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Post by thisisnecessary on Sept 2, 2008 4:04:36 GMT
Do you think that "3 5 7" is a direct reference to the staircase of freemasonry only, or that it has some symbolism on its own? I was thinking about this just a few minutes ago while explaining it to my girlfriend that we are told the staircase itself represents the first 3 degrees(which in turn, among others of course; birth, life, and death), the 5 senses, and the 7 liberal arts and sciences.
But then, I started to think if maybe any of you guys thought it had some numerological symbolism on its own? I do not remember every really hearing much else in the FC degree about this is particular besides the explanations of the aforesaid details. But yet I see 3 5 7 elsewhere in designs and artwork and I wonder if it is more than just a reference, or maybe is has some more attributes or symbolism.
We all know its a staircase, and that each step is a lesson or quality we must learn, but could there reference and focus as to what we are climbing to? Usually the 3 5 7 stairs are pictured as leading up to the altar between B and J. Any thoughts?
Is this staircase a totally separate symbol apart from Jacob's Ladder with the principle rungs being F, H, and C? Any ideas on what these may further be interpreted as?
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Post by hollandr on Sept 2, 2008 4:20:22 GMT
The staircase is likely to be metaphorical rather than historical. You might find it more fruitful to consider why the brethren believed that: - 3 rule a lodge - 5 give form to the lodge - 7 (or more) make it perfect >Is this staircase a totally separate symbol apart from Jacob's Ladder The key to separating the spiral stair from the ladder is to consider the identity of the employer in which a brother might place complete faith While Blake depicts Jacob's ladder as a spiral stair this is clearly not the winding stair of Masonic mythology - too many non-humans. Nevertheless the stars at the bottom left corner of the picture may show a resemblance to those in the top right corner of the EA TB. Cheers Russell
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Post by maat on Sept 2, 2008 7:08:42 GMT
On the hop here, but how about checking out:
3 - Ida, Pingala, Sushumna or Spirit Soul Body 5 - Senses by which we operate in this world 7 - activated chakras (officers of the lodge) which leads to cosmic consciousness, or All Knowingness
Maat
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Tamrin
Member
Nosce te ipsum
Posts: 3,586
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Post by Tamrin on Sept 2, 2008 8:51:03 GMT
Prime numbers.
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Post by sid on Sept 2, 2008 20:50:10 GMT
Re: 3,5,7 also the triangulation of 3 = 6 5 = 15 7 = 28 -------- 15 = 49 triangulation of 15 = 120 triangulation of 49 = 1225 any ideas?
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Post by hollandr on Sept 2, 2008 23:46:35 GMT
It looks like triangulation is a name for summing the arithmetic series
Thus 1+2+3 = 6
1+2+3+4+5= 15
etc
But I am not sure that sheds much light on the reason for including those numbers in Masonic ritual
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Post by maat on Sept 3, 2008 0:10:10 GMT
The numbers indicate the mechanism of involution and evolution on consciousness. Remember that the visions usually showed angels ascending AND descending, it is a two way street. Ascendeth He, Descendeth He. It is within your own body/temple that you need to look for these numbers. I have made my suggestions. As Above, so Below. The same numbers should work the same way at the solar system, galactic and universal level. You might find this numerological comparison list informative www.psyche.com/psyche/qbl/comparative_numerology.htmlMaat
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Post by maat on Sept 3, 2008 0:19:10 GMT
While I was typing the above, a little dittie popped into my head... Here is a little clue If you want to know the Two. From One through the Two Is you, as you know you. Back twixt the Two then onto One Is what you were and will become. But I like it. The Two are the Pillars at the porch or entrance. Now play a little game :walk thru the pillars from one to two, that is the usual way. from birth to death... then walk thru the pillars reversing the situation... you walking from life through the portals of death and back to unity.. or God. Do the rituals make sense in both scenarios? Maat
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Post by Ziggy on Sept 3, 2008 19:04:04 GMT
Do you think that "3 5 7" is a direct reference to the staircase of freemasonry only, or that it has some symbolism on its own? I was thinking about this just a few minutes ago while explaining it to my girlfriend that we are told the staircase itself represents the first 3 degrees(which in turn, among others of course; birth, life, and death), the 5 senses, and the 7 liberal arts and sciences. But then, I started to think if maybe any of you guys thought it had some numerological symbolism on its own? I do not remember every really hearing much else in the FC degree about this is particular besides the explanations of the aforesaid details. But yet I see 3 5 7 elsewhere in designs and artwork and I wonder if it is more than just a reference, or maybe is has some more attributes or symbolism. We all know its a staircase, and that each step is a lesson or quality we must learn, but could there reference and focus as to what we are climbing to? Usually the 3 5 7 stairs are pictured as leading up to the altar between B and J. Any thoughts? Is this staircase a totally separate symbol apart from Jacob's Ladder with the principle rungs being F, H, and C? Any ideas on what these may further be interpreted as? Well If you’re a "Real Mason", you should have been Given a Book on the Completion of your Third Degree, and No It's not the monitor, or the Cipher. This Book is considered to be a Mason's companion on his Journey toward the E and that no True Blue Brother should be without. Open it up and Turn to Page 357, and start Reading.
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Post by hollandr on Sept 3, 2008 22:58:26 GMT
>Well If you’re a "Real Mason",
The question of who is a "real Mason" is a bit difficult. I was raised a second time as my current Grand Lodge does not recognise the previous. I am not sure that I am any more or less a real Mason after the second raising.
This forum of course promotes tolerance and brotherhood
>you should have been Given a Book
Leaving aside a world full of "shoulds" the only book I was given with at least 357 pages was the Bible. Perhaps you might like to tell us what your jurisdiction gives out. Is it perhaps Pike?
Cheers
Russell
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Post by lauderdale on Sept 4, 2008 8:26:39 GMT
I assume the Book referred to is an American custom?
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Post by thisisnecessary on Sept 5, 2008 5:32:49 GMT
Your condescending and needlessly cryptic tone is quite unnecessary, and I would hope out of giving you the benefit of the doubt that I am misinterpreting you, especially the motive to call me out as a Real Mason or not.
But anyways, the only book I was given was a Bible.
Just altered post to show it was a quote - billmcelligott
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Post by penfold on Sept 5, 2008 10:21:50 GMT
Erm, certainly not anything I've ever heard of in UGLE masonry, p'rhaps ikwhan is a member of a GL that practices this tradition?
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Post by lauderdale on Sept 5, 2008 11:23:38 GMT
In some Masonic Affiliations once Raised a Master Mason is given a Handbook or Manual as well as the Ritual Book. In one UGLE Lodge to which I once belonged the Proposer often gave the new MM a Bible if they were a Christian. Perhaps it is the Manual that is being mentioned?
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Post by lauderdale on Sept 5, 2008 13:51:03 GMT
Well versed Bro Pro and I salute thee thrice!
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Post by maximus on Sept 6, 2008 3:45:00 GMT
I was given two books, a ritual book (Tennessee Craftsman) and a Masonic edition Bible (which I took my Ob on), signed by the Brethren. But the latter is just the custom of our Lodge.
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Post by maat on Sept 7, 2008 23:17:06 GMT
I see we have been bitten by the same bug, Prom. Good stuff. Maat
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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 Sept 12, 2008 15:50:27 GMT
Drive my truck midway to the motorway station Fairlane cruiser coming up on the left hand side Headlight shining, driving rain on the window frame Little young Lady Stardust hitching a ride... and it's
2-4-6-8 ain't never too late Me and my radio truckin' on thru the night 3-5-7-9 on a double white line Motorway sun coming up with the morning light
Whizzkid sitting pretty on your two-wheel stallion This ol' ten-ton lorry got a bead on you Ain't no use setting up with a bad companion Ain't nobody get the better of you-know-who
Chorus...
Well there ain't no route you could choose to lose the two of us Ain't nobody know when you're acting right or wrong No-one knows if a roadway's leading nowhere Gonna keep on driving home on the road I'm on...
2-4-6-8 ain't never too late Me and my radio truckin' on thru the night 3-5-7-9 on a double white line Motorway sun coming up with the morning light [bis]
I think you'll agree there's much Masonic symbolism to be found in this stirring lyric of the journey eastward in search of Light.
To say nothing of the occasional bad Companion!
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imakegarb
Member
One wee, sleeket, cowran, tim'rous beastie
Posts: 3,573
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Post by imakegarb on Nov 2, 2008 0:53:59 GMT
(blink-blink)I truly suck at Math But I've got other things going for me True story: Lodge meeting before last, I had trouble falling asleep the night before. To the point that I got only about three hours of sleep. When I arrived, I let my RWM know I might be dragging. She said not to worry, that she had gotten only five hours of sleep. Right after she said that, she got an odd look in her eye and then asked one of the PMs to come over. She asked the PM how much sleep she'd gotten. The PM replied, "Oh, about 7 hours." My RWM and I all smiled at once, then let the PM know what just happened. It was all cool as we then knew the Lodge meeting would be great. And it was ;D
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imakegarb
Member
One wee, sleeket, cowran, tim'rous beastie
Posts: 3,573
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Post by imakegarb on Nov 2, 2008 2:56:39 GMT
I'll explain it. If you really want me to. But if I do, I get to tickle you
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