New Book: The Archetypal Temple and Other Writings on Masonic Esotericism
Abounding in unprecedented insights and observations, Jaime Paul Lamb’s The Archetypal Temple and Other Writings on Masonic Esotericism is a compendium of essays highlighting Freemasonry’s relationship to Western Esotericism, with the multivalence of the temple archetype as its central, unifying theme. As Lamb surveys Masonic ritual and symbolism from the perspectives of astrology, cosmology and occult philosophy, he situates Freemasonry as a living and evolving tradition. It is in this spirit that Lamb points to a Freemasonry that is applicable to the modern mind’s quest for meaning, authenticity and, ultimately, a place in the cosmos.
About the Author
Jaime Paul Lamb is the author of Myth, Magick & Masonry: Occult Perspectives in Freemasonry (The Laudable Pursuit, 2018) and Approaching the Middle Chamber: The Seven Liberal Arts in Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition (The Laudable Pursuit, 2020). He is a member of Old Well-Saint John’s Lodge no. 6, F.&A.M. (Mother Lodge), Norwalk, CT, a charter member and Worshipful Master of Ascension Lodge no. 89, F.&A.M., Phoenix, AZ for the year 2021, a Frater of both the Arizona College of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis and the Hermetic Society of the G∴D∴, and is a Past Master of Arizona Research Lodge no. 1 for the year 2016. Lamb has been writing and lecturing on Masonic and occult subjects since 2014. His work has been published in Knight Templar magazine, Royal Arch Mason magazine, Southern California Research Lodge’s Fraternal Review, Esoteric Mason magazine, the Journal of the Masonic Society, The Square, and many other online and print Masonic publications. He has been featured on Masonic and occult podcasts such as Occult of Personality, Whence Came You? and ThothHermes, and is a founding member of the Tria Prima Press and podcast.
Reviews
“Man is a microcosm, which is to say that he is a Mandelbrot-like fractal of the manifest cosmos – indeed, of God Himself, in whose image man is said to have been made. Between the Creator and His created stands the sacred space of the holy temple, an artistic expression of both the upward aspiration of man and the downpouring of inspiration from deity. In this timely collection of sensational essays, Lamb takes the reader on a guided tour of the archetypal temple of the cosmos itself, which in the final analysis is really a piloted expedition of the very architecture of our own souls.”
“In a series of short essays, written in a relaxed, enjoyable, and conversational style, Jaime Paul Lamb explores the esoteric symbolism of numbers, Kabbalah, Tarot, and more, relating these back to Freemasonry. While such subjects are often made very extremely complicated by esoteric authors, Lamb makes them clear and accessible to the reader. No prior understanding of esotericism is required. A timely, contemplative work, ultimately, Lamb encourages us to reflect on the deeper meaning of life and reality.”
“The Archetypal Temple is a journey into the mind of one of the 21st century’s occult iconoclasts. Jaime Paul Lamb has plumbed the depths of our first cosmic understandings with an approach that has both logical grit and imagination. Rare are the volumes that speak intelligently on the occult underpinnings of the Craft while simultaneously avoiding the common pitfalls attending such an endeavor. No one can ever accuse Lamb of not having true content – and it is all pulled together in this beautiful edition. The Archetypal Temple is a must-have for any Freemason who is serious about the Royal Art. Read this book.”
“This engaging compendium explores the rich history and symbolism underlying Freemasonry, as well as how it fits into the broader Western Esoteric Tradition. Informative, enjoyable, and thought provoking, Lamb’s work is accessible to both Masons and non-Masons alike.”
“In his latest work, The Archetypal Temple, Bro. Lamb scatters light like pennies dropped in a well. Each section in this compendium is like an aperture in the page, opening to insight, contemplation, and a deeper understanding of Craft masonry. Whether you are a newly made mason, a Past Master, or just a layperson seeking the basis of our moral philosophy, cast yourself into this book, peer within, and glimpse an expanse reflected between the letters that reveals, page by page, the subtlety – the efficacy – of masonic symbolism.”
Press
Jaime Paul Lamb joins the Masonic Roundtable podcast to discuss his new book The Archetypal Temple.
The Archetypal Temple, Freemasonry
Related Articles
Related
A Formless Fire: Interview with Author Ike Baker
We talk with Tria Prima author Ike Baker, host of Arcanvm about his new book A Formless Fire- Rediscovering the Magical Traditions of the West. A Formless fire is a full-scale examination of the history, theory, and practice of the Western Esoteric...
A Consideration of Freemasonry’s Democratization of the Mysteries
According to certain traditions, the ancient Greek Mystery initiations at the Sanctuary at Eleusis began with a declaration to those not prepared for initiation: “Be gone!” The Mysteries at the Greek town of Eleusis which took place for at least a millennium until 329...
Reawakening the Sacred and the Journey Back to Purpose
The following is a forward written by Jaime Paul Lamb for the new book A Formless Fire by Ike Baker out now on Tria Prima Press. Though, in many ways, these are the best of times (at least by metrics such as relative peace and prosperity), the modern philosophical...