The mystery schools represent ancient institutions that have been shrouded in an aura of secrecy and mystery for millennia. These schools were known for imparting esoteric knowledge and hidden wisdom to their members. While the origins of the Mystery Schools can be traced back to the ancient Egyptian and Greek civilizations, they also had their sustenance in other ancient cultures such as Babylon, Persia and India. The teachings these schools imparted were reserved for select individuals who underwent a process of initiation into the Mysteries and were bound by a vow of silence regarding the knowledge they received. Only the most sincere students, those who showed a genuine desire for insight, were deemed worthy of entering the depths of these mysteries.
The Egyptian Mystery Schools focused on the essence of reality and the unsolved mysteries of the universe, and were considered guardians of hidden knowledge. The initiates underwent a series of exercises in magic and ritual practices. This included the use of visualization and other esoteric methods to achieve higher states of consciousness and establish contact with the universal forces. Special meditation techniques and energy work were practiced, and the art of manifestation was also imparted as part of the comprehensive teachings of these fascinating mysteries.
The secret teachings spread to the Western world.
The journey of hidden wisdom begins in the mysteries of Egypt, where knowledge was transmitted through the Sinai desert to ancient Palestine. Greek philosophers such as Thales and Pythagoras, the Roman philosopher Plotinus, as well as other intellectuals, then embarked on journeys to Egypt to be initiated into the mystery schools. These wisdom-bringing travelers, including the Templars who came into contact with Arab civilization during the Crusades, acted as ambassadors of an advanced teaching that they brought to the Western world.
In the time of Charlemagne (742-814), the mystical doctrine was introduced into France by the French philosopher Arnaud. From there, the knowledge spread to different parts of the country.
However, this esoteric tradition experienced challenges during the period of magic and witch trials in Europe, especially between the 15th and 18th centuries. There was a widespread fear and distrust of organizations that were considered occult or secret, including
The Rosicrucians, Knights Templar, Martinists and other groups associated with esoteric teachings that contrasted with the dominant religious belief.
These groups and individuals were often accused of heresy, and during the witch trials they were subjected to persecution, torture and execution. It was a time characterized by fear of the unknown, and deviation from the established religious doctrine was met with serious consequences.