PDF Summary:The Devil's Atlas, by Edward Brooke-Hitching

From ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife to Norse mythology's ominous Hel, The Devil's Atlas by Edward Brooke-Hitching delves into diverse historical and cultural perspectives on the realms that extend beyond mortality. This illuminating work charts humanity's enduring preoccupation with mapping the enigmatic territories that await the soul after death.

Exploring myths, rituals, and symbolic representations through the ages, the author examines how ideological and societal values have shaped depictions of both heavenly utopias and infernal underworlds. Blending the spiritual and empirical, this extensive exploration navigates the allure and resonance of postmortem realms across belief systems.

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Challenges in mapping the spiritual domain.

The author acknowledges the paradox of attempting to quantify the infinite expanse of the heavens with earthly metrics in the context of mapping the hereafter. He investigates the evolution of "infernal cartography," tracing its development from early symbolic representations of heaven and hell on medieval world maps to the Renaissance period's detailed and mathematically accurate illustrations of the landscape described by Dante. He explores the mental challenges faced by cartographers and thinkers such as Antonio Manetti and Galileo Galilei in their efforts to precisely illustrate the hellish realm as portrayed by Dante, emphasizing their final determination that it was impossible to pinpoint this legendary area in the tangible world.

He investigates the transformation of European mapmaking during the Renaissance, a period characterized by the resurgence of Ptolemy's Geographia, which ignited a quest for accuracy in maps and led to the gradual omission of legendary components like the fabled Garden of Eden.

Context

• The Renaissance brought a focus on scientific accuracy and empirical observation, challenging the inclusion of mythical or spiritual elements in maps.
• Galileo Galilei, known for his contributions to astronomy and physics, also engaged with the challenge of mapping Dante's hell. His involvement highlights the intersection of scientific inquiry and literary imagination during the Renaissance.
• The task involved reconciling the symbolic nature of Dante's work with the literal expectations of mapmaking, which traditionally aimed to represent physical geography.
• The period was marked by a strong belief in the literal existence of heaven and hell, yet the inability to locate these places physically highlighted the tension between faith and reason, a central theme in Renaissance thought.
• The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for the widespread distribution of maps and geographic knowledge, facilitating a more standardized and accurate approach to mapmaking across Europe.
• Ptolemy's maps and methods provided a framework that supported the Age of Exploration, aiding navigators like Columbus and Magellan in their voyages.
• Humanism, a key intellectual movement of the Renaissance, encouraged a focus on human experience and the natural world, promoting a more realistic and detailed approach to mapmaking.
• As explorers discovered new lands and provided detailed accounts, mapmakers began to prioritize these firsthand reports over traditional or legendary sources, leading to the exclusion of mythical elements.

Reflections of society and human experiences find their reflection in the domain that lies beyond mortality.

Human experiences on our planet.

Heavenly domains and utopian communities mirroring the societies and terrains found on Earth.

The author highlights how portrayals of existence after death often amplify or reverse actual life events, reflecting the hopes, fears, and social structures of the cultures that conceive them. He argues that our conceptions of an idyllic afterlife frequently reflect the most idealized versions of the communities, customs, and hopes we know from our life on earth. The author describes the Egyptian A'aru, often referred to as the Fields of Rushes, as a utopian domain that mirrors the abundant and effortless harvests similar to the Nile delta, a region of unending abundance where social hierarchies were perpetually preserved. He explores the Islamic vision of paradise, Jannah, depicted as a place where rivers brim with milk, wine, and honey, presenting a vivid contrast to the arid expanses of the Arabian Peninsula, while the heavenly city of New Jerusalem, as depicted in the Christian Bible, offered hope and the prospect of a more blissful life to those enduring the squalid conditions and difficult lives of medieval European cities.

Other Perspectives

• It could be argued that the reflection of social structures in afterlife beliefs is not always idealized or amplified but sometimes serves as a tool for maintaining the status quo, suggesting that the afterlife reinforces existing power dynamics rather than offering a utopian alternative.
• The idea of an afterlife may serve as a form of escapism, where the envisioned realms are deliberately constructed to be unlike the hardships of earthly life, rather than idealized versions of it.
• The depiction of A'aru might have evolved over time, reflecting changes in Egyptian society and religious beliefs, rather than being a static mirror of the Nile delta's abundance and social structures.
• Jannah is described with various features in Islamic texts, and while some descriptions include lush gardens and rivers, it is also characterized by the pleasure of God's presence, which is not necessarily a contrast to any physical environment on Earth.
• The vision of New Jerusalem could have been used by religious authorities as a tool for control, promising future rewards to keep the populace in line rather than encouraging tangible change in the present.

Territories characterized by fear, punishment, and human shortages.

Underworlds often represent exaggerated and warped reflections of earthly fears, reflecting worries about societal wrongdoing, ethical failings, and the mysterious aspects of death. Terrifying domains ablaze and shrouded in shadows, inhabited by grotesque beings, stand as stark admonitions against moral deterioration and deviations from accepted social conduct. Edward Brooke-Hitching delves into Dante's Inferno, examining the nine distinct circles of hell, each corresponding to a specific sin, with punishments that are carefully tailored to match the offenses. He explores the complexities of Diyu, a purgatorial domain in Chinese mythology, characterized by its complex bureaucratic hierarchy and specific zones for different transgressions. He explores the Norse belief system, which embodies the terror of perishing in the ocean through the formidable goddess Rán, known for ensnaring souls and pulling them into her aquatic domain. The author emphasizes that various cultures envision the afterlife with aspects and beings embodying their greatest terrors, including the Egyptian domain of anguish and the frigid desolation synonymous with the Norse interpretation of Hel.

Practical Tips

• Use the concept of Diyu's bureaucracy to streamline your decision-making process. Create a flowchart that represents your personal 'bureaucracy' for making significant life decisions, with different 'departments' that represent factors such as financial impact, emotional well-being, and long-term goals. This can help you visualize the process and make more balanced decisions.

Other Perspectives

• The depiction of underworlds could be seen as a form of social control, rather than a reflection of genuine fears or societal wrongdoing.
• Some may argue that the idea of punishments tailored to specific sins is overly simplistic and does not account for the complexity of human behavior and morality.
• The emphasis on the terror of perishing in the ocean may overlook the fact that the Norse were a seafaring people who often revered and respected the sea for its bounty and the opportunities it provided, not just feared it.
• The concept of the Egyptian afterlife was also about balance and order, as represented by Ma'at, and not exclusively about anguish.
• The Norse interpretation of Hel is not solely focused on cold and desolation; it is also described as a place where the dead lead a shadowy existence, which could imply a more nuanced afterlife than just a frigid wasteland.

In the realm beyond life, societal hierarchies, gender, and class distinctions continue to have a profound impact.

Inequalities and hierarchies continue to exist after death, reflecting the same structures that exist among the living.

The author emphasizes that our conceptions of the afterlife frequently reflect the social structures and hierarchies present in our earthly societies. He explores the Ancient Egyptian afterlife, where pharaohs, seen as deities, lived a superior life in the Other World, and examines the complexly organized social hierarchy that bears resemblance to the levels depicted by Dante for Paradiso. He explores how the medieval Catholic concept of paradise mirrored the societal structure of Europe, with souls of different social ranks dwelling in distinct castles, manors, and bastions, thereby perpetuating earthly social inequalities into the celestial realm.

Context

• In Greek mythology, the Elysian Fields were reserved for heroes and the virtuous, while ordinary souls went to the Asphodel Meadows, illustrating a division based on earthly deeds and status.
• The grandeur of the pharaohs' tombs, such as the pyramids, reflects their elevated status. These structures were designed to ensure a safe passage and a comfortable afterlife, filled with treasures and items they might need.
• The souls in "Paradiso" are arranged in a hierarchy based on their earthly virtues and closeness to God. This reflects the medieval belief in a divinely ordained social order.
• Medieval art and literature often depicted heaven with elements familiar to the contemporary audience, such as feudal imagery, to make the concept of paradise more relatable and understandable.

Exploring the intersection where ethical values, moral principles, and spiritual beliefs meet.

The author examines how an individual's moral conduct, ethical principles, and spiritual beliefs can affect their standing in various realms beyond this life. Edward Brooke-Hitching explores the traditional Egyptian belief that the moral value of a person's soul was meticulously evaluated by comparing it to the feather of Ma'at in the heart-weighing ceremony. He delves into the concepts of karma as understood in Hinduism and Buddhism, emphasizing that an individual's actions in this life mold the nature of their future lives, thus influencing their journey through the unending succession of reincarnation. He examines the Christian conviction that faith in Jesus offers a pathway to heavenly joy regardless of societal status, and delves into the Islamic tenet that following the Qur'an's teachings is crucial for ensuring entry into the afterlife's heavenly abode.

Context

• If the heart was heavier than the feather, it indicated a life of sin, and the soul would be devoured by Ammit, a demoness with the head of a crocodile, the body of a lion, and the hindquarters of a hippopotamus.
• The ultimate goal in both religions is to break free from the cycle of rebirth. In Hinduism, this is achieved through realizing one's unity with Brahman, while in Buddhism, it involves attaining enlightenment and understanding the true nature of reality.
• In Christianity, the belief in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior is central to the doctrine of salvation. This faith is considered the key to eternal life and heavenly joy, transcending earthly distinctions such as wealth, power, or social class.
• Central to Islamic practice, these include the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), almsgiving (Zakat), fasting during Ramadan (Sawm), and pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). Adherence to these pillars is seen as a way to live according to the Qur'an's teachings.

Our personal dreams and beliefs often influence our understanding of what comes after death.

A domain imagined to be abundant without end, filled with delight, and where youth lasts forever.

The writer explores how our desires for prosperity, abundance, and unending life frequently reflect our conceptions of the afterlife. He explores the opulent and satisfying aspects of heavenly realms like the Islamic Jannah, replete with enticing houris and winding rivers that provide endless delight, alongside the Vikings' lavish feasts and spirited celebrations. The author delves into the notion of Cockaigne, a legendary European realm epitomized by opulent excess and indolence, offering a satirical commentary on societal apprehensions regarding shortage, starvation, and the burdens of labor.

He also delves into the human fixation on defying death, scrutinizing concepts such as elixirs that extend existence and the prevalent yearning for eternal youth, which manifests in various beliefs regarding what comes after life. The author delves into the customs of ancient Egypt, emphasizing the significance of preserving the body after death through mummification to ensure that the soul can enjoy earthly pleasures in the afterlife.

Context

• The idea of a land of plenty often symbolizes a utopian ideal where all needs are met without effort, contrasting with the struggles of daily life. This reflects a deep-seated human desire for security and comfort.
• In Norse mythology, the afterlife for warriors, known as Valhalla, is depicted as a grand hall where fallen heroes feast and celebrate with the god Odin. This reflects the Viking cultural emphasis on bravery and honor in battle.
• Cockaigne, or "Cokaygne," originates from medieval European folklore, with its name possibly derived from the Middle French "coquaigne," meaning "land of plenty."
• Throughout history, many cultures have sought ways to achieve immortality or prolong life. This includes the pursuit of the Philosopher's Stone in alchemy, believed to grant eternal life, and the Fountain of Youth, a mythical spring that supposedly restores the youth of anyone who drinks or bathes in its waters.
• Mummification involved removing internal organs, drying the body with natron (a type of salt), and wrapping it in linen. This process was designed to prevent decay and ensure the body remained intact for the afterlife.

The book offers a critical and satirical examination of societal and moral shortcomings through an exploration of beliefs regarding life after death.

The author emphasizes that depictions of what lies beyond death are potent instruments for dialogue on society and morality, often satirizing earthly transgressions and exposing the flaws and injustices of existing societal frameworks. He explores the medieval myth of Cockaigne with an ironic lens, emphasizing that the inversion of societal norms and emphasis on limitless pleasure offered a keen observation on societal anxieties and the strictness of daily life. He investigates the stark contrasts between More's conceptualized perfect society and the widespread greed and decay that were typical of European societies at the time, highlighting how a vision of utopia can reflect societal imperfections and drive transformation.

He scrutinizes how the underworld is portrayed, with its complex and personalized forms of punishment that can be interpreted as mocking reflections on human failings. The author examines the heavy golden robes worn by deceivers and the submersion of sycophants in excrement, viewing these as incisive condemnations of common ethical failings in society.

Context

• Throughout history, satire has been used by writers and artists to challenge authority and question societal norms. Notable examples include Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal," which critiqued British policy towards the Irish, and George Orwell's "Animal Farm," which allegorized the Russian Revolution.
• The myth of Cockaigne often served as a satirical commentary on the rigid social hierarchies and the harsh realities faced by the lower classes, highlighting the disparity between the ideal and the real.
• More's Utopia features communal ownership, a welfare state, and a lack of private property, which were radical ideas at the time. These elements were intended to critique the greed and social inequality prevalent in European societies.
• The concept of the underworld with personalized punishments is rooted in various mythologies and religious traditions, such as Dante's "Inferno" in "The Divine Comedy," where sinners face punishments that symbolically reflect their earthly sins.
• In literature and art, golden robes often symbolize wealth, power, and false appearances. The use of gold can represent the allure of materialism and the superficial nature of deceit, highlighting how deceivers may appear grand but are morally corrupt.

Exploring the enigmas associated with existence beyond death.

Explorations in engineering related to the concept of life after death.

Exploring the concepts of life after death and utopia by examining holy scriptures and viewpoints rooted in scientific understanding.

The author examines the shift in views about the afterlife brought about by the Enlightenment's emphasis on empirical evidence and logical reasoning. He scrutinizes the efforts of people like Tobias Swinden, who have employed both scientific data and scriptural analysis to precisely locate hell within the observable universe, suggesting that the sun fulfills all the necessary conditions to be deemed a fiery abyss. He explores the intricate calculations of Renaissance thinkers like Antonio Manetti and Galileo Galilei, who were determined to determine the precise dimensions and structure of Dante's envisioned hellish domain, highlighting the enduring fascination with combining scientific investigation and religious concepts.

Context

• The period saw a rise in secularism, where religious explanations were increasingly seen as insufficient for understanding the natural world, including concepts of life after death.
• During Swinden's time, the Enlightenment was encouraging a shift towards rationalism and empirical evidence. This period saw attempts to reconcile religious beliefs with scientific discoveries, leading to unique interpretations like Swinden's.
• Fire has long been a symbol of purification, destruction, and divine wrath in various religious traditions. The sun, as a powerful and fiery entity, naturally lent itself to interpretations as a place of punishment or purification.
• In contemporary times, the dialogue between science and religion continues, with discussions about topics like the Big Bang, evolution, and consciousness often involving both scientific and theological perspectives.

Pursuing Technological or Supernatural Means to Access Afterlife

Edward Brooke-Hitching explores the evolution of various methods and instruments that have been employed over time to communicate with or impact the spirit world, encompassing the ritualistic customs of ancient Egypt, shamanistic traditions, and the 19th-century Spiritualist movement's embrace of Ouija boards and spirit photography. He underscores the attempts by individuals, including Emanuel Swedenborg, and contemporary accounts of near-death experiences, to rationally articulate and accurately document encounters with the supernatural.

Practical Tips

• Use creative writing to explore and express your interpretations of spirit communication. Write stories or poems inspired by the methods you're interested in, which can serve as a reflective process to understand your thoughts and feelings about the subject matter more deeply.
• Start a journal to document dreams and meditative experiences that feel significant, as a modern interpretation of shamanistic journeying. This can help you explore your subconscious and consider whether there might be messages or insights that resonate with the idea of connecting to another realm.
• Create an art project based on your interpretation of the supernatural. Use any medium you're comfortable with, such as painting, drawing, or digital art, to express how you envision the supernatural. This can help externalize and concretize any abstract experiences or feelings you associate with the supernatural realm.

Investigating the mysterious and unexplainable aspects of beliefs about what comes after death.

Probing the limits of our understanding and articulation in the face of the sacred.

The writer recognizes our innate desire to map out the uncharted domains that lie beyond existence, while also conceding that such domains remain mysteries beyond our tangible understanding. He emphasizes the theological concept of the 'ineffable,' pointing out that the nature of the divine and heavenly spheres surpasses what can be fully comprehended or articulated through human language and reasoning, a notion supported by theologians like St. Augustine. He explores how religious writings and artistic depictions employ poetic diction, metaphors, and symbols to express the ineffable and frequently contradictory essence of what lies beyond death.

He explores the limits of reason and tangible proof in the context of quantifying or describing the paranormal, acknowledging that convictions regarding the afterlife are deeply shaped by personal faith, unique experiences, and the acceptance of mystery across different cultures and historical periods.

Context

• Many religious and spiritual traditions offer practices and rituals designed to connect individuals with the divine or otherworldly, reflecting a structured approach to exploring these uncharted domains.
• Philosophers like Immanuel Kant have discussed the limits of human reason, suggesting that while we can perceive phenomena, the noumenal (or ultimate reality) remains inaccessible to us, paralleling theological ideas about the divine.
• Artists and writers often attempt to convey the ineffable through abstract art, music, and poetry, using these mediums to evoke emotions and ideas that words alone cannot express.
• Faith often plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between human understanding and the divine. It allows believers to accept the limitations of language and reason while maintaining a connection to the sacred.
• In theology, the ineffable nature of the divine is a common theme, suggesting that while humans can experience or sense the divine, they cannot fully articulate it. This idea is present in many religious traditions, not just Christianity.
• Throughout history, religious texts like the Psalms in the Bible or the Vedas in Hinduism have used poetic language to evoke emotional and spiritual responses, aiming to connect the believer with the divine.
• Current technology may not be advanced enough to detect or measure certain phenomena that could be classified as paranormal, leaving open the possibility that future advancements might provide new insights.
• Major world religions provide specific doctrines about the afterlife, such as heaven and hell in Christianity and Islam, or moksha in Hinduism, which can shape individual beliefs.
• While science seeks to explain the unknown, it also acknowledges the limits of current understanding, often leading to new questions and mysteries as knowledge expands.

Explorations delve into the mysterious, the spiritual, and the experiential concerning beliefs about the afterlife.

The author ultimately determines that the true essence of the afterlife remains elusive, despite persistent attempts to map, define, and scrutinize it using scientific methods. He underscores the importance of faith, personal experiences, intuition, and embracing the enigmatic in shaping perspectives on what lies beyond death across different cultures. He delves into the persistent fascination with narratives and symbols, like the Egyptian Book of the Dead and Dante's Divine Comedy, which offer comfort and guidance in our quest to comprehend the mysteries surrounding the end of life and the soul's journey.

Context

• Philosophers have long debated the nature of existence and consciousness, questioning whether the afterlife can be understood through reason or if it transcends human comprehension.
• From a psychological standpoint, intuition can be seen as a way the subconscious mind processes information, which might influence beliefs about life after death.
• Embracing the enigmatic can offer psychological comfort, allowing individuals to find peace in uncertainty and the unknown aspects of the afterlife.
• The Egyptian Book of the Dead was often used in burial practices, while Dante's work has been used in religious and educational contexts to explore theological themes.
• Many religious texts, such as the Quran and the Bible, provide detailed descriptions of the soul's journey, influencing followers' beliefs and practices.

Fascination with the potential for life after death persists, even amid doubts from the scientific establishment.

Convictions about the existence of an afterlife endure, even amid the skepticism brought on by non-religious philosophies and the age of reason's empirical thinking.

The author delves into the persistent allure of post-mortem realms, despite growing doubts cast by scientists and the spread of non-religious perspectives, proposing that such convictions endure as they resonate with fundamental human desires and goals. Despite the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and observable proof, the author highlights the enduring fascination of the populace with elaborate portrayals of the afterlife, as shared by figures like Emanuel Swedenborg, especially during periods of rapid social change when people sought solace in spirituality. He investigates how perceptions of the hereafter have evolved, mirroring shifts in societal and intellectual climates, and how indigenous spiritual traditions were assimilated into Christian beliefs in the Americas. Additionally, he examines the emergence of new religious beliefs like Spiritualism, which sought to reconcile scientific advancements with the belief in an everlasting soul.

Context

• A Swedish philosopher and mystic whose detailed visions of the afterlife in the 18th century influenced both religious and spiritual thought, offering a structured view of heaven and hell that appealed to those seeking a blend of spirituality and rationality.
• While many scientists are skeptical, some areas of study, such as near-death experiences and consciousness research, continue to explore phenomena that challenge purely materialistic views of life and death.
• Swedenborg's ideas significantly impacted various religious movements, including the New Church (Swedenborgianism), and influenced writers like William Blake and Ralph Waldo Emerson, who were drawn to his mystical descriptions.
• Periods of change often prompt existential questions about life’s purpose and meaning, driving interest in spiritual and metaphysical concepts that address these fundamental concerns.
• The rise of digital technology and virtual realities has sparked new discussions about digital immortality and the possibility of consciousness existing beyond physical death.
• This blending of beliefs occurred over centuries, influenced by the dynamics of power, cultural exchange, and the resilience of indigenous communities in preserving their spiritual heritage.
• Spiritualism emerged in the mid-19th century, particularly in the United States and Europe, as a movement that claimed communication with the spirits of the dead was possible through mediums.

Concepts of life after death evolved alongside shifts in societal and intellectual contexts.

The writer explores how changes in society, culture, and technology have reshaped our perception of what happens after death. The representation and perception of celestial and infernal realms have been transformed by the expansion of urban areas and the increase in worldwide connections. He argues that while the core fears and hopes shaping beliefs in an afterlife are unchanging, the way these convictions are expressed and comprehended is perpetually shaped by the changing conditions of our lives.

Context

• As societies became more urbanized, traditional beliefs tied to rural life and nature often transformed, leading to new urban-centric spiritual narratives.
• While the core fears and hopes are consistent, their expression varies widely across cultures, influenced by local traditions, religious teachings, and historical contexts.
• Throughout history, major events such as wars, plagues, and scientific discoveries have significantly influenced religious and philosophical beliefs about the afterlife. For example, the Black Death in the 14th century led to a heightened focus on mortality and the afterlife in European art and literature.