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Jason E. Marshall is a practicing attorney in Oklahoma, where he lives with his wife and children. Jason holds a B.A. in Political Science, with an emphasis in International Relations and Cultural Studies, as well as a Juris Doctorate. Jason became interested in the study of comparative religion during his undergraduate studies, after undergoing a truly transformational experience during an introductory comparative religion course. After his initial transformational experience, Jason undertook a personal journey to learn more about the various religions of the world in order to gain a better understanding of the ties that unite humanity, as well as his own true nature, and ultimately God. What began as personal notes from his studies and journeys became the genesis of this book. Rather than the normal dry recitation of facts that highlight the differences among the world religions, in The Path, Jason explores the seven major religions of the world in order to highlight the ties that should unite, rather divide, humanity. Jason also shows how the teachings and insights from the various world religions can be applied to anyone's journey of personal and spiritual development, regardless of one's particular path or spiritual background.

This book is a collection of two noteworthy Rosicrucian documents. The first, Fama Fraternitatis, which translates to "The Story of the Brotherhood", is an anonymous work which dates to 1614 and which entreats the educated men of Europe to work towards the reformation of current knowledge in a more spiritual vein. In it, the author speaks of the brotherhood of the Rosicrucians. This is the first known historical reference to this organization. The document also tells the story of Christian Rosencreutz, the founder of the order. The second document, Confession of the Rosicrucian Fraternity, was published in 1615 and is a completion of Fama Fraternitatis. Arthur Edward Waite's translation is an adaptation and revision of that of Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes), who translated both documents into English in 1652.

Originally published in 1908, The Kybalion is a study of the Hermetic philosophy of ancient Egypt and Greece. It explores the principles and ideas attributed to Hermes Trismegistus and was written anonymously by one or more persons identifying themselves only as the "Three Initiates." This books includes a chapter for each of the 7 principles of Hermeticism. The chapter headings are as follows: Hermetic Philosophy, Seven Hermetic Principles, Mental Transmutation, The All, The Mental Universe, Divine Paradox, "The All" in All, Planes of Correspondence, Vibration, Polarity, Rhythm, Causation, Gender, Mental Gender, and Hermetic Axioms.

Originally published in 1902, this book is a comprehensive discussion of Kabalah (Kabbalah), its origin, and its impact on other traditions. It also briefly discusses some of Kabalah's most well known students. Its chapters include the following: Post-Christian Literature of the Jews, Doctrinal Content of the Kabalah, Source and Authority of the Kabalah, Written Word of Kabalism First, Second, and Third Period, Some Christian Students of the Kabalah (Including Raymond Lully, Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, William Postel, The Rosicrucians, Robert Fludd, Thomas Vaughan, Ralph Cudworth, Saint-Martin, Eliphas Levi, and Papus), Kabalah and Other Channels of Esoteric Traditions (Magic, Alchemy, Astrology, Freemasonry, Tarot and Mysticism). From the author: "If we ... suppose for a moment that behind magic, behind alchemy, behind astrology there is any mystery of secret and real knowledge, ... it is through this seemingly impassable literature that the road to the secret lies."

In 1871, Albert Pike created Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite as a guide to the 32 degrees of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. It was his intention that becoming a Scottish Rite Mason require years of study to understand the allegories, the underlying moral lessons, and their applications. Pike's scholarly but practical instruction serves as a guide for every Mason working to be the best husband, father, brother, friend, and citizen that he can be. In 2007, a complete and comprehensive review was initiated to provide insight into Albert Pike's original work. This new book is the only edition that is not abridged, a digest, or an editorial commentary of the original book. The entire original book was translated into modern English from the difficult sentence structure and language prevalent in 19th century literature. Morals and Dogma for the 21st Century brings these important lessons back within the grasp of the modern Mason.

Originally published in 1888, this book is considered a fair and objective review of Rosicrucian history. From the author: "Beneath the broad tide of human history there flow the stealthy undercurrents of the secret societies, which frequently determine in the depths the changes that take place upon the surface. These societies have existed in all ages and among all nations, and tradition has invariably ascribed to them the possession of important knowledge in the religious scientific or political order according to the various characters of their pretensions. The mystery which encompasses them has invested them with a magical glamour and charm that to some extent will account for the extravagant growth of legend about the Ancient Mysteries, the Templars, the Freemasons, and the Rosicrucians, above all, who were the most singular in the nature of their ostensible claims and in the uncertainty which envelopes them."

Originally published in 1921, The Book of the Holy Graal is a work of deeply esoteric and allegorical poetry or prose inspired by the symbolism of the Holy Grail and the Grail Quest. From the opening: "Seekers of very life, who urge the quest, God save and keep you through the waking ways: Hear ye the Quest in dream. The soul is call'd In every path and can advance in each. God compasses His ends in ways of sleep, as on death's road, and while from day to day Light into dark dissolves, while night in turn Dies and is glorified in golden dawn, with no line drawn between, no mood of haste or violence: so softly, unawares - after the wont of blessings - the sleep-state and waking fuse together and transform."

Originally published in 1862 and intended as a much-needed update to William Preston's Illustrations of Masonry, The Freemason's Manual sought to provide English Freemasons a deep explanation and education concerning many other Masonic degree systems recognized at the time. In addition, the book surveys the history of dozens of Masonic rites (both recognized and unrecognized) including the Ancient and Accepted Rite (Scottish Rite) and the York Rite (including the Mark Master, the Holy Royal arch, and the Knight Templar degrees), the Rite of Perfection, the Strict Observance, the Elu Cohens, the Rite of Philalethes, Swedenborg's Rite, the Rite of Mizraim, the Rite of Memphis, the Mopses, and Adoptive Masonry. Several details of these degrees are provided at a time before many subsequent changes made to the ritual work. This book offers a rare and intriguing glimpse into the Scottish Rite degrees before the influence of Albert Pike and from the perspective of English Freemasonry.

Originally published in 1882, The Symbolism of Freemasonry was developed to explore the philosophy and symbolism of Freemasonry. Its chapters include: The Primitive Freemasonry of Antiquity, The Ancient Mysteries, The Dionysian Artificers, The Union of Speculative and Operative Masonry at the Temple of Solomon, The Traveling Freemasons of the Middle Ages, Disseverance of the Operative Element, The System of Symbolic Instruction, The Speculative Science and the Operative Art, The Symbolism of Solomon's Temple, The Form of the Lodge, The Officers of a Lodge, The Point within a Circle, The Covering of the Lodge, Ritualistic Symbolism, The Symbolism of the Gloves, The Rite of Circumambulation, The Rite of Intrusting and the Symbolism of Light, Symbolism of the Cornerstone, The Ineffable Name, The Legends of Freemasonry, The Legend of the Winding Stairs, The Legend of the Third Degree, The Sprig of Acacia, The Symbolism of Labor, The Stone of Foundation, and The Lost Word.

Originally published in 1916, The Builders studies Freemasonry's legacy in the world, hoping to serve as an example for those who wish be a Mason, "not merely in name". From the author: "Here are the real foundations of Masonry, both material and moral: in the deep need and aspiration of man, and his creative impulse; in his instinctive Faith, his quest of the Ideal, and his love of the Light. Underneath all his building lay the feeling ... that the earthly house of his life should be in right relation with its heavenly prototype ... imitating on earth the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. And as he wrought his faith and dream into reality, it was but natural that the tools of the builder should become emblems of the thoughts of the thinker. Not only his tools, but, the very stones with which he worked became sacred symbols-the temple itself a vision of that House of Doctrine, that Home of the Soul, which, though unseen, he is building in the midst of the years."

Originally published in 1907, Low Twelve details a series of authentic and striking incidents to illustrate the fidelity of Freemasons to one another in times of distress and danger. Ellis felt that the Freemasonry had withstood many great trials, enduring through its foundational virtues: brotherly love, relief, and truth. Among the periods and topics covered are: early interaction between outlying settlements and Native Americans, American and international politics, the Civil War, pre-Revolutionary Mexico, the exploration and expansion of the West, and the abduction of William Morgan.

Originally published in 1888, this is Arthur Edward Waite's version of this important Rosicrucian publication. Although its authorship is anonymous, this allegorical story has been attributed to the theologian Johann Valentin Andreae. It is often connected with other Rosicrucian documents, including the Fama Fraternitatis and the Confessio Fraternitatis of the Rosicrucian Fraternity. This allegory tells the story of Christian Rosenkreutz's invitation to the wedding of the king and queen. During his seven day journey, Rosenkreutz experiences progressive tests, purification, and death. The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosenkreutz is a romantic expression of the journey and eventual goal of the philosophy and practice of Alchemy. Arthur Edward Waite's translation is an adaptation and revision of that of E. Foxcroft, who translated the Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz into English in 1690.

Jeremy L. Cross, born in New Hampshire in 1783, was an eminent Masonic scholar and lecturer who studied directly under Thomas Smith Webb and played a significant role in disseminating Webb's adaptation of William Preston's work throughout all Masonic jurisdictions in the United States. His True Masonic Chart or Hieroglyphic Monitor is perhaps the best representation of that work, in that it contains elaborate illustrations specifically developed to accompany Webb's lectures. Apart from providing the foundation for the engravings in Masonic monitors in the centuries that followed, Cross invented a number of composite symbols still utilized in Masonic lectures today, perhaps the most significant being the broken column and weeping virgin that appear on the cover.

Charles T. McClenachan, 33°, Grand Master of Ceremonies of the Supreme Council for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, originally compiled this work in 1884 as a Monitor or Guide to the rituals, ceremonies, instructions, and symbolism of all the degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. Its publication provided an unprecedented level of detail concerning the rituals associated with each degree, which up to this time existed in private collections. As a contemporary of Albert Pike, who had actively and recently revised the rituals used in the Southern Jurisdiction, McClenachan provides the Masonic student a valuable glimpse into not only the degree work for the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in this era but some of the elements of Scottish Rite ritual that predate Pike's revisions and expansions. Above all, it was McClenachan's sincere hope that this work might thoroughly and justly render the beauty and sublimity of the Rite.

Originally compiled in 1903, this work represents the thoughts, reflections, and ideas concerning Masonic symbolism and philosophy of Dr. James Wilson, a physician and charter Worshipful Master of the first Masonic Lodge in Plano, Texas. It presents a fascinating glimpse into the nature of Freemasonry as practiced in Texas at the end of the 19th century. From the Author: "As the most fertile source of instruction in Freemasonry is to be found - alone - in its Traditions and Mythical Legends, which - symbolically - teach of the origin and design of Ancient Craft Masonry, I have collated from the most authentic authors what every Mason must know before he can have that high appreciation of our ancient and honorable order to which it is entitled, and which alone can make it as intelligent and interesting to him as it was designed and deserves to be."

Originally published in 1879, this book was also known as "Handmarks of Hiram's Builders". It is a collection of notes from the author's Masonic research in 1868 in Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Europe as well as from correspondence with Masons from those countries. It was written to be a book for the average reader, a reference book for the scholar, and a handbook for the traveler. Rob Morris became a Freemason in 1846 and was the author of the rituals of The Order of the Eastern Star. In 1884, he was named the Poet Laureate of Freemasonry, which was an honor not granted since the death of the famous Masonic poet Robert Burns.

Originally published in 1841, The History of Initiation contains twelve lectures that detail the rites, ceremonies, doctrines and disciplines of all the Secret and Mysterious Institutions of the Ancient World. Each lecture is full of extensive and elaborate footnotes, providing a wealth of additional information. Among the topics are: Enoch, Osiris, Typhon, and the Essenes; Initiation in India - Including the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer, Vedas (Bhagavad Gita), Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva; Philosophy of the Eastern Mysteries; Initiation in Persia - Zoroaster, Mithras, the 7 Stages of Initiation; Initiation in Greece - the Mystery Schools, Dionysius, Bacchus, the Pythagoreans, Hermes Trismigestus; Initiation into the Mysteries of Bacchus; the Celtic Mysteries - Druids, Hyperboreans; Initiation in Britain - Ceridwen; Symbols and Doctrines of the Druids; Initiation into the Gothic Mysteries; Doctrines and Morality; and Initiation in Central and South America including Mexico.

Illustrations of the Symbols of Freemasonry is a collection of lectures by Jacob Ernst. As the author himself admitted, they were not originally intended for publication. They began as a series of notes and sketches about the three degrees made during a period of unemployment. Having shared his efforts with his brethren, Ernst presented his lectures to the Fraternity in the winter of 1867 and at the request of the Vattier Lodge and Kilwinnig Chapter. He was then requested to publish his lectures in book form. Originally published in 1868, Illustrations of the Symbols of Freemasonry remains a great source of information and light. It makes a great addition to any Masonic collection and is the perfect gift for the newly raised Master Mason.

In his lifetime, Rob Morris wrote over four hundred poems, most of which were dedicated to the themes of Freemasonry. He became a Freemason in 1846 and was the author of the rituals of The Order of the Eastern Star. In 1884, he was named the Poet Laureate of Freemasonry, which was an honor not granted since the death of the famous Masonic poet Robert Burns. Morris' most famous work, "The Level and the Square", is included in this book as is a Table of Contents for easy reference. This book was originally published in 1879.

In 1885, W.S. Barlow compiled this magnificent and unique book of Masonic songs and poems. The first section reproduces in its entirety The Free-Masons' Melody, a book of similar purpose published in 1818 under the direction of the Officers and Members of Prince Edwin Lodge No. 128 in Bury, England. This work was exceedingly rare in Barlow's time and contained many treasures of Masonic symbolism, brotherhood, and festivity nearly lost to time. To this, Barlow added many additional songs, hymns, and poems, some written specifically for this book, but many much older compositions had never before been published. Barlow's book itself was nearly lost to obscurity. This unabridged and restored edition faithfully returns these great works to the Masonic Fraternity and provides a valuable glimpse into the culture and history of Freemasonry.