Central to this hermetic lineage is the concept of Beauty, associated with the planet Venus in astrology. Beauty is described as a fundamental aspect of human experience, closely wedded with spiritual and astrological significations. It is portrayed as a refining force, essential to the unfolding of the human soul. This notion is reinforced by its connection to the "Great Multimammia," a spiritual doctrine or system. Beauty is also linked to Diana of Ephesus, a symbol of spiritual doctrine, who plays a foundational role in shaping the concept of beauty. This connection attests to the necessity of spiritual beauty in understanding the divine and the sublime.
The Opposing Forces: Cerberus and Firman
In contrast, Cerberus, a three-headed dog from Greek mythology, serves as a symbol opposed to the beautifying and redeeming qualities of Beauty. As the guardian of Hades, Cerberus represents the opposite of the concept of beauty and spiritual understanding. Similarly, Firman, symbolically representing the "dead" in the typical individual, is in opposition to the beauty essential to the human soul. These opposing forces highlight the tension between the spiritual and material aspects of human existence.
The Triune Spirit: Cerberus and the Grand Masters
Cerberus also symbolizes the triune spirit, reflecting the sympathy of different aspects of the self or the universe. This multi-faceted representation is echoed in the Grand Masters of the Lodge of Jerusalem, who represent the spirit of man on the three planes of being: the Supreme, Superior, and Inferior spheres. The Grand Masters are also linked to Cerberus, as they symbolize the three murderers analogous to Cerberus guarding the underworld. This connection attests to the necessity of the triune spirit in understanding the complexities of human nature.
The Spiritual Doctrine of Multimammia
Diana of Ephesus is a representation or aspect of Multimammia, indicating a deep connection between these two entities. Multimammia is a spiritual doctrine or system, associated with the concept of Beauty. This connection reveals the place of spiritual doctrine in understanding the human experience. The Light Delta, symbolized by the Grand Masters, partakes of the nature of Divinity, manifesting on three planes. This manifestation is closely bound to the spiritual doctrine of Multimammia, demonstrating the sympathy of these esoteric concepts.
Bibliographia & Fontes
Primary Source Books Used in This Article
The doctrines, historical citations, and symbolic correspondences synthesized in this article are drawn from the following primary works and chapters:
- I.Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages1928
An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy
Chapters / Sections Consulted:Ch. “The Hiramic Legend”
The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Manly P. Hall — Reader’s Edition)
An encyclopedic outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic, and Rosicrucian symbolical philosophy, detailing the rites of ancient mystery schools from Eleusis to the Rose Cross.