Secrecy
Jul 12, 2013 13:08:32 GMT 9.5
Post by stepnwolf on Jul 12, 2013 13:08:32 GMT 9.5
From earliest times there seem to have been mens clubs where history, culture and words of power were passed down to a younger generation. Part of the cult was the secrecy attached to such lore. Supposedly the power bestowed by such knowledge required a degree of secrecy.
An unspoken reason probably was to maintain a closed group with seemingly superior knowledge. Is it much different than modern Freemasonry? In its operative beginnings, the secrets of a masonic lodge were probably of a very practical nature, instituted to protect the means of making a living.
In the beginning of the speculative period, I have no doubt that secrecy was used to protect the Almoner's fund from those who did not deserve such expenditures. The humble Brn sought royal patronage to enhance the social standing of the fraternity, which is still a tradition among some grand lodges today where royal houses still exist.
While some students would have us believe that our secret words are sources of magical power, and therefore require secrecy, I think the real power comes simply from the lure of the unknown. True, I am projecting my own fascination with the unknown, the secrets. I progressed in the degrees just to learn what was hidden. I had no lofty ideals of self-improvement. It was curiosity pure and simple.
Only at this late date do I think I see what happened. Secrets were the carrots at the end of the stick that drew us out of ourselves and into ourselves. A high purpose accomplished by simple curiosity. How wondrous is the Craft that transmute base matter into pure gold!
An unspoken reason probably was to maintain a closed group with seemingly superior knowledge. Is it much different than modern Freemasonry? In its operative beginnings, the secrets of a masonic lodge were probably of a very practical nature, instituted to protect the means of making a living.
In the beginning of the speculative period, I have no doubt that secrecy was used to protect the Almoner's fund from those who did not deserve such expenditures. The humble Brn sought royal patronage to enhance the social standing of the fraternity, which is still a tradition among some grand lodges today where royal houses still exist.
While some students would have us believe that our secret words are sources of magical power, and therefore require secrecy, I think the real power comes simply from the lure of the unknown. True, I am projecting my own fascination with the unknown, the secrets. I progressed in the degrees just to learn what was hidden. I had no lofty ideals of self-improvement. It was curiosity pure and simple.
Only at this late date do I think I see what happened. Secrets were the carrots at the end of the stick that drew us out of ourselves and into ourselves. A high purpose accomplished by simple curiosity. How wondrous is the Craft that transmute base matter into pure gold!