Mel - [Occultism] Der Tabernackel / Salems Tempel - 1720-1724

[RITUALS, MOLOCH, SYMBOLISM, SACRIFICES, THEOLOGY]


Conrad MEL:
Two titles in one volume:


1) 1720: The Tabernacle or Thorough Description of the Abbey Hut
2) 1724: Salem's Temple.

Numerous illustrations, some full-page, some folded (multiple times).

1) The tabernacle:
"The Tabernacle" is a detailed, allegorical interpretation of the biblical Tabernacle and its rituals. Mel interprets the sacrificial practices—such as burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings—as a prefiguration of Jesus' sacrifice and sees in sacred objects like the altar, the Ark of the Covenant, and the candelabrum symbols for central aspects of Christian piety and theology. The architectural and cultic objects are interpreted mystically, and numbers and materials are understood as bearers of hidden divine truths. Ocult symbolism is found in the profound allegory, not in magical practices. Moloch and human sacrifice appear as awe-inspiring counter-images: they serve to distinguish it from pagan cruelty in order to emphasize the higher meaning of the Israelite-Christian sacrifice. The work thus rises to become a theological and spiritual encyclopedia of the Tabernacle cult.


††† "Like double hooks / with which one struck the flesh / and turned it over the coals of the altar fire / so that the flesh might be consumed by the fire all the sooner." †††


2) Salem's Temple:
"Salem's Temple" is a lavishly illustrated work that provides a detailed description of Solomon's Temple, the Temple rebuilt by Zorobabel, and the Temple in Jerusalem expanded by Herod. The core of the book consists of numerous copperplate engravings depicting not only architectural details, sections, and floor plans of the Temple, but also implements, cult objects, and priestly vestments. Through the precise illustrations, including sketches and perspective views, Mel went far beyond a purely textual description; his work served as a visual compendium of ancient sacred architecture.

The text contains a clear underlying theological symbolism, partly with references to Christianity, eschatological expectations, and—depending on the definition—also to the early modern esoteric-occult interpretation of sacred spaces, for example, in the mysterious meanings of the implements or the division of space. The "coppers" also invite allegorical-mystical interpretation, without, however, explicitly depicting occult practices; rather, Mel connects to Pietist and universal theological traditions by seeing in the temple a reflection of the divine order and a cipher for the mystery of creation.

††† "... had to slaughter the victim / the next one catch and sprinkle the blood / the next one clean the golden altar / the next one prepare the lamps / the next one carry the pieces of the burnt offering to the altar / the first one the head and legs / the second one the shoulders / another one the kidneys / another one the entrails." †††



Mostly in German, with some passages in Hebrew or Greek.
20.5 x 16.4 cm.
294 + 192 pages. Contemporary quarter-leather binding, worn. Interior slightly browned, occasionally water-stained, otherwise very well preserved. Numerous illustrations. Some illustrations are folded multiple times (the larger ones measuring up to 33 cm); all of these are shown in the photographs.