Freemasonry

Structure

The organisational model of Freemasonry, with its hierarchical structure and emphasis on secret knowledge and the gradual unveiling of light to initiates, has been influential in revolutionary movements, sharing the same Masonic ideals of a purified inner circle, social contracts and utopian societies.

Freemasonry is an organisation with roots in ancient mystery traditions, potentially descending from Egyptian Mysteries. Some prominent teachers within Freemasonry view it as the sole survival and guardian of these ancient Mysteries. This connection to ancient idolatrous Mysteries is reflected in the rituals and initiations, where the drama of the labours, death, and resurrection of a mystery god, symbolising the son of nature, is repeated.

Beliefs

• Belief in a Deity: Freemasonry necessitates a belief in some form of deity. The Masonic lodge is described as a place where the Supreme Being is worshipped.
• The Three Great Lights: Central to Masonic belief are the three great lights: the Bible, the square, and the compass. These are present on the altar during initiations and are considered fundamental to the Craft.
• Ritual and Symbolism: Freemasonry is characterised by its extensive system of rituals, which members are required to memorise. These rituals are seen by some within Masonry as a way of recreating the natural condition of cooperation among early Artisan Masons. Symbols, such as the sun, moon, stars, and the all-seeing eye, are also prevalent within Masonic Temples.
• Morality and Ethics: Freemasonry includes a system of ethics and morality, aiming for the moral perfection of its members.
• Fraternity: Masonic lodges foster a sense of brotherhood among members, providing a social network. The title of "brother" is significant within the organisation.

Progression and Higher Degrees:

• Seeking Light and Truth: The initiation process, particularly the removal of the blindfold, symbolises a progression from darkness to light and a seeking of higher truths.
• Divine Architect: Masons are encouraged to become capable of reading the plans of the Divine Architect for rebuilding the Temple of Solomon and reshaping the secular order with moral force.
• Secret Knowledge: There are deeper secrets and understandings exist within the higher degrees of Freemasonry, such as the Royal Secret, which may only be comprehended by the highest levels of Masons, who delve into "luciferian energy".

Lodges

 All Freemasons start in the Blue Lodge.    The Blue Lodge is considered the basic and essential foundation of Freemasonry.  It consists of three degrees: - Entered Apprentice. - Fellow Craft. - Master Mason.

Every individual who becomes a Freemason must go through the three degrees of the Blue Lodge. Many Masons do not progress beyond the Master Mason degree in the Blue Lodge.

After completing the Blue Lodge degrees, a Master Mason has the option to join higher degree systems.

In America, the two main paths are the York Rite (which has seven additional degrees, with Knight Templar being the highest) or the Scottish Rite (which encompasses twenty-nine additional degrees leading to the 32nd degree, the Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret).

The honorary 33rd degree in American Masonry is conferred within the Scottish Rite, although it is also possible to become a 10th-degree Knight Templar in the York Rite and subsequently be awarded the 33rd degree.

Beyond the Blue Lodge, various higher degree systems exist.

In America, these are:  York Rite, comprising 7 degrees with the Knight Templar being the highest.

Scottish Rite, which has 29 degrees leading up to the 32nd degree, the Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret. The Royal Secret being that one can live forever by sexually vampirizing children.

The 33rd degree in American Masonry is an honorary title, and it is possible to achieve this highest degree through the York Rite.

In contrast, the Rite of Memphis Mitzrayim in Europe is reported to have an extensive system of 360 degrees.

Initiation

The initiation into the Entered Apprentice degree involves a symbolic journey 'from darkness to light'. The candidate, blindfolded and partially unclothed, seeks to receive the rights and benefits of the lodge erected to 'god'. Rituals involve circumambulation blindfolded and tied within the lodge, kneeling at an altar with a Bible, a square, and a compass.

Initiates are asked what they seek most, to whit they are told to answer 'the light'. These three items are then revealed, considered the three great lights of Masonry, revealed by three lesser lights (burning tapers).

A blood curdling self-curse that the initiate undertakes is administered, binding the initiate to secrecy:

"That if I should ever reveal the secrets of an Entered Apprentice Mason, that I swear that I will have my throat cut across, my tongue torn out by the roots and buried in the sands of the sea, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in 24 hours, should I ever knowingly violate this, my Entered Apprentice obligation, so help me God and keep me steadfast to the due performance of the saint."

The occult aspects of Freemasonry:

• Ancient Mystery Traditions: Freemasonry is described by some within the organisation as the "only survival of the ancient Mysteries" and their "guardian". Suggesting a belief in a direct lineage or connection to esoteric knowledge and practices of ancient cultures, possibly including Egyptian Mysteries. The rituals themselves are seen as manifestations of this connection, repeating the "drama of the labours and death and the Mystery God".
• Influential Occultist Freemasons: Several prominent figures in Masonic history are identified as occultists. These include:
  • Albert Pike, a significant Masonic scholar and Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite in the 19th century.
  • Albert Mackey, known for his Encyclopedia of Freemasonry.
  • Arthur Edward Waite, who wrote extensively on Masonry and the occult, including a book on "black magic and pacts, how to sell your soul to the devil".
  • Manly P. Hall, a 33rd-degree Mason and a notable occultist in the 20th century, who wrote Lost Keys of Freemasonry. He is quoted as saying that upon becoming a Master Mason, "the seething energies of Lucifer are yours to command".
• Occult Symbolism and Rituals:  The rituals of Freemasonry, particularly beyond the initial Blue Lodge degrees, are described as becoming "more and more creepy". There is reports of a 19th degree in the Scottish Rite where they allegedly "actually try to call up the devil". The symbol of the Order of the Eastern Star, a women's order associated with Freemasonry, is identified by one speaker as a "satanic pentagram".
• Illuminism and Pythagoreanism:  The organisational ideas of revolutionary movements are suggested to have originated from more Pythagorean mysticism than from practical experience. There are also strong links drawn between Freemasonry and German Illuminism, founded by Adam Weishaupt. Illuminism, described as a "radical and secular occultist movement", is said to have provided a structural model for revolutionary organisations. Masonic lodges are believed to have been used as "deliberate instruments of camouflage for the illuminist". The symbolism within Illuminism, such as the emphasis on light radiating from a central point and the Zoroastrian/Manichaean cult of fire, has overlaps with certain interpretations of Masonic symbolism.
• Gnostic Influences:  Some interpretations view Freemasonry as a descendant of ancient Gnosticism, with its pursuit of secret knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. It is suggested that Freemasonry sees itself as the "only true religion having assumed the work of gnosticism" with the aim of "destroying the false religions starting from the Roman heresy". This perspective highlights a focus on rational apprehension of truth for spiritual ascent, contrasting with the Orthodox belief of seeking through your heart.
• Luciferian Energy:  The concept of "luciferian energy" is mentioned in connection with understanding the deeper aspects of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall's statement about commanding the energies of Lucifer further reinforces this idea within certain occult interpretations of Masonic teachings.

It's crucial to acknowledge that the vast majority of Masons have no understanding of any of this and perceive Freemasonry as a benevolent organisation focused on morality and fraternity.