Baigent, Michael, Leigh, Richard & Lincoln, Henry, The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, Arrow Books, UK 1996 Arrow Books, UK 1996 Bell, Gail, The Poison Principle, The Poison Principle, Pan Macmillan, Australia 2001 Pan Macmillan, Australia 2001 Dolan, Brian, Ladies of the Grand Tour, Ladies of the Grand Tour, HarperCollins, London 2001 HarperCollins, London 2001 Fraser, Angus, The Gypsies, The Gypsies, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, UK 1992 Blackwell Publishers, Oxford, UK 1992 Gardner, Laurence, Lost Secrets of the Sacred Ark, Secrets of the Sacred Ark, HarperCollins, London 2003 HarperCollins, London 2003 Bloodline of the Holy Grail, Multi mediaQuest International, UK 2001 Multi mediaQuest International, UK 2001 Realm of the Ring Lords, Multi mediaQuest International, UK 2000 Multi mediaQuest International, UK 2000 Genesis of the Grail Kings, Bantam Press, UK 1999 Bantam Press, UK 1999 Melton, J. Gordon, The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead, The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead, Visible Ink Press, US 1999 Visible Ink Press, US 1999 Pool, Daniel, What Jane Austen Ate and Charles d.i.c.kens Knew, What Jane Austen Ate and Charles d.i.c.kens Knew, Simon & Schuster, New York 1993 Simon & Schuster, New York 1993 Stephens, John Lloyd, Incidents of Travel in Egypt, Arabia, Peatrea and the Holy Land, Incidents of Travel in Egypt, Arabia, Peatrea and the Holy Land, Dover Publications, New York 1970 Dover Publications, New York 1970
GLOSSARY OF TERMS.
Albigensian Crusade (1209 (1209AD): this crusade was directed against Christian heretics in southern France-the Cathars-by the Church of Rome. It was a bitter conflict that was partly a civil war, partly persecution, partly an invasion and possibly a treasure hunt as well. The crusade lasted for twenty years.
Amrita (science): is an enzyme produced in part by the urethral Skene glands (the female prostate). 350BC Aristotle recorded that some women, when s.e.xually excited, produce the Amrita fluid. In Tantric tradition Amrita is called "the ambrosia of immortality" and "the fountain of youth". (science): is an enzyme produced in part by the urethral Skene glands (the female prostate). 350BC Aristotle recorded that some women, when s.e.xually excited, produce the Amrita fluid. In Tantric tradition Amrita is called "the ambrosia of immortality" and "the fountain of youth".
The Cathars: were the supporters of were the supporters of Albi-gens Albi-gens (see Elven Bloodline), and were the last actively visible Gnostic school in the West. Branded heretics by the Roman Catholic Church, armies descended upon Languedoc and thus began the Albigensian Crusade. Their name Cathari means "pure" in Greek, and it was rumoured that the Cathars were hiding many of the secret treasures relating to the Grail. (see Elven Bloodline), and were the last actively visible Gnostic school in the West. Branded heretics by the Roman Catholic Church, armies descended upon Languedoc and thus began the Albigensian Crusade. Their name Cathari means "pure" in Greek, and it was rumoured that the Cathars were hiding many of the secret treasures relating to the Grail.
Consolamentum (Cathar faith): was a spiritual baptism by fire, executed by the laying on of hands. (Cathar faith): was a spiritual baptism by fire, executed by the laying on of hands.
The most significant ceremony in Cathar theology, it marked the transition from an ordinary believer or credenti credenti to a to a Parfait Parfait-one of the elect Perfecti. Perfecti. Only a Only a Parfait Parfait could administer the rite, so that every new could administer the rite, so that every new Parfait Parfait was linked to a chain of was linked to a chain of Perfecti Perfecti that stretched all the way back to the apostles and to Jesus himself. During the ceremony the Holy Spirit would descend to the that stretched all the way back to the apostles and to Jesus himself. During the ceremony the Holy Spirit would descend to the Parfait Parfait who was administering the rite and part of the Holy Spirit would then pa.s.s into the new who was administering the rite and part of the Holy Spirit would then pa.s.s into the new Parfait"s Parfait"s physical body and permanently inhabit it. This was why physical body and permanently inhabit it. This was why Parfaits Parfaits were expected and willing to lead such austere ascetic lives, and why ordinary believers were prepared to adore them. were expected and willing to lead such austere ascetic lives, and why ordinary believers were prepared to adore them.
Convenenza (Cathar faith): was not (Cathar faith): was not consolamentum, consolamentum, but it fulfilled the parts of the but it fulfilled the parts of the consolamentum consolamentum that required the candidate to respond and make undertakings. The that required the candidate to respond and make undertakings. The consolamentum consolamentum could then be administered in the event that the candidate was wounded and could not speak. Thus, could then be administered in the event that the candidate was wounded and could not speak. Thus, convenenza convenenza was common before battles and during sieges. was common before battles and during sieges.
Density (esoteric): the eighth sphere-the lowest rate of vibration of the atoms. Inhabited by souls too new in the evolutionary scale to understand physical life whilst in a physical body. They desire to take an unrighteous path and create their own h.e.l.l plane to inhabit. (esoteric): the eighth sphere-the lowest rate of vibration of the atoms. Inhabited by souls too new in the evolutionary scale to understand physical life whilst in a physical body. They desire to take an unrighteous path and create their own h.e.l.l plane to inhabit.
Elohim (esoteric & Grail lore): the Shining Ones-the ET beings that created modern humans from earlier human forms by genetic manipulation. Some of the Elohim mated with humans to produce the hybrid races of the Anunnaki and the Nefilim. (Hebrew): the plural reference to the G.o.d of Israel-Yahweh. (esoteric & Grail lore): the Shining Ones-the ET beings that created modern humans from earlier human forms by genetic manipulation. Some of the Elohim mated with humans to produce the hybrid races of the Anunnaki and the Nefilim. (Hebrew): the plural reference to the G.o.d of Israel-Yahweh.
Elven Bloodline (Grail lore): in the language of old Provence, a female elf was an (Grail lore): in the language of old Provence, a female elf was an albi albi and Albi was the name given to the main Cathar stronghold in Languedoc (southern France). Descendants of El and the Elohim (the Shining Ones). and Albi was the name given to the main Cathar stronghold in Languedoc (southern France). Descendants of El and the Elohim (the Shining Ones).
Etheric Double (esoteric): an invisible electromagnetic field that interpenetrates everything in the universe, from the atom to the great central sun. This field absorbs emanations from each thing, forming a pattern for its future existence. (esoteric): an invisible electromagnetic field that interpenetrates everything in the universe, from the atom to the great central sun. This field absorbs emanations from each thing, forming a pattern for its future existence.
Etheric World (esoteric): the overall picture of invisible s.p.a.ce. The atmosphere that contains all seven levels of energies (Seven planes), with their functions and life forms. The Otherworld. (esoteric): the overall picture of invisible s.p.a.ce. The atmosphere that contains all seven levels of energies (Seven planes), with their functions and life forms. The Otherworld.
Gnomes (fairy lore): nature spirits made of pure elemental substance, who live underground in mines, h.o.a.rding treasure, that are able to shift dimensions. (Grail lore): gnomes and goblins were attendants in the sacred dwellings. They were the custodians of the wealth and wisdom of the ages-the champions of "gnosis". (fairy lore): nature spirits made of pure elemental substance, who live underground in mines, h.o.a.rding treasure, that are able to shift dimensions. (Grail lore): gnomes and goblins were attendants in the sacred dwellings. They were the custodians of the wealth and wisdom of the ages-the champions of "gnosis".
Grail (Messianic) Bloodline (Grail lore): in medieval times, was the line of Messianic descent that was defined by the French word Sangreal-deriving from the two words Sang Real, meaning "Blood Royal". This was the Blood Royal of Judah: the kingly line of David which progressed through Jesus and his heirs. (Grail lore): in medieval times, was the line of Messianic descent that was defined by the French word Sangreal-deriving from the two words Sang Real, meaning "Blood Royal". This was the Blood Royal of Judah: the kingly line of David which progressed through Jesus and his heirs.
Light-body or Aura (esoteric): an invisible, electromagnetic energy field completely surrounding an ent.i.ty, acting as a blueprint for that ent.i.ty, adjusting the vibrational frequency of the atomic structure in accord to that ent.i.ty"s level of awareness. (esoteric): an invisible, electromagnetic energy field completely surrounding an ent.i.ty, acting as a blueprint for that ent.i.ty, adjusting the vibrational frequency of the atomic structure in accord to that ent.i.ty"s level of awareness.
Light Centres or Chakra System (esoteric): an invisible, interdimensional system which has seven concentrated centres of energy that are located in the light-body between the base of the spine and the tip of the head. These are called the root, spleen, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and crown chakra. Each of these centres is perceived clairvoyantly as a colourful wheel or flower. These centres convert cosmic energy into body energy and vice versa. (esoteric): an invisible, interdimensional system which has seven concentrated centres of energy that are located in the light-body between the base of the spine and the tip of the head. These are called the root, spleen, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and crown chakra. Each of these centres is perceived clairvoyantly as a colourful wheel or flower. These centres convert cosmic energy into body energy and vice versa.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): is DNA which is not located in the nucleus of the cell but in the mitochondria. MtDNA is typically pa.s.sed on only from the mother during s.e.xual reproduction and there is little change in the mtDNA from generation to generation, making it a powerful tool for tracking family lineage. (mtDNA): is DNA which is not located in the nucleus of the cell but in the mitochondria. MtDNA is typically pa.s.sed on only from the mother during s.e.xual reproduction and there is little change in the mtDNA from generation to generation, making it a powerful tool for tracking family lineage.
Nature Elemental or Nature Spirit (esoteric/fairy lore): Etheric world beings akin to the four elements of nature, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Ranging from a very high to a low level of intelligence, they keep themselves occupied with the development of the natural world and are, understandably, wary of human beings. (esoteric/fairy lore): Etheric world beings akin to the four elements of nature, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Ranging from a very high to a low level of intelligence, they keep themselves occupied with the development of the natural world and are, understandably, wary of human beings.
ORME (alchemy): also known as The Philosopher"s Stone, the Bread of Life (also Light), the White Powder of Gold, (alchemy): also known as The Philosopher"s Stone, the Bread of Life (also Light), the White Powder of Gold, shem shem or manna. Is also an acronym for "Orbitally Rearranged Monatomic Elements" (David Hudson, internet references). ORME is the Highward Fire-Stone, which is also related to Star-Fire-the Fire-Stone-see the books and research of Laurence Gardner. or manna. Is also an acronym for "Orbitally Rearranged Monatomic Elements" (David Hudson, internet references). ORME is the Highward Fire-Stone, which is also related to Star-Fire-the Fire-Stone-see the books and research of Laurence Gardner.
PGMs-Platinum Group Metals: These eight metals include: ruthenium, rhodium, palladium and silver (light platinum group), and osmium, iridium, platinum and gold (heavy platinum group). These precious metals can, in a monatomic high-spin state, lose their chemical reactivity and metallic nature, resulting in a state of superconductivity-a resonant condition complete with Meissner magnetic fields, Cooper Pairs, and electrons which have literally changed into light (photons). These precious metals have the unique ability to remain stable in an ORME form, resulting in levitation (weight losses), fundamental biological and human physiological effects and beyond to applications in Zero-Point Energy exploration. These eight metals include: ruthenium, rhodium, palladium and silver (light platinum group), and osmium, iridium, platinum and gold (heavy platinum group). These precious metals can, in a monatomic high-spin state, lose their chemical reactivity and metallic nature, resulting in a state of superconductivity-a resonant condition complete with Meissner magnetic fields, Cooper Pairs, and electrons which have literally changed into light (photons). These precious metals have the unique ability to remain stable in an ORME form, resulting in levitation (weight losses), fundamental biological and human physiological effects and beyond to applications in Zero-Point Energy exploration.
Prieure de Sion (Grail lore): (Grail lore): the Prieur the Prieure du Notre Dame du Sion du Notre Dame du Sion or or Priory of Zion Priory of Zion is said to have had its earliest roots in Hermetic and Gnostic thought. In 1070, a group of crusading knights are said to have formed the basis for the Order de Sion, into which they were pledged in 1099 by G.o.dfroi de Bouillion. For a century the Knights Templar and Sion were unified under one leadership, though they publicly separated at the "cutting of the elm" at Gisors in 1188. The Templar order was eventually destroyed by King Phillipe Le Bel of France in 1307. Sion are also linked to numerous other underground schools of thought-Rosicrucians, Freemasonry, Arthurian and Grail legends, Catharism, etc. is said to have had its earliest roots in Hermetic and Gnostic thought. In 1070, a group of crusading knights are said to have formed the basis for the Order de Sion, into which they were pledged in 1099 by G.o.dfroi de Bouillion. For a century the Knights Templar and Sion were unified under one leadership, though they publicly separated at the "cutting of the elm" at Gisors in 1188. The Templar order was eventually destroyed by King Phillipe Le Bel of France in 1307. Sion are also linked to numerous other underground schools of thought-Rosicrucians, Freemasonry, Arthurian and Grail legends, Catharism, etc.
Sangreal (Grail lore): In English translation, the term Sangreal became "San Graal". When written more fully it was "Saint Grail"-the word "saint" related to "holy", thus came the familiar term "Holy Grail"-see the books and research of Laurence Gardner. (Grail lore): In English translation, the term Sangreal became "San Graal". When written more fully it was "Saint Grail"-the word "saint" related to "holy", thus came the familiar term "Holy Grail"-see the books and research of Laurence Gardner.
Sangreal knighthood (Grail lore): the Sovereign Order of the Sangreal or the Knights of the Holy Grail-was a dynastic Order of Scotland"s Royal House of Stewart. (Grail lore): the Sovereign Order of the Sangreal or the Knights of the Holy Grail-was a dynastic Order of Scotland"s Royal House of Stewart.
Seven Bodies of Man (esoteric): the Physical body, Astral body, Mental body, Causal body, the Spirit, Monadic essence and G.o.d consciousness. (esoteric): the Physical body, Astral body, Mental body, Causal body, the Spirit, Monadic essence and G.o.d consciousness.
Seven (higher) Planes of Existence Physical, Astral, Mental, Causal, Spiritual, Monadic and G.o.d consciousness. Physical, Astral, Mental, Causal, Spiritual, Monadic and G.o.d consciousness.
Star-Fire (Grail lore): the organic equivalent of ORME, given to select kings prior to the human use of the ORME-essentially the menstrual blood of the "G.o.ddesses" of the Anunnaki (see Elohim). (Grail lore): the organic equivalent of ORME, given to select kings prior to the human use of the ORME-essentially the menstrual blood of the "G.o.ddesses" of the Anunnaki (see Elohim).
Shade (esoteric): an astral corpse of a disincarnate ent.i.ty left behind to disintegrate after the soul-mind (spirit) has withdrawn to higher realms of existence taking with it all higher wisdom. Not to be confused with a ghost whose spirit is trapped in the physical realm-usually due to tragic death, or some unfinished business in the world that must be realised and resolved before the soul-mind can progress to higher planes of existence. (esoteric): an astral corpse of a disincarnate ent.i.ty left behind to disintegrate after the soul-mind (spirit) has withdrawn to higher realms of existence taking with it all higher wisdom. Not to be confused with a ghost whose spirit is trapped in the physical realm-usually due to tragic death, or some unfinished business in the world that must be realised and resolved before the soul-mind can progress to higher planes of existence.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.
I can hardly believe that this is my tenth book! And I must state for the record that I feel that this is my best offering to date. For those of you who loved The Ancient Future, The Ancient Future, I feel you will fall in love with this trilogy-just as I have. As always, I had much support in the writing of this epic. I feel you will fall in love with this trilogy-just as I have. As always, I had much support in the writing of this epic.
On the home front: as the dedication states, my husband, David, and daughter, Sarah, have been wonderful. I could not have finished this book if they had not done everything they could to make me comfortable and keep me sane during the ten months it took to write-the last four months of which I was pregnant and irritable. So thanks to my little family for putting up with me.
As you can see, the jackets for this trilogy have a distinctly different look to my past trilogies. My thanks to the artistic team down at HarperCollins, especially Jenny Grigg. I must thank our very talented photographers, Gay Campbell and Dennis Montalbetti and their wonderful team. Thanks also to our makeup guys, Zenga and Matt, and to the three lovely ladies whose faces are the women of Mystique on the covers-Aysha, Katania and Maren.
On the research front-I must thank Chez and John for putting me onto the works of Laurence Gardner, whose books have proven to be a huge inspiration for this tale (see the Bibliography). Thanks to that wonderfully talented mistress of the Dark Fairytale, Kim Wilkins, for sharing references on nineteenth century England and Europe-I"ll get your book back to you one of these days! Also, many thanks to my clairvoyant, Michael, who made me aware that this story was much more extensive than I had originally imagined.
On the business front-this book, and all those that have been and will be, would not have been possible without the constant support and guidance of my wonderful agent, Selwa Anthony; my commissioning editor and publisher, Linda Funnell; my editor at HarperCollins, Stephanie Smith; and my personal editor, Susan Moran. Many, many thanks, ladies, for being my guiding light...a better support team I could not want.
On the publicity front-my grat.i.tude to Fiona for maintaining my website and message board, and my admiration and thanks to all the members of the THC (Traci Harding Community) for truly making it a sanctuary, a fantastic support base, a hive of knowledge and new ideas for all who frequent our community. My congratulations and utmost appreciation to Chez for updating my newsletter, organising theme nights, and for maintaining and monitoring my 3D-Castle, Trazling, a site where many of my readers have become active citizens and regular contributors to our 3D fantasy world. Many thanks also to Shilyn and Lotus, the proprietors of Trazling"s inn, where residents gather to chat and party on a regular basis. And to all the moderators on the Trazling site my heartfelt thanks for giving your time and energy to make our realm the successful and peaceful abode that it is.
I would also like to send my love and appreciation to all those people who support me in little ways every day...my Mum and Dad, Gillybean, Mum and Dad Harding, Karen, Claire, Lisa, Mo and Ken, Shane and Wendy, my brothers, Steven and Kyle, and all my family and friends. Thanks for reminding me what I"m living and working for.
About the Author.
Traci Harding lives on the Hawkesbury River, with her husband David and their two beautiful children, Sarah and John.
Traci has written two best-selling trilogies-The Ancient Future Trilogy and and The Celestial Triad The Celestial Triad-as well as three standalone novels, The Alchemist"s Key, Ghostwriting, The Alchemist"s Key, Ghostwriting, and Book and Book of Dreams. of Dreams. Traci is currently working on the second book of the Mystique trilogy, to be released in 2006. Traci is currently working on the second book of the Mystique trilogy, to be released in 2006.
Thanks to the web team at HarperCollins, Traci has a very lively website and she visits the message board in the community section daily to discuss the greater mysteries with her readers. At the website there are glossaries of the terms used in Traci"s books and there are author notes for those interested in delving deeper into all aspects of this author"s work.
Visit Traci Harding"s new website and message board at: www.voyageronline.com.au/traciharding For information about Traci Harding and her books, plus all the latest science fiction news, visit: "Voyager Online": www.voyageronline.com.au "Voyager Online": www.voyageronline.com.au the website for lovers of science fiction and fantasy. the website for lovers of science fiction and fantasy.
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Books by Traci Harding The Ancient Future Trilogy The Ancient Future: the Dark Age (Book One) (Book One) An Echo in Time: Atlantis (Book Two) (Book Two) Masters of Reality: the Gathering (Book Three) (Book Three)
The Alchemist"s Key
The Celestial Triad Chronicle of Ages (Book One) (Book One) Tablet of Destinies (Book Two) (Book Two) The Cosmic Logos (Book Three) (Book Three)
Ghostwriting
The Book of Dreams
The Mystique Trilogy Gene of Isis (Book One) (Book One)