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Post by whistler on Jun 14, 2005 8:05:47 GMT
The Cable tow in the higher interpretation has a deeply occult significance. It is composed of twisted yarn, thereby symbolizing Kundalini and especially the divine cosmic energy. It is placed in a loop around the neck of the candidate, making the symbol of the ankh or ansate cross. The shoulders of the candidate providing the crossbar. In Egyptian mysteries the ankh was presented to the mouth of the candidate in order that the recipient might receive a charge of cosmic power. as indeed does every initiate. Whilst we tell the candidate mudane reasons for that cable tow. Dynamically,its position represents the bestowal of creative power and that is why it is put around the neck with the knot and upright cord pointing to the throat which the divine energy is expressed as sound -
Our newer Brn, ask about meanings in our ritual - here is one example how they can listen to an explanation as part of their initiation which explains one level, and then with further knowledge yet a further meaning is discover - such discovery's are part of the endless magic of Freemasonry
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ruffashlar
Member
Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
Posts: 2,184
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Post by ruffashlar on Jun 14, 2005 12:48:32 GMT
A most fanciful interpretation - and one which, ingeniously obfuscatory as it is, completely misses a genuine Egyptian connection with the First Degree.
The crux ansata or looped cross is a hieroglyphic symbol for Life. Why? Because the word "life" in Ancient Egyptian is 'nkh, ankh, which sounds the same as 'nkh, a sandal-strap.
The horizontal arm of the T-piece crosses the knuckles of the toes, and the vertical fits between the toes. A loop comes up from the fulcrum of this cross and passes around the ankle. There you have it: the slipper of the Entered Apprentice, wherewith the first steps in the lifelong journey of Initiation are taken.
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Post by taylorsman on Jun 14, 2005 15:26:08 GMT
I have also heard the Cable Tow being compared to the Umbilical Cord which ties the Mason to his Mother Lodge.
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giovanni
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odi profanum vulgus, et arceo
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Post by giovanni on Jun 14, 2005 16:03:40 GMT
I have also heard the Cable Tow being compared to the Umbilical Cord which ties the Mason to his Mother Lodge. Me too. And it is quite coherent with the new birthing of the initiate.
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Post by whistler on Jun 14, 2005 19:35:18 GMT
A most fanciful interpretation - and one which, ingeniously obfuscatory as it is, completely misses a genuine Egyptian connection with the First Degree. Ruff you know when you use those big words you have me a little behind the "8" Ball wish you would allow for colonial education. On obfuscatory language. William "I coined 'nattering nabobs', did you know?" Safire does his part to make sure the manufactured controversy about John ...As Freemasonry has roots in ancient Egypt it is to be expected that Egyptian influences would appear in lots of places in our ritual. The many many meanings of the Cable Tow, are both excellent Masonic teaching, and show the depth and the quality of our ritual - dont forget the humble C..T.. is used in a number of places in our rituals each with different use , meaning, and place in our personal growth.
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Post by sid on Jun 14, 2005 20:47:06 GMT
Similar to the meaning of the cordal around the waist as representing the seperation between two parts. The seperation between the head and the body of the Initiate represented by the CT is indeed interesting and would lead me to believe that there is a link between the 'floating head' of the green man and the green knight. There is also the symbol of the sun upon the man's shoulders representing the Illuminated Initiate.
The ubilical cord idea is perhaps a little far fetched, and may be used by some magical groups i.e., the imparting of the 'idea' of beinding the initiate to his/her initiator/Lodge or group.
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Post by whistler on Jun 15, 2005 19:32:38 GMT
The C... T.. is also symbolic of the Kundalini path between the sacral centre and the throat center, the two centers that concern the initiation ceremony, and is a magnetic link for the path that energies will travel later on in the ceremony
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ruffashlar
Member
Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
Posts: 2,184
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Post by ruffashlar on Jun 15, 2005 22:28:57 GMT
As Freemasonry has roots in ancient Egypt it is to be expected that Egyptian influences would appear in lots of places in our ritual.
What, may I say, a flimsy justification for an insupportable theory.
And if, as I have insisted countless times, Freemasonry has NO roots in ancient Egypt - what then?
All the so-called evidence for an Egyptian origin in fact points to modern Freemasons deliberately Egyptianising the Craft (i.e., adding Egyptian elements to exaggerate the supposed link). The start of this trend can be pinpointed at Napoleon's arrival in Egypt, and the curve surges stratospherically with the opening of Tut's tomb by Carter.
No Ancient Egyptian origin, sorry.
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Post by whistler on Jun 15, 2005 23:41:15 GMT
As Freemasonry has roots in ancient Egypt it is to be expected that Egyptian influences would appear in lots of places in our ritual.What, may I say, a flimsy justification for an insupportable theory. And if, as I have insisted countless times, Freemasonry has NO roots in ancient Egypt - what then? All the so-called evidence for an Egyptian origin in fact points to modern Freemasons deliberately Egyptianising the Craft (i.e., adding Egyptian elements to exaggerate the supposed link). The start of this trend can be pinpointed at Napoleon's arrival in Egypt, and the curve surges stratospherically with the opening of Tut's tomb by Carter. No Ancient Egyptian origin, sorry. Don't worry about it Ruff stay happy
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