- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Watkins Publishing; New edition edition (15 April 2007)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1905857101
- ISBN-13: 978-1905857104
- Product Dimensions: 23 x 15.4 x 3.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 456,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
"'Extraordinary" - "Publishing News". Philip Gardiner and Gary Osborn trace the extraordinary influence of the snake cult which was prevalent all over the world in ancient times. They demonstrate how a central rite in which snake venom was mixed with snake blood in a ceremonial mixing bowl, which came to be called "the grail", produced a healing elixir which formed the basis of myriad religious and symbolic rituals, including the Christian Eucharist. These rituals operated on a number of levels. On a physical level, the powerful healing properties of this elixir, which is now proven by modern science to enhance t-cell replication, was in fact the basis of the "Elixir of Life". But there is a deeper level for the symbolism of these rituals which can be found in all the great mystery traditions of the world, though shrouded in myth and symbolism. Whether it be the quest to find the elusive "Philosopher's Stone" or indeed the Holy Grail, the Ultimate Quest is in fact to achieve true enlightenment.
About the Author
Philip Gardiner believes that much of orthodox history is based upon propaganda in one form or another. His search for the truth has led him to uncover historical evidence which previously had been unseen for what it is. He is the author of The Shining Ones - the world's most powerful secret society revealed. And Proof - Does God Exist? - is there any evidence for the existence of god? Gary Osborn has written widely on mysticism, esoteric traditions and the nature of human consciousness. He describes himself as an 'initiate into the mysteries'.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The Serpent Grail
By Philip Gardiner with Gary Osborn
A review by author of The Essence of Sufism, John Baldock.
For centuries people have been intrigued by the mysterious objects known as the Holy Grail, the Elixir of Life, and the Philosopher's Stone. For many of us, these three enigmatic objects have their source in Arthurian legend, or in the curious work of the medieval alchemists who sought to transform base metals into gold. In the Serpent Grail, authors Gardiner and Osborn reveal that the origin of these legendary objects dates from a much earlier period - from the dawn of human history itself.
The culmination of many years research, The Serpent Grail takes the reader on a fascinating exploration of ancient myth, archaeology, etymology, religion, science, and much more. In keeping with true Grail tradition, the book is also a journey in search of the enlightenment and eternal life that were the reward for those who uncovered the secrets of the Grail, the Elixir, or the Stone. As the authors reveal, these three objects have their origin in the shamanic tradition and in the 'serpent cult' that was once a global religion. Contrary to modern belief, the serpent was not a symbol of evil. For our distant ancestors, it symbolized the beneficent life-force or source-centre of the universe. It also embodied the spiritual rebirth and enlightenment that are the birthright of us all. Moreover, the mysterious 'serpent beings' and 'serpent deities' of ancient myth were real people. They were the enlightened leaders and guides of the world's earliest civilizations.
But for our ancestors the mythical serpent was more than just a symbol of eternal life and enlightenment. The authors discovered that the serpent's physical counterpart - the snake - was greatly valued by the ancients for its venom and its ability to both kill and cure. Through neutralizing the natural poison in the venom by mixing it with blood, they developed an elixir - the Elixir of Life - that not only healed disease, it also boosted the immune system and extended human life by many years. This elixir and its healing properties fell into disrepute in the nineteenth century thanks to the 'snake oil' peddled by charlatans. In our own time, however, modern medical science is once again discovering the beneficial properties of snake venom and other derivatives from the snake in the successful treatment of human disease.
By Philip Gardiner with Gary Osborn
A review by author of The Essence of Sufism, John Baldock.
For centuries people have been intrigued by the mysterious objects known as the Holy Grail, the Elixir of Life, and the Philosopher's Stone. For many of us, these three enigmatic objects have their source in Arthurian legend, or in the curious work of the medieval alchemists who sought to transform base metals into gold. In the Serpent Grail, authors Gardiner and Osborn reveal that the origin of these legendary objects dates from a much earlier period - from the dawn of human history itself.
The culmination of many years research, The Serpent Grail takes the reader on a fascinating exploration of ancient myth, archaeology, etymology, religion, science, and much more. In keeping with true Grail tradition, the book is also a journey in search of the enlightenment and eternal life that were the reward for those who uncovered the secrets of the Grail, the Elixir, or the Stone. As the authors reveal, these three objects have their origin in the shamanic tradition and in the 'serpent cult' that was once a global religion. Contrary to modern belief, the serpent was not a symbol of evil. For our distant ancestors, it symbolized the beneficent life-force or source-centre of the universe. It also embodied the spiritual rebirth and enlightenment that are the birthright of us all. Moreover, the mysterious 'serpent beings' and 'serpent deities' of ancient myth were real people. They were the enlightened leaders and guides of the world's earliest civilizations.
But for our ancestors the mythical serpent was more than just a symbol of eternal life and enlightenment. The authors discovered that the serpent's physical counterpart - the snake - was greatly valued by the ancients for its venom and its ability to both kill and cure. Through neutralizing the natural poison in the venom by mixing it with blood, they developed an elixir - the Elixir of Life - that not only healed disease, it also boosted the immune system and extended human life by many years. This elixir and its healing properties fell into disrepute in the nineteenth century thanks to the 'snake oil' peddled by charlatans. In our own time, however, modern medical science is once again discovering the beneficial properties of snake venom and other derivatives from the snake in the successful treatment of human disease.
The Serpent Grail is also a journey into the world of the shaman, whose knowledge of 'other worlds' was gained during his travels to the source of consciousness while in the hypnagogic trance-state. These travels, which were equated with entering the womb of the World Mother, gave him an understanding of the blueprint - the underlying matrix - of life itself. The knowledge thus gained by the shaman parallels the discoveries of modern science. But whereas scientists express their discoveries in scientific terms, the shaman expressed his knowledge in the form of myths about gods and goddesses, and in myths that eventually gave birth to the mysteries of the Grail, the Elixir of Life, and the Philosopher's Stone.
This groundbreaking book is illustrated with many original photographs taken during Gardiner's travels around the world in search of the truth behind the Grail, the Elixir, and the Stone. Knowing of the author's future works I can only say that you will need to fully grasp this book by the enlightened horns before you will be able to proceed.
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