A Stranger in the Elemental Temple: The Rituals of the Ancient Order of Ishmael by Billy Hamilton
Description
The Ancient Oriental Order of Ishmael, a para-Masonic system of thirty-six degrees, has a documented history and a unique ritual that has never been published. This book includes a brief biography of the four known heads of the Order, and a complete set of rituals. The rituals include the opening, closing, all thirty-six degrees, and the banquet toasts of the Order. Each degree includes an illustration of the jewel for the degree, with numerous illustrations and photographs to show other regalia and materials used to explain the degrees. An appendix documents letters between the members and the development and growth of the Order.
The Order was initially governed by Kenneth Mackenzie, who claimed to have received the degrees from a mysterious professor in France. When challenged, he claimed authority from an Arch Chancellor in Paris, a possibly fictional figure so elusive that letters from other members would be returned unopened. Mackenzie was initially very protective and secretive about the Order, though he published many references to Ishmael throughout the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia. Upon Mackenzie's death, Major Francis George Irwin, one of the first members, assumed control, and he, in turn, passed it to John Yarker. The final known head of the Order was William Wynn Westcott.
Claiming descent from an older organisation, the Order of Ishmael is based on the story of Abraham and his family fleeing religious persecution from the city of Ur of the Chaldees and finding refuge with the sheik of a desert tribe. As Abraham gains their trust, they initiate him into an elemental priesthood and entrust him with the secrets of their Temple. Later rituals in the system recount the story of Ishmael and Hagar fleeing from Abraham's tents due to the jealousy of Abraham's wife Sarah, Isaac's efforts to deny Ishmael's inheritance, and the conflicts and reconciliation between Isaac's sons Jacob and Esau. The final nine degrees are philosophical orders of knighthood, exemplifying important biblical and world history figures.
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1st Edition 2024 (bilingual edition in German and English)
Hard-cover binding in imitation leather with gold embossing, thread-stitched, two bookmarks (one Gold and one Rose coloured)
Colour throughout with numerous illustrations
544 pages, 17 x 24 cm
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