Summary - Terribilis Est Locus Iste

Terribilis Est Locus Iste-  

So if we were to summarize the topics and themes brought up by the text at a basic level, we can see what is being described.  

To begin with, we have the subject of Jacob and his ladder.  From his dream he saw a path to ascension.  This path to ascension was through an object described as a Great Tree.  This tree is the Kabbalah tree. But what does it mean to “ascend”, exactly?  If we are given a rudimentary understanding of ascension, we know that it means to “go upwards”.  Or, if we understand through such an example of Christ, we think of ascension as meaning that we will be brought up to heaven, or back to our origin with the Father.  But is there another interpretation of this idea of ascension?  

Well, we know that further into the text, we hear mention of “once divine” figures that have fallen.  We see talk about a “King of Terrors”, and in such context we might think of the “Rex Mundi” (king of the world) as found in Gnosticism.  Thus here, we find a bridge or connection between the divine world and the Mortal (Earthly) world. The realm of the God(s) and the realm of human kind.  So to ascend seems to indicate a rise from the Earthly realm to a state close to the divine, just as the "damned beasts" made the opposite journey.  To “climb” the tree, such as indicated by Jacob, is to start at the bottom (Earthly realm) and to reach higher on the tree, getting as close to the singular point of emanation (the first, and topmost sphere), which is the divine realm.  It is a process of transformation; of consciousness and subtle physicality.  

So, if this is the treasure, certainly others of the past have indicated it, such as Poussin, etc.
   
The Promethean serpents are like the serpent of the bible, the one who shows the way “up” the tree; through the path of the tree’s fruits.  

But on the other hand, the King of Terrors (The Worldly King/death) blocks the path at a certain point. (Unless he is "destroyed", or "completed".  He is THAT guardian).  He will "cut us down" before we reach the goal (gift of freewill), and thus we must try again, being born again into a state of ignorance (innocence).  

The book’s images are going to show a visual key, or device, that will either address this “process” or symbolize what it’s meaning or significance is.  

After finding it, we shall either apply it to the “Relic of Hermes” (Caduceus) and the image of the bound serpents related to Tiresias.