“The Forbidden Universe: The Occult Origins of Science and the Search for the Mind of God” delves into the intricate relationship between the esoteric realm and the birth of modern science. Written by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince, the book explores the profound influence of Hermeticism, an ancient philosophical and spiritual system, on the pioneering scientists of the Renaissance and early Enlightenment. These scientists, including luminaries like Copernicus, Galileo, and Sir Isaac Newton, were not just mere practitioners of their craft but were deeply engrossed in the mystical system of Hermeticism. The book reveals that many of these scientific giants, including Galileo, were members of a clandestine society known as the Giordanisti. This society harbored ambitions of overthrowing the Church and ushering in an era dominated by Hermetic principles.
The narrative further delves into the intriguing interplay between secret societies, renowned scientists, Egyptian mysticism, and the ongoing debate between religion and science.
The authors argue that the very foundation of modern science was built upon a desire to challenge and eventually dismantle the religious establishment, particularly the Catholic Church. The book offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of scientific thought, highlighting the often-overlooked spiritual and mystical origins that have shaped its trajectory.
Overview
“The Forbidden Universe: The Occult Origins of Science and the Search for the Mind of God” by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince delves into the hidden connections between esoteric knowledge, particularly Hermeticism, and the birth of modern science. The book uncovers the profound influence of Hermeticism, an ancient philosophical and spiritual system rooted in Egyptian mysticism, on major Renaissance and Enlightenment scientists such as Copernicus, Galileo, and Sir Isaac Newton. These figures, while celebrated for their scientific achievements, were deeply immersed in the mystical teachings of Hermeticism. The narrative reveals that many of these scientists, including Galileo, were part of a secret society called the Giordanisti, which aimed to overthrow the Church’s dominance and establish an era guided by Hermetic principles.
The authors weave a tale of secret societies, ancient Egyptian mysticism, and the ongoing tension between religion and science. They argue that the foundational pillars of modern science were erected not just on empirical observations but were also deeply influenced by a desire to challenge the religious establishment, especially the Catholic Church. The book offers a fresh lens through which to view the evolution of scientific thought, emphasizing the spiritual and mystical origins that have often been overshadowed by rational explanations.
Authors Background
Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince are renowned authors and researchers known for their work on historical, religious, and esoteric subjects. Their collaborative efforts have produced several groundbreaking books that delve into the mysteries of the past, challenging conventional beliefs and offering alternative narratives.
Lynn Picknett is recognized for her extensive research and writings on the paranormal, the occult, and historical mysteries. Her investigative approach, combined with her ability to present complex subjects in an engaging manner, has earned her a dedicated readership. Beyond her writing, Picknett has made appearances in various media, including a cameo in the film adaptation of “The Da Vinci Code,” a testament to her influence in the realm of esoteric research.
Clive Prince, similarly, has dedicated his career to exploring the paranormal, the occult, and the mysteries of history and religion. His deep dives into these subjects, combined with a critical and analytical approach, have contributed significantly to contemporary discussions on these topics. Like Picknett, Prince’s work has had a considerable impact on the way readers and scholars approach historical and religious enigmas.
Together, Picknett and Prince have co-authored several bestsellers, including “The Templar Revelation,” which explores the secret guardianship of the true identity of Christ, and “Mary Magdalene,” which delves into her role and significance in Christian history. Their collaborative works stand as a testament to their commitment to rigorous research, their willingness to challenge established narratives, and their shared passion for unveiling hidden truths.
Reception
“The Forbidden Universe: The Occult Origins of Science and the Search for the Mind of God” by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince has garnered a variety of responses from readers. On Goodreads, the book has an average rating of 3.86 based on 223 ratings and 31 reviews.
- Positive Reception:
- One reviewer, Michael Hughes, described the book as “incredible.” He highlighted the story of Giordano Bruno, who was executed for his beliefs, and praised the book for addressing the influence of the Hermetica on pioneers of science like Kepler and Galileo. Hughes also appreciated the book’s challenge to the atheistic/materialistic views of figures like Dawkins and Gould, suggesting that the universe has a direction towards the evolution of consciousness.
- Another reader, Jack, found the book “very well written for laymen” and appreciated its explanations of cutting-edge physics, cosmology, and their relations to consciousness and the occult origins of science.
- Critical Reception:
- Mark Scott felt that while the book appeared to be a serious scientific work, its arguments were not scientific. He criticized the authors for misunderstanding the scientific method and for using selective quotes to support their views.
- K.J. Charles shelved the book as a “pass,” indicating that any historical theory involving Shakespeare’s plays alluding to secret knowledge was not credible in her view.
- Mixed Reception:
- David found the first half of the book familiar, discussing the history of early science and its reliance on Hermeticism. However, he felt the second part offered an odd analysis of contemporary science, especially physics. He criticized the authors for promoting their association with the movie “Angels & Demons” and Dan Brown’s books.
Impact on Ufology
“The Forbidden Universe: The Occult Origins of Science and the Search for the Mind of God” by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince delves deep into the intertwined history of science, mysticism, and the occult. While the primary focus of the book is on the Hermetic traditions and their influence on the development of scientific thought, its implications extend to various fields, including Ufology.
Ufology, the study of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and extraterrestrial phenomena, has always straddled the line between science and the unexplained. The book’s exploration of the Hermetic traditions, which emphasize a holistic understanding of the universe and the interconnectedness of all things, resonates with many themes in Ufology. The idea that ancient knowledge or esoteric traditions might hold clues to understanding extraterrestrial phenomena is a recurring theme in UFO literature.
Picknett and Prince’s work underscores the importance of looking beyond mainstream scientific thought to understand the mysteries of the universe. This perspective aligns with the approach of many UFO researchers who believe that the phenomenon cannot be understood solely through the lens of current scientific paradigms.
Furthermore, the book’s examination of secret societies and their pursuit of forbidden knowledge echoes the conspiracy theories prevalent in Ufology about government cover-ups and hidden truths about extraterrestrial visitors.
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Conclusion
“The Forbidden Universe: The Occult Origins of Science and the Search for the Mind of God” by Lynn Picknett and Clive Prince offers a compelling exploration into the esoteric roots of modern science. By highlighting the profound influence of Hermeticism on pioneering scientists of the Renaissance and Enlightenment, the authors challenge conventional narratives about the evolution of scientific thought. The book delves into the intricate interplay between ancient mysticism, secret societies, and the foundational figures of science, suggesting that the quest for knowledge has always been deeply intertwined with the spiritual and the mysterious. While the work has been met with a mix of acclaim and critique, it undeniably provides a fresh perspective on the history of science, emphasizing the often-overlooked spiritual and mystical origins that have shaped its trajectory.