True Masonic Light Bret Iddings, 32

Through my continuous labor in the quarries of Masonic research, it has dawned on me that the true secrets of Freemasonry have been lost for a great majority of the current members of our ancient fraternity. In the brilliant book, Esoterika, Brother Albert Pike states, the highest claim of Freemasonry to consideration is that it is philosophical truth, concealed from the masses and taught to the adepts by symbols. But every intelligent Mason knows that of every hundred of Brethren not more than two or three regard the symbolism of Freemasonry as of any real value, or care to study it. To do so, it seems to all the others, would be idle and unprofitable labor1. Today this still rings true, as many of our beloved brethren remain barely beyond the realm of darkness of the profane world and have not raised themselves to True Masonic Light, remaining confused as to the true meaning of the symbols used in the degrees, the lessons contained therein and more importantly, what it means to be a Free Mason. Could it be that our Masonic forefathers so ingeniously crafted every aspect of our organization as to stealthy conceal the infinite truths of ancient wisdom so that future generations would eventually lose them and should we literally look no further than the symbols and the allegories in our ritual work, remaining satisfied with what we see on the surface? Or is it that the current generation of Freemasons are lazy and so caught up in the distractions of the present time that they are unable to devote any of their time and energy to discover the true secrets of Freemasonry? Let us endeavor to explore this subject more from a speculative standpoint, keeping in mind that my opinions are my own and are based on conclusions gathered from reading many older books on the Craft and observing how the spirit of Freemasonry today appears to differ quite a bit from that of our fraternal ancestors. I believe it would be impossible to divulge the true secrets of Freemasonry by means of human communication, however, I will, to the best of my ability, fulfill my duty to aid my poor and

distressed brothers by being a beacon of Masonic light, to assist them in their travels as they journey to the East. Freemasonry is often called a science of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated in symbols. What exactly does this mean? Let us first break down this phrase word by word to better understand the statement. Science is defined by the Merriam Websters dictionary as a branch of systematic study, especially of the physical world2. As we are all members of the physical world and everything we observe with our visual faculties is the physical world, it makes sense that Freemasonry is a science of the physical world. The dictionary goes on to define morality as relating to principles of right and wrong; conforming to a standard of right behavior; relating to or acting on the mind, character or will3. In its singular form, it means the point of a story and its plural form as moral practices or teachings. We can extract from those definitions of morality that Freemasonry is a story of moral practices and teachings that express a standard of right behavior relating to the mind, character and will. The first portion of the statement is now forming a very precise mental picture for us of what Freemasonry is. Continuing on, we come to what I believe is the most important word in this statement and the system of Freemasonry itself: veiled, which means sheer material to hide something or to cover the face and head; covered with a veil4. This very important word denotes that something is being concealed. Since we have already established through the previous words that it is a branch of systematic study (especially of the physical world) and also relating to principles of right and wrong; relating to or acting on the mind, character, or will, we now can add that there is something contained within Freemasonry that is veiled or concealed from us. Let us determine what then is concealed Allegory is the next word of this statement and is defined as a story in which figures and actions are symbols of general truths5. The younger generation of Freemasons are very interested in allegory, which can be paralleled with the word esoteric, meaning mysterious or

secret6. Many of the newer brothers today are very interested in the esoteric aspects of Freemasonry and are inclined to lose interest in the Craft when their needs are not met. I have seen some apprehension to the word esoteric being mentioned in Blue Lodge on a couple occasions, which is a shame and quite unnecessary because it represents the same concept as allegory, which is freely spoken about in our instruction. Moving on, we come to illustrated, which means explain by example; provide with pictures or figures7. What examples, pictures or figures do we use in Freemasonry? Symbols, which are defined as something that represents or suggests another thing8. Concluding with the latter portion of the statement, we can summarize that what is being concealed is hidden in a story in which figures and actions are symbols of general truths and that the answers are explained by example in the form of something that represents or suggests another thing. At this point, you are either lost in the chaos of confusion or grasping at one of the wittiest play on words ever demonstrated by the mind of man. To further understand the bigger picture of this science of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated in symbols, I believe it is important to explore the means of transference that has been utilized by the creators and custodians of the Craft to confer the mysteries of Freemasonry on its initiates over the ages. First, we must consider the whole process of what transpires when a person joins and goes through the initiatic experience. A man must first be aware that Freemasonry exists to make a conscious and willful decision of whether he will attempt to petition to join a lodge. Once he is aware that Freemasonry exists and he could potentially become a member, he must determine just like with anything else in his life of whether it will be beneficial or not, for we as human beings generally operate entirely off the whats in it for me? mentality. In order to make this determination, a man must either be told what Freemasonry is by a member that knows or he must conduct his own research through books, the internet, or any other medium of second hand information. If what a man forms in his mind about Freemasonry is pleasing to him, he is going to find out what he has to do to join the fraternity. On the other hand, if what he forms in his mind about Freemasonry is not pleasing to him, he certainly will not attempt to

join something that he will not enjoy or will not benefit him. It is well known with human beings that attention goes where energy flows. There is no doubt in my mind that the creators and custodians of the Craft were hip to the law of attraction hundreds of years before it became a popular way of thinking in the realm of New Age thought. As to what a man will receive if he goes through the petitioning process and is approved to become a member, is that he will go through the initiatic experience of the symbolic Blue Degrees of Freemasonry. All members of the fraternity are well aware of this experience and the symbolism and information that is transmitted to the candidate, whether they fully understand it or not is a completely different subject. Before I continue further, please take a moment in your mind and reflect upon the symbols and sublime truths that were sincerely presented and impressed upon your mind during that process. The next subject we must take into consideration to comprehend the means of transference utilized by the custodians of the art whereby we will be better able to understand the veiled allegory of this science of morality is to look into the origins of F reemasonry that gave birth in modern times to the authentic lineage we are members of today. C.W. Leadbeater establishes a good timeline of modern Freemasonrys roots by informing us in his book Freemasonry and Its Ancient Mystic Rites that the written records of speculative Masonry hardly antedate the revival in 1717, while the earliest extant minutes of any operative Lodge belong to the year 15989. Leadbeater also points out that Brother R.F. Gould, in his book The Concise History of Freemasonry, affirms that if we can assume the symbolism (or ceremonial) of Masonry to be older than 1717, there is practically no limit whatever to the age that can be assigned to it10. And finally, the most important point that Leadbeater makes pertaining to the subject of this paper is in stating that the Solemn Act of Union between the two Grand Lodges of the Freemasons of England, in December 1813, that pure Antient Masonry consists of three degrees and no more, viz., those of Entered Apprentice, the Fellowcraft, and the Master Mason, including the Supreme Order of the Holy Royal Arch 11. In continuing to explore the origins of modern Freemasonry in relation to the science of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated in symbols, we must explore the relation of the

Royal Arch degrees of the York Rite to the three symbolic Blue Degrees. Not only do the current four degrees of the Royal Arch continue the story contained within the symbolic Blue Degrees, but it is vital to realize that the Mark Master (4th degree) is an extension of the Fellowcraft degree while the Royal Arch (7th degree) is an extension of the Master Mason degree12. As pointed out by Brother Robert W. Sullivan IV in his modern classic The Royal Arch of Enoch, there was a schism in Masonry in 1751, where Irish Masons formed their own Grand Lodge known as the Ancients or Antients which followed the Old Institutions; according to the Ahiman Rezon the Constitutions of the Grand Lodge of the Antients authored by Laurence Dermott in 175613. Sullivan further elaborates, there were now two classes of Masons in England: the Antients who followed the Old Institutions and hence possessed the true esoteric secrets of Masonry; and the Moderns who fell under the name of the Freemasons of England. The Antients held the Royal Arch degree as the most sublime degree the root, heart, and marrow of Freemasonry. The Moderns also embraced the Royal Arch degree but seemed to practice it in conjecture with the Master Mason degree the Antients seemed to have fabricated the Royal Arch degree by dividing or cutting it out of the Master Mason degree14. Brother George Steinmetz, in his book The Royal Arch: Its Hidden Meaning, gives us a better idea of the creation and evolution of the York Rite by stating that both the Mark Master and Royal Arch originally were independent, separate degrees that were worked under the jurisdiction of the Symbolic Lodge15. The fifth degree, or (Virtual) Past Master, was created to serve the purpose of allowing a Master Mason to pass the chair even if they had not officially served as Master of a Blue Lodge, which was required before becoming a Royal Arch Mason. Steinmetz further explains these three degrees then constituted the Chapter as it originally came into being in England as a separate body, under an independent jurisdiction 16. Later, the Most Excellent Master degree was instituted to bridge the gap between the Mark Master, (Virtual) Past Master and Royal Arch degrees and also tied together the complete story of the building of the Second Temple in relation to the symbolic Blue Degrees, which conclude amidst the rubbish of the First Temple 17.

Although the Master Mason degree is the penultimate degree in all of Freemasonry in terms of its teachings, a great majority of Masons are completely unaware of the relation and history between the Blue Lodge and the York Rite, which I would regard as crucial and pertinent in understanding Freemasonry as a whole and would be invaluable knowledge for a brother that is seeking to understand this science of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated in symbols. The same can be said about the Scottish Rite but I will leave that to the reader to explore on his own. As mentioned earlier in this paper, I believe the true secrets of Freemasonry cannot be communicated, but in order that I may better establish the fact that the creators and custodians of the Craft have truly encoded the wisdom of the ancient mysteries within this science, I feel it would be proper to explore what two of my favorite Masonic authors have said regarding this subject. Brother Manly P. Hall states in his book The Lost Keys of Freemasonry that the average Mason, as well as the modern student of Masonic ideals, little realizes the cosmic obligation he takes upon himself when he begins his search for the sacred Truths of Nature as they are concealed in the ancient and modern rituals He must realize that the ancient mystic teachings as perpetuated in the modern rites are sacred, and that powers unseen and unrecognized mold the destiny of those who consciously and of their own free will take upon themselves the obligations of the Fraternity18. More importantly, Hall says, true Freemasonry is esoteric; it is not a thing of this world. All that we have here is a link, a doorway, through which the student may pass into the unknown19. The most striking and powerful comment on this subject comes from Brother Albert Pike, who proclaimed, Masonry, like all the Religions, all the Mysteries, Hermeticism and Alchemy, conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect, and uses false explanations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be misled; to conceal the Truth, which it calls Light, from them, and to draw them away from it. Truth is not for those who are unworthy or unable to receive it, or would pervert it So Masonry jealously conceals its secrets, and intentionally leads conceited interpreters astray 20.

Being that these statements come from two of the most prominent and prolific Masonic authors in history, I think it is safe to say that there is some profound truths therein. May these very powerful quotes resonate with the reader and serve as a point of reflection, for it will be entirely up to you during your lifetime if you want to explore this realm and discover the treasures that lie hidden deep within the bosom of Freemasonry. If by chance you are a new member or an old one that is not very familiar with the allegories and symbols, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of your lodges library (if it has one), conduct research online and attend the degrees at your lodge and travel to other lodges in your area. Even more so, I strongly encourage you to become active in the ritual work if you are not already and seek to fully comprehend the history and allegories contained therein. I had the wonderful opportunity of founding my home lodge Groton NY #496s library and have made sure that it is stocked with resources that will help guide and direct a seeking brother to more light and have made myself available if there are questions or if brothers are seeking further resources that cannot be found in our library. The observant reader will be quick to say that I have not revealed anything in regards to the science of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated in symbols, and in fact have only served to further conceal the sacred mysteries of Freemasonry. This is very true and leads to the main point of this paper; which is that, we, the current generation of Freemasons must realize that there is much more to Freemasonry than meets the eye or reaches the ear and the only way we are going to come to this realization is through participating more, reading books, and making sure that brothers old and especially new are regularly receiving proper and instructive Masonic education. Most importantly, only through the proper application of the tools that have been given to us will we ever earn any true masters wages within the lodge or outside in the world, which I must adamantly stress are much more than just material wages. You will get back from Freemasonry what you put into it, just like with anything else in life. If you put nothing into it, you will get nothing back from it. Anyone that has reached the level of Master Mason and believes that there is nothing more to learn or accomplish are not only hurting themselves but also future Masons and in fact are bringing shame to Freemasonry on a

personal and worldwide level. It brings joy to my heart meeting brothers locally and around the world that take true pride in being a Freemason and exemplify it in all they do. It is to these brothers that I dedicate this work. May all who seek the True Masonic Light in this science of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated in symbols find what they are seeking, but remember, the true riches will only be discovered and acquired through proper study, proper application of tools and a lifelong dedication to The Great Work. BIBLIOGRAPHY: 1. Pike, Albert, Arturo De Hoyos, and Ronald A. Seale. "Introduction." Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of
Freemasonry: Albert Pike's "Esoterika" 2nd ed. Washington, D.C.: Scottish Rite Research Society, 2011. Page 75. 2. science. Merriam-Webster's Pocket Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, 1995. Page 301. 3. morality. Ibid. Page 218. 4. veiled. Ibid. Page 368. 5. allegory. Ibid. Page 10. 6. esoteric. Ibid Page 113. 7. illustrated. Ibid. Page 165. 8. symbols. Ibid. Page 336. 9. Leadbeater, C. W. Freemasonry and Its Ancient Mystic Rites. New York: Gramercy, 1998. Page 3. 10. Ibid. 11. Ibid. 12. Sullivan, Robert W., IV. The Royal Arch of Enoch: The Impact of Masonic Ritual, Philosophy, and Symbolism. N.p.: Rocket Science Productions, 2011. Page 55. 13. Ibid. 14. Ibid. 15. Steinmetz, George Harold. The Royal Arch, Its Hidden Meaning. New York: Macoy Pub. and Masonic Supply, 1946. Pages 11 13. 16. Ibid. 17. Ibid. 18. Hall, Manly P. The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. New York: Jeremy P. Tarcher/Penguin, 2006. Page 27. 19. Ibid. Page 30. 20. Albert Pike. Washington: Supreme Council, 33 A. A. S. R. for the Southern urisdiction, U.S.A., 1950. Pages 104 105.