Summum

Summum

Summum Pyramid in Salt Lake City, Utah

Summum is a religion and philosophy that was founded in 1975 by Claude "Corky" Nowell, who later took the name Summum Bonum Amon Ra. The organization is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and it is known for its unique teachings that blend elements of Gnosticism, Hermeticism, and Egyptian mythology.

History

Summum was established in 1975 after Claude Nowell claimed to have received a series of revelations from highly advanced beings he referred to as "Summa Individuals." These beings imparted to him the "Summum Philosophy," which he then began to teach to others. The organization was officially incorporated in 1975 as a non-profit religious entity.

Teachings

The teachings of Summum are centered around the "Seven Aphorisms," which are said to be the foundation of the universe. These aphorisms are:

1. The Principle of Psychokinesis 2. The Principle of Correspondence 3. The Principle of Vibration 4. The Principle of Opposition 5. The Principle of Rhythm 6. The Principle of Cause and Effect 7. The Principle of Gender

These principles are similar to the Hermetic principles found in the Kybalion, a text that is often associated with Hermeticism.

Practices

Summum is perhaps best known for its practice of "Modern Mummification," which it offers as a service to both humans and animals. This process is inspired by ancient Egyptian mummification techniques and is intended to preserve the body for spiritual reasons.

Cat mummification by Summum

The organization also conducts meditation sessions and classes on its philosophy, aiming to help individuals achieve a higher state of consciousness and understanding of the universe.

The Summum Pyramid

The Summum Pyramid, located in Salt Lake City, serves as the headquarters for the organization. It is a modern structure that is used for meditation, classes, and the mummification process. The pyramid is a symbol of the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, reflecting the teachings of Summum.

Symbolism

Summum's concept of nothing and possibility

Summum uses a variety of symbols to convey its teachings, including the "Summa," which represents the totality of existence and the interplay between nothingness and possibility. This concept is central to the Summum philosophy, emphasizing the potential for creation and transformation inherent in the universe.

Related pages

• Hermeticism
• Gnosticism
• Egyptian mythology
• Mummification