Edna E. Craven

Balboa Press, 276 pages, (paperback) $19.99, 978-1-4525-1945-6

(Reviewed: September 2015)

 

At first blush, the Bible’s Genesis Chapter 5, might seem like a basic genealogy, a series of characters begetting others (e.g. Adam begets his son Seth, who in turn begets Enosh, and so on). Yet, to those initiated in some of the occult sciences that lie at the heart of Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism, this seemingly boring list of names holds the key to understanding the evolution of consciousness and our ultimate connection to God.

 

In Universal Mind Revealed, Edna E. Craven, a member of the Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, which involves the study of ancient metaphysical and wisdom traditions, delicately unpacks the hidden meaning of these particular biblical passages.

Craven examines the Hebrew origins of such names as Methuselah and Lamech, as well as the number of years an individual lived. Each etymological inspection reveals sacred wisdom that can help further the development of our souls (e.g. the name Enoch signifies centralized power, so the phrase “Enoch walked with God’ demonstrates the moral power behind following the will of the Divine). Ultimately, by understanding the deeper meaning of names, an individual can channel the creative force of God and live a more spiritually mature life.

 

Craven is a solid writer with a prodigious understanding of esoteric symbolism. She does her best to keep what can be very heady material balanced and accessible.  Students of Kabbalah and New Thought will find this an interesting and thought-provoking book.

 

Also available in hardcover and ebook.