Symbolism has profoundly shaped human expression of spiritual aspirations throughout history, from ancient Palaeolithic carvings to modern religious art. This ancient form of communication conveys intangible mysteries and serves as a transformative catalyst for spiritual enlightenment. Beyond its public function, symbolism has also been a crucial tool for secretly encoding ideas considered "heretical" by dominant religious authorities.
A central concept in this hidden tradition is the "Rex Deus" group, families believed to be descendants of Jerusalem's high priesthood who preserved Gnostic and initiatory teachings of Jesus. These teachings often contradicted mainstream Christian doctrine, asserting, for instance, that Jesus came to reveal divine wisdom rather than to redeem humanity through sacrifice, and that he may have been married and founded a lineage. To protect these beliefs from a repressive Church hierarchy, the Rex Deus families, along with influential groups like the Knights Templar and later Freemasons, embedded their alternative messages within accepted Christian iconography and architectural designs.
Notable examples of this layered symbolism are found in Chartres Cathedral and Rosslyn Chapel. Chartres, a "hymn to Gnostic, initiatory spirituality" in stone, subtly incorporates pre-Christian elements and esoteric meanings. Its statuary, such as the depiction of Pythagoras among Christian figures, the absence of Crucifixion sculptures, or the presence of the Black Madonna, point to hidden traditions. Similarly, Rosslyn Chapel, a purported repository for sacred documents, features carvings like the unique American plants, the Templar Agnus Dei seal, and numerous "Green Men," alluding to secret knowledge and ancient lineage connections.
This tradition of conveying hidden truths also extended to literary forms. The Grail sagas, championed by figures linked to Rex Deus, are presented as allegorical guides to an initiatory quest for enlightenment. Tarot cards, believed to have Templar and Cathar influences, were also designed as portable teaching aids for subversive spiritual insights, indicating themes of reincarnation, spiritual rebirth, and the importance of divine wisdom personified by figures like Mary Magdalene. These hidden streams of spirituality maintained an unbroken line of transmission, adopting older sacred sites and adapting ancient practices, like the Egyptian "pilgrimage of initiation," to ensure their survival and continued influence despite persecution.
1. Hidden in Plain Sight : The True Power of Symbols
2. Egyptian Enigma: Without a Beginning?
3. The Bible: A Historical Record or a Spiritual Masterpiece
4. Jesus of History: Deconstructing the Gospel Narrative and Its Unsettling Legacy
5. Paul: The Unsung Architect of Christianity And The Controversial Birth Of A Faith
6. Building Christian Europe: Power, Paradox, And The Strategic Rebirth of Symbols
8. Sacred Geometry: Hidden Streams Come to the Surface
9. Hidden Streams Within The Church: The Knights Templar
10. Chartres Cathedral: The Hidden Hand of Heresy
11. The Mystical Interior Of Chartres Cathedrial