A talk with author Billy J. Hamilton, Jr.
Cost £10
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The Ancient Oriental Order of Ishmael is a unique system of thirty-six degrees that have remained largely unexplored—until now. In A Stranger in the Elemental Temple: The Rituals of the Ancient Order of Ishmael, author Billy J. Hamilton, Jr. unveils these rituals for the first time, providing readers with an unprecedented glimpse into this enigmatic order.
This comprehensive volume not only presents the complete set of rituals—including the opening, closing, and all thirty-six degrees—but also delves into the lives of the four known leaders who shaped the order’s history: Kenneth Mackenzie, Major Francis George Irwin, John Yarker, and William Wynn Westcott. Through detailed biographies and an appendix featuring correspondence among members, Hamilton paints a vivid picture of the order’s evolution and its foundational narratives.
These rituals are rooted in the biblical story of Abraham and his family’s journey from Ur of the Chaldees. The order’s rituals weave a narrative of initiation into an elemental priesthood, exploring themes of exile, inheritance, and reconciliation. Each degree is documented with illustrations of its respective jewel, along with photographs and images of regalia, enriching the reader’s understanding of the symbolic and historical significance embedded within the rituals.
By bringing to light the rituals and history of the Ancient Oriental Order of Ishmael, this book offers an inspiring journey into a previously hidden facet of Masonic heritage, inviting readers to explore the depths of its esoteric wisdom and timeless teachings.