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What Masonry means to people
Their thoughts on the Meaning of Masonry
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Turning The Hiram Key
Find out what Masonry means to Robert by reading his latest book,
Turning The Hiram Key.
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By Phi |
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Masonry is a wonderful path to Self-Realization. |
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By Jim Sears |
Brother Robert, thanks for all the books. After I retired I lost my focus on life. 13 years later I found a friend that was a Mason, Joined and in the process found my spark for life again. I have also become a fan of yours and have read most of your books now. I participate in my lodge and have even taught an entered apprentice class and am looking forward to teaching more. One of my favorite things is learning about Masonry. Like many Masons I like to know where the craft has originated from but also require proof or at the minimum a citing that I can explore and confirm the evidence. Of course this is one of the things that I like about your books! I also liked the fact that you were a hamradio op... I have been a ham for about 55 years and it is what drove my electronics career so we have a lot in common. (what a contact ? email me) In any event I have a tendency to be a critical reader and look for little subtle pieces of information that others would just gloss over and research it and of course that is what you and Brother Chris have done so well.
Thanks for all the wonderful books ... long life and prosperity to you and Chris.
Jim K3YBN |
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By Sanjay |
To me, masonry is all about building character. It allows even high introverted people to express themselves in the confines of the temple, by the way of either perambulations or rendering the portions, by rote, if it be, that prompts the person to start exploring what it will be, when he starts cohabiting with others. Freemasonry brings to the table, for each individual, on what he seeks in life. To the inquisitive or investigative mind, there are enough orders which can render to their appetite. To those who seek spirituality in their personal lives, masonry will teach you how to be spiritual, yet be down to earth in behaviour. Duty, honour and virtue binds a mason to his belief. But sadly, of late, more of the people, use the fraternity, to make advancement in ranks, honour, positions, and to achieve this end, they resort to chicanery, falsehood, backstabbing, jealousy, greed and contemptuous attitude towards the brethren.
I would like to add here, that in my short journey in freemasonry, I have seen many men in masonry, but, sadly not masonry in many men. |
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By Woodduck |
1. Freemasonry should not be secret, except for ritual. How else do you recruit and maintain membership.
2. Ritual is what separates us from all other organisations, many wear aprons, bibs or other distinguishing characteristics similar to freemasons - but none have ritual with the historical background.
3. I followed a family tradition that was interrupted with my dad, my grandparents and great grandparents were freemasons.
4. Significantly played a role, when I joined I was a blue collar worker. The hidden mysteries of nature and science resonated with me as did by education alone we were rendered fit members of society. This led me to study and over the last 18 years have completed 2 post graduate degrees and 2 masters degrees and currently researching for a Ph.D.
5. Words can adequately describe what freemasonry is and the correct attitude and ideals can help to promote and grow freemasonry. Too many people think only of themselves, within freemasonry as well as in public, a proper leadership model that embraces all people rather than individual principalities and agendas can only promote the real ideals of freemasonry. |
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By Perdurabo |
Should Freemasonry be secret, or should we be more open about it?
It should be out in the open although the rituals and traditional secrets should be better guarded
Is a member of your family a Freemason, and how do you feel about that?
My godfather was a Freemason. He was such a good man and was so loved that he endorsed the values of Masonry
If you are a Mason, what does Masonic ritual mean to you?
The rituals are about initiation and spiritual transformation. Ritual is the most important aspect of Freemasonry. Rank, promotion or socio political action is not important or relevant.
How did you feel when you were made a Mason?
as a child of the secular and positivist 20th Century it was my first contact with something spiritual
And what role has Masonic ritual played in your life since?
a complement
Do you feel it is something which can not, or perhaps should not, be put into words?
yes, I think this fair to say, we could venture many definitions but none would nail it
Do you think Freemasonry benefits society?
yes, because it is among other things a moral science and deals with ethics |
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By Yorkshire Enquirer |
I have been interested in finding out more about Freemasonry for years, having heard most of the stereotypes and prejudice, and wanting to discover the truth. Unfortunately I have been quite a busy person, and have not managed to really find the time to do more research.
What I find intriguing about Freemasonry is the offer of fraternity and self improvement, whilst also providing service to the community. These are ideals I hold dear, and have endeavoured to follow my entire life. Now reaching middle age and finding myself slightly at a loss over how to guide my life, freemasonry is once again becoming appealing, and I am seriously considering seeking membership. |
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By GAMO |
Masonry has changed my life in becoming much more aware what I am and what this does to my environment. Thus it makes me aware about my opportunity to positively influence myself and the world around me.
It also taught me through rituals and symbols to stick to my inner workings (mentally and physically) but to also realise that I need to check, adjust and calibrate my thinking and doing this constantly to improve my being and my interaction.
This had become my continuous goal and program in life. |
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By Jay Folk |
Freemasonry is truly a beautiful and elaborate system of teachings and a vast social institution worthy of its popularity. It has faithfully defined an aeon, and as Wilmhurst himself declared, its ultimate goal has held strong; beyond all outward trappings and forms, and despite the suffocating darkness of this age, Freemasonry remains the only "true" witness and doorkeeper to the sacred Light of the Great Lamp, that the Masters of the Greater Mysteries continue to have an entrance point into these profane dimensions and vice versa, whereby our lesser brothers may be cultivated and drawn out and into the Initiation of that nameless mystery - that Great Work of the Ages - which has ever been the provision and providence of the Good Architect, the Master, Our Lady, and the Eternal Lodge wherein the inevitable redemption of fallen humanity is housed.
But aside from acting as a potential doorway to greater vistas of initiation, that system in and of itself is essentially worthless in relation to the pursuit of the individual aspirant. For the modern Initiate is caught in a terrible paradox. The crushing forces of materialism and social conformity ever seek to stifle and repress the profound yearnings of even the most astute Seeker of Light. The initiations of the three degrees can, of course, help to crack the shell and begin the turning of the millstone of the soul toward self-awareness of the gravity of the total adventure, but as a great and notorious master once said "Initiation cannot be bought, or even conferred; it must be won by personal endeavor...” - This point is lost on most men, who join the Brotherhood simply for its social and charitable benefit, who go through their apprenticeship, passing, raising, and on through the ascending teachings of York and Scottish rite and finally the Arch, with nary a clue as to what it all "means."
Nevertheless, I am thankful myself that Freenasonry exists; I am grateful for the fellowship, and for the tradition of history of which I am now a part. May all brethren eventually come to full Understanding through the Wizdom of the Secret Teaching to that spotless abode in the cavern of the Heart wherein lies the diamond of True Knowledge, Perfect Happiness, and Eternal Love. So mote it be!
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By Peter Harding |
I have been a Mason for 20 years now and look forward to your survey, so here goes:
When I was going through the first three degrees my mentor told me that the only things that he considered real “secrets” were the rituals of the degrees themselves; as outside of a masonic context or initiatory experience the real impact and meaning would be lost and that would open yet another can of worms for those looking for more fodder for their conspiracy theories. I don’t believe being more “open” (whatever that may include) would potentially bring in new members or allay detractors. I have tried numerous times to explain masonry to various people and more often than not told I don’t know what I’m talking about as there is yet another exposé showing what ne’er-do-wells we are and that Satan still lurks within our doors (I think at this point these people should enquire of the Water Buffalo Lodge that Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble belong to). Here in the U.S we do have open installation of officers that the public can attend (both in our adult and youth organizations). How well attended these are by the non-masonic public I’m not sure. Those who approach us with interest will come and those that aren’t interested or fearful will be such no matter what we do.
I am a member of AF&AM Lodge #109 in Milwaukie Oregon USA, as well as a member of York Rite and the Scottish Rite (Knight Templar - 32° respectively) and an Associate Patron of our Order of the Eastern Star chapter. My wife, daughter, and mother are also members of the Order of the Eastern Star, and our daughter was a member of Job’s Daughters as well. I have to confess that I was raised in a decidedly non-masonic family, but was always wondering about bigger things (thinking big thoughts you might say). The masons I met were very patient in answering my questions and pointing me to books both positive and negative toward the fraternity. I suppose what did it in the end was that these masonic families we were meeting were genuinely great people, what some would call the salt-of-the-earth type, and the lists of famous masons I kept coming across. Somehow I couldn’t reconcile Mozart, Voltaire, Duke Ellington, and John Wayne with being rabid Satan worshipers. Also, when the investigating committee came to interview me prior to joining, they asked my wife what she thought of all this. We were both very impressed (even when they said if I gave away any secrets I would have to work Bingo night for a year!). My father was puzzled by my becoming a mason, but I’ve always felt he was a Mason at heart even though he never wanted to join. My mother later joined after he passed away and has enjoyed the company of the other Star members very much.
I enjoy the ritual very much (as does my wife and daughter in Star) even though as I moved through the various degrees, you didn’t really grasp what was going on as there is little to prepare me for what was about to happen. I appreciate very much the symbolism throughout and being a part of the Scottish Rite Master Craftsman program (a correspondence educational and research course) has been immensely eye opening, educational and thought provoking. I have learned that you can only make an impression once, and the rituals I have been through, and participated in have been memorable and inspiring.
When I began my masonic journey I was beyond excited. I will say I was a younger member of the lodge (being a youthful 35 years old then) and now I am a more senior member, our average membership age being late 20’s. I went through the first three degrees in about six months and my wife and I joined Star a little later, with York Rite and Scottish Rite much later still. I am still excited attending meetings (yes, seriously) and upon occasion give presentation on masonic symbolism and history.
There is a very good website (http://www.masonicinfo.com/ ) where it is mentioned how masonry should be thought of as similar to college; the various degrees being the various classes one would take. This analogy is very apt and helps to better explain our system to non-masons. I think people become stuck in linear/hierarchical thinking and have a difficult time grasping something that doesn’t work that way. I appreciate that so much of the ritual motivates toward improvement intellectually and spiritually. I habitually mention to others that the Age of Enlightenment is alive and well within our doors!
I believe words are needed to expound on historical or symbolic background, but words can become rather convoluted when 18th or 19th century elocution or writing style becomes involved (I hope Messrs. Pike and Waite forgive me); although I would not suffer to have masonic works or ritual translated into txtng! Symbols are a tricky thing. Look at the (in)famous pyramid on the reverse of the U.S. dollar bill; where the eye of providence, a once well-established symbol known to most, is now relegated to the Illuminati and never ending list of conspiracies. Only education can solve this. However some view icons with an iconoclastic eye and nothing will convince them otherwise.
In so far as Freemasonry’s influence on society goes; I don’t believe half of the improvements we have seen would have happened without it. With the likes of John Locke and Voltaire; the impetus of public education that evolved out of the lodges in the 18th century, the struggle for “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” (I’ll bet this might sound familiar to our non-masonic readers). Masonry has survived wars, Nazis, Communists, revolutions, many social and political upheavals. Our support of charities has benefitted thousands and inspired thousands. I cannot help but believe that without masonry a universal understanding between religions would be more difficult and the world could not help but suffer for it. We bear the torch of the Age of Enlightenment… and we bear it well!
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By sally haynes-preece |
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Freemasonry was a large part of my Fathers life. I remember him studying rituals from a little book. And I remember him telling me that there were certain keys words missed out so it wouldn't mean anything to someone who was not a mason. I remember his pride in his apron etc, And when he became Worshipful Master and it was Mum's turn to be the chief guest at Ladies night....well the craft toke over the whole family!! I think the the secrecy does Freemasonry little good, It adds to the idea that in some way the craft is corrupt. And sadly I am sure corruption does exist. I used to get angry when people expressed that view because I knew my dad was not corrupt, nor rich. Certainly his masonic connections ensured we as a family were well supported at his funeral. It is obvious that the rituals mean little even to those within the craft. If there was less secrecy, maybe new minds could be bought to bear to understand the true meaning of the craft. And maybe the message of freemasonry would be better known and maybe influence people who would never dream of attending anything so esoteric......and in some ways frankly ridiculous.. Freemansonry needs to lose the theatrics and then maybe its message will be taken more seriously. |
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