The Book of Wisdom Volumes 1 and 2

Posted by Onassis Krown on September 26, 2025

The Ultimate Guide to The Book of Wisdom Volumes 1 & 2 by Harry B. Joseph

Harry B. Joseph’s The Book of Wisdom is a two-volume set that offers a deep dive into spiritual, esoteric, symbolic, metaphysical, and philosophical teachings. Its intent is to awaken the reader to deeper truths about the nature of reality, the self, mind, energy, and universal laws. It combines ancient wisdom, mystical insight, symbolic exegesis, and practical guidance. Joseph is connected with a movement / community called Revival of Wisdom and runs “Ethereal University,” through which he shares other writings, courses, etc.

Is The Book of Wisdom the same as The Wisdom of Solomon

These books are not light reading; they are dense with symbolism, layered metaphors, and quite ambitious in scope. If you are interested in spiritual growth, metaphysics, energy work, or seeing a syncretic framework that attempts to bridge science, religion, mysticism, and psychology, these volumes are targeted toward you.

Introduction: Why The Book of Wisdom Matters

While some of the details are intentionally mystical or symbolic (so interpretations may vary), here are what each volume tends to emphasize and include:

Overview of The Book of Wisdom Volume 1

Introduces many of the foundational ideas: that there is a single unified Source (or Mind), that all things emanate from that Source, and that what we perceive as “reality” is deeply interconnected.
Explores human consciousness and identity. The notion that what we call “body” or “self” is limited; greater identity is through consciousness, mind, the universal, etc. The idea that the mind precedes physical things; the physical is a manifestation of the mental/unseen.
Symbolism is heavily used—symbols, allegories, myth, scripture, numerology, and geometry may be brought in. The way light, color, vibration, sound may be used as symbolic or actual metaphors for state of being or levels of awareness.
Also some practical guidance: meditative practices, reflection, becoming aware of unseen forces, internal work such as clarifying one’s belief structures, purification of mind, aligning with universal laws. Volume 1 sets much of the ground—laying out what “wisdom” means, what obstacles are in the way (ego, misperception), what hidden or subtle structures underlie the visible world.

Overview of The Book of Wisdom Volume 2

Takes many of the ideas from Volume 1 deeper, offering more on invisible forces, spiritual mechanics, how to engage with energy in life more consciously. What it means to be awakened, stages of awakening, how one might transcend limiting belief, expand understanding.
More elaborate symbolism, more intense introspective work; some of the content involves decoding hidden correspondences, understanding vibrational life, the world of subtle energies, perhaps more metaphysical “experiments” or mental practices.
Volume II may also deal more explicitly with the metaphysical body-mind connection, chakras or energy centers, light, color, and the relationship of the unseen to the seen. Also more emphasis on the reader’s transformation, not just knowledge but internal shift.

Core Teachings in The Book of Wisdom by Harry B. Joseph

These books bring together a number of recurring themes, many of which are common in esoteric, mystical, or “new thought” spiritual traditions. Here are the major ones:

Syncretism & Holism
Joseph’s writing draws from many traditions: religious, philosophical, mystical, maybe even scientific metaphors. There is an explicit effort to unify different disciplines—so that what might be separated in mainstream culture (science vs spirituality, religion vs philosophy) is here woven together. Reality is seen as a whole.
Mind, Consciousness & Reality
A central premise is that the mind (or universal mind) is fundamental: that what is seen (physical reality) is a manifestation or projection of unseen mind and consciousness. Beliefs, perceptions, vibrations, energies—all are fundamental in shaping reality.
Symbolism & Hidden Knowledge
Symbol, myth, allegory are used not just for decoration but as vehicles of meaning. Color, light, geometries, number — they have deeper significance. There is hidden knowledge—esoteric truths that lie beneath the surface of religion, myth, the symbolic.
Vibration, Energy, Frequency
The books talk about subtle energies, frequency, vibration. The idea that everything has vibration, and that one’s state of being—mood, thought, intention—affects one’s vibration and thus interaction with reality.
Transformation/Spiritual Growth
It’s not just theoretical. The idea is that reading, reflecting, meditating, aligning, cleaning out what obscures one’s vision (ego, misbelief, fear) leads to awakening, higher awareness, and the ability to live more consciously.
Light & Color
Light is a recurring metaphor (and more than metaphor in some places). Color is used not only aesthetic but symbolic, possibly vibrational. (Volume II especially seems to delve more deeply into this.)
Metaphysical Laws / Universal Laws
There is often talk of "laws" that govern existence beyond the physical – principle of cause and effect, vibration, correspondence (as above, so below), polarity etc. While these are similar to some Hermetic / occult laws, Joseph’s approach has its own signature.

Why Readers Love The Book of Wisdom

Non-linear / Multi-layered: The books are not simply step-by-step self-help. They often return to earlier ideas, layering in deeper meaning, offering symbolic exegesis, repeating themes in new contexts.
Heavy use of metaphor and allegory: Many ideas are communicated not via dry definitions but via stories, symbol, image, sometimes mythic or poetic.
Dense, occasionally challenging: Readings may require stopping, reflecting, re-reading; the symbolic parts especially require slower attention.
Mix of theory and practice: There are portions that are more instructional (how to meditate, how to observe beliefs, how to sense energy) but also lots of contemplative or philosophical material.
Spiritual language: Joseph uses spiritual, esoteric vocabulary (source, mind, light, frequency, vibration, symbols, correspondences). Sometimes terms are defined implicitly rather than by standard academic definition.

What Readers Gain / What to Expect

People who engage seriously with these books tend to report:

A shift in awareness: Seeing patterns one didn’t see before, perceiving symbolic meaning more, being more aware of thoughts, beliefs, internal narrative.
Increased sensitivity to energy, vibration: noticing mood, environment, subtle sensations, etc.
Transformation in self perception: a change in identity (less identifying with ego, more with consciousness or universal mind or “beingness”).
Practical changes: in daily life, in decision-making, in beliefs (less fear based, more aligned with something felt as deeper truth).
Sometimes disorientation or challenge: because shifting belief or perception is uncomfortable; old paradigms crumble.

Strengths of The Book of Wisdom

Ambitious and holistic vision: The books attempt to integrate many domains of knowledge—mysticism, metaphysics, symbolism, psychology—into a unified framework. That’s rare.
Depth of insight: For those attracted to esoteric spiritual writing, there is a richness of symbolic content, a lot to reflect on, to meditate on. Not superficial in its treatment.
Practical spiritual work: It’s not just abstract. There are meditative exercises, suggestions for reflection etc., that can help someone move from knowing to being.
Inspirational: Many reviewers/readers indicate they were deeply moved, or that the books catalyzed real shifts in their inner life.

Challenges of Reading The Book of Wisdom

As with any ambitious spiritual / metaphysical work, there are areas readers may struggle with or critique:

Accessibility: The density of symbolism, the abstract language, can make the books difficult, especially if one is new to spiritual/metaphysical/esoteric genres. Without prior background or patience, it can feel confusing or overwhelming.
Clarity vs ambiguity: Sometimes meanings are implicit; some readers may want more explicit definitions, more examples, or more grounding. Some metaphors may feel too vague.
Verification / evidence: Because much is metaphysical or symbolic, certain claims (about energy, frequency, unseen forces) are difficult to verify or align with empirical science. Some readers may find the spiritual claims less convincing if anchored to a strictly rational or scientific worldview.
Potential for misinterpretation: Symbolic, esoteric texts tend to invite multiple interpretations; a naive reader might misunderstand metaphors or take things literally that are intended metaphorically.
Integration difficulties: Having profound insights is one thing; integrating them into daily life can be hard. Also, when inner shifts happen, there can be emotional discomfort, identity conflict.

How to Read The Book of Wisdom Effectively

To maximize the benefit and minimize confusion, here are some suggestions for how to approach The Book of Wisdom:

Read slowly and reflectively
This isn’t a book you power through. Pause often. When a symbol or metaphor strikes you, stop and consider what it might mean for you. Maybe journal about it.
Read with a notebook / journal
Capture your thoughts, insights, questions. Because much is implicit, writing your understanding helps you make it your own.
Re-read sections
Some passages may not make full sense first read, but as your awareness shifts, you’ll see more.
Complement with other readings
For instance, esoteric philosophy, Hermetic texts, works on consciousness or mind, or modern energy work texts. This helps situate Joseph’s ideas, compare them, reflect on them critically.
Practice, not just theory
If there are meditative suggestions, reflection exercises, use them. Also apply transformative ideas in your daily life: examine beliefs, observe emotions, notice the energy of environments etc.
Community/Discussion
Talking with others also reading the work, exchanging interpretations—can be very illuminating. Because with symbolic/esoteric material, discussion often helps.
Balanced skepticism
Maintain an open mind, but also keep discernment. When encountering claims that seem extraordinary, see what resonates and what feels like projection.

Possible Applications: Who Should Read The Books of Wisdom?

Here are ways readers tend to (or might) apply the teachings of The Book of Wisdom in everyday life:

Self-awareness and inner work: Using the book to observe one’s own mind: beliefs, fears, limiting thoughts. Begin to shift these as one becomes more aware.
Mindful living: Applying awareness of energy, vibration, environment, relationships. Choosing to align one’s life more with inner truth rather than external expectations.
Creative/self-expressive work: Artists, writers, creators may find inspiration in the symbolism, metaphors, and deeper levels of vision.
Spiritual awakening / practices: Meditation, breath work, awareness of energy, possibly chakra-like meditation, perhaps rituals of purification.
Healing: Emotional or mental healing by bringing light to shadows (beliefs, suppressed feelings), through conscious observation and energy work.

Where The Book of Wisdom Fits in the Broader Landscape

It sits among contemporary esoteric / new-thought / spiritual awakening literature, similar in aspiration (though different in style) to works like A Course in Miracles, Hermetic treatises, mystical works, some new age or metaphysical teacher writings.
Joseph’s syncretic approach may appeal especially to people who don’t want a strictly religious framework, or who are exploring beyond religion, interested in spiritual but not institutionalized spirituality.
There is an element of both ancient wisdom traditions (symbol, myth, correspondences) and modernity (frequencies, energy, vibration)—so it bridges past and present.

Who Would Benefit, And Who Might Struggle With It

Benefit most:

Readers already somewhat familiar with spiritual / metaphysical language and practice.
Those willing to do the internal work, not just read for entertainment.
People with patience—that is, willing to let meaning unfold gradually.
Anyone seeking a more holistic understanding of consciousness, reality, mind, energy.

Might struggle:

Readers who prefer strictly literal, scientific, strictly logical presentation (without metaphor).
People who want a step-by-step, clearly structured “how to” manual without much symbolic or conceptual abstraction.
Those who expect quick fixes or superficial insight may feel frustrated.

Practical Tips & Lenses for Interpretation

Here are some interpretive lenses and tips to help you understand what you read:

Whenever you read symbolic or allegorical language, ask: What might this mean metaphorically? Try mapping it to your own life.
Consider “states of being” rather than fixed realities; many metaphysical works use “levels” metaphorically—light, dark, vibration, consciousness etc.
Use “energy” and “vibration” sometimes metaphorically, sometimes experientially: sense mood, emotional atmosphere, what feels heavy vs light.
When encountering sweeping claims (about universal mind, about invisible forces), test for resonance: does this idea match your own experience? Is there evidence in your life?
Be open to paradox: many esoteric traditions hold that truth sometimes shows up as contradiction or paradox, so expecting purely linear logic may limit what you can receive.

Critique & Considerations of The Book of Wisdom

While there is much to appreciate, it’s good to keep balanced perspective:

There is potential for the material to be misused (e.g. spiritual ego, believing one is “above” others by gaining “hidden” knowledge). Humility is important.
Some teachings may be idiosyncratic to Joseph; not all metaphysical or spiritual traditions will agree. If you engage with multiple traditions, watch for where things conflict, and consider both sides.
Possible dependency: some readers may become overly reliant on books, teachers, or “texts” for certainty. But often, the real work is applying and internal witnessing.
Integration of the spiritual with the everyday (finances, relationships, health, mundane tasks) can be difficult; spiritual insight doesn’t always translate automatically into material or relational success—but with work it can.

My Overall Assessment of The Book of Wisdom

Having surveyed what is available, what readers report, what the books aim for, my sense is that The Book of Wisdom Vols. 1 & 2 are powerful offerings—especially for people seeking a deep dive into consciousness, symbolism, and “hidden” spiritual knowledge. They are not perfect, and they require effort, but for the right audience they can be transformative.

If you engage with the books earnestly—reading, reflecting, applying, being willing to loosen old beliefs—they have potential to shift not just what you know, but how you perceive, who you believe yourself to be.

Tips for Getting Started Reading The Book of Wisdom

If you decide to read them, here’s a possible way to begin so you don’t get overwhelmed:

Start with Volume 1, but take a slow-pace week: maybe one or two chapters a week, with journaling.
After finishing a section, pause, reflect: what ideas from that section are resonating? Which feel unclear? What might these symbols mean for you?
Keep a “symbol dictionary” for yourself: when Joseph uses a symbol (light, color, mirror, vibration, etc.), note what you think he means, and how it shows up in your life.
Maybe meditate or do breathing/awareness exercises before and after reading: to center, to open, to integrate.
Possibly revisit the book in stages: once now, once in six months, once later—with different life contexts, you may get new insights.

Conclusion: Why The Book of Wisdom Is Worth Reading

The Book of Wisdom Volumes 1 & 2 by Harry B. Joseph is ambitious, rich, and demanding—but offers rich rewards for those willing to engage. It represents a map of inner terrain, more than a manual. If you approach with curiosity, patience, and openness, the volumes can expand your understanding of yourself, of mind, of reality, and offer tools for living more consciously and aligned with deeper truths.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur and musical artist A.L.I.A.S.

Tags: Harry B Joseph, The Book of Wisdom

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