The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Traditions of Pythagorean Mathematics and the Mysteries of

Unveiling the Esoteric Traditions of Pythagorean Mathematics and the Mysteries of Ever-Burning Lamps

Treatise & Commentary
Sources Consulted:Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages (1928)
The Divine Monochord: The hand of the Demiurge tuning the harmonic intervals and numerical ratios of the cosmos.
The Divine Monochord: The hand of the Demiurge tuning the harmonic intervals and numerical ratios of the cosmos.Robert Fludd, De Musica Mundana, Oppenheim (1617)

In the study of the philosophical and esoteric traditions surrounding Pythagorean Mathematics, a secret system of numbers with deep philosophical and sacred importance. The analysis explores the relationships among these traditions, including Plutarch, Pythagorean skein, secret schools, and Masonic symbolists, to reveal the intricacies of this ancient philosophy. The essay examines the enigmatic phenomenon of ever-burning lamps, discussing their historical significance and possible connections to Pythagorean Mathematics.

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Historical & Symbolic Context

The Pythagorean skein, a lost aspect of Pythagorean Mathematics, is a thread that weaves through the fabric of this esoteric tradition. Despite being known only through fragments and speculation, the skein is believed to hold the key to understanding the original philosophical doctrines of Pythagoras. Secret schools, some of which may perpetuate Pythagorean Mathematics, attempt to grasp the intricacies of this system, but their knowledge may be incomplete or misunderstood.

The dialogue with Pythagoreans, as recorded by Plutarch, reveals parts of the original secret system of numbers. However, Plutarch's understanding may not be complete or accurate, and his insights should be viewed as a window into a broader philosophical landscape. The numerical value of words, a crucial aspect of Pythagorean Mathematics, involves translating words into their most ancient forms and calculating the sum of the numerical values of each letter. This practice demonstrates the symbolic understanding of Pythagorean Mathematics.

Albert Pierce, a Masonic symbolist, attempted to understand and convey some of the secrets of Pythagorean Mathematics, but faced limitations in knowledge. Masonic schools associated with Pierce also attempted to teach elements of Pythagorean Mathematics, but may not fully grasp the original philosophy. William Wynn Westcott, a Freemason and esotericist, contributed to the study of esoteric subjects, including discussions and speculations about ever-burning lamps.

The phenomenon of ever-burning lamps, capable of continuous burning without any fuel, has long been a source of fascination and debate. These mystical lights, often found sealed within sepulchers as offerings, were believed to be capable of enduring for several centuries. The legend of a perpetual lamp over the door of a temple to Jupiter Ammon, as described by Plutarch, adds to the enigma surrounding these unusual artifacts. The connection between ever-burning lamps and Pythagorean Mathematics, while speculative, suggests a possible technological or alchemical explanation for the persistence of these lamps.

This analysis has unveiled the complex relationships between Pythagorean Mathematics, secret schools, Masonic symbolists, and the enigmatic phenomenon of ever-burning lamps. The esoteric traditions surrounding Pythagorean Mathematics, while shrouded in mystery, offer a window into a deeper understanding of the symbolic and philosophical underpinnings of this ancient philosophy.

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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:

  1. I.Manly P. Hall, The Secret Teachings of All Ages
    1928

    An Encyclopedic Outline of Masonic, Hermetic, Qabbalistic and Rosicrucian Symbolical Philosophy

    Chapters / Sections Consulted:Ch. “Wonders of Antiquity” · Ch. “Pythagorean Mathematics”

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