Hargrave Jennings

British writer Hargrave Jennings (1817–1890) was a Freemason and Rosicrucian deeply interested in occultism, esotericism, and comparative religion. He was a member of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia and engaged with a Pagan group influenced by 'The Golden Ass.' Jennings' central thesis, presented in numerous books, was that the genesis of all religious practices could be traced to the worship of the Sun and fire, which he termed 'phallism.' He clarified that his use of 'phallic' was in a non-gendered sense, encompassing both male and female sexual organs, though he later conceded to the more common term 'phallicism.'

His theories faced criticism, notably from Madame Blavatsky, who disagreed with the idea that phallicism was the sole origin of religion. Blavatsky proposed that religions stemmed from dual male and female powers emanating from a sexless, absolute Principle. Despite their theoretical disagreements, Blavatsky acknowledged Jennings' contributions, praising his book 'The Rosicrucians' and quoting him favorably on the understanding of ancient Egyptian achievements.

Hargrave Jennings dedicated extensive writings to his theory that the roots of all religious expression lie in the worship of the Sun and fire, a concept he labeled 'phallism.' He argued that this worship involved veneration of both male and female sexual organs, using the term 'phallic' in a broad, non-gender-specific way to refer to anything related to sexual organs. Jennings believed this was the foundational element of early religious practices. In later works, he reluctantly adopted the term 'phallicism' to align with popular, though he considered it inaccurate, usage of the word.

Beyond the works published under his own name, researchers suggest Hargrave Jennings may have authored several anonymous volumes. These are believed to be part of the privately printed 'Nature Worship and Mystical Series.' There is also speculation that he may have written under the pseudonym 'Sha Rocco.' This prolific output, whether attributed or not, contributed significantly to the discourse on esoteric and occult subjects during his time, exploring themes of ancient worship and symbolism.

Jennings' core theories were not universally accepted. Madame Blavatsky, a prominent figure in esoteric circles, challenged his assertion that phallicism was the origin of all religions. She proposed an alternative view, suggesting that religions originated from fundamental dual powers of nature, which were themselves emanations of a transcendent, sexless absolute. However, Blavatsky also expressed admiration for Jennings' earlier work, 'The Rosicrucians,' and highlighted his insightful commentary on ancient civilizations, particularly his defense of the wisdom behind Egyptian monumental achievements against modern dismissal.

“Is it at all reasonable to conclude, at a period when knowledge was at the highest, and when the human powers were, in comparison with ours at the present time, prodigious, that all these indomitable, scarcely believable physical effects — that such achievements as those of the Egyptians — were devoted to a mistake? that the myriads of the Nile were fools laboring in the dark, and that all the magic of their great men was forgery, and that we, in despising that which we call their superstition and wasted power, are alone the wise? No! there is much more in these old religions than probably — in the audacity of modern denial, in the confidence of these superficial-science times, and in the derision of these days without faith — is in the least degree supposed. We do not understand the old time.”