Gilbert takes the Biblical prophecy about signs in the sky heralding the end of the age and the birth of a new one, to mean the movement and position of the constellations. He explores the significance of the constellation Orion by investigating its importance in ancient Egypt, in other kingdoms of the Middle East and in esoteric knowledge.
The astrology that he investigates has nothing to do with the occult or the real or imagined influence of the stars on our lives, but instead with the cycles of time and how they are recognizable in the positions of the constellations. The keys to the ancient wisdom are found in astronomy, archaeology, the harmonics of proportion, numerology and astrology.
Gilbert describes the insights he gained over about three decades that included visits to Egypt, Israel and Turkey. He looks again at the pyramids as chronometers of the Bible and by considering the work of pioneers like Charles Piazzi Smyth and contemporary authors like Robert Bauval and Graham Hancock.
He makes extensive use of the SKYGLOBE computer programme for establishing the position of the constellations at the time of Jesus life and death, which he puts at 29AD. The figure of Orion corresponds closely with the concept of the cosmic Adam as found in the Kabala. Gilbert maintains that the Giza plateau is a map of time, of the present age of Adam.
He identifies Orion as the main symbol for the "Son of man in heaven," and this a key that unlocks further prophecies in the Books of Revelation and Daniel. He integrates these discoveries with descriptions of his visits to Jerusalem, the Temple Mount and the Mount of Olives.
Gilbert also takes into consideration the geology of the Holy Land and the major changes that might come about if there were a major earthquake. The Mayan calendar date of 2012 is also dealt with in the light of his discoveries, in particular the mystical marriage in heaven that will take place that year between Orion and the planet Venus.
I think Signs In The Sky is a book of great significance. I found some parts too technical in his detailed explanation of measurements, geometry and astronomical calculations, but I suppose the detail is important in making his points. The book concludes with four appendices: The Architectural Gnosis, A Chronology In The Stars, The Lion Of God and The True Date For Easter And The Fatima Letters.
There are also extensive notes, a bibliography and an index. The text is enhanced by black and white maps, illustrations and stellar signatures, whilst the 33 beautiful color plates include photographs of the pyramids, the Sphinx, the Wailing Wall, Dome of the Rock, the Mount of Olives and a beautiful esoteric painting, Opening The Stargate: 29th June 2000, in which the spirit of Orion as the Alpha and the Omega instructs St John as he writes the Book of Revelation.
Recently I have been on a little non-fiction reading rampage. My main phase of interest is prophesies, omens, signs etc. This book seemed the perfect match to peruse. Right away I could tell Mr. Gilbert put a lot of research into this project. His open admission of Christianity at first made me little apprehensive worried he would put his bias on the book. Not so he writes informatively on his subject, teaching his readers' not only that "as above so below" is not only an ancient dogmatic catch phrase, but a true parralel in our universe. I also learnt much about Ancient Egyptian mythology that fascinated me, and Gilbert's theories on Christ's education, and Egyptian influence on Christianity is a view I pondered and although still need to explore more before I buy into everything he wrote on subject Gilbert definitely gave readers theories to think about including the foretelling and prophesies regarding the end of this age. Before I give away too much I will end this review saying in short Signs in The Sky is highly educational, thought- provoking work on subject matter that many have written about but Gilbert does so classily, and objectively.
