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[[File:Samuel Mathers.png|200px|left]]
[[File:Urim and Thummim.png|200px|left]]
'''[[Samuel L. MacGregor Mathers]]''' was a British [[occultist]]. He is primarily known as one of the founders of the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]], a [[ritual magic|ceremonial magic]] order of which offshoots still exist. He became so synonymous with the order that Golden Dawn scholar [[Israel Regardie]] observed in retrospect that "the Golden Dawn ''was'' MacGregor Mathers."
The '''[[Urim and Thummim]]''' are elements of the hoshen, the breastplate worn by the High Priest attached to the ephod. They are connected with [[cleromancy]] ([[divination]] by casting lots). Most scholars suspect that the phrase refers to a set of two objects used by the high priest to answer a question or reveal the will of [[Yahweh|God]].


Mathers is credited with developing the ritual outlines in the mysterious [[Cipher Manuscripts]] into a workable format. This process led to the creation of the [[Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn]]. His translations of old [[grimoire]]s, while probably justly criticised with respect to quality, were responsible for making what had been obscure and inaccessible material widely available to the non-academic English speaking world. They have had considerable influence on the development of [[occult]] and esoteric thought since their publication, as has his consolidation of the [[Enochian]] magical system of [[John Dee]] and [[Edward Kelley]].
The Urim and the Thummim first appear in the [[Bible|Biblical]] verse Exodus 28:30, where they are named for inclusion on the breastplate to be worn by Aaron in the holy place. Other books, especially 1 Samuel, describe their uses. The chronologically earliest passage in the [[Bible]] mentioning the Urim and Thummim, according to textual scholars, is in the Book of Hosea, where it is implied, by reference to the Ephod, that the Urim and Thummim were fundamental elements in [[Judaism]], in the mid 8th century BC.


'''([[Samuel L. MacGregor Mathers|Full Article...]])'''
'''([[Urim and Thummim|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 17:46, 29 November 2025

Urim and Thummim.png

The Urim and Thummim are elements of the hoshen, the breastplate worn by the High Priest attached to the ephod. They are connected with cleromancy (divination by casting lots). Most scholars suspect that the phrase refers to a set of two objects used by the high priest to answer a question or reveal the will of God.

The Urim and the Thummim first appear in the Biblical verse Exodus 28:30, where they are named for inclusion on the breastplate to be worn by Aaron in the holy place. Other books, especially 1 Samuel, describe their uses. The chronologically earliest passage in the Bible mentioning the Urim and Thummim, according to textual scholars, is in the Book of Hosea, where it is implied, by reference to the Ephod, that the Urim and Thummim were fundamental elements in Judaism, in the mid 8th century BC.

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