For centuries people have been intrigued by the mysterious
objects known as the Holy Grail, the Elixir of Life, and the
Philosopher's Stone. For many of us, these three enigmatic
objects have their source in Arthurian legend, or in the curious
work of the medieval alchemists who sought to transform base
metals into gold. In the Serpent Grail, authors Gardiner and
Osborn reveal that the origin of these legendary objects dates
from a much earlier period - from the dawn of human history
itself.
The culmination of many years research, The Serpent Grail takes
the reader on a fascinating exploration of ancient myth,
archaeology, etymology, religion, science, and much more. In
keeping with true Grail tradition, the book is also a journey in
search of the enlightenment and eternal life that were the
reward for those who uncovered the secrets of the Grail, the
Elixir, or the Stone. As the authors reveal, these three objects
have their origin in the shamanic tradition and in the 'serpent
cult' that was once a global religion. Contrary to modern
belief, the serpent was not a symbol of evil. For our distant
ancestors, it symbolized the beneficent life-force or
source-centre of the universe. It also embodied the spiritual
rebirth and enlightenment that are the birthright of us all.
Moreover, the mysterious 'serpent beings' and 'serpent deities'
of ancient myth were real people. They were the enlightened
leaders and guides of the world's earliest civilizations.
But for our ancestors the mythical serpent was more than just a
symbol of eternal life and enlightenment. The authors discovered
that the serpent's physical counterpart - the snake - was
greatly valued by the ancients for its venom and its ability to
both kill and cure. Through neutralizing the natural poison in
the venom by mixing it with blood, they developed an elixir -
the Elixir of Life - that not only healed disease, it also
boosted the immune system and extended human life by many years.
This elixir and its healing properties fell into disrepute in
the nineteenth century thanks to the 'snake oil' peddled by
charlatans. In our own time, however, modern medical science is
once again discovering the beneficial properties of snake venom
and other derivatives from the snake in the successful treatment
of human disease. The Serpent Grail is also a journey into the
world of the shaman, whose knowledge of 'other worlds' was
gained during his travels to the source of consciousness while
in the hypnagogic trance-state. These travels, which were
equated with entering the womb of the World Mother, gave him an
understanding of the blueprint - the underlying matrix - of life
itself. The knowledge thus gained by the shaman parallels the
discoveries of modern science. But whereas scientists express
their discoveries in scientific terms, the shaman expressed his
knowledge in the form of myths about gods and goddesses, and in
myths that eventually gave birth to the mysteries of the Grail,
the Elixir of Life, and the Philosopher's Stone. This
groundbreaking book is illustrated with many original
photographs taken during Gardiner's travels around the world in
search of the truth behind the Grail, the Elixir, and the Stone.
Knowing of the author's future works I can only say that you
will need to fully grasp this book by the enlightened horns
before you will be able to proceed.
The Serpent Grail is published by Watkins on 15th September
2005, in the UK, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the
Far East. In February in the USA, South America and Canada.
Hardback priced ?16.99 ISBN 1 84293 129 6
Contacts: UK Juliette Humble Duncan Baird Publishers & Watkins
Publishing 29 Jewry Street, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8RY Tel:
01962 841 570 Fax: 01962 841 413
Alisa Morgan - Australia Publicist, Simon & Schuster Australia
Pty Ltd. Tel: 02 9983 6624 Fax: 02 9988 4232 Ani Chamichian - USA
749 Guerrero, San Francisco, CA 94110 Tel: 415-503-0181 Fax:
415-647-1656 Mobile: 415-699-8685
See also: www.serpentgrail.com, www.philipgardiner.net,
www.gardinerosborn.com.
About the author:
Writer, researcher and gnostic
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