The Forbidden Universe: The Occult Origins of Science and the Search for the Mind of God

by Lynn Picknett, Clive Prince

Secret societies, famous scientists, ancient Egyptian mysticism, and a fascinating addition to the god-versus-science the Catholic Church. By the bestselling authors of The Templar Revelation and Mary Magdalene , The Forbidden Universe reveals how the foundations of modern science were based around a desire to destroy the church. The great pioneering scientists of the Renaissance and the early Enlightenment (including Copernicus, Galileo, and Sir Isaac Newton) were fervent devotees of the philosophical/mystical system of Hermeticism. Many of the most important scientists of this age, including Galileo, belonged to a secret society called the Giordanisti, which had the agenda to overthrow the Church and establish a new age of Hermetic supremacy.

Genres: History, Science, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Occult, Religion, Historical

400 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Michael Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible book. Giordano Bruno wrote that the sun was the center of the solar system, and that stars were other suns with planets and other beings... and was summarily burned at the stake. In an era where it was heresy to suggest that the Earth orbited the sun, or that the stars were anything other than lamps of God hanging in the heavens, it took great courage to speak otherwise. The Hermetica—a collection of ancient Egyptian metaphysical texts attributed to Hermes Trismegistus—informed many of the pioneers of science, including Kepler and Galileo, but the influence of those texts is scrubbed from most histories. Why? Good question—and this book answers it.

But the second half is where it becomes exceedingly provocative, challenging the currently fashionable atheist/materialist scientism (epitomized by Dawkins, Gould, and the like) and positing that the universe has a built-in direction towards the evolution of consciousness and we aren't simply the lucky results of blind chance. Far from a Creationist manifesto, Picknett and Prince the findings of leading physicists, biologists, and cosmologists to show the evidence for something other than randomness in the creation of the known universe—a propensity for life to follow a path towards self-realization. And while metaphors used to explain quantum physics and other mind-boggling developments in science are frequently drawn from Eastern spiritual traditions, the authors point out that Western esoteric traditions also have much to offer in helping understand cosmic mysteries and the evolution of consciousness. Highly recommended.

[Mark Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

Clearly a lot of effort went into this book. There are extensive references, bibliography, index, and so on. It has the form of a serious, scientific work, but the arguments it attempts to advance are anything but scientific. It draws heavily on a careful selection of quotes from scientists, some of whom are serious players, but it presents them in its own carefully arranged context so that they appear to support the authors' views.

The basic flaw with this book, as with much pseudo-science, is that the authors have a fundamental misunderstanding of scientific method. Theirs is a proof-centred universe, and they pounce on any failure by scientists to "prove" what most scientists would accept as the consensus view, and they proceed to shove in God (in some form) as the answer, the "proof" as it were.

Science on the other hand is accepting of a lack of proof - it works by forming theories about the world and testing them, and the more these theories stand up to testing, the more their predictions are borne out by experiments, the more confidence science has in their truth. It remains true though, that for some aspects of the world we simply don't (yet) have any robust or well accepted scientific explanation. That's just the way it is. There's absolutely no need to patch these gaps in our ability to explain the universe with a magic, supernatural being.

Read this book by all means. But please don't be sucked into thinking it proves anything.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written for laymen. Good explanations of cutting edge physics and cosmology and their relations to consciousness, paranormal and the occult origins of science including Newton's interest in Alchemy. Attacks athiest positions of Dawkins, Hitchens and Hawking - much more besides.

[K.J. Charles]

As a rule of thumb, any historical theory that involves Shakespeare's plays alluding to secret knowledge and conspiracies = utter horseshit. And lo: Shakespeare's plays hermetic tradition secret allusions alchemy Dr Dee and I can feel Freemasons coming on.

DNF, sorry I started.

[Rudyard L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books of my life

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing particularly new in the first half of this book where the authors relate the history of early science and its reliance upon Hermeticism, Hermes Trismegitus, and Egypt. Then the second part delivers some odd and idiosyncratic analysis of contemporary science, most especially Physics, by way of String Theory. None of this was particularly articulate or convincing, but amusing and occasionally engaging.

If you've not read about Hermeticism or wondered how early science relied upon this then this book is worth a look...but it is not what I would call enlightening. Generally, the authors overstate science's reliance upon the hermetic tradition but nonetheless it was genuine.

Another problem with this book was the manner in which they shamelessly promoted their tie-in with the Dan Brown movie Angels & Demons...and just as shamelessly fawned over his books. This destroyed their credibility for me.

However, I only read this book for entertainment purposes and found it very amusing, if not consistently so.

Worth a look but nothing new will be found here....IMHO.

[Mehmet Palabiyikoglu · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest, when I first picked this book up, I was actually expecting to find something more mythical. As I discovered that it consists of more solid information, I felt disappointed, telling to myself "this is not that magical...". But it was nevertheless interesting, and full of information that I'm currently quite happy to learn about.

First part was about the people in the middle age Europe, who were trying to spread the Hermetic Tradition and found a golden age, Rosicrucians (which I think were the most interesting part) and how science and occult got separated. Although some of the stories on this part were interesting, it didn't draw my attention as second part did. Mostly because it was quite shallow on alchemical and magical part.

About the second part, I can say that, even though the first part was more related to alchemy, I absolutely loved the subjects on physics, biology and parapsychology. If someone would told me that the second part barely touches to the Hermeticist tradition (which actually contextually all into Hermeticism), I might have change my mind and decide not to read. But the given information neither was too detailed nor too groundless, and they were quite interesting to read. The magic I was searching in the first part emerged as the quantum theories (and few proven,small but exciting facts) in the second part. I am aware that most of the elements that's been discussed on quantum physics and multiverse theory focused on theoretical examples, instead of scientific, tested proofs but that's been done in a way that doesn't make you think that the authors are claiming them to be real. So it is up to you to whether follow the new findings on the mentioned subjects or dive more into them and make a research about it.

I can easily say that this book inspires its readers to find out the truth, without making judgements on a subject whether it is scientific or religious. It advises that we mustn't follow religion or science so fanatically, that it makes us immune to the catalysts of the human evolution and revolution. If we can maintain the golden ratio between scientific advancement and spiritual inspiration, we will be able to reach and understand the mind of the God, which might be the ultimate goal in the universe and therefore, its meaning.

[Matt · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first half of this book was pretty enjoyable. It was about how most of the great Renaissance scientists from Copernicus to Newton did not undertake their studies out of anti-religious fervor, but because they believed in the Egyptian theology Hermeticism. Many people in those times - including several popes - believed in Hermeticism which states that we can become one with our creator / the universe by studying for the sake of studying. Others, like Giordano Bruno, even thought that Christianity had strayed from its Hermetic roots and spent their lives preaching teaching its values to bring the believers back to the 'original' belief system (which is why he was found guilty of heresy by the Inquisition).

The second half of the book I thought was very boring. It covers all major recent theories that try to explain how the universe and our genes work the way they do. These range from selfish gene to divine intervention to the multiverse. This whole section is against the atheism of Richard Dawkins and aims to show that there are so many divergent scientific theories that don't agree with each other that even science - which Dawkins thinks is the purest form of thought man is capable of - has devolved into the 'my God is better than your God' debate.

[Sae-chan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Richard Dawkins' God Delusion a while back and wasn't really thrilled. I remembered there were so many quotes that I thought it was bordering on plagiarism. This book was also full of quotes, but I kinda like them, so I didn't mind. Well, apparently I'm biased neee.... nothing new.

It started like something about historical religious intrigues inside the catholic church, then the underground movement of the splinter group, and ended with science lectures, which I found most interesting. Quantum physics is really something, but I feel that most people are still thinking more in Newtonian and Aristotelian planes. When it gets more grips on society, I think more and more people will be able to keep an open mind on any subjects.

Many of the ideas in this book I didn't totally agree. Magnum miraculus est homo -- it was somewhat difficult to digest when what came to mind were people like Ted Bundy, Idi Amin, corrupt politicians, human traffickers, and the likes. Maybe we should put "potentially" somewhere in between (latin is not my forte, well... it's not even my piano:-).

[Graham Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hermes unveiled

I was enthralled by the historical meanderings of this book . The history of science is fascinating , particularly the renaissance. I really enjoyed this book.

[Codex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written, with many profound insights.

Quote:

“In the beginning all science was Hermetic science. But something went badly wrong. When it junked the Hermetic philosophy, science began to preach that we owe our existence to a long series of accidents and that ultimately our lives have no meaning. The sense of unlimited horizons and the joy of being alive were eroded.
¶ When the scientific wisdom was plucked from Hermeticism to fuel the engines of progress for today’s world and the underlying transcendentalism rejected, the whole tradition lost its soul. When science set its stern face towards the test tube and the slide rule it was in effect turning its back on Sophia, the female aspect of Hermetic knowledge, literally God’s other half. And in the ironic replay of the excision of the sacred feminine from Christianity, here science lost not only its soul but also its heart.
[ . . . ]
¶ To be a Hermeticist, no matter what one’s gender, is to accept and utilise both male and female mindsets, embodied in the ancient Hermetic and alchemical symbol of the hermaphrodite. Only by becoming whole oneself can the universe be finally understood and totally participated in.
¶ But science, like the Judeo-Christian religions, severed its ties with Sophia, with its other half. And although it can weigh, measure, calculate and send men to play golf on the moon, the real awe and glory of the universe lies in the human heart and soul. If it is allowed to be whole. This was [Giordano] Bruno’s message. This was the ancient wisdom. And simple as it may seem, it is in itself one of the profoundest secrets of all.”

[Alexandra Rizzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I seem to pick funny writers. Or maybe I'm just easily amused. Either way, despite the heavy subject, L.P. knows how to lighten it by peppering funny side-comments here and there.
I did think a few times that this book is too long and wished she did a bit more editing or maybe publishing this into two separate books.
The history part, in and of itself, is fascinating and the only reason any of it sounds familiar is if you're already into this topic. L.P. shines a light on things that mainstream history ignores. For this alone, this is worthy of reading. In short, L.P. follows Hermes Trismegistus, a pre-Christian, Egyptian, who's writings influenced many famous people in the middle ages. Between the lines, I read something that most Americans don't realize; back then, politics and survival was part of religion. Sure, we know about the inquisition, but I don't think many realize that it went further than that.
In the second part, how history influences modern day physics, she makes the same point other authors have made: Modern science is about as thick headed and narrow minded as the religious folks of the old days. Asking questions will get you rebuffs and then you're told you're an idiot. There's no true discussion going on. Like most authors of this genre, she's bringing up the point about how string-theory, or M-theory, with their multiverse idea just seems to be more fantastic than Alice in Wonderland.
The most impressive part, however, is her thorough reference index. Truly, L.P. did her research. While some of this book could easily be chalked up to supposition, her research clearly makes the point.
So if you're into non-mainstream thinkers, this is a book you should read.

[b e a c h g o t h · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely fantastic and is a must read for anyone interested in discovering more about occult origins, when magic became science (and back again) and hermetic origins and beliefs.
It’s fantastically written, it was like reading an page-turning novel instead of a non fiction brick sized book.
I simply must get a real life copy of this for my bookshelf - I don’t even want to give this copy back to my library!

[Johann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strong Argument

The authors do a very thorough job of making their point concerning how Science has a lot to owe Hermeticism as a huge part of that institutes foundation.
I found this to be a very fascinating read concerning the history of Hermeticism as well as its key figures in history.
A very well rounded read that isn't boring in the least and makes its argument a very string one based on numerous sources.
Be prepared for a fun ride!

[Vince McLeod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Traces the history of underground thought from Giordano Bruno to the present day, posing a number of fascinating questions as it does. A great read for anyone interested in occultism or Luciferianism.

[Xavier Boutaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

To read with an inquiring mind. Several insights connecting pieces of the most ancient hermetic tradition along history to some of the most important civilization events, up to modern times, including on politics, religion and science.

[Alexander K Landry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating and perspective it in that you can apply that shapes the world today.

[Ehsan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly rubbish conspiracy theory

[Jennb_9 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Avalina Kreska · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forbidden Universe delves into our loss of hermetic scientific expression due to dogmatic Catholic thought. A great introduction to the early scientific giants of the likes of Giordano Bruno and Copernicus who were not bound by religious reasoning or fear of the vastness of the human mind to tap into the wisdom and magic of the universe. The dogmatic control of the few would be the downfall of the advancement of human ingenuity and spirit.

A sobering reminder that to reign in the mind's ability to imagine and create will keep humans in a dark cave of ignorance and hideous bias. We see similar patterns of dominance today where the 'religiosity' of science and corporate interest have become the new dogma - a monetary science - NASA is a good example, all polished, shiny and 'institutionalised' - the tax payer no longer its major contributor but the corporate partners/benefactors/masters and the conflict of interest therein.

[Dawud Oufkir · Rating 5 out of 5]

The authors are popularisers of often difficult, academic debates, and their latest offering builds upon a mass of research (their lead researcher was the recently deceased Phillip Coppens) to provide a broad overview of the influence of the Egyptian Hermetica upon Rennaisance science. But the second part of the book goes beyond this simple premise to explore the relationship between consciousness and the physical world, and simultaneously provides a well-written explanation of the problem posed by the physical constants to the scientific community's reigning materialist-determinist worldview. In showing the scientific grounds for the hermetic beliefs, the book opens a wide new window onto human possibilities, offering nothing less than a modern reenchantment of the world and

[Paul Fadoju · Rating 4 out of 5]

Often wonder how the West developed their civilization to become the envy of the world. With all the History of Kings and Lords to the modern day where relatively the poorest western man is rich in the world standard. This book gives a taster of Men and Women who went against the tide during the dark ages and brought critical reasoning and a different genre of looking at the universe.

Well written I will try and look into the authors book on the masks of Christ.

[Tim Pyke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable and interesting book about the Corpus Hermetica. The first half gives a history of science from Copernicus to Newton and the influence the Hermetica had on these people and the role of the church trying to suppress its influence. The second half discusses the conundrums that currently exist in science and that the words in the Hermetica seem more true now than ever before.

[Joao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um livro apaixonante que desafia o leitor face aos padrões dos cânones do conhecimento científicos. Uma obra dual marcada por dois momentos distintos: capítulos iniciais a solicitarem preserveranca e a desafiarem a vontade. Capítulos finais marcados pela avidez da leitura que impulsiona a descoberta.

[Gematria Ankh Amen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my second read of this book, and I learned this time what I missed before. Excellent read for anyone studying or seeking Innerstanding with regard to the Universe from a Hermetic perspective.

[Dee Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book

Highly recommend this excellent book for anyone who wants to understand the massive debt the west owes to hermetic thought. Couldn't put it down. And at long last giordanni bruno who died for his hermetic beliefs is honored in this epic work.

[Louise Leetch]

Why does Amazon list this as the Hermetic Conspiracy when the title is The forbidden Universe?

[Belinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately too dry for my mind to engage as I would have liked to. The subject matter is most intriguing.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

N

[Shawn Neville · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent exposition of Giordano Bruno and emergence of science from the eclectic worldview of the occult. The rest, poorly reasoned.