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Post by generatics on Jul 25, 2009 5:38:08 GMT
I think you might be referring to his book "The Secret Architecture of our Nation's Capital"? Also, he did actually become a Mason after that book was published. Anyway, it is an interesting read. My favorite character in the whole thing is Benjamin Banneker. fascinating fellow! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Banneker
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Post by maat on Jul 27, 2009 1:24:10 GMT
No - I have the book "The Secret Zodiacs of Washington, DC" ... - Maat
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Post by ataraxia on Jun 20, 2011 21:41:31 GMT
Dear neophytesage.
I hope you are by now well on your way to becoming a mason? I really hope so, because you've asked a question that most masons never even dream of asking in their entire masonic careers. These masons are place holders, happy to find meaning is masonic custom and ritual that must look to the entire world like a Vegas party that really got out of hand. Freemasonry makes no secret that it is a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. By definition, allegory is a story or picture that communicates abstract principals or ideas. Masons who take a literal view of masonic custom and ritual and actually finding deep meaning in it are just plain nuts! To a degree they are dangerous to freemasonry itself. They can read whatever they like in it and therefore make of it whatever they wish - which for the most part is not freemasonry!
The lodge room are filled with clues to the key of understanding. We sometimes trip over them and are there for all masons to see in plain sight. Please go back to the lodge room and really look, try and see what is the one theme that gets repeated over and over again? Then keep tugging at that threat you’ve found on that globe and don’t stop till you can see right through the veil of allegory of at least the first degree. Then, and only then, will you become a true mason and will you be enlightened, your eyes opened and will you see the weave of history behind reality. Only then will you be deeply humbled by the awesome responsibility that you’ve been entrusted with and will you begin to understand the immeasurable honour of calling yourself a phremassen.
Once you’ve reached this level (most masons never do and you can’t make them reach it), there will still be much onion to peel, but more about that later. In the mean time, to help you on your way, you might want to have a peek at Robert Hewitt Brown’s, Stellar Theology & Masonic Astronomy, or Edward Clark’s, Royal Secret. These books come with a caveat though; they might spoil any surprises on your way to master mason. You might want to wait till then to have a look at them.
I hope we can be in contact again once you’ve reached this level as it is the launch pad for more awesome stuff!
Good luck!
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Post by vajranagini on Jun 20, 2011 23:20:50 GMT
Wow, somebody's got a good grasp of things!! Great post, ataraxia! >applause<
Thank you for the book titles; I will be checking them out!
I will remark that a grasp of astrology is excellent as far as it goes, but a study of HERMETIC Qabalah is even BETTER. It gives a much more PROFOUND insight into astrology and the workings of the universe. In fact HRA is heavily Qabalistic; an understanding of the Tree of Life will increase one's appreciation of HRA EXPONENTIALLY, to say nothing of the REST of Freemasonry.
The TOL is the FOUNDATION of Western Esotericism; once you have Qabalah under your belt, the whole thing just opens up. I can truly say that the Tree of Life LED ME to Freemasonry; "it" pointed out the Square and Compass and said in its own way: "You will find Me behind THIS symbol"! And, boy did I ever...
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Post by vajranagini on Jun 21, 2011 4:28:51 GMT
I have not read all of Dave Ovason's books; it is only fortunate for me, however, that he was not raised a Freemason early in life because that would have precluded him writing and publishing books like "The Secret Zodiacs of Washington DC.
But I DID read with great interest what he had to say about eclipses; if he wrote 3 more books about eclipses it still would not be enough...
I also find myself fascinated with the Fixed Stars. If not for D. Ovason I probably would never have discovered that I have fixed stars conjunct nearly every one of the planets in my horoscope. Nor that Washington DC is oriented towards the constellation Virgo; which Sign in fact resonates strongly in my natal horoscope, bestowing a natural affinity for the "spirit of Freemasonry".
It is a fact that the symbolism of the woman and the beast appears in the Zodiac as Leo and Virgo; this is also the meaning of the Tarot card "Strength" which depicts a woman holding the jaws of a lion in her hands.
This symbolism is carried even further into Hindu mythology in which the figures of Durga ('Fortress") and Kali ("the Black") are seated upon lions or tigers and confronting fierce shapeshifting demons...
Venus/Aphrodite was originally a Goddess of War and also the arbiter of Divine Justice. hence Venus's rulership over the Sign of the Balance, Libra. In iconography she was depicted as seated in a chariot drawn by lions.
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Post by redcoat on Jun 25, 2011 11:39:35 GMT
The lectures related to the globes in relative terms are modern and do relate to the terrestrial and celestial. The actual globes found on pillars in lodges vary in design. Understandably some have stars while others signs of the zodiac. Try not to read too much into what you see, but with that said the ancients did relate the stars to the zodiac as both points of reference and for astronomy.
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Post by vajranagini on Jun 27, 2011 2:04:23 GMT
IMOHO, the two globes almost certainly represent the Lesser and Greater Mysteries: the Lesser are the Mysteries of Earth, and the Greater, the Mysteries of the heavens, i.e. the Zodiac. The Third Pillar which is only implied, is that of the Self, seated between them, and representing the Osiris Onnophris (Asar-un Nefer, or "Man Made Perfect").
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Post by redcoat on Jul 2, 2011 12:06:51 GMT
From a Masonic perspective I would encourage you to get a copy of "Harry Carr's World of Freemasonry" and read chapter 2 "Pillars & Globes: columns & Candlesticks". In which he points out that when the globes appeared on the scene they were not associated to the pillars and did not appear in the catechisms prior to 1744. There is no denying that the globes now relate to the terrestrial and celestial, but as I have stated before, try not to read too much into symbols and mistakenly assume that what we choose to interpret today was the way it always was.
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Post by vajranagini on Jul 3, 2011 0:14:31 GMT
The TOL is the FOUNDATION of Western Esotericism; once you have Qabalah under your belt, the whole thing just opens up. Like a can of worms? Can of snakes, actually! The Tree of Life (and the Zodiac), is a two-dimensional glyph--a symbol. Though it has been used quite often to represent to represent Qabalistic Creation, it is not the same as a foundation, nor is it the only glyph that has been used. The Cube of Space is a three-dimensional glyph of the Qabalah. The two glyphs are not identical; both are based on passages in the Sepher Yetzirah, though the ToL is also based on passages in the Bahir. In the end, the result is the same; they are a means to accessing the energies of the Elementals/Planets/the Zodiac through meditative effort.It's felt by some that the two-dimensional rendering of the three dimensional cube has resulted in a loss of correlation between the Tree of Life and the Cube, which is why today scholars continue to argue those correspondences. They may have a point. But, some people will find the Cube too difficult to visualize, so for them the Tree glyph would be simpler.What is the relationship between the Cube of Space and the "Pierre Cubique a Pointe"? Their shape?
The word 'stone" is rooted in the Sanskrit "sthanu" "to establish". thus when one has 'established' the Cube of Space around one by dint of persistent meditative work, one is 'established' on the astral plane, and, quite literally, "on [in?] the Square".
If you study Merkabah stones, you will note that they represent a conjunction of two three-dimensional triangles in such a way as to form a CUBE. One can make a very powerful "dhyana" on this if you understand the implications of this fact.You will note it all looks like a little house...the Triangle is also the Supernal Triangle and the Cube represents the rest of the Tree...the fact of the creation of the symbol is its descent into Malkuth.Pike hints that the three-dimensional figure was originally a two-dimensional construct. Gotta start somewhere!This version of the Cube of Space includes the Zodiac: It likes like crap on a blue background. Something seems wrong with the Hebrew as well.shadowtheatre13.com/images/booksevenseals/cubeofspace/cube3b0.gifIt's interesting comparing this to Metratron's Cube. Finally, another useful glyph to consider is a cross: symboldictionary.net/?p=1414I noticed a photo of the pointy-headed bastiche that I just described on the same link: There are pillars, globes, and the bird-shape at the top of the pyramid is also interesting. Rose Croix pelican? ;D The pelican is a version of the PhoenixThe lectures of Freemasonry are quite specific: who does it say to study? Pythagoras.
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Post by vajranagini on Jul 3, 2011 0:21:18 GMT
try not to read too much into symbols and mistakenly assume that what we choose to interpret today was the way it always was. Symbols merely are illustrations; they aren't the same as the territory. Ah, but one USES symbols to GET to the "territory"; if I want to do a meditation on Saturn, f'r instance, I could invoke Saturn using the appropriate hexagram (a symbol) with the glyph of Saturn (another symbol) drawn in the centre, and the Names of Power associated with Binah on the Tree of Life. (yet another symbol) The Tree of Life is a very POWERFUL symbol; it was how I "unlocked' the secrets of Freemasonry. I now know why they call it "the Talking Tree"!
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Post by billmcelligott on Jul 3, 2011 10:23:06 GMT
It worries me that so much time and effort is placed on the minutia of symbolism.
If I want to go to the Cinema , I call a Cab, tell him where to go and when I get there I pay him and go watch the film.
I dont spend the next 2 weeks working out how the car works, how much fuel was consumed. Or why did I do it.
I just wanted togo see the film.
Symbolism is just a graphic explanation of thought.
When Jesus said 'I am the light' he did not mean he was the eveready man.
For example, The Rose Croix pelican is simple , he Pelican feeds its young with its own blood, Jesus shed his blood to save mankind. Dont need 3 dimensional drawing to see that one.
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Post by whistler on Jul 3, 2011 18:06:53 GMT
Bill it all depends on what you seek out of your freemasonry, to accept the Cab to take you to your destiny that is fine . Some are fascinated at the "Hidden Secrets" that are hidden beneath the bonnet and when we open the bonnet wonder why we don't see a simple rubber band
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Post by whistler on Jul 3, 2011 18:11:36 GMT
Goat Rider, and Varj - where does the Tree of Life and other highly technical things you both speak of - leave us who are quite happy that Humankind may well have been seeded from the stars, by folk who communicate through the various gateways at various times
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Post by billmcelligott on Jul 3, 2011 18:35:52 GMT
I am very happy for all who wish to look under the bonnet of my Taxi.
I just dont think everyone needs to have a peak, that is all.
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Post by billmcelligott on Jul 4, 2011 2:04:56 GMT
For example, The Rose Croix pelican is simple , he Pelican feeds its young with its own blood, Jesus shed his blood to save mankind. Dont need 3 dimensional drawing to see that one. I get it; you can just say STFU. No , I just have an opinion, that is all.
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Post by vajranagini on Jul 4, 2011 2:22:30 GMT
Symbols are the language with which we communicate with the Universe,(and through which, the Universe can communicate with US) hence their significance. If one wishes to 'go deeper" one must speak in the language that the Universe will understand and be able to understand what response the Universe is making in return.
There will always be those who wish to go 'thus far and no further", and those who wish to push on and attain communication with subtler and subtler forms of intelligence, and know the secrets of the Universe. This can be done by means of the Qabalah.
As for those "seeded from the stars", well, what do you consider "astrology" to be? The very word signifies "star-understanding". Did you know that there are actual magickal dances designed to bring one in touch with the energies of various constellations? Or that the effects of acupuncture can be modified by attention to the position of the stars?
It is well to always remember, however, that whatever influence comes from "the stars"; it is modified by the influence of the Planets, whose proximity and thus, their effect, is much greater than that of any constellation.
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Post by vajranagini on Jul 4, 2011 4:52:25 GMT
Oh, and I want to add that the planets used to be referred to as "stars", hence the term; the planets were the "moving stars" in the sky, as opposed to the "fixed stars" of the constellations.
It is of interest to note that it is only in the last 100 years that information on astrology has become so accessible to the general public; at one time, to own an ephemeris (a book charting day-to-day planetary movements)was a very big deal; it could get you burned at the stake, in fact; now they are readily available anywhere occult books are sold!
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Post by redcoat on Jul 4, 2011 14:26:11 GMT
"Yet, they seem to be important enough to have been used in Anderson's Constitutions."
According to what I copied from the Academia Lodge No. 847 web site this image was not part of the original Anderson's Constitutions of 1723 but was later included in the 1784 edition.
Descendit e Caelo ("It descends from heaven") Frontispiece to The Book of Constitutions 1784 edition
This was published as the frontispiece (illustration facing the title page) of the 1784 edition of James Anderson's Constitutions of Freemasory. It was designed and drawn by Giovanni Battista Cipriani and Paul Sandby (brother of the famous architect). The actual engraving is by Francesco Bartolozzi and James Fittler. An unnumbered page within the book offers this explanation of the piece: "The architectural part represents the inside of Free-masons' Hall.The uppermost figure is Truth, holding a mirror, which reflects its rays on divers ornaments of the Hall, and also on the Globes and other Masonic Furniture and Implements of the Lodge. Truth is attended by the three Theological Virtues, Faith, Hope and Charity: under these, the Genius of Masonry, commissioned by Truth and her Attendants, is descending into the Hall, bearing a lighted Torch; she is decorated with some of the Masonic Emblems, and on her arm hangs a ribbon with a Medal pendant, with which she is to invest the Grand Master, in token of the Divine approbation of a Building sacred to Charity and Benevolence."
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Post by babalon on Aug 18, 2011 4:23:48 GMT
I just dropped by this site and would like to remark here that any and all Freemasons who are even remotely interested in astrology should read David Ovason's "The Secret Zodiacs of Washington DC.. It was of very great interest (to me, at least) to discover that Washington DC was built in astrological alignment with the constellation of Virgo. It would be interesting to know if any other cities of the world are similarly oriented, and if so, which constellations are involved!
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frater209
Member
per mediam noctis ad solem
Posts: 19
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Post by frater209 on Sept 28, 2011 7:44:23 GMT
Robert Hewitt Brown’s, Stellar Theology & Masonic Astronomy This book was given to me by my initiator with the understanding that I wouldn't read it until raised. And I can't stress enough my opinion that this book shouldn't be read until you are raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. Otherwise it will lessen the initiatic effect of the ritual itself. Anyways its an amazing book, which opened my eyes for the forst time to several things. Like the procession of equinoxes. And the role of astronomy/astrology in the forming of religions worldwide. And the role of these things in the Mystery Schools, especially Freemasonry. Its just awesome and I reccommend it to all. I am very glad to have come onto this forum and discovered this thread, for it has rekindled in me a desire to seek further light on astrological topics. Also, it gives me a chance to share with you a book report I delivered to my Lodge some years back. I know I know! I'm some kind of egotistical fool to think anyone cares what I've had to say. I mean I'm brand new to this forum and this is the second of my own essays I've shared. Oh well, I like sharing my thoughts and maybe you will like to hear them so here goes. I had created a handout for the Masons in Lodge that day, with pictures from the Monitor, since I knew not everyone would have their's on them, and I no longer have the handout. But you will know which pictures are refferred to I hope! --Fr. 209 Attachments:
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