Labyrinth of Avarice

Detail of the ‘Labyrinth of Avarice – an engraved illustration from Bartolomeo Del Bene’s (1515-1595), “Civitas Veri sive Morum (‘The City of Truth; or, Ethics’).” In the middle of the image you see the aristocrats and clergy relaxing while the masses of people are trapped in the labyrinth, who most of them do not even know they are caught in the maze.

A labyrinth is a maze of a network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one’s way, and avarice is extreme greed for wealth or material gain. (more…)

Kayne West Says We Musicians Are Not Illuminati: DUH!

Apparently Kanye West is a bit tired with ignorant conspiracy theorists labeling musicians “Illuminati Kayne WestMembers.” In fact, he thinks it’s ridiculous and even though I’m no fan of the rapper, I could not agree more.

The 37-year-old rap mogul in a recent interview told Paper magazine; “I heard a comment – a joke – about the TIDAL press conference being an Illuminati moment. If there was actually an Illuminati, it would be more like the energy companies.” (more…)

The Ripley Scroll

The Ripley Scroll (Lindorm dragon detail) dated in 1570 by Sir George Ripley (ca. 1415–1490) is an alchemical manuscript that shows in pictorial cryptograms the production of the philosopher’s stone (the elixir of life or phosphorus). 21 examples have survived and the earliest is in Oxford. A late copy made in 1624 recently sold (Dec 2000) in an auction at Sotheby’s for £206,000 ($300,000). An extremely rare and valuable alchemical work. (more…)