The Essenes, what is their link to modern Masonry

[sycocid]

I have only been a Mason for a short while, but in that time I have come to understand that there are some very distinct differences between domestic Lodges. For example; in Missouri where I was raised A.F.&A.M., ritual is almost completely oppsite of Kansas A.F.&A.M..

I reciently came into posession of some books that belonged to my grandfather, who was a master mason and 32 degree in the Scottish Rite. In one of these texts there is an introduction to the Essenes, who it seems were a Jewish order.

Does anyone have any information on the Essc Orienti?

[methuselah]

If that is the same book that I got from my grandfather, it is a Masonic Cypher, pretending to be Essene Ritual. It's not that unusual- my Mother Jurisdictions Cypher is entitled "Followers of King Solomon." It's just to mislead a casual peruser.
Printed in the late 19th/early 20th century?

[Tamrin]

Who were the Essenes?

[Excerpt - Article at essortment.com - Linked Above]

How did someone become an Essene? A man who wanted to join the order had to give them everything he owned. He had to make a promise, called a “terrible oath”, in which he swore to be loyal to the brethren and keep the doctrines of the order secret. Excommunication was the punishment for breaking the oath. The novice Essene was given three articles: a pickax, an apron, and a white garment. Everything else in the order was common property. After one year of probation, during which he was carefully observed, he could be promoted to the next level. Another two years of successful tests would entitle the successful candidate to full membership in the Essene brotherhood. At this point he would be permitted to join other members for the common meals.

[ruffashlar]

But it should be added that these have no connection whatever to the historical Essenes, who were a separatist religious group of hermits operating about the time of Jesus.

[Tamrin]

Dec 16, 2009 14:12:20 GMT ruffashlar said:

But it should be added that these have no connection whatever to the historical Essenes, who were a separatist religious group of hermits operating about the time of Jesus.

More extensive excerpt:

Who Were the Essenes?

The Essenes were a Jewish religious community, which was active during the time of Jonathan Maccabeus, around 150 BC. They disappeared after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 AD. Three ancient historians mention them: Josephus, Pliny and Philo.

The Essenes were one of three leading Jewish sects, the others we know from the gospels: the Pharisees and the Sadducees. Philo and Josephus estimated their numbers at about 4000. They lived along the west side of the Dead Sea, away from the water. They also lived in other secluded areas and in the small towns of Palestine. Their main settlement was near the northern end of the Dead Sea, close to Engedi.

The Essenes were a group of men who lived as hermits. It is thought that they were the first to form organized monasteries in the Western world. It is still not known for sure how the Essenes began or from which group they proceeded. There are certainly elements of Jewish, Greek and Mesopotamian (Persian) cultures and traditions in their writings. The Dead Sea Scrolls have brought to light a large body of knowledge concerning early Christianity. It was their careful protection and preservation of the ancient scrolls that made it possible for many intact copies to be found after WW II.

How did someone become an Essene? A man who wanted to join the order had to give them everything he owned. He had to make a promise, called a “terrible oath”, in which he swore to be loyal to the brethren and keep the doctrines of the order secret. Excommunication was the punishment for breaking the oath. The novice Essene was given three articles: a pickax, an apron, and a white garment. Everything else in the order was common property. After one year of probation, during which he was carefully observed, he could be promoted to the next level. Another two years of successful tests would entitle the successful candidate to full membership in the Essene brotherhood. At this point he would be permitted to join other members for the common meals...