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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 Birdy |
I have mixed feelings on freemasonry. As an outsider, I can only respect the great achievements of many enlightened freemasons, be it in world politics, science, art, literature, film, music, etc. The rituals must have a calming, stabilizing, and inspiring ("consciousness-opening") effect on the participants, I have no doubt. Masonic ritual must change a man's outlook on life and give him spiritual strength to achieve his full potential.
However, the secrecy of it all, the "extreme discretion" even of being a mason but particularly the secrecy surrounding ritual itself, says a lot, in fact it screams, about the nature of the rituals and masonry in general. If everything were left in the open, freemasonry would lose its "power" and the rituals would be ineffective. Other spiritual traditions have this vow to secrecy, for example, some Hindu-related spiritual traditions (like TM) forbid the saying out loud of a mantra because it would lose its supposed "consciousness-expanding" effect; a mantra must be repeated mentally but never said out loud.
I don't know (and probably never will know) if masonic rituals invoke demons or other dark forces of nature, but it seems to me that secrecy is at once freemasonry's greatest strength yet its "achilles heel", it's kryptonite, it's main weakness.
If the meetings are dignified in the presence of honourable men (which I am sure they are), if freemasonry exists for the betterment of humanity (which I'm convinced it does), if the rituals are profoundly inspiring (which they must be), then why the staunch secrecy (or "discretion"), particularly surrounding ritual? Freemasons should be proclaiming the good news on rooftops!
They don't, and the reason they don't can only be of an esoteric and occultic nature.
Thank you, Mr. Lomas, for your dedication in bringing this sensitive topic out on the internet so eloquently, it takes courage which I'm sure not every brother can muster!
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By lambdavi |
I became a Freemason by way of a Calling.
Just like one may have a Calling for a life in the wake of his/her Religion, I had a Calling in the Way of Freemasonry. Little did I know that vague memories from my most distant childhood were guiding me... little did I know that my Grandfather, and his Father and Father-in-Law all were Brethren... little did I know until the fiirst teachings imparted to me revealed the meaning behind tokens, expressions or objects owned or uttered by my Grandfather, which took on a completely new meaning... and the surprise, awe and joy I felt during and afterwards.
I am now a Freemason since March 2000, and never regretted it.
Alas, because of secular history, Freemasonry has been persecuted in most Catholic Nations, and pointed at as "the work of the Devil" etcetera.
Perhaps... but no less than being a banker, or a stock exchange operator... yet the Church never uttered a word against bankers, quite the opposite, as the Vatican owns IOR, one of the most powerful and richest banks in the world. Enough with that. The Vatican persecuted Freemasonry because in the 18th Century the first Brethren in Catholic Nations were Protestants, and for a Catholic to join a secret... discreet society run by Protestants was considered conjuring against the Church... High Treason.
So, what have I gained by "joining" Freemasonry?
I have certainly not become richer in money.
I have certainly not had a faster or more prestigious career.
I have certainly not found a "magic lantern with a genie inside".
I have never won any National Lottery to justify any "favour".
I have certainly not become physically taller, nor stronger, nor do I have a supermodel lover.
I have improved myself, I have found a new internal equilibrium, and have discovered to have insight which I never even suspected.
I feel more balanced.
I have found a new meaning to the word "Charity".
I now respect Ministers of Religion, whomever they may be, whereas I once supported my own (and even that, only at times) and despised others.
I feel I am a better Father to my own Son, and a better Husband to my Wife, not because I have been blessed by some magic wand, but because I have understood issues about my own self.
I now feel complete and at peace with myself. |
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By Bro Williams |
Should Freemasonry be secret, or should we be more open about it?
The secrecy in freemasonry is I feel an allegorical representation of the need to be honest with your self and to not share everything with everybody. This is an important lesson as someone that cannot keep a confidence is difficult to deal with. Our rituals and promises and the nature of our craft is freely available on the internet, and I understand that anyone can buy a ritual book (something that we promise never to write). If we controlled the communication, perhaps we could avoid some of the misguided and ill informed opinions and prejudice held by some people.
What does Masonic ritual mean to you?
On the subject of the ritual the lessons that I have learned by trying to find meaning in the layers of complexity, allegory and instruction have provoked deep contemplation and improved self awareness. These lesions are as relevant today as they were when they were first written. I also like doing the floor work, the discipline of learning the complex and unusual verbiage, the thrill of standing up on the night and sharing these lectures and, if you do a good job, sitting down knowing that you have helped in a small way the continuity of freemasonry.
How do you feel when you were made a Mason?
Being first made a Mason was a big deal to me. This happened in my mid 30’s and, as a complete coincidence, 6 months after my Dad. I felt welcomed and accepted as part of something that meant something and was important. Whilst no society or group of people is perfect I have never regretted becoming a part of my mother lodge, and it is a joy to watch people coming to the floor for the first time, and the enjoyment of the harmony after.
And what role has Masonic ritual played in your life since?
Tricky one for me, I wanted to be a freemason as I had heard a lot about how it can help you live a better life and be a better man. I have guilt that committing to 2 evenings a week is currently too much for me, and that I don’t feel able to take a progressive role for a variety of complex personal reasons. I read my ritual for recreation and get lots from watching the degrees performed, in my mother lodge and other lodges that I have visited.
Do you feel it is something which can not, or perhaps should not, be put into words?
Freemasonry should and can be put into words; it is an inclusive organisation that doesn’t discriminate other than a man’s belief in his God and no criminal record. It has high standards of behaviour and a tolerance of ambiguity. Like all things I have found that the more that you put into freemasonry the more you out of freemasonry.
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By Seekerette |
I recently literally stumbled on a copy of 'Uriel's Machine' in a second-hand bookshop and was almost immediately impressed by the open-minded, inspired, yet thoroughly rational and well-researched material in this (for me) seminal book.
Having decided to look further into Robert Lomas's work recently I found his 'Turning the Hiram Key' website. I was and again impressed by the tenor of the recommended books in the Archaology section (under 'Other Related Books'.)
Speaking as a woman it is so refreshing to see the feminine aspect of life , on a symbolic level, as well as women's practical and literal contribution to pre-history, acknowledged by a scholar such as Robert Lomas.
What surprises me however is that, rightly or wrongly, I had an image of Freemasonry as a patriarchal and basically very conservative institution. I am wondering therefore whether: a) Robert's stance re the above is typical, or even admissable, amongst the majority of Masons? b) The Masons now admit women? c) What is the official Masonic stance and philosophy regarding women and the Feminine (both practically and symbolically?)
I would very much appreciate your response to these thoughts/queries.
Kind regards
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By Michael G. |
Should Freemasonry be secret, or should we be more open about it? Obviously, all of the official secrets of Freemasonry are already fairly readily available to the general public, even if it may take them a little bit of research to find them. None the less, I feel that we should maintain the veil of secrecy surrounding the working of our ritual (all be it that it is now a merely symbolic veil) precisely because the secrecy is a part of the symbolic structure of our working. Take it away and I think that you run the risk of losing a crucial part of the psychological impact of the ritual. I feel that freemasonry can act on the deepest depths of the psyche (in a kind of Jungian/Alchemical way), but that transforming it into some kind of public spectacle would basically sever the rope that brings the water back from the depth of the well.
What does Masonic ritual mean to you? Partially, I see it as a symbolic blueprint for the full development of the psyche (Jungian individuation?). But, I also see it as something with a mysterious ability to actually quicken the process and, in a suitable candidate, make them aware of some very subtle aspects of the human psyche.
And what role has Masonic ritual played in your life? That remains to be seen, but so far it seems have provided a focus to bring together several disparate threads in my life and to pull them together into something more tangible. Having said that, it is very much a work in progress rather than a completed process. I can say that there are signs of a very far reaching and mysterious influence on my life as a whole, but see my next thoughts:
Do you feel it is something which can not, or perhaps should not, be put into words? Yes.
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By Drou |
I became a Mason in South Africa (I was a reluctant sceptic then) about 20 years ago. My Lodge is registered under the Grand Lodge of Scotland. I have found that the Masonic fraternity are the finest group of people that I have had the honor to join. Although I still find the constant ritual very tiresome and the laws very prescriptive and restricting, Masonry is never the less, to me one of the finest institutions created by man.
I always remind people that Freemasonry is NOT a secret society just a society of secrets, it is not a practice of the black arts nor has it some sinister agenda, it is a fine institution and should be growing not dying.
Drou |
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By Ahmed Kearny |
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I have a generally positive view of the Masons. From what I understand, they have contributed to the enlightenment and betterment of humanity since their inception. I know the Catholic Church and some Protestants and Muslims are against them as some Satanic group but the objections I've noted from them come from people who've admittidly had no contact with Masons whatsoever. People fear what they don't understand. I have had a great uncle whom I never met that was a Mason and I know several outside of my family. They're all good people and they put community service and God above all else. I really admire that about them. |
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By Toufic El Chaar |
Dear Robert,
I am a Druze from Lebanon. My inquisitive nature and inclination to rsearch, read and learn started to unfold at an early age. I used to escort my grandfather (mother's side) to the "Majlis" (the Druze church) when I was 7 or 8 years old i.e. in the early sixties of the past century when television was yet to reach my village. On Thursday evenings (the Druze Sunday), my grandfather would open the door of the Majlis for all and any member of the Druze community in the village or the neighbourhood (males and females) to join in the learning sessions dedicated to the non-initiates. The "Learned" elder or "Sheikh" would first ensure that all are seated properly in a large circle on the carpeted floor with backs to the wall resting on hand-made cushions offered by the ladies of the village. The girls and ladies (in long sleeved shirts and long skirts covering their ankles) were in a seperate section of the same room with their faces concealed behind their white veils if already initiated otherwise must use a "Mendeel" (a long scarf) to cover their hair. The learned elder would recite a prayer asking all to repeat after him. Then some volunteers select some verses from a handwritten pocket-book and sing them out inviting others to join them in the singing. The verses normally praise the "Five Luminaries":
- The Universal Logos
- The Universal Spirit
- The Eternal Word
- The Right Wing (Predecessor)
- The Left Wing (Successor)
In the Druze faith the "Five Luminaries" are the masters of the universe and the original Grand Masters who educated the human race throughout the ages. That's why the Druzes hold in high esteem and in a semi-divine status certain great masters like: Hermes Trismegistos, Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, Heraclitus, Jesus Christ, Jethro, David, Solomon, Daniel, Buddha, Krishna and others... Peace be upon them all.
The learned elder or sometimes another person present at the Majlis would tell/read the story of those Luminaries during each incarnation as known from the sacred books and epistles written more than one thousand years ago. Such session for the non-initiates usually ends with moral/ethical guidance and behavioural direction. While the non-initiates
stand up and prepare to leave, the Initiates start to arrive for in-depth study and interpretation of the sacred manuscripts under the guidance and the facilitation of a recognized most-learned adept of unity (God, Man, Universe) "Muwahhid".
That practice of exclusion of the non-initiates from participation in the "deeper" gnostic session at the Majlis intensified my curiosity and thirst to learn more about the faith that according to tradition I had freely embraced in some previous life cycle. Plato taught us that "Knowledge is remembered". Hence, in our higher consciousness "KNOWLEDGE" is within us dorment till shaken to wake or preserved till triggered to outflow: "Know Thy Self".
Hitherto, I have been dedicating a significant time (yet not enough) of my life to study and research subjects like comparative religion, antiquities, philosophy, gnosticism, mythology, astrology in addition to the sacred manusripts (books and epistles) of the Druzes or "Muwahhidoun". Naturally, I couldn't avoid the urge to educate myself in the subjects of Hermeticism, Rosicrusianism, Templarism and indeed Freemasonry. Well, to my surprise and astonishment and especially after reading "The Heram Key", I came to the conclusion that there's a much stronger and tacit relationship or influence than already believed between the Druze Faith and all these four societies or "schools". As a result, I grew fond of the "genuine" Freemasonry and its noble teachings admiring particularly its historic and ancient role in sponsoring and defending "Free Thinkers" who produced every beautiful and useful contribution to peace, progress and prosperity for Man Kind.
One last note or rather a very special and personal wish: I believe it's time to work on a new book dedicated to the historic "brotherhood" and intellectual link between the Druze faith and the four schools mentioned above. The origins of the "genuine" Freemasonry may eventually be revealed!!
Praying that the Light of the Universal Logos brightens our paths in present and future lives;
I am brotherly yours,
Ray Dan HeavenPort
AKA Toufic (Tofeeque) El Chaar
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By ......... |
My grandfather was a past master. He was my main father figure throughout my life and he hurt my heart. He was abusive to my mother. Even blacked her eye when she was in her fourties. My grandmother never became an Eastern Star.
My mother married a pedophile when I was 12. My grandparents lived in the county next to us in a house large enough for a large family to live comfortably. My grandparents didn't seem to care that I was being attacked. Nor did they care that he was beating my mother, constantly breaking her bones.
I ended up stabbing my step father when I was 15 and my grandfather, having been told for years what my step father was, told people that I did it just because I was jealous.
My grandfather is also a racist. He doesn't like blacks and from what I've HEARD Mormons believe being black is a curse.
I have other people who come forward and say that if the lodge had known he would have been rid of, but I find that hard to believe. He had his sweet moments, kind like a human being, but most of the time he made sure I was aware that he felt he was more than me. He even told me one night in a fit of anger that "Besides, I don't have to answer to you."
He didn't want much to do with me. When I was 16 I mentioned that there was a bee that doesn't sting, I was just trying to break the silence, and he basically called me a liar and walked away. He didn't care to speak to me decently at all. He nearly took me out because I was using HIS phone. Something at that age I hadn't had the most experience with because of the poverty.
But minus all the schizophrenic outbursts, he had moments where he came off to be a moral man.
I've wondered if ever I discovered some of their secrets would I expose them or not. I think I would. |
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By Nate |
I have just recently been voted into a local freemasonry lodge, I will start my degree work this fall. I have always been fascinated by freemasonry and the history behind it. After being voted into a lodge I started reading some of your books to better prepare myself for my up coming life as a freemason. As I have read your books I have become more and more interested and excited to become a freemason. I think the work you have done has shown a positive light on freemasonry and has also helped in the search for the lost secrets of freemasonry.
I look forward to reading more of your works on freemasonry. |
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