This book has a most enticing title and although it may not be exactly what the reader expects, it will deliver.
     Along with the majority of New Dawn readers, I am always keen to learn as much as I can about the hidden side of life in a metaphysical sense. Here the authors have drawn together a vast amount of research to trace the movement of an elite group that they term the ‘Shining Ones’.
     This is a grand tour through the metaphysical development of mankind, from pre-history to the present. Why esoteric knowledge remains in the ambit of secret societies or mystery schools is made quite clear by the authors and really highlights the dichotomy between the esoteric and exoteric.
     Both authors have spent years in specialist research of esoteric history and have also co-authored The Serpent Grail.
     The experienced reader in metaphysics will soon see the earmarks, and learn of the origins of the ‘perennial philosophy’ found in so many religions and cultures across the globe.
     In the present day we find these clues encoded in scripture, art, mythology, symbology, folkways, music, and language. Those new to metaphysics will easily understand the clear explanations and useful cross referencing found in the notes and bibliography. It may be slightly overwhelming at first, but endlessly fascinating.
     There are many common themes that run through the esoteric histories of all cultures. These include the flood, the serpent, the phoenix, the world tree, solar worship, and most of all the ever-present ‘Shining Ones’ themselves. Our mainstream religions with which we were brought up are no exceptions to the rule and exhibit the encoded knowledge for those who ‘have eyes to see’.
     The authors have presented the material in an easily understood way in three main sections. Have some bookmarks handy to keep in the appendix and notes section.
     The first part looks at the early shamanistic/tribal cultures. In this section evidence is shown through dated artefacts that mankind’s origins are far earlier than archaeology supposes.
     Shamanism and the concept of ‘walking between worlds’ or ‘winds’ is thoroughly examined. Despite the hugely diverse cultures and languages, the authors show that the common concepts are still present, but with different labels.
     Consider for a moment the symbolic concept of serpent. In India it is the Kundalini energy, in China it is the Dragon or Ch’i, and in parts of Europe it is the Worm Ouroborus. In all cases it represents wisdom and spiritual development.
     The concept of the Phoenix and the World Tree are also seen in their variety. Certainly it will be plain to many readers that the tree upon which Odin struggled is a parallel to the cross of Christianity, which is also seen so much in the Hermetic and Alchemical traditions.
     The re-occurring spiritual numbers of three and seven also feature heavily here, with an appendix devoted to showing how often they are used in our lives. I think that it just scratches the surface.
     Shapes and outer land features are critical and it is notable how much we see such things as hills, mountains, pyramids and other lofty places with a high value attached. This reflects the inner and outer worlds.
     Part two examines how we can look back and observe the Shining Ones in history and myth.
     In all religions and cultures there are groups of wise shamans or priests – often wandering – that are recorded in scripture, art or mythology. The extraterrestrial proponents like to think that these elite are originally from outer space. The readers can judge for themselves. The actual names of these beings, whether they were real people or condensed mythological figures, all translate to ‘shining’ or something very like it.
     From ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, from the Dogon of Africa, the Judaic ‘watchers’ and ‘nephilim’, the Australian Aboriginal Wandjina, the Hindu pantheon and the Buddhist saints, to the Christian saints, we see and read of the Shining Ones. The most common known to Westerners is, of course, the halo around the head of Jesus, Mary, the saints and angelic bands. This is an absorbing section.
     Part three deals with secret societies and looks at their links to the Shining Ones of ancient times. Organisations such as the Templars, Freemasons, the Illuminati, and Rosicrucians are but a few.
     Before you cry, “but if they are secret, how do we even know about them,” consider the nature of secret societies. A wide definition would be that the aspirant needs to be invited or sponsored to join, there is an initiation of some kind, and then secret knowledge is imparted in a hierarchical way when the member is ready. Even modern-day service organisations can fulfil at least two of these elements.
     The authors look at particular societies such as the Rosicrucians, the Knights of Malta, Opus Dei, the Bilderberg Group, P2, and others. With their rituals, symbology and hierarchy, their origins are shown clearly to stem from what is known of the Shining Ones.
     Some of the material here is quite provocative and the authors tell of not-so-veiled threats to them and their families against revealing certain information. It seems to me that present day secret societies are definitely all about power and control.
     As we hit our stride into the 21st century, more of us are accepting that we have a definite inner life that does not fit with the mainstream religious organisations. Some people do need the rituals, the rules and definite steps that give a desired result. Spiritual development comes in all shapes and sizes. Observe hermitages as opposed to cathedrals, mosques and synagogues.
     There also seems to be Shining Ones in all walks of life. I feel sure that I have reviewed the works of more than one of this ‘goodly company’ in New Dawn. This book will go a long way to explaining how to know these people when you meet them, and what they are about.
     “Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still” – Chinese Proverb.