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Post by jratcliff on Feb 13, 2005 0:08:34 GMT
I became an EA this week and I am quite excited about my involvement in Freemasonry. I had a private email exchange with a brother mason where I expressed some of my general confusion about the ritual aspect of Masonry. He was kind enough to reply in a helpful manner, but I thought the topic might be worth exploring further in the forum.
Today I met with my teacher at the lodge and posed some of the same questions to him, and I got some helpful answers.
In my private email exchange I expressed a general query about the 'meaning' of the ritual. I observed that at my own initiation that the 'work' Masons do boils down simply to mass quantities of rote memorization. Memorization of a ritual that makes relatively little sense to the rational mind. It exists, apparently, because of ancient tradition and makes relatively little sense in a modern context.
If the only thing Masons do in Lodge is memorize and perform vast tracts of ritual I was concerned if that was 'enough' for me to stay involved long term. Personally I am more interested in the charitable aspects of Masonry, to be quite honest.
Today my lodge brother explained to me that if that is my calling then I am free to make that be part of my role in Masonry. He told me examples of how he himself had started charitable programs in the lodge that had never existed before. He reminded me that Masonry is what I make of it.
I found this very reassuring and I look forward to my continued involvement in the charitable services and community involvement of our lodge.
However, this still leaves the question of ritual itself? What purpose does it serve?
Well, one purpose it might serve for *me* is as my religious service. Now, I know I hear gasps of dismay from my fellow Masons. Masonry is most definitely *not* a religion they say. Well, I'm sure it is not to them but I am quite comfortable with it serving that role in my own life.
The lodge meetings have a chaplain and prayers, worship God, and teache lessons of morality. For me it serves the same role organized religion does for others. You see, I am not a Christian. I have been reassured that I do not have to be a Christian to belong to Freemasonry, I only have to have a strong belief in God. Which I do. However, my God is not the God of the bible, nor is my God the Christian God. My God is the Grand Architect of the Universe, the creator of all things. And Freemasonry, its beliefs and precepts, its system of morality, all match my personal religious points of view strongly.
So, for these reasons, I am comfortable participating in the ritual in that fashion and for that purpose.
Another point I raised in the email was whether or not Freemason ritual served some 'esoteric' purpose.
There are many, many, many, books that say that this is in fact exactly the case. The entire theosophical movement is predicated on this notion.
Meanwhile, the good brother who I wrote to was simply aghast that I would dare suggest such a thing.
However, why is it so unusual to ask that question? I have stacks of books on my bookshelf that claim this is, in fact, the exact purpose of Freemason ritual.
I'm not sure I can see why Masons would keep coming back to lodge, or invest the amount of time, energy, and effort, required to memorize these complex rituals if they cannot find some meaning in them.
Is that too strange a question to pose?
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ruffashlar
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Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
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Post by ruffashlar on Feb 13, 2005 0:26:16 GMT
No, of course not. The fact is, the rituals do have meaning, but it is a meaning which is not always, or even usually, apparent to everyone who practises them.
Speaking in general terms only, for ritual is done differently from place to place, Masonic Degree work exists to make men into Masons. Birds do it, bees do it, even educated fleas do it; but Freemasons make more of themselves by Initiation ceremonies. That's what they're for.
But in order to make those ceremonies happen, men have to learn the words and the moves, and this they do by meeting teachers and watching other ritual work. There is usually a strong social element, too.
What more explanation do you need? You know what guys are like: we have our hobbies. Pigeon racing, stamp collecting, trainspotting, birdwatching, Initiating Masons. A guy thing.
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Post by jratcliff on Feb 13, 2005 0:43:21 GMT
>>What more explanation do you need?
I guess I never pictured Masonic lodge as little more than a theatrical event. I was hopeful that we 'did' more than just that. From what I gather now, the 'more that we do' is how we conduct and comport ourselves according to the principles of Freemasonry in the outside world.
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Post by hollandr on Feb 13, 2005 4:47:17 GMT
Jratcliff
If you would like to search out my posts in the General and the Esoteric areas of this forum, you may see things that partially answer your questions.
Generally many, too many Masons have no conceptual knowledge of the science that underpins Masonry. This is referred to the second degree but it is left to the brother to uncover it. Most consider the expression to relate to such processes as measuring stones for operative masons.
Many brothers feel some magnetism in the ritual but are unable to do anything specific to increase the magnetism other than learn the ritual well and be sincere.
Of course in this difficult situation many lodges are not very magnetic in their rituals and have trouble holding members. Hence the 50 year decline in Masonic membership.
If you wish to discover the Masonic science you may start with the Entered Apprentice Tracing Board. Do not think that this is a picture illustrating traditional Masonic imagery.
The TB is a direct instruction to you as to how to enter the Temple in the Heavens not made with hands. To start with you must learn what it is to ascend Jacob's Ladder. To get you started I will tell you that it is qabalistic exercise known as Rising on the Planes.
Go for it.
Cheers
Russell
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Post by Hubert (N. Z.) on Feb 13, 2005 7:22:07 GMT
Welcome to the forum jratcliff,
Masonry is indeed "spiritual" but one needs to search that out themselves- the craft is simply a means to this end.
As in all organisations, clubs, etc, some are more into it than others, thus we have Lodges that meet purely for socialising and others that are there for study. We even have CoMasonic Lodges that admit both women & men on an equal footing.
The whole purpose of memorising our work is so that once we Know what we are doing, we can then put some "feeling" into the work, and thus discover the ENERGY that purvades this sublime establishment.
These mixed lodges do tend to be more into the "esoteric & spiritual" side of Masonry.
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Post by hollandr on Feb 13, 2005 8:09:24 GMT
Hubert
I agree that the mixed lodges are more esoteric. But it is ironic. It is likely that the male only approach to Masonry derives from the jewish synagogues where as I understand it the women had to be out of sight of the men (curtain down the middle, or women in the balconies) so that men would not be distracted from their prayer.
Jratcliff
My take on the few lodges that I have belonged to is that there are 3 types of Mason:
- those who think the supper is the measure of the lodge - even learning the ritual is a bit of a bore - those who think that Masonry is an art - it can be learned by hanging around and trying, but it cannot be taught - those who think Masonry is a science and that it can be taught in a systematic way to those who are willing.
The first group get on with the second because they agree that there is nothing to be taught (only a ritual to be learned if you are so inclined)
The second group get on with the third because they agree that we must go beyond the form of ritual into the spirit
The first and third group have nothing in common.
If you are very lucky you will have some of each in your lodge.
If not, go looking around other lodges.
Here are some questions for you to ask:
- what is the real work of a lodge when all the brethren are Master Masons?
- Why are lodge aprons blue"
- why is there a star in the pavement of the lodge instead of in the ceiling?
- why is there no chair in the North? (except for Co-M)
- who is the Widow?
- where did the lion come from?
The last 2 better wait until you are a MM.
Compare the answers you get and examine them for meaning.
Most answers given in Masonry are blinds - intended to satisfy those who are easy to satisfy.
Cheers
Russell
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Post by taylorsman on Feb 13, 2005 8:24:13 GMT
Congratualtions Bro J Ratcliff. I see you are an American Freemason so I can't comment with any experience on how things are Masonically across The Pond. I do know that it varies from the "Mac Masonry" Moonie type of One Day Classes where hundreds of men are made into Master Masons in one session , to the more considered and Traditional methods with set periods between the Degrees and "proper" study and questioning before one can progress to a Higher level. I hope you are in the latter type of Lodge.
As one who has been in Freemasonry for 16 years and is a member of nearly all of the better known Orders permitted to UGLE Freemasons I am in it for the serious side although I do enjoy the friendliness of the Festive Board (Social Board, "South") after the Meeting in the Temple. I certainly view a Masonic Meeting as far more than a bit of theatre and can empathise with your feeling that it is to an extent a "religious" experience. Feel free to express such views on this Forum . There is no prohibition on discussing Religion here as long as offensive language and bigotry are NOT expressed.
Don't let what I refer to as the "Social Clubbers" distract you, Bro Ratcliff. We have them, the type who are "only here for the beer" or for the social cachet and perceived advantages of being a Mason. As long as they do not interfere with those who are genuinely into Freemasonry for its own sake and who believe in and try to apply its Tools to their Life then these types are harmless, but alas there are some in that camp who do make a nusiance of themselves to the more serious Student of the Craft.
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Post by Hubert (N. Z.) on Feb 13, 2005 9:37:02 GMT
Russell, Your point is taken, but I believe they were less than true to their calling. Naturally some males will always be distracted by the other gender, even when inappropriate. In fact I see CoMasonry as the epitome of spiritual work. Whilst in Lodge it has never occured to me that anything other than decent behaviour should transpire. - A place & Time for everything.
If that distraction were to present itself, it is even more of a lesson, and as you have been a CoMason yourself, I beleive, you would be aware that their mode of "dressing" the candidate certainly could raise problems with undisciplined individuals. But I have yet to see that occur and anyone who joins our order for purely "dating" reasons would be sorely disapointed.
Again within my experience of CoM, only "spiritual" study is what members are after. And we do have a good number of husbands & wives joining.
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Post by jratcliff on Feb 13, 2005 15:02:26 GMT
Wow, I don't have a whole lot to say other than these posts were monumentally helpful. Someone should archive these off to the side as a bit of a FAQ for future confused EA's! I am now hopeful that in time I can find more 'meaning' in the irtual. In the short term I should surely stop being in such a rush to 'figure everything out' and just enjoy my new found brothers and the experience they have offered me. If anyone would like to email me offline with more directed reference material it would be appreciated. Thanks! Bro. John William Ratcliff www.mofreemason.com/wentzville46/
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staffs
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Staffs
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Post by staffs on Feb 13, 2005 15:49:12 GMT
John,i too like yourself am quite new and have been in th ecraft for just one year and am at present a fellowcraft.
Also i am enthusiastic like yourself and always asking questions.
From my own perspective all i vcan say is dont stop asking the questions and always keep looking and reading. I have learnt so much from the forumites here wether they be non,co or regular masons and they all bring their own qualities. Whilst on your travels and when meetings other masons You will find that some of the hardened /stalwart brethren will appear to make it difficult for you to find the answers you are looking for and quite often it is because they do not know the answer themselves and are too stubborn to admit otherwise but these are way outnumbered by the more educated brethren who are only too keen to help out and answer your questions, .They wont tell you anything you are not suppposed to klnow at present but dont be knocked back if this happens. You will learn much fron reading the posts of people here but it is up to you to choose your own path in freemasonry and dont be afraid to follow your heart.Go the path that you believe is best ffor you and dont be railroaded by people telling you what they think is best,try to be your own person . Always try to have a chat with that older brother who may be on his own and just listen as they have so much to share and will be glad to help.
Enjoy your freemasonry and you will find that step by step things will fall into place to help you understand what you may have been wondering. Read your ritual and try to understand its meaning and this will give you many clues. Remember the secrets are the pass grips and passwords. There are no secrets in the ritual,it is there for you to see your way.
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ruffashlar
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Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
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Post by ruffashlar on Feb 14, 2005 0:24:56 GMT
Hey, Russell,
Not everyone has a star in their pavement carpet, you know. As far as I can tell, that's just a carpet-maker's design. It may refer to the compass rose, I don't know.
Anyway, we don't have one in ours, and I hear we have been doing this Masonry lark in Scotland for a few years now.
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Harmony
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Post by Harmony on Feb 14, 2005 9:38:34 GMT
Equally, not all lodge aprons are blue. The aprons of 1386 SC are Hunting Ross tartan, 1930 set. (with greens, reds and yellows - predominately green).
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Post by hollandr on Feb 14, 2005 9:38:38 GMT
Ruffashlar
My understanding is that the star (whichever it is supposed to be) is properly in the ceiling until after the 3rd degree.
But I have found no one to confirm that.
This is arguably different from the star in the east
Cheers
Russell
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Post by hollandr on Feb 14, 2005 10:23:14 GMT
Harmony
I too belong to a lodge that uses tartan,
Cheers
Russell
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Post by taylorsman on Feb 14, 2005 10:49:34 GMT
As to the position of the Star down here under UGLW, some Lodge have it, some don't but most DO have the "G" for God in a central position in the Temple, some suspended from the Roof, some laid into a marble floor in the centre of the Temple, as in the main Temple in Brighton, some on the SW's pedestal suspended from the Lewis.
In some Workings there is a lamp with a Star shaped cover and in the Third Degree when the phrase "....that Bright Morning Star" is spoken by the WM, one of the Officers, probably the IG, will throw the switch and light it. If done properly in a darkened Lodge this is very impressive.
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Post by waynecowley on Feb 14, 2005 11:03:09 GMT
In some Workings there is a lamp with a Star shaped cover and in the Third Degree when the phrase "....that Bright Morning Star" is spoken by the WM, one of the Officers, probably the IG, will throw the switch and light it. If done properly in a darkened Lodge this is very impressive. Our province has forbidden this practice - not sure why because, as you say, it can be very impressive Wayne
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Post by taylorsman on Feb 14, 2005 11:52:25 GMT
One of the reasons, Bro Wayne, why the power of PGMs needs to be curtailed in my opinion. They should NOT have any say on how a Lodge practices its Ritual, only on Administrative matters , and only be able to intervene if the Landmarks are being broken or a Lodge was abusing its purpose, eg, Brethren actually indulging in the type of practices we are often blamed for such as using being a Freemason to gain contracts etc in the Public Sector, or to subvert Justice etc.
The Ritual chosen, how it is performed, etc should be for the Lodge Committee to decide, and if they wish to encorporate enhancements then that is for them to decide and act upon.
I can think of no valid reason for the lighting of the Star to be forbidden except that some PGM or his Deputy/Assistant was being Po Faced and starchy!
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Post by hollandr on Feb 14, 2005 12:24:05 GMT
Taylorsman
How do you know the G stands for God? How do you even know it is a G? I have seen symbols in lodges that seem rather mis-shapen for a G.
See Idries Shah for a better explanation that the letter is the Arabic Q.
And I do not think the star in the floor is the bright and morning star.
Try the experiment I suggested in the 5 pointed star thread and see what you find.
Cheers
Russell
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Post by Trinityman on Feb 14, 2005 17:00:10 GMT
Indeed it can, and Trinity follows this ancient practice to this day. Although to be fair it's on the whole time and just referred to at the appropriate point in the ritual. And, interestingly enough, its red.
This is one of the areas where Taylorsman and I are in full agreement. There has been too much watering down of some splendid ritual over the years by misguided attempts to homogenise affairs and I hope this is now a thing of the past.
Private lodges have far more rights and privileges than they realise and attempts by PGLs to interfere with their ritual should be given a resounding raspberry.
The letter G stands for Geometry and is an allusion to the Divine Order. It has over the years been mistaken for God, but in this context it is a perfectly valid alternative.
The 'star' in Trinity is located above and behind the Master's Chair. I'm not aware of any star in the floor.
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ruffashlar
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Post by ruffashlar on Feb 14, 2005 22:37:58 GMT
Correct me if I'm misinterpreting the garbled content of Russell's already confusing theories, but I think he views this star, and the expression "opened upon the centre" as a vestigial reference to Masonry's elder forebrethren seeking out the lost centre of the galaxy.
I think General Jack D. Ripper said it best: "God willing, we will prevail, in peace and freedom from fear, and in true health, through the purity and essence of our natural fluids. God bless you all."
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