|
|
|
What Masonry means to people
Their thoughts on the Meaning of Masonry
|
|
Turning The Hiram Key
Find out what Masonry means to Robert by reading his latest book,
Turning The Hiram Key.
|
|
|
|
By MammaCat2 |
I think Freemasonry should be somewhat more open, if only to dispel some of the more outrageous rumours that circulate. Obviously it would need to maintain some secrecy (what fun would a secret society be if it had no secrets?).
I am a woman and really wish it was open to me. I would love to belong to a society with such open and progressive thinking. The Hiram Key was incredibly interesting to me, and the ideas about God and Christianity put forth are very much in line with the way I have always believed in God. |
|
|
|
By Nicole Mercier |
I have just bought ''The Book of Hiram" and started reading it. I am interested in Freemasonry partly because my father and my grandfather on my mother's side were both Masons. My sister and I were Job's Daughters for several years, but never went up the line. I have become more interested in the past few years, especially after reading "The Davinci Code". What was particularly interesting to me was information that the Saint Clair family, descendants of Jesus, bacame the Sinclairs. I found refernce to the Sinclair family, my descendants, in a book on Scottish clans and tartans. It talks about their connection to Rosslyn, Lothian, because Sir William Sinclair was the guardian to the heir of King Alexander III who gained barony of that land in 1280. His son, also Sir William fought with Bruce at Brannockburn and died fighting wth Douglas in Spain against the Moors whiile transporting Bruce's heart to the Holy Land. How this all interconnects, I hope to find out either through your book or others to follow.
|
|
|
|
By 4xLewis_USA |
I am becoming a Master Mason, and have some mixed feelings about the process as it stands in the USA today. As a four-time Lews (grandfather, great uncle, uncle and father) I knew some of what to expect as I began my journey. Perhaps I have been underwhelmed by the little work which I have had to do to get this far.
I passed to a Fellowcraft in the last week and was quizzed a bit on my chatechism, and only a handful of my brothers contributed their memorization to the examination. I am in a large class (about 75 men) and, compared to what my father endured, it seems far too easy. Dad was one of only a few initiates in his class (no more than three, I think) and had to not only memorize his lectures but also prepare a paper on some Masonic topic. In his case it was the connection between the Templars and Masonry as it was understood at the time. Altogether he committed much more time, thought and effort to become part of the brotherhood, and I believe that made it very significant and special to him.
Being a third-generation Mason makes the expreince special to me, as does my affiliation (my mother lodge is unique in the U.S.) But I can see how younger, less committed men might not take as seriously or solemnly the obligations or commitment of being a Mason due to the small work we've had to do.
Now I have not been exposed to the Craft long enough to appreciate the way things used to be and fully understand the crisis of shrinking membership we face, especially in the U.S. At the same time the Craft has more to offer that what I have experienced so far, and only hope that my younger brothers will come to appreciate the special privileges and responsibilities of being a Mason.
On a purely personal level, my decision to become a Mason on the verge of my 40th birthday has significantly improved my relationship with my father. We have a new connection on a special level centered around something I had little knowledge was so important to him. I feel like I can reintroduce him to the Craft and get to know him asmore than a parent, but simply as a man, and hopefully gain new appreciation for what he has done in his life and better understand why. Freemasonry means something different to every man, and that's a big part of what it means to me. |
|
|
|
By michael t jones |
i feel your work is outstanding. the need for more research into the ritual of freemasonry is essential.i know some feel that with the dwindling numbers in membership ,freemasonry is in danger of extinction.the numbers do not lie.i believe we are at a crucial time ,and that all ritual and non-ritual knowledge that can be gathered and saved is of the utmost importance.
please continue your good works. |
|
|
|
By Kate Harding |
I was interested that the first contribution in this series began, 'I am not a Freemason, I am a woman', as though one precludes the other. This is a stereotype we need to correct.
I am a 32-year-old woman entering my third year of Freemasonry, having just been Raised in December. I belong to the order of International Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain, which is a mixed order, women and men working together. Our order (at least in Britain) places particular emphasis on the esoteric side of Freemasonry, on it being a spiritual path, and on personal and spiritual growth. That having been said, there is a range of interests across lodges and across countries, allowing each lodge to pursue the direction that's right for them. For example, in Britain we work to the Glory of the Great Architect and the Perfection of Humanity, but in France they work only to the Perfection of Humanity, as laicite is important to them.
The question of whether Freemasonry should 'remain' secret, or whether we should be more open, is one we have been debating recently. I put 'remain' in quotes because it is my understanding that Freemasonry has never been a secret order, but rather an order with secrets, and this in my opinion is still the best approach. It is important that the secrets of the ritual are kept (as much as they can be when they're widely available in books and on the web), for esoteric reasons: as with the ancient mystery religions, the ritual of Freemasonry is designed to teach things in the order in which they can be learnt. But there is no need for us to be silent about our existence. There are enormous misconceptions about Freemasonry in the public domain, and that means that people who would benefit enormously from it don't even realise they are eligible for it! I don't think active recruitment would be helpful - everyone has a different path, and not everyone is suited to Freemasonry and vice versa. But I think we could do a lot to correct the false impression that most people have of Freemasonry. |
|
|
|
By malalina |
I am not a Freemason - I am a woman. But I am woman who has found that Freemasonry - as much as I have read about it - fills in a lot of the missing information that my scientific mind required to accept religion in my life. I have always had difficulty reconciling the "teachings" of the church and have found myself on several occasions playing the role of the Doubting Thomas.....Now I understand that my need for more information is not a mark of insolence or unwillingness to believe, but a true need to understand where we came from, why these beliefs exist and what truly happened throughout the ages.
One of the most difficult issues for me has always been the hypocracy of the church. Every religion preaches tolerance and acceptance and yet every religion requires you to believe without question what they teach. AND every religion seems to persecute those that choose to believe something else.
For a time, I looked into the Pagan beliefs and the one thing I identified with most was the fact that they practice what they preach and they believe that whatever path you choose is the correct path - no persecution, no judgement, simply acceptance and tolerance towards others. The only problem I had with Pagan practices is the use of multiple deities - for some reason it didn't feel right to me.
Then, one day, I stumbled onto some books about Freemasonry, which came from some of my research into Pagan beliefs. There was a cross-reference from the Golden Dawn practices to the beliefs of Freemasonry. I was inspired by the Hiram Key, and continued on to the Second Messiah and am now reading the Book of Hiram. So many questions have been answered by the research conducted by Chris and Robert. These books have reached to the core of my being and have provided me with hope and inspiration. Now, I am continuing my search for the needs of women to be addressed by the Freemasons. Perhaps this will be the area in which I will make my mark.........
Thank you, Chris & Robert, for enlightening me and providing me with the understanding and clarity I needed to feel spiritually connected! |
|
|
|
By Myth |
Freemasonry should remain secret as it then limits the effect that society has upon - without preventing - its proper normal evolution. Its origins have been occluded for too long already. It is, today, nothing like its origins would desire.
The rituals I experienced during transition between the ranks within the Order still temper my perceptions and activities today. I consider the Craft to be a force for good in that it redirects disruptive tendencies into productive channels.
Although I no longer attend a Lodge, the one thing I miss above all others is the sense of Brotherhood that is to be found within the Order's ranks. |
|
|
|
By basstone65 |
|
Yes, Freemasonary should remain secret. I think that any other answer would be unreasonable. I truly love and respect your work. You have opened my eyes but, not everyone is open to such truths. |
|
|
|
By Brin |
Your example chapter about the new mason about to be initiated is so totally alien to me. When my time came, I was a bit nervous of course, I had to find my own way to a very unusual and well guarded venue, and nobody told me anything useful, apart from not wearing a vest. I had to buy my own white gloves, quite difficult, I tried 3 department stores in Oxford street. But nobody told me to bring a book to read, so I spent nearly 2 hours in a sort of waiting room with nothing to read, I started memorising the military prints that decorated the walls.
But when the time came for me to be initiated, the person was kind, polite, helpful, and put me at completely at ease. There was minimal intrusion of privicy, and he helped me through and made sure I was looked after with understanding and compasion. My only problem came in the end bit wher I had to kneel down, and just had an attack of cramp, bit unusual as I was quite young and fit then.
Also, when it was my turn to escort an initiate, I made sure that I introduced myself to the candidate, and asked him if he had any problems like kneeling, walking, blindfolds, or anything like that, also when he went through the process I made sure that I talked to him all the time, just say the odd word about what was going to happen next, and if there was any problem that he had at all, please tell me and I can sort something out there and then.
I have also seen in some lodges where they have left just a small gap under the blindfold so the initiate can see his feet so he doesnt feel quite so vunerable.
The only problem I've ever seen was when someone's son was the initiate, his father had told him so many unspecified things, or it could havve been that he failed to tell him enough to put him at ease, when he came in, he was shaking so much, the person guiding him had trouble not shaking as well, we had to sit him down and give him a drink of water, say a few words just to calm him down.
Brin |
|
|
|
By Jerry Hinman |
I am a Freemason in the State of Montana USA as was my father before me.
Should Masonery be secret? That is a hard question for me as I can see two arguments. Being secret certainly sets one apart from non members and gives members a common bond.
However I have a brother who was a Mason who later wished to become a lay minnister. His church would not allow it unless he renounced his menbership in Masonery. He did and it was a sad day for me. In view of many of your receint discoveries I guess I would lean tward a more open approach.
What does Masonic Ritual mean to me? Masonic ritual for me has always been very meaningful, inspirational and guiding.
What did I feel when I was made a mason? I at last felt I knew the meaning of having been "Born again".
What role has Masonic Ritual played since? I was raised a Presbyterian. During my youth Mother took us to church regularly. My father never went. I knew he had some problems with "church" but did not then understand what. He and mother had a little conflict about it but always seemed to work things out. After I left home and become a bit more knowledgable I began to understand Dads feelings and I drifted away from the church even though I consider myself a "religous" person. I have always stayed close to Masonery and Masonic ritual. I am also very involved in Eastern Star. I would be remiss not to mention that your four books most especially "The Hiram KeY" has brought a great deal more meaning and understanding to the Rituals. I consider them manditory reading for all Freemasons. I graciously thank you for devoting the time and your knowledge to a project of such interest to me.
Do you feel it cannot or should not be put into words? It is something that we should try to put into words recognizing that it is something much greater than that.
Jerry Hinman
Darby Montana USA
|
|
|
|
|
|
