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Freemasonry and Catholicism

Vigilant — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 22:13:21 +0000

Full Title: Freemasonry and Catholicism: An exposition of the Cosmic Facts Underlying These Two Great Institutions As Determined by Occult Investigation

“The Rosicrucian Fellowship aims to educate and construct, to be charitable even to those from whom we differ, and never to vent the venom of vituperation, spite, or malice even upon those who seem deliberately determined to mislead. We revere the Catholic religion; it is as divine in its essence, as Mystic Masonry both, are rooted in hoary antiquity, both were born to further the aspiration of the striving soul, and both have a message and a mission in the world not apparent upon the surface today, because man-made ceremonial as a scale has hidden the kernel of divinity in each. It is the object of the present articles to remove that scale and show the Cosmic purpose of these two Great Organizations, which are so bitterly antagonistic to each other. We do not aim to reconcile them, however, for though they are both designed to farther the emancipation of the soul, their methods are different, and Jjbg attributes of the soul fostered by one method will indeed be very different from the quality of the soul nurtured in the other school. Therefore the strife must continue until the battle for the souls of men has been lost and won. The issue is not, however, the persistence of the Masonic or Catholic institutions; but the outcome will determine the nature of the training humanity will receive in the remaining Periods of our evolution. We shall endeavor to show the cosmic root of both of these institutions, the purpose of each and the training which each will inaugurate, if successful ; also the nature of the soul quality which may be expected to result from each method. “

CONTENTS

Part I Lucifer, the Rebel Angel
Part II The Masonic Legend
Part III The Queen of Sheba
Part IV Casting the Molten Sea
Part V The Mystery of Melchisedec
Part VI Spiritual Alchemy
Part VII The Philosopher’s Stone “What It Is and How It Is Made
Part VIII The Path of Initiation
Part IX Armageddon, the Great War, and the Coming Age

Duncan’s Masonic Ritual and Monitor

Vigilant — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 02:35:28 +0000

This book presents details of Masonic initiation rituals, along with grips, passwords and regalia. Written in the 19th century, Duncan’s Ritual, as it is known, has been republished numerous times. It includes the three basic degrees of the Ancient York Rite, and four additional advanced degrees. There are over a hundred illustrations, all reproduced here, which show important details of the rituals, including gestures and symbolic pictures. Duncan’s Ritual is careful to note known variations where they exist.This book will be of interest to beginning Masons who want a roadmap of the craft, as well as experienced Masons who need a review.

A classic reference book containing the actual rituals that are still practiced today in Masonic lodges.

CONTENTS

Preface
Entered Apprentice, or First Degrees
Fellow Craft, or Second Degree
Master Mason, or Third Degree
Mark Master, or Fourth Degree
Past Master, or Fifth Degree
Most Excellent Master, or Sixth Degree
Royal Arch, or Seventh Degree
Extracts from a Dictionary of Masonry
Appendix

The Hidden Life in Freemasonry

Vigilant — Thu, 12 May 2011 22:43:33 +0000

This classic Masonic esoteric work is designed for the student seeking far deeper meanings in Masonry. Leadbeater reveals how the Masonic ritual is a scientific way of energizing the Masonic lodge and its faithful members so as to bring about an attunement with the Great White Lodge. In the words of the author: “Although the book is primarily intended for the instruction of members of the Co-Masonic Order, whose desire, as is expressed in their ritual, is to pour the waters of esoteric knowledge into the Masonic vessels, I hope nevertheless that it may appeal to a wider circle, and may perhaps be of use to some of those many Brn. in the masculine Craft who are seeking for a deeper interpretation of Masonic symbolism than is given in the majority of their Lodges …” C.W. Leadbeater (1854-1934), was an English clergyman and respected theosophical author. Leadbeater is the author of the popular “Freemasonry and Its Ancient Mystic Rites.” This is an indespensible work for the esoteric Mason - Written for the handful of Masons who seek to understand the true occult-theosophical workings of Freemasonry.

CONTENTS

History of Masonry
The Lodge
The Fittings of the Lodge
Preliminary Ceremonies
The Opening of the Lodge
Initiation
The Second Degree
The Third Degree;
The Higher Degrees
Two Wonderful Rituals
Closing the Lodge

Low Twelve – By Their Deeds You Shall Know Them

Vigilant — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 01:07:37 +0000

Full Title: Low Twelve – By Their Deeds You Shall Know Them – A Series of Striking and Truthful Incidents illustrative of the fidelity of Free Masons to one another in times of distress and danger

True stories on the solidarity of Masons in real life situations.

Excerpt:

A friend of mine was taken prisoner with over a hundred others at one of the great battles in Virginia. After being conducted so far to the rear that there was no possibility of escape or rescue, the prisoners were drawn up in line, while their names were taken down and the necessary data gathered concerning them.

“While this was going on,” said my friend, “a Confederate colonel stood a few paces back of the officer who was writing rapidly with a pencil on paper. The colonel was a fierce-looking fellow, and it seemed to me he showed a grim delight in contemplating our sorry plight . When each one responded to the questions that were sharply asked him, the colonel, with folded arms, looked fixedly into his face, but did not speak.

“At the moment my turn came a sudden whim prompted me to make a Masonic sign . I did it very furtively, and could not observe the slightest result. I concluded that neither the colonel nor any of his officers were Masons, and my little essay was thrown away. In fact, so far as I could see, it had attracted the attention only of Jim Baldwin, who stood next to me and recognized what I had done.” `You are a fool to try that on here,’ he said in an undertone; `even if there are any Masons among these Rebs, they wouldn’t pay any attention to you at a time like this .’ “I believed he was right, and thought no more of it .

When our captors had pumped from us all the information they required, we were sent to our quarters and placed in charge of a guard. I don’t think anybody ever felt bluer than I did. The prospect of a long, dismal imprisonment was before me, with the chances against my ever seeing home again. Some of my companions broke into defiant song and reckless jest, but I could make no such hollow pretence; I was utterly miserable and despairing .

“When the afternoon was drawing to a close, an orderly came past the guards and called out my name. Wondering what was up, I sprang to my feet and confronted him.” `The colonel wishes to see you,’ was all he said . He indicated that I was to follow him, and, still perplexed, I walked silently at his heels through the outskirts of the camp till he paused in front of a tent, drew the fly aside, saluted and announced his arrival with the prisoner in charge. The next moment I was ushered into the presence of the glum
colonel, who was seated on a camp stool, smoking a corncob pipe, and his expression seemed more terrible, if possible than before .

” `What’s your name?’ he demanded, taking his pipe from his mouth.
I gave it.
” `Are you a Mason?’ he asked in the same crisp manner.
“I answered in the affirmative, and he then inquired :
” `Where do you hail from?’
“This was followed by the other questions with which all Masons are familiar, until I convinced him that I was what I claimed to be .
“The colonel abruptly ceased speaking . His sword lay on a stool beside his own . He crossed his legs and smoked furiously, with his eyes fixed on the opening in the tent through which I had entered . He seemed to be thinking intently, his face half obscured by the volume of smoke that continually rolled from his mouth . Suddenly he sprang up, and with the same brisk curtness he had shown from the first, he said :
`Come with me .’

Exposition of Freemasonry

Vigilant — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 02:35:27 +0000

Full title: Illustrations of Freemasonry by One of the Fraternity who has devoted Thirty Years to the Subject – Republished with the addition of engravings, showing the Lodge-room, Signs, Grips and Masonic Emblems.

This book has a controversial backstory which is part of the mythology of anti-Freemasonry. ‘Captain’ William Morgan, the author, was a disappointed Freemason in Batavia, New York. Rejected by the local lodge, he announced that he was going to publish a work exposing Masonic rituals and secrets. Shortly before publication in 1826, he disappeared, and three Masons were later convicted of kidnapping him. Although claims were made that Morgan had been murdered, some say that he was forced to leave the US. Either way, it was good publicity for this book, which was published in 1827, but bad for the Masons. The incident led to widespread protests against Freemasons in the US, and eventually an anti-Masonic Party, which at its height in 1832 got seven electoral votes for William Wirt for President.

The Symbolism of Freemasonry or Mystic Masonry

Vigilant — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 02:29:26 +0000

This Great Secret, this Master’s Word, was know to and preserved in the Mysteries of Antiquity, and is embodied and preserved in the traditions and symbols of Masonry today. This fact has been stated repeatedly in the body of this little book, the real purpose of which was to set students, and particularly masonic students, to searching for the real secret. It is the reward of study and devotion, and has never been obtained on any other terms. It has never been conferred in the ritualistic degrees of the lodge, and never will or can be. It is the establishment of understanding in the soul of man between that higher self in him, and the More, and the Beyond self from which he draws his life, and from which his intuitions spring. This is real Initiation: Becoming: At-one-ment.” “There are thousands of Masons, who realize that Masonry contains and implies far more than appears in the ritual and ceremonies of the Lodge. There is a very widespread and growing interest in this direction, and it is this that Mystic Masonry, above all else, is designed to foster, encourage, and help.”

INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER I. Principles of Education and Ethics
CHAPTER II. The Genius of Freemasonry
CHAPTER III. The Genius of Freemasonry (continued)
CHAPTER IV. The Secret Doctrine
CHAPTER V. The Secret Doctrine (continued)
CHAPTER VI. The Secret Doctrine (continued) The Seven-fold Nature of Man.
CHAPTER VII. The Sign of the Master
CHAPTER VIII. The Great Lodge
CHAPTER IX. An Outline of Symbolism
CHAPTER X. Conclusion
Illustrations

The Book of the Words

Vigilant — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 01:16:06 +0000

Masonry is permeated with powerful symbolism-both verbal and pictorial-that arouses the mental, spiritual, and intellectual life of those who use them. This extremely interesting study, once limited to 150 copies, gives the correct spelling of, and analyzes all the “significant words” (pass words, etc.) in, the Scottish Rite from the 1st through 30th degrees inclusive. In addition to being an etymological dictionary Pike explains why any given word was chosen for a given degree thereby revealing the hidden symbolism of each word. Illustrated and highly recommended.

“Thus while Jachin symbolized the state of erection of the membrum virile, when prepared for begetting or creating, in the womb, Boaz symbolized the potency, rigor, and fierce and even cruel desire of the same member. It was the sexual vigor and power, the inordinate lust of the goat, that gate that animal the name daz or Oaz.”

The Arcane Schools

Vigilant — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 20:37:21 +0000

In this extensive work, John Yarker attempts to trace the history of Masonry and Masonic rites through history, proving its legitimacy through seniority and the power of tradition. Yarker establishes the roots of Masonry in an unknown race of conquerors who developed the early human arts, such as stoneworking, metalworking, and agriculture. Yarker then explains how that civilization gave rise to societies of special knowledge, such at the mathematical and philosophical schools in ancient Greece. From these, he can trace symbolism to modern Freemasonry. Fascinating in its breadth, The Arcane Schools draws on seemingly every society and era to pull the history of humanity into a single narrative. Those interested the arcane and occult, as well as those with a newly sparked interest in symbology, will find Yarker’s book a fascinating and informative read. English author JOHN YARKER (1833-1913) was a Freemason who established the Sovereign Sanctuary of The Ancient and Primitive Rite of Masonry for England and Ireland in 1872. He was an occultist who wrote many books including The Magian Mysteries and Freemasonry in Modern Times.

C O N T E N T S.

PREFACE
INTRODUCTION — GENERAL PLAN OF THE WORK
PART I. — THE ARCANE SCHOOLS.

I. ARCHAIC LEGENDS
II. PROTO-ARYAN CIVILIZATION AND MYSTERIES
III. ARYAN CIVILIZATION AND MYSTERIES
IV. THE MYSTERIES IN RELATION TO PHILOSOPHY
V. PHILOSOPHY IN RELATION TO MASONIC RITES
VI. THE MYSTIC AND HERMETIC SCHOOLS IN CHRISTIAN TIMES
PART II. — OPERATIVE AND SPECULATIVE.
VII. RECAPITULATED PROOFS OF ANCIENT MASONRY
VIII. MASONRY IN BRITAIN AND SAXON ENGLAND
IX. MASONRY IN NORMAN TIMES
X. FREEMASONRY IN MODERN TIMES
PART III. — SPECULATIVE REVIVAL.
XI. ORIGIN OF THE SYSTEM TERMED HIGH-GRADE (ANCIENT)
XII. FREEMASONRY IN THE GRAND LODGE ERA (MODERN)
XIII. FREEMASONRY UNDER THE UNITED GRAND LODGE
PART IV. — ANCIENT MSS.
APPENDIX –
SERIES OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHARGES
INDEX

The Origin and Evolution of Freemasonry Connected with the Origin and Evolution of the Human Race

Vigilant — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:37:13 +0000

“In order to gain a true conception of the origin and evolution of Freemasonry, its Signs, Symbols, and all its Rituals and Ceremonies, one must have also a knowledge of the origin and evolution of the Human Race, with all the Totemic Mysteries performed in Sign Language by Primitive Man. They are linked together pari passu, and the answer as to the origin of all our Brotherhood can be found only by unravelling the mystery and causes as to why we find different Types of the Human Race, their different beliefs being in many cases analogous, and all using the same Signs and Symbols—although under -different terminology, and scattered over the face of earth and water throughout this world.”

Includes many illustrations.

Contents

Periodic Laws of the Corpuscles and Socialists;
Life and What It Is-Material, Spiritual and Evolutional;
Sign Language; Creation and Evolution to Pygmies;
Evolution of Totemic People and Origin of Some of Our Signs, Symbols, Ceremonies, and Explanations of the Same;
Stellar Cult People and Origin of other Signs and Symbols-Seven Lesser Mysteries-Initiatory Ceremony-Written Language-Ancient Hittite Inscription Translated-Origin of the Operative and Speculative Masons and Differences; Lunar and Solar Cult-Other Signs and Symbols-Ten Greater Mysteries;
Perversion by the Greeks and Other Nations;
Horus of the Double Horizon and Early Solar Cults;
Mythical Representations and Evolution of Religious Ideas;
Ten Greater Mysteries;
Universal Brotherhood of Freemasonry the only Effective Means for Permanent peace Throughout the World

Mozart and Masonry

Vigilant — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 03:31:07 +0000

This work looks at the involvement of Mozart with Freemasonry and analyzes the Masonic meaning of some of his works, especially The Magic Flute. Mozart and Masonry also provides an interesting look at Masonic music that was created before and after Mozart’s era.

“There is no doubt that Mozart had truly accepted the Masonic view of life, especially the teachings of the third degree. This is shown in a letter, frequently quoted, which he wrote to his father on April 4, 1787, when Leopold was seriously ill: “Death is (to be exact) the ultimate purpose of life and therefore, during the last few years, I have acquainted myself so thoroughly with this truest and best friend of man, that his image has not only ceased to frighten me, but has become a source of great comfort. And I can only thank God for having afforded me the opportunity (you will understand what I mean) to see in death the key to true happiness.” Further on he writes, apparently referring to the Masonic secret, “I hope and wish that your condition is improving while I am writing these lines. If, however, contrary to all expectations, you do not feel better, then I implore you by…. not to make a secret of it but to tell me the truth so that I may be in your arms as soon as is humanly possible. I implore you by all that we hold sacred”.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
MOZART AND THE CRAFT
A MASONIC ALBUM FROM MOZART’S DAY
MASONIC Music BEFORE MOZART
MASONIC MUSICIANS AROUND MOZART
MOZART’S MASONIC COMPOSITIONS
THE MAGIC FLUTE: BACKGROUND
THE MAGIC FLUTE: WORDS AND Music
THE MAGIC FLUTE: SEQUELS
MOZART’S LIFE
MOZART THE MAN
MASONIC MUSIC AFTER MOZART
FOOTNOTES
NOTES
INDEX