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Writer's pictureMichelle Hayman

Veil of Illumination: Secrets, Symbols, and the Forces That Shape Reality


"For by thy sorceries were all nations deceived." – Revelation 18:23


The Veil of Illumination: Tracing the Threads of Enlightenment and Hidden Agendas

Throughout history, humanity has grappled with the search for meaning, power, and transformation. From the Age of Enlightenment, with its promise of reason and progress, to the emergence of influential figures like Ignatius Loyola, founder of the Jesuits, and Aleister Crowley, the self-styled "Great Beast," each era has birthed movements that shaped the spiritual and societal landscape. Secret societies like the Golden Dawn, symbols like the Statue of Liberty, and even the evolution of modern "woke" ideology reveal an enduring tension between light and shadow, freedom and control, enlightenment and obscurity.

In this post, we’ll explore how these forces—apparent and hidden—continue to weave through the fabric of human history, shaping the narratives of identity, faith, and power. Let us pull back the curtain and peer into the confluence of ideas that challenge our understanding of the world.


The Age of Enlightenment, spanning the late 17th to the 18th century, was a transformative era that celebrated the power of reason, science, and intellectual progress as guiding forces for human advancement. It was a time when thinkers sought to liberate society from the shackles of tradition and dogma, advocating for individual rights, secular governance, and scientific exploration. This intellectual movement directly challenged established institutions, particularly the Catholic Church, which had long been the arbiter of spiritual and societal norms. The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and evidence often clashed with the Church’s reliance on faith and authority, paving the way for revolutionary shifts in politics, culture, and philosophy.

The Jesuit Order, known for its unwavering dedication to Catholic orthodoxy and intellectual rigor, has traditionally opposed practices associated with occultism or esotericism. Rooted in Ignatius of Loyola’s mission to strengthen Catholic faith through discipline, education, and spirituality, the Jesuits have historically served as staunch defenders of orthodox doctrine. Yet, the intersection of Jesuit scholarship and mystical traditions has led to accusations—both historical and contemporary—linking some Jesuits to occult-like practices.

Throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods, individual Jesuits delved into areas such as alchemy, Kabbalah, and mystical theology. Figures like Athanasius Kircher and Giovanni Battista de Rossi embodied this tension, exploring hidden knowledge and symbolic mysteries that occasionally intersected with traditions labeled as "occult." Their pursuits were typically aimed at reconciling ancient wisdom with Catholic theology rather than promoting esotericism. Nonetheless, their work sometimes blurred the lines between sanctioned Catholic mysticism and the forbidden realms of alchemy and hermeticism.

These rare instances of Jesuit involvement in mystical studies were not a reflection of the order's official stance but rather the byproducts of an era that prized intellectual exploration. The Jesuit order’s opposition to astrology, witchcraft, and other practices condemned by the Church remained steadfast. Yet, the enduring intrigue surrounding Jesuits and occultism highlights the complexities of balancing intellectual curiosity with spiritual orthodoxy, offering a glimpse into the broader cultural and philosophical tensions of their time.


Aleister Crowley, the infamous occultist often regarded as one of the most controversial figures in modern esoteric history, saw a surprising parallel between his own mystical practices and the methodologies of the Jesuit Order. Known for his philosophy of Thelema, which emphasized individual will and spiritual liberation, Crowley admired the Jesuits for their rigorous discipline and organizational brilliance. In his autobiography, The Confessions of Aleister Crowley, he acknowledged the power of the Jesuits' Spiritual Exercises—a series of meditative practices developed by Ignatius of Loyola to deepen faith and self-mastery. Crowley wrote, “I took the Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola, and I saw how they could be applied to the training of the mind for scientific investigation,” indicating that he viewed their techniques as a valuable tool for cultivating mental discipline, a key element in his own esoteric and magical practices.

Crowley’s admiration extended beyond individual exercises to the overarching structure of the Jesuit Order itself. He remarked on their strategic genius, describing their system as “practically perfect for its purpose,” highlighting his appreciation for their precision, efficiency, and influence in shaping religious thought and education. For Crowley, the Jesuits represented a model of how disciplined methodologies could be adapted to empower individual will and pursue higher knowledge—principles central to his own philosophy.

The parallels Crowley noted between his practices and Jesuit spirituality extend into deeper territories. The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius Loyola involved visualization, introspection, and mental control, techniques that closely align with Crowley’s esoteric focus on ritualistic concentration and the channeling of willpower. While the Jesuits employed these methods to deepen Catholic devotion and combat heresy, Crowley adapted similar tools to explore occult realms and expand personal spiritual power. This connection reinforces historical allegations of Jesuit involvement in esoteric knowledge and mystical practices, as some critics argue that their exercises resonate with occult traditions.


Crowley’s self-stylized identity as "The Beast 666" and his provocative embrace of ceremonial magic led many to label him a Satanist, further complicating his relationship to the Jesuits’ influence. While the Jesuits aimed to uphold Catholic orthodoxy, their emphasis on hidden knowledge, ritual discipline, and spiritual mastery inadvertently resonated with Crowley’s occult teachings. This shared focus on mental and spiritual control highlights a nuanced connection between the two, even as their ultimate aims were diametrically opposed.

Ultimately, Crowley’s relationship with the Jesuit tradition underscores his fascination with systems of power—spiritual, mental, and organizational. He drew from a wide array of influences, transforming practices like the Spiritual Exercises into tools for his own esoteric purposes. While Crowley and the Jesuits pursued fundamentally different goals, their shared themes of discipline, ritual, and hidden knowledge reveal intriguing intersections between religious orthodoxy and occult innovation, leaving a legacy that is as paradoxical as it is provocative.



The Statue of Liberty, a towering emblem of freedom and enlightenment, was gifted to the United States by French Freemasons in 1886. Officially titled “Liberty Enlightening the World,” the statue embodies Masonic ideals of liberty, reason, and progress—principles deeply rooted in the Enlightenment. Freemasonry, a movement closely tied to the intellectual fervor of the Enlightenment, championed these values as essential to human advancement. Its members viewed liberty not merely as political freedom but as a broader pursuit of intellectual and spiritual liberation, unshackled from dogma and oppression.

The symbolism of “Liberty” in the Masonic context can be traced to classical antiquity, particularly the Roman deity Liber, often associated with Dionysus, the god of wine, revelry, and chaos. Dionysus was celebrated for his transformative rites, which included the consumption of wine imbued with his essence and the ritualistic eating of raw flesh—practices central to his cult. These acts symbolized communion with the god but also chaos, rebellion, and a loosening of moral and social boundaries. The parallels between the cult of Dionysus and the biblical figure of Lucifer become evident when one considers Dionysus’ role as a liberator of earthly pleasures and a symbol of transcendence through forbidden means.

This connection takes on a provocative dimension when viewed alongside the transformation of the Roman Catholic Mass into the doctrine of transubstantiation during this period. In the cult of Dionysus, adherents drank wine said to contain the god’s essence—a practice that finds a curious echo in the Catholic Eucharist, where wine is believed to become the literal blood of Christ. This ritualistic consumption of divine essence, whether in the context of Dionysus or Christ, carries profound symbolic weight. Critics have drawn parallels between these traditions, suggesting that the essence consumed in the Dionysian cult represented Luciferian influence—a theme that resonates with the Enlightenment’s Promethean quest for forbidden knowledge.

The figure of Dionysus also introduces a fascinating layer of symbolism tied to modern social movements. Dionysus was often considered androgynous, embodying both masculine and feminine qualities. His fluidity in identity challenged traditional gender roles and emphasized transcendence beyond societal norms. This aspect of Dionysus might offer insight into the rise of "woke" ideology and the modern gender identity crisis, where the boundaries of gender are being questioned and redefined. Just as Dionysian rites sought to dissolve conventional distinctions, contemporary movements challenge binary gender constructs, emphasizing fluidity and self-expression as central tenets.

The Statue of Liberty’s torch, symbolizing enlightenment and progress, further links this iconography to Prometheus, the Titan who defied the gods to bring fire—knowledge—to humanity. Prometheus’ act of rebellion mirrors the biblical narrative of Lucifer, the “light-bringer,” whose promise of divine wisdom led to humanity’s fall. To some, this reframes Liberty not merely as a beacon of progress but as an embodiment of defiance against divine authority, aligning her with the spirit of rebellion and self-determination associated with Lucifer.

The Statue of Liberty thus stands as a multifaceted symbol—a monument to freedom and enlightenment, but also a provocative emblem of humanity’s struggle with rebellion, forbidden knowledge, and the consequences of seeking autonomy from divine authority. Whether viewed as an icon of progress, a reflection of ancient rites of chaos, or even a precursor to modern debates on identity, it reflects the complex interplay of ideas that continue to shape our modern world.



Secret societies such as the Golden Dawn, Freemasonry, the Eastern Star, and Rosicrucianism have long been associated with esoteric practices and mystical beliefs. Recently, Jac Marino Chen, in an interview with Allie Beth Stuckey (link available below), shared her personal experience with the occult. She revealed how she once believed herself to be a Christian while actively participating in secret society rituals, including taking communion and consuming the Eucharist dedicated to Osiris—interestingly, an alias of Dionysus. In these circles, scripture was distorted and misused for "transmutation," where practitioners believed they were transforming into gods through invocation rituals. However, these practices instead summoned demonic entities and promoted idol worship.

Jac further described the dark practices of sex magick within these cults, explaining how orgasms were believed to channel supernatural power through fluids. Blood offerings, too, were seen as a path to becoming "like the gods," though in reality, this involved engaging with demonic forces. She recounted rituals involving orgies, invoking the Lord’s Prayer as part of occult ceremonies, and the concept of "Christ consciousness" in the New Age movement—a complete distortion of biblical teachings.


These practices evoke disturbing parallels with ancient child sacrifices and the pervasiveness of pedophilic abuse in society today. According to Jac, such cults, driven by the "doctrines of devils" referenced in scripture, seek to ascend to godhood through demonic power. At their core lies a rebellion led by Lucifer, the androgynous fallen angel, whose influence continues to lure humanity away from its Creator. The symbolism of Lucifer, as embodied in prominent cultural icons such as statues presiding over nations, serves as a chilling reminder of this spiritual battle.

This testimony offers a sobering insight into the modern manifestations of ancient practices, highlighting the profound spiritual deception underlying such movements.


"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;" – 1 Timothy 4:1


For those interested, you can find the interview through the link provided below.




Let’s explore the history of the Golden Dawn and examine how those in power, influenced by Luciferian worship, may be manipulating society to reshape it as we know it.


The Occult Foundations of the Golden Dawn

The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, inaugurated in 1888, emerged as a pivotal organization in the Western esoteric tradition, filling a significant gap in the study and practical application of ritual magic. Unlike earlier organizations such as Freemasonry or the Theosophical Society founded by Helena Blavatsky in 1875, which focused on mystical and philosophical teachings, the Golden Dawn provided detailed and systematic instruction in ceremonial magic and occult practices.

Its founders—William Wynn Westcott, Samuel MacGregor Mathers, and William Woodman—established the order as a "school of magic," offering a curriculum that included astral traveling, evocation of elemental spirits, scrying, alchemy, and rituals of power. The order combined Christian pantheism, the Qabalah, Egyptian mythology, and Tarot, creating a syncretic approach that appealed to late Victorian society’s yearning for spiritual exploration amid disillusionment with science and traditional religion.


The origins of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn are shrouded in a complex tapestry of mysticism, enigmatic figures, and dubious claims. Central to its establishment were the so-called Cipher Manuscripts, a collection of documents written in a ciphered script, allegedly decoded using the Trithemius Cipher. These manuscripts, purportedly containing rituals and teachings on Qabalah, astrology, geomancy, and alchemy, served as the foundation upon which the Golden Dawn was built. Their provenance, however, has been a source of enduring controversy.

Dr. William Wynn Westcott, a key figure in the order's genesis, claimed to have discovered the manuscripts and, through them, communicated with a German Rosicrucian adept, Fraulein Sprengel. Sprengel, as Westcott would later assert, granted permission to establish an English branch of the Rosicrucian order under the name "Die Goldene Dämmerung" or "The Golden Dawn."

The broader history of the Golden Dawn is rich with characters whose eccentricities and ambitions shaped its early days. Westcott, described as timid and prone to fabrications, partnered with the industrious and forceful Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers, who later became the order's dominant figure. Together, they wove a narrative that fused the esoteric traditions of Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry with newly crafted rituals. However, their personal flaws and the questionable authenticity of the manuscripts that justified their order would, in time, sow the seeds of its demise.


The Golden Dawn sought to establish itself as a bridge between ancient mystical traditions and modern occult practices. Drawing heavily on Masonic and Rosicrucian principles, the Order claimed to inherit the "Secret Wisdom of the Ancient Ages," aligning itself with the mystic rites of Egypt, Persia, and Chaldea. Westcott, a key figure in the Order, asserted the group's legitimacy by connecting it to esteemed occult figures and institutions, while emphasizing a hierarchical structure that mirrored the Qabalistic Tree of Life. Despite its lofty claims, critics noted inconsistencies, such as the unattainability of the highest Sephiroth grades, casting doubt on the system's authenticity. Nevertheless, the allure of the Golden Dawn's rituals and its promise of spiritual enlightenment captivated many, with its teachings framed as divine revelations transcribed by scribes channeling the voices of the gods. Through an impressive blend of occult lore, innovative ritual, and strategic myth-making, the Golden Dawn quickly positioned itself as a cornerstone of esoteric thought in the late 19th century.


The Golden Dawn’s development was marked by an intricate blend of secrecy, scholarship, and mysticism, as it sought to present itself as a uniquely esoteric order. Its leaders, particularly Mathers and Westcott, emphasized the spiritual legitimacy of their practices through appeals to the authority of the so-called "Secret Chiefs." These mythical beings, described as residing on an astral plane, were credited with guiding the Order’s philosophy and rituals. This claim of divine inspiration added an aura of unassailability, shielding the leaders from challenges while reinforcing their dominance.

The Order’s teachings were meticulously hierarchical, structured in three levels of initiation. The Second Order, for instance, delved into scrying, astral travel, and alchemical practices, accessible only to those who had proven their dedication. The Third Order, however, was reserved for the supposed direct communion with the Secret Chiefs, elevating this layer to an almost mythical status.

What truly set the Golden Dawn apart was its emphasis on exclusivity and its ability to attract an eclectic membership. Despite the rigid hierarchy, prominent literary and artistic figures were drawn to the Order, intrigued by its promise of spiritual enlightenment. These individuals contributed to its growing reputation, even as rumors swirled about the legitimacy of its claims.

Yet, internal discord loomed. Mathers' later behavior, described as erratic and paranoid, exacerbated divisions within the Order. His insistence on absolute obedience and his self-proclaimed unique connection to the astral guides alienated many, leading to schisms and doubts about the Order’s stability. Despite these challenges, the Golden Dawn's legacy endures, symbolizing a complex interplay of mystical ambition, intellectual curiosity, and human frailty.


Moina Mathers’ indispensable role within the Golden Dawn was a linchpin of its success. Her commanding presence and unparalleled passion infused the mystical rites with authenticity and vigor, forestalling any descent into triviality. Her ability to invoke the essence of the divine, particularly Isis (the demon Ishtar or Asherah the original "Queen of Heaven"), positioned her not merely as an ornament of the Order but as its lifeblood. In this context, she became more than Samuel Liddell Macgregor Mathers’ wife—she was "the power behind the throne," an unwavering force who both supported and defined the magical legacy of the Golden Dawn.

Pope Pius XII explicitly defined Mary as "Queen of Heaven" in his encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam (To the Queen of Heaven) in 1954. He encouraged Catholics to honour Mary with this title.


Many who venerate the "Queen of Heaven" do so believing they are seeking intercession with the Almighty Creator, but little do they know—or perhaps they do and simply choose not to care—that they are in fact liasing with the demonic. Under the guise of becoming like gods, driven by insatiable greed for wealth, power, and sexual perversions, they invoke forces that are not divine but diabolical. Scripture warns of such deceptions. In 1 Timothy 4:1, it is written, "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils." Through ancient, forbidden knowledge, these individuals are not only leading themselves astray but are dragging humanity down with them, spreading deception and spiritual corruption on a massive scale.

Demonic influence permeates our world in ways that often go unnoticed. Symbols, music, films, and even subtle messages embedded within media are tools used to manipulate and bewitch the masses. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." These powers exploit humanity's weaknesses—our pride, greed, and lust—to pull us further from the Creator's truth.


I, as I have written before, found myself on the edge of death when God's voice reached me, saying, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). It was in that moment I was brought back to Him, and the veil of deception was lifted from my eyes. Revelation foretells how society will unravel in these last days: "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections... and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind" (Romans 1:26-28). People will be consumed by their sexual desires, pride, and the worship of false idols, spiraling further into destruction.

The Bible shows us the fate of societies that reject God. Sodom, Gomorrah, and Pompeii (tied to Bacchic mystery rites) serve as cautionary tales, cities consumed by their own decadence and sin. Revelation 18:2 describes the fall of Babylon the Great: "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit." It is my belief that the modern-day Babylon—whether New York City or the United States as a whole—will eventually meet a similar fate. "For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities" (Revelation 18:5).


This destruction is not arbitrary; it is the inevitable consequence of rebellion against the Creator and a world consumed by the doctrine of devils. But for those who turn back to God, there is hope. "Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Revelation 18:4). The time is now to seek the truth, reject the deceptions of this world, and return to the Almighty Creator who offers salvation and freedom from the darkness that has overtaken humanity.


I also want to briefly mention that Catholics who pray to saints are not actually praying to the human dead. Scripture clearly states that “the dead know nothing” (Ecclesiastes 9:5) and remain unconscious until the resurrection. This raises an important question: Who, then, are they truly invoking?



The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn emerged during a time of heightened interest in mysticism and the occult, drawing inspiration from movements like the Theosophical Society and earlier esoteric traditions. The Theosophical Society, founded by Helena Blavatsky, sought to blend Eastern spirituality with Western esotericism, emphasizing the hidden potential of humanity and the pursuit of enlightenment through forbidden mystical knowledge. Blavatsky’s teachings, which captivated influential figures like Albert Einstein and James Joyce, underscored humanity’s fascination with secret wisdom. Her establishment of an Esoteric Group shortly after the Golden Dawn’s founding exemplified the Victorian-era longing for transcendence, as dissatisfaction with rigid scientific materialism and institutional religion grew. As G.I. Gurdjieff remarked, such movements offered an "escape from insignificance," affirming humanity’s capacity for divinity through the so-called "Secret Traditions."

The Golden Dawn synthesized a variety of mystical traditions into a structured system of magical rites, drawing heavily on sources such as the Hebrew Kabbalah, Egyptian mythology, Christian pantheism, and ceremonial magic. Much of its curriculum revolved around carefully constructed rituals, including scrying, astral projection, and the evocation of spirits. These practices, many of which were translations or adaptations of ancient documents, were deeply rooted in the teachings of its founders, including William Wynn Westcott, Samuel MacGregor Mathers, and Dr. William Robert Woodford. Their collaboration with esoteric groups like the Rosicrucians and Swedenborgian mystics helped solidify the Golden Dawn’s unique blend of occult knowledge.

Ritual practices within the Golden Dawn went beyond theoretical study, involving ceremonial invocations, the use of magical symbols, and the invocation of supernatural forces. Leaders like Mathers were steeped in mystical traditions, with Mathers himself delving into alchemy and drawing inspiration from figures like Anna Kingsford, a Theosophist and alleged practitioner of magical means. These elements, combined with the Golden Dawn’s secretive structure and Masonic influences, contributed to its reputation as a controversial and enigmatic organization.

Despite its allure, the knowledge pursued by the Golden Dawn—and similar movements—has long been considered forbidden. Such knowledge has often been exploited by power-hungry individuals seeking to elevate themselves through ritualistic magic, sex magick, and blood offerings to demonic entities. These practices echo the ancient lie Satan told Eve: the illusion that humanity can become like gods, a deception that led to humanity’s separation from its divine Creator. This same delusion has fueled a return to paganism, with modern occult movements mirroring the polytheistic practices of ancient Rome, where deities like Sol Invictus—the sun god associated with liberty and rebellion—were worshipped. This sun god, often identified with Lucifer, symbolizes the rebellion against divine authority that persists today.

The Golden Dawn’s influence persists in modern esoteric practices, shaping groups and individuals seeking spiritual transcendence through hidden knowledge. Its structured magical rites and integration of diverse mystical traditions have established it as a cornerstone of Western occultism. Yet, its legacy also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of pursuing forbidden wisdom. The demonic influence underlying these practices has infiltrated society, from symbols and rituals in popular culture to a broader spiritual rebellion that draws humanity further from its Creator. In this context, the Golden Dawn reflects the enduring allure of mystical knowledge and the profound spiritual consequences of straying from divine truth.


Have you fallen under deception? Could someone have sold your soul to the devil, unknowingly binding you, all for their own selfish gain?

Turn away from this darkness and repent. Return to Christ, the only true source of safety and salvation from this madness. Reconnect with the Divine Creator to embrace your true purpose as children of God—not as false gods seeking power, but as beings created to walk in His light and truth.

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