudite and gorgeously illustrated,The Temple of Solomonplaces the Jerusalem Temple in its historical and cultural perspective, drawing on sacred books and ancient historians alike to trace the history of the Tabernacle, the First and Second Temples, and the Temple as a visionary experience and esoteric paradigm through more than three thousand years of transformations. This is essential reading not only for students of esoteric spirituality and ancient mysteries but also for anyone fascinated by the lore of the world’s most famous holy place.” (John Michael Greer, author of The Wealth of Nature, The New Encyclopedia of the Occult, and “T)“For those of all faiths or none, layman or specialist alike . . . this erudite and eminently informative book is a comprehensive, readable survey of the history of the Temple of Solomon, one of Western culture’s most important buildings, replete with fascinating reflection and objective historical detail. A visual cornucopia, its beautiful illustrations take the reader further toward the heart and soul of the timeless wisdom of Solomon--a journey not to be missed. Highly recommended.” (Karen Ralls, Ph.D., world religions and spirituality scholar at the University of Oxford, England, a)“The Temple of Solomonrepresents the separation of sacred and profane, the sacrifice of space, effort, and resources to a greater yet invisible purpose. It signifies the distillation of the spiritual aspiration from the realm of the physical body. It is the manifestation of faith, the materialization of intention, the dedication of oneself and one’s community to the service and celebration of the divine. It is the Word made Flesh.” ((From the prologue))“Wasserman’s lavishly illustrated narrative places the Temple of Solomon, with all its rich cultural and metaphorical meanings, in its proper literary context by returning to the original source of everything we know about it: The Bible.The Temple of Solomonis more than just the literary biography of a building, however; it is the anatomy of an icon that has shaped humanity’s faith, history, art, literature, archaeology, fraternity, and so much more.” (Richard Kaczynski, Ph.D., author of Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley)“James Wasserman provides a great service by keeping the story of the Holy Temple firmly fixed in the narrative of the Scriptures. From the Books of Moses to the vision of the New Jerusalem in the Revelation of St. John the Divine, from the Crusades of the Knights Templar to the esoteric interpretations of Freemasonry, the evolution and meaning of the Temple is revealed in a rich matrix of history, hope, faith and personal spiritual experience. It is this latter component that gives this book such immediacy. With genuine passion, the author demonstrates that historicity--while vital to our knowledge of the subject--is far less important than coming to understand that the Holy of Holies lies within the human heart and that the Temple of God is the body of the flesh that beareth it.” (J. Daniel Gunther, author of Initiation in the Aeon of the Child)“InThe Temple of Solomon, James Wasserman has delivered an inspired work on one of the most important subjects in the history of the spiritual tradition. This book is unique and timely, serving to bring the Judeo-Christian foundations of Western civilization into focus.The Temple of Solomonexplores the spiritual and cultural origin of the threats to life and liberty we face in our lives today. The author brings clarity, wisdom, and personal experience to this work, which sets it apart from all other books on the subject.” (Daniel Pineda, author of The Book of Secrets)“James Wasserman has done it again! InThe Temple of Solomonhe brings dusty, biblical history to life in an exciting but scholarly way and then fully meets the challenge of making it relevant to the modern reader. He shows that when the law of God is written in our hearts and flowing in our blood, our physical body temple becomes our spiritual temple. Well done!” (Dr. Bob Hieronimus, author of Founding Fathers, Secret Societies and host of 21st Century Radio)“While the Holy Ground of the Temple Mount has long been mentioned in esoteric literature, for far too long those who would claim to be its modern heirs have ignored and even been hostile to their Abrahamic origins. In the Holy of Holies it is said that God spoke to Israel; in these pages, it may be said that God is speaking to us, making it essential reading for students of the Western esoteric traditions.” (Mark Stavish, author of Between the Gates and Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Sec)“Whether your interest is mystical, metaphysical, or academic, this is a book you don’t want to miss. Wasserman has captured the power of both the Temple Mount and the structures that have been built there through the millenia. . . Available in both hardcover and paperback - and filled with photographs, paintings, and drawings - this is a great coffee table book, gift item, or religious / historical resource.” (Anna Jedrziewski, InannaWorks.com, October 2011)“With colorful paintings, illustrations, and photographs all throughout,The Temple of Solomonis a strongly recommended pick for community and library religion and history collections.” (Midwest Book Review)“This is an excellent book that covers the entire history of the Temple of Solomon. This covers the building of the temple, its operation by the priests, and its destruction by the Roman Legions. This covers the knghts Templars, the Crusades, and the Dome of the Rock and explains the modern day conflict between the Jews and the Muslims. This book makes everything clear to the reader. This is an Excellent book that you should add to your religious library.” (Ed Porter, Lone Star Book Review, January 2013)“If you are looking for deeply embedded truths that unite the Judeo-Muslim-Christian religions, you will find them in this book, an in-depth study of the very temple where their beginnings all took place.” (Rahasya Poe, Lotus Guide, July 2013)