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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 George Clayton Vincent |
I became interested in Freemasonry in a most unusual way. There was once a Lodge in our town,Neepawa,Manitoba.Some of the brothers were quiet & kind,others were boisterous & desirous about money & power.One of the latter was a competitor in my trade & used every means possible to block me,manipulate contracts & perform other measures I won`t go into.Because of his & his 'brothers' actions I was beginning to believe that Freemasonry was some sort of diabolical organization out to amass riches & rip off the public purse.
Another Mason quit this lodge & passed all his books onto a friend who later gave me "The Meaning Of Masonry" by Wilmshurst.That book really opened my eyes.I had been studying all kinds of spiritual & psychic information since the early 1960s,not knowing the chaff from the kernal.Wilmshurst`s book showed me that,finally,here was the Truth I`d been searching for all these years of dabbling.
But,many attempts at joining a Lodge were blocked by this same Mason,who would forbid any Lodge I was interested in,to allow me entrance.This occured in Minnedosa,Rivers,Portage & Stonewall & others.The other lodges turned me away,but Stonewall ( Lodge #12,Manitoba ) thought my nemesis a bit pushy,and after a few more blocking moves on his part,the fine "brothers" at Stonewall accepted me.
I have since found Masonry to be a most august fraternity.But I was interested in the Esoteric knowledge deep within the CRAFT,but the others were happy with ritual & happy hour after.
It was then that Victor Popow,(Mason)of Winnipeg started a Lodge devoted to education & the study of Esoteric Freemasonry,of which I am now a member.Later Larry Swanson also a Mason in Winnipeg started SRIC( Society Rosicrusians In Canada)based also on the Esoteric aspects of Freemasonry,of which I am also a member.
Now,I am completely confident that these two organizations will assist me in reaching the ultimate goal of " Knowing Thyself". yours Geordie Vincent,Master Mason. |
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By rosesthorns |
Hello:
As you have found in your studies and travels, the simple ritual that is passed daily from one to another has very serious roots in ancient times.
It seems to me that the purpose of the masons at the lower degrees has evolved to endorsing of the multiple charities and the practicing of ceremonies with lost meaning.
Many hidden rituals are kept from them and a more secular group pervails in the highest degrees of the more secretive orders.
The details of the ancient times of Solomon speak of his ability to control daemons and spirits which may have been passed down through the ages to specific apprentices. The documents of these incantations and ceremonies may have been safely placed under the temple by them.
The lineage of the nobles and aristocrats who where the Grand Masters by there patence had posession of the temple documents and kept the secrets. Passed on only by a need to know, the lower degrees are kept in illuminated darkness of the Grand Master's own desired intensity.
When the ceremonies and rituals were changed /revised by the London faction too many rites and ceremonies lost potency and became mundane rhetoric that was proclaimed part of the lower degrees rites.
Who has and where are the pristine words and rituals from under the temple that were modified by London? What are they practicing with these verses and documents that they"protect" from the lower degrees?
Please do tell how a person beomes invited to join the Freemasons.
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By Alex |
Interesting subject, but still only scratching the surface of the truth. The danger lies in the serious repercussions of the untold knowledge, i.e. that modern Christianity, the restrictive glue that has bound together mankind's moral majority for 2000 years is based upon no more than the fantasy tales woven by individual prehistoric storytellers using a graphic template of early astronomical constellations, the original astrolabe, the grail .... but when the system crumbles, as it surely must, what or who will replace it? ... or could that be the Masons game plan?
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By Scottish Freemason |
Freemasonry to me is a collective of like minded individuals, brought together in a consensual and coherant search for a better understanding of oneself, and of mankind. It can - at it's best - bring together Princes and paupers, black and white, old and young.
I feel that it is essential that Freemasonry is kept secretive in some respects. Yes, we should demonstrate to soceity what our aims are, exclaim our work of charity and never be ashamed to call ourself craftsmen. However,I feel that two things have cheapened Freemasonry somewhat. Firstly, there is increased awareness of our secrets (such as our words, our grips, our degree work etc) through both the internet and the media explosion following The Da Vinci Code. I would imagine that this will only increase following the publication of Dan Brown's next novel. The internet is a wonderful tool by which to research subjects, but it saddens me that those who are not members of our fraternity can discover the things that we should guard most vigourously. Secondly, I feel that American Freemasonry has created a level of falseness. I have heard of American candidates being initiated en-bloc at 300 at a time, recieving all three 'blue' degrees on the one day! I am sure that my Scottish Bretheren would agree with me that this is a sad state of affairs, and one would question what real purpose this serves to those Bretheren. The three degrees performed correctly still leave me with new questions every time I see them being given!
The ritual is the heart and sole of Freemasonry. Without it Freemasonry would cease to be the force that it is today, and become nothing more than a social club. It is the importance that I place upon the rituals that has made me so proud and honoured to be qualified to the extent to which I am. This ritual has providedme with guidance at some difficult times in my life. I know that wherever I go in Scotland I will soon make new fiends as soon as I walk through the doors of a Masonic Lodge. Such an institution is one that must be preserved and honoured for all time. |
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By John D. Downard |
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I have just recently started studying the history of Fremasonry. I have been studying the history of mytephysics and the occult for 6 years know. Through my readings I have found that the belief in a single religion does not allow us to fully understand what we are and why we are here. The secret nature of the Freemasons has drown unjustified and unwarrented attention. But as history shows people will often fear something they do not understand. The nature of the rituals of the freemasons I believe acts in the same nature as symbology. Certain sysmbols trigger certain emotions with in us. When we are fully able to understand our emotions and what triggers our reactions to emotions helps us understand our selves better. Through my years of study I have found that when an individual is able to understand themselves and what has influenced their thought processes we are able to change our vibrations to a higher level of vibration. This effect impacts us on all 3 levels of our reality. When we are able to step away from individual religions and the dogmas that they all hold we are able to veiw ourselves and our enviorment in a much different perspective. I have recently been asked to join the Freemansons and after reaking your book the Hiram Key I think I will acept the offer. Science is at the very early stages of understanding the potentials of the human race. Metaphysics has very clearly shown our potentials are when we are able to accept that science and religion are very directly concected. I enjoy studying Hermetic phylosophy and all of the related fields. The more I study the more I grow. Your writings show that the Freemasons study very closely the teachings of Hiram and the lessons that were handed down. But I am cureious why the writings of Soloman are not the central theme. S.L. McGregor Mathers writings are very interesting to study if one is interested in communion with the spirits of the universe. I look forward to reading more of your findings and look forward to my journey within the Freemasons. |
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By hiramfelix |
1: Secret or not? I would say it should be “in-between”. There is nothing to hide, but also nothing brag about. In the United States Freemasonry is handled like a social Club, nothing more. In Europe it is far more discreet. It is by now means secret as you can go to the internet and find Lodges, names of officers and so on.
2: Is a family member a Mason? No
3: Are you a Mason? My brethren think I am. The Ritual is everything; it is “our’ secret. You can read everything about it, but if you do not experience it is meaningless.
4: How did you felle when you were made a Mason? Not possible to put into words.
5: What role does it play? A very important one. Not easy to put into words, again.
6. Does Freemasonry benefit society? Yes, absolutely.
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By Martin Jackson |
The Craft is a micro-cosom of humanity. Just as with humanity; we are hyper top-heavy with materialistic, spiritualy dead; ego-centric ; small-pond life. We are careering head-long at the Speed of Light towards a brick wall. And all we are doing is fighting over the front seat.
Let us stop for a fraction and reflect.
Now change direction.
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By Calum |
Dear Sir, Dr Lomas
My Father had been a Mason for over 20 years and apart from being curious when he first joined, (I was a teenager still at school) I had no inclination to join Freemasonry whatsoever. My Father, I must add never spoke about it to me, nor did I ever hear him discuss it when I was ever present in any company he kept, even when I knew Mason's were present.
During the year of 2003 (I was now 34/35yrs old) I was in a relationship with a Canadian girl. Her father arranged a visit from his home in Canada to stay with us during April 2003 and asked me if during his stay, would it be possible for me to take him to visit Roslyn Chapel. I had never heard of it, but asked if it was in Roslyn, which is less than 10 miles from where I stay and alway's have done!!! I then found out he was a 'Mason'. I was surprised as I knew he was a Catholic. I questioned him about this and thankfully, unlike any response I remembered from my father, he began to explain somewhat passionately his decision to join the Craft and he then recommended I read a book called 'The Hiram Key'. I remembered the name of the next book I was going to read but firstly I wanted to visit Roslyn Chapel. I was overwhelmed, after paying my admittance fee and purchasing a booklet I noticed on the way out to the Chapel the book 'The Hiram Key' was on their shelves for sale. I made a mental note to purchase it on the way out which I did. My visit to the Chapel awakened something in me and after goosebumping through 'The Hiram Key' I was hooked and was certain I wanted to know more.
I approached my Father letting him know I wanted to become a Mason. I can't explain the emotion I felt from him. He looked so pleased and proud and due to this I became momentarily a little confused! If this meant so much to him, why had he never even slightly encouraged me to do this earlier?!!
Before my first degree I visited Roslyn Chapel quite a few more times and had then read 'The Second Messiah' (The best book I've ever read) and 'Uriel's Machine'. I can't thank you enough for the enlightenment your books have given me and would love the chance to meet up whenever you are next in Roslyn as I'd relish the chance to debate your extensive research and conclusions to date and hopefully excite your mind further with my own investigations and thoughts. Due to your question "Is Masonry something which cannot or perhaps should not be put into words? My answer is - NO. Masonry can and should be put into words and likewise put into numbers, music, pictures, inter personal thinking, intra personal thinking and any other 'smart' that triggers the students way of articulating. Harmony is when EVERYONE understands. To achieve this you must allow EVERYONE access to the information and display the information in as many ways as is possible to allow EVERY student to articulate the chosen subject. This is overwhelmingly evident in Masonry as during my initiation, passing and raising I understood what was being explained to me by being told, shown and involved. I believe that Masonry should be made easily accessible (whatever your up-bringing or academic ability) to anyone who has a desire to improve themselves to the point that they feel the power of understanding. By practising this I've found that it manufactures 'honesty' which I believe is the essence to 'harmony'. Funny how both 'harmony' and 'honesty' have 7 letters!!
The number 7 is one of the subjects I'd love to discuss should we ever meet. Better give youself at least a week with me should this ever happen but being typically Scottish I have an ability to talk fast so could fit my thoughts in around 2-3 nights at the Roslyn Inn bar!!
I'll leave you with this thought - Once every 4 weeks I meet with each member of my staff (I currently employ 18 people) for a 'One 2 One' to discuss their input, value to the business, any queries they have and to plan when and what they have to do to be promoted to the next level - did Hiram have the harmony of the workforce (through his undoubted ability to show everyone, everyday, their worth) to such a great level that complacency set in, and made him forget that there were still people there who needed assurance, guidance and his observance that they would be due for promotion? (enter - Jubelo, Jubela and Jubelum aka the ruffians)
One fundamental thing I've learnt in life and business is to set deadlines by 'putting a date on it' and although Masonry has taught and re-inforced many successful ways forward for me I still look for this impotant, though simple characteristic to surface.
Fraternally Yours
Bro. Calum Grant
Treasurer
Lodge St john 112
7 Balcarres Road
Musselburgh
EH21 7SD.......
P.S. Are you aware that a lodge (Aitchisons Haven) in Musselburgh -which unfortunately no longer exists-is recorded as having the earliest recorded minutes in Freemasonry held at Grand Lodge, Edinburgh. These minutes date back to the 16th century!! I became compelled to write to you today after doing some very brief research on John Knox- During the 16th Century he, whilst being a clergyman for the Catholic Church, reformed Scotland to become a Protestant Nation. His mothers maiden name was Sinclair?!!! Have to go, much exploring to do. |
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By Steve Foley |
# Should Freemasonry be secret, or should we be more open about it?
The cult of Secrecy which pervades Anglo-Saxon Freemasonry especially that of UGLE has done nothing but harm , plays into the hands of Anti-Masons, and even puts potential Candidates off. Only the Modes of Recognition, the Signs, Tokens and Words need be kept secret, that is what a Mason swears to so at his or her Initiation. As for the old chestnut that "Any disclosure will spoil the Ceremony for the Candidate" that is just sentimental and pious balderdash and has only gained weight by repetition over the years.
# Is a member of your family a Freemason, and how do you feel about that?
I am the only Freemason in my immediate family as far as I am aware. I did have two Masonic Uncles but thay have been dead a long time now.
# If you are a Mason, what does Masonic ritual mean to you?
A very great deal indeed. I am attuned to its Esoteric aspects.
# How did you feel when you were made a Mason?
It was a great sense of achievement and a feeling that I had been destined to become a Mason and this was right for me.
# And what role has Masonic ritual played in your life since?
Again a great deal indeed. It informs my day to day life and I feel uplifted when I attend a well performed and sincere Ceremony
# Do you feel it is something which can not, or perhaps should not, be put into words?
It can be difficult to describe such feelings and experiences to the Mundane. I am not for "Secrecy" as explained above. Only the Signs, Tokens and Words should be secret.
# Do you think Freemasonry benefits society?
Yes and it could do more if there was not the Anti-Masonic bias in current society and if it was not trammeled, at least in the Malecraft Mainstream, by having become too obsessed with its own Organisation and by the Externals and Peripherals, and were to return to its Speculative roots, dismantle much of its over heavy bureaucracy and give more autonomy to individual lodges and scrap its present Honours System which does it more harm than good. It should go "Back to Basics" .
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By Bro. Hall |
Hi, this is a very interesting topic and one in which i am excited as always to be involved. I have been a Prince Hall affiliated, Master Mason for ten years now and i must say it has been emotionally up and down. I have been on both extremes, one where I have aspired to go as far in masonry as i possibly can, getting involved in every organization under the masonic umbrerlla. The other where I just felt like giving it all up and leaving the craft altogether. I have, however, since I was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason ten years ago, completed 50% of my masonic aspirations. I have joined the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Masonry, Prince Hall Affiliated and still seek in the near future to join the York Rite of this organization. Which brings me to the whole of the matter. I joined this organization, from what i'd known about it, seeking to make me a better person. Since then I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of the organization. While the organization is probably what I perceive to be the greatest fraternal organizatiion in the world, the men and women that make up both branches of this organization are only human. Which means, some of our actions will not reflect masonic morality. Now, this doesn't mean that we as the members of the organization are not good people, i'm merely stating that we all have our faults and sometimes, no matter how hard we work at not revealing them, all things come to light at its proper time. Now, this is the general and probably the larger portion of our members. Then, there's those members who deliberately, use this organization as a stepping stone and excuse to commit unmasonic acts. Then there are those who take the obligation lightly and treat other members cruel and unfairly. A few years ago I found myself more involved in masonry than in my church, not to say that is necessarily wrong, being that we both have the same intentions, but I personally felt that my masonic duty was greater than my godly duty and that was wrong. Lately, I have re-established my priorities, focus more on church and my teachings from the Bible, while enhancing my learnigs from our masonic rituals and practices. While I still aspire to join the York Rite of Masonry, it is only to get access to more information and knowledge to make me a better person and mason. I hope that's not selfish, just my current thoughts and feelings. I do love the organization and plan to be involved as long as the G.A.O.T.U. see fit for me to do so.
Thank You
Bro. Hall,
Tampa, FL U.S.A. |
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