The Occult Anatomy of Man is an early work by Manly P. Hall devoted to the symbolic and esoteric meanings he associated with the human body. Rather than approaching anatomy as a medical subject, Hall interprets the body's structures and processes through religious symbolism, mystical philosophy and the traditions of the ancient Mystery Schools.

Central to the work is the concept of the microcosm and macrocosm: the idea that the human being reflects, on a smaller scale, the structure and principles of the greater universe. Hall uses this framework to interpret religious narratives and symbols as representations of human anatomy, consciousness and spiritual development.

The work is divided into sections including The Human Body in Symbolism, The Three Worlds, The Spinal Column, The Infernal Worlds and Occult Embryology. Hall examines the brain, spinal column, nerve centres and other parts of the body alongside concepts drawn from Christianity, Hermetic thought and Eastern traditions.

Particular attention is given to the spinal column. Hall connects it with the symbolism of the serpent and with esoteric ideas concerning spiritual ascent and Kundalini. He also interprets the three divisions of heaven, earth and the infernal world as symbolic counterparts to different regions of the human body.

In Occult Embryology, Hall extends this symbolic method to human development, interpreting biblical and mythological narratives through his understanding of conception and embryology. These interpretations belong to Hall’s occult philosophy and should not be read as modern anatomical or medical science.

Some historical editions pair the work with Hall’s Occult Masonry, which applies similar ideas to Masonic symbolism. A documented Hall Publishing Company edition from 1924 already carries the combined title The Occult Anatomy of Man: To which is Added Occult Masonry.

The book provides a concise example of Hall’s characteristic approach: bringing anatomy, religion and esoteric symbolism together to present the human body as a symbolic representation of the cosmos.