The Impact of Schwaller de Lubicz on Modern Esotericism

René Adolphe Schwaller de Lubicz was a French occultist, esoteric author, and Egyptologist who has left a lasting legacy on the study of ancient Egyptian philosophy and its influence on modern esoteric thought.

Schwaller de Lubicz lived from December 7, 1887, to December 7, 1961. He was active primarily in the first half of the 20th century, during which time he conducted his main body of research and writing. His studies on ancient Egypt and his development of the philosophy of Symbolist Egyptology were carried out during his 15-year stay in Egypt from 1937 to 1952, a period during which he conducted an extensive study of the Luxor Temple, resulting in his magnum opus "The Temple in Man."

His work, deeply steeped in symbolism and the hermetic tradition, sought to understand the wisdom of the ancient Egyptians through a lens that combined spirituality with an investigation into the sacred science.

The impact of Schwaller de Lubicz on modern esotericism is profound, particularly through his concept of the "Temple in Man," which posits that Egyptian temples are not mere places of worship but profound embodiments of cosmic principles and human understanding. His ideas have inspired a wave of thought that views ancient Egyptian mysticism as a holistic system that integrates science, art, and spirituality into a unified knowledge system.

Schwaller's most renowned books include "The Temple of Man" (Le Temple de l'Homme), which is an exhaustive symbolist study of the Temple of Luxor and an exploration of sacred architecture, and "Sacred Science: The King of Pharaonic Theocracy," where he explores the philosophical and religious thought of ancient Egypt. These works suggest that Egyptian monuments and texts should be interpreted as repositories of esoteric wisdom, a view that continues to resonate within various strands of modern esotericism.

His wife, Isha Schwaller de Lubicz, is also an important figure in the dissemination of these teachings. Her novels "Her-Bak: The Living Face of Ancient Egypt" and "Her-Bak: Chickpea" are fictionalized accounts that provide a living picture of Egyptian initiatic practices. These books are often recommended for those seeking an imaginative and insightful entry into the study of Egyptian spirituality, and they complement her husband's more scholarly works by providing a narrative understanding of the initiatory path.

The influence of Schwaller de Lubicz extends into numerous contemporary spiritual movements, alternative archaeology, and holistic health practices, where the fusion of mind, body, and spirit reflects the ancient Egyptian approach to living a harmonious and enlightened life.

De Lubicz’s work encourages a re-evaluation of ancient wisdom in the light of modern existential questions and spiritual seeking, offering a timeless perspective on the pursuit of knowledge and self-realization.

Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom

At the heart of Schwaller de Lubicz's work was his assertion that the ancient Egyptians possessed an advanced understanding of the cosmos, which was embedded within their temples, art, and hieroglyphs. His seminal work, “The Temple of Man”, elaborates on the symbolic and mathematical sophistication of the Luxor Temple, proposing that it served as a grand book of stone, encoding the wisdom of a civilization that perceived reality through a spiritual lens.

Symbolism and the Language of the Heart

Schwaller de Lubicz emphasized the importance of symbolism as a means of conveying profound metaphysical and spiritual truths. He believed that symbols, more than mere art, were a language that spoke directly to the intuitive, non-rational aspects of the human psyche—the 'intelligence of the heart.' This perspective has revitalized interest in the esoteric interpretation of Egyptian symbolism, influencing various spiritual traditions that seek a more intuitive and heart-centred approach to knowledge.

The Doctrine of the Anthropocosmos

A central theme in de Lubicz's thought was the concept of the 'Anthropocosmos,' the idea that human beings are a microcosm of the universe, and by understanding ourselves, we can comprehend the macrocosm. This principle has reverberated through modern esoteric teachings, reinforcing the age-old Hermetic axiom "As above, so below," and encouraging a holistic approach to spiritual development that aligns personal transformation with cosmic harmony.

A New Era of Egyptology

Schwaller de Lubicz's insistence on a spiritual and symbolic reading of ancient Egyptian culture has challenged the conventional Egyptological narrative that often regards the ancient Egyptians primarily as a civilization focused on death and the afterlife. His work has inspired a new wave of researchers to approach Egyptology with a blend of rigorous scholarship and openness to the mystical dimensions of this ancient civilization.

The Alchemical Transformation

The alchemical traditions, heavily influenced by Egyptian thought, have also been touched by Schwaller de Lubicz's interpretations. His notion of 'spiritual alchemy' has inspired modern alchemists to seek transformation not just in substances, but within their own being, aligning personal growth with alchemical processes and principles.

Legacy and Continuation

Today, Schwaller de Lubicz's impact can be seen in the works of contemporary authors, educators, and practitioners of esoteric spirituality who draw upon his insights to enrich their understanding of ancient wisdom. His call for a synthesis of science, art, and spirituality continues to guide those on the initiatory path towards an experiential knowledge of the sacred.

The late John Anthony West, author of “The Serpent in the Sky” was heavily influenced by de Lubicz’s work. His book serves as a great introduction to the denser work of de Lubicz. . I highly recommend “The Serpent in the Sky” as an introduction to the work of de Lubicz

Conclusion

In the landscape of modern esotericism, René Adolphe Schwaller de Lubicz stands as a towering figure, melding ancient Egyptian cosmology into a framework that is both intellectually profound and spiritually stirring. His extensive work serves as a guiding star for initiates, highlighting the eternal significance of ancient Egyptian mysticism on our journey toward truth and inner light. Yet, one must approach his intricate theories with dedication and patience.

For those beginning to navigate his rich ideas, "Serpent in the Sky" by John Anthony West provides an insightful introduction, easing the path toward the deeper revelations within Schwaller de Lubicz's work. Progressing from there, the engaging narratives in Isha Schwaller de Lubicz's "Her-Bak: Chick Pea" and "Her-Bak: The Living Face of Ancient Egypt" offer a vivid gateway to these ancient teachings. As we step forth on this path of discovery, let us remain open to the profound connections between ancient insights and our current quest for understanding, ready to explore the depth of knowledge Schwaller de Lubicz has laid before us.

I believe we owe both René and Isha a debt of gratitude for their profound insights into the culture and mindset of ancient Egypt. Whilst challenging at times, I cannot recommend their work highly enough.