Conjurations and the Ancient Mysteries

6b. M. Gaster, London: The Search Publishing, 1932.

Notes

Conjugations and the Ancient Mysteries (1927) by Moses Gaster is a scholarly exploration of the linguistic and ritual connections between ancient religious practices and mystery cults. Gaster, a noted philologist and folklorist, examines how sacred language, names, and formulaic expressions were used in mystical rites to invoke divine powers, protect initiates, or communicate esoteric truths. The work delves into parallels across Egyptian, Greek, and Jewish mystical traditions, highlighting the role of “conjugations”—specialized verbal forms and incantations—in ceremonial magic and initiation rites. By combining linguistic analysis with historical context, Gaster demonstrates how words themselves were considered potent instruments in the transmission of sacred knowledge within the ancient mysteries, providing a rare window into the interplay of language, ritual, and spirituality in early esoteric traditions.

Description

 Blue cloth binding with gilt lettering to upper board. Remnants of sticker on the lower portion of spine. General rubbing to extremities and bumped points. Ownership plate on inner board with star and “there is no religion higher than truth“ and brown paper sticker with number 3286. Frontispiece of Osiris, Isis, and the four children of Horus from the papyrus of Ani. Stamped to title page of the Theosophical Society Library. Fine condition.