The Occult Philosophy Concealed Within Freemasonry
May 14, 2010 9:03:19 GMT 9.5
Post by LorrB on May 14, 2010 9:03:19 GMT 9.5
The Occult Philosophy Concealed Within Freemasonry
Freemasonry has two chief purposes: one is to teach and the other is to train humanity in the attainment of efficiency and self-discipline. The Masonic furniture, working tools, symbols, regalia and jewels all preserve basic living Truths in static form. Its Officers and Brethren both personify and re-enact by means of ceremonial the dynamic processes of the creation, maintenance and perfecting of a Universe. In addition, the selfsame Truths concerning man are dramatically depicted. The Universe is the Macrocosmic Temple and man the microcosmic. All happens within both of them and is subject to this dual interpretation, and Masonic symbology draws its significance therefrom.
As a system of training Freemasonry is one of the recruiting agencies of the Great White Brotherhood, leading direct from the outer or physical to the inner or spiritual worlds. Every single Mason, however unworthy the motives for joining the Order and however untruthful the statements made on the application forms, nevertheless at Consecration may be presumed to become directly known to the Inner Government of the World, and to be considered as a possible future recruit to its ranks and an active co-worker in its labours. The evolutionary standing of all E.A.’s, their capacity for good work, both immediately and in the near future, their environment and the opportunities for participation in the activities of the Brotherhood which it provides, and their karma (especially family ties and nationality), are all most carefully considered. If still occultly unawakened, the Inner Self is aroused and given clearly to understand the significance of the step which the Personality has taken. Whether fully realised of not at the time, to become a Freemason is thus a momentous experience.
In its long series of lives on Earth the reincarnating Soul is brought consciously face to face with either one of the Elder Brethren or an Agent. It is informed of the plan of macrocosmic and microcosmic evolution – which corresponds at the physical level to the act of showing to the Candidate the Tracing Board of the Degree. The Inner Self is also offered all the help from which it can benefit, including certain powers by which it can more effectively reach and influence the Personality. The Monad also receives a powerful stimulation and enhancement of its capacity to influence, direct and spiritualise the whole nature – body, emotions and mind. Extending out into the physical world from the Centre of the activities of the Adept Brotherhood there are many “ways” always kept open by which anyone can pass from the outer to the inner Light. It is one of the great responsibilities of the Brotherhood to main these “ways” and to provide assistance to all who draw near.
Of interest exoterically is the fact that the Soul passes through experiences before, during and after Initiation into Freemasonry which are symbolically portrayed within the Temple. The application for membership, interviews, voting, acceptance, payment of dues, preparation, admission, Initiation, Charges delivered to the Candidate and advancements when deemed worthy – these represent at the physical level precisely the same processes through which the Soul has gone or will go at the Causal level.
In all this there are two main classes of Souls with many subdivisions in each. There are those for whom the experience is entirely new and whose application to become a Freemason may arise from a purely worldly motive – these are the new “Brothers” who for the first time contact the influence of the Sanctuary but whose Souls are not as yet fully awakened either to Soul consciousness or to spiritual aspiration. Something in the Light that shines through Freemasonry – even in its more material aspect – has evidently attracted the attention of the applicant. In spite of the apparent debasement of the Mysteries by the offering of worldly advantages to be gained by becoming a Freemasonic, such a step is not wholly without its value since, even though the motive may be unspiritual, the applicant is nevertheless drawn near to the Adept Brotherhood. The principle of Fraternity amongst men is itself an expression of the unity of all life. Admission to a Lodge is consequently a gateway from the self-ridden, pre-Initiate stage of evolution to the selflessness of the Sanctuary. One group of those thus drawn near to the Light therefore consists of the newly awakened Souls who have but little or no history of contact with the Mystery tradition.
The second, main class comprises all reincarnated Souls who have been Masons in earlier lives. They are very numerous and at this period of world history preponderate over the first-mentioned type. Amongst them are people of all degrees of understanding and spiritual development. Some of them have merely been Members, perhaps for several lives, of purely speculative workings of the Masonic Order; others may be ex-Members of the Lesser Mysteries or even of the Greater. By establishing and maintaining Freemasonry on the planet the Elder Brothers have become possessed of a recruiting agency by means of which their own ranks may be increased in number.
The entire procedure is largely under the main direction of the Lord of the Five Rays (whose title is The Maha-Chohan) and is in the immediate charge of the Head of the Seventh Ray, The HOATF, whose portrait is (was) displayed in most Co-Masonic Temples. Those souls who are most attracted to and chiefly benefit from, this particular influence are those in whom the First and Seventh Rays are predominant in any particular life, whatever their basic Ray may be. Freemasonry is thus one of the manifestations of the Mystery Tradition on Earth which is completely and publicly available to every human being whose karma renders them susceptible to the receipt of, and favourable response to, such training.
Unfortunately, throughout the masculine Obedience, despite the splendid work and vision of such Brethren as Albert G Mackey, M.D., Arthurs Edward Waite, P.M., P.Z, and W.L. Wilmshurst, P.M. 275, Past Prev. Grand Registrar (West Yorks), little of this knowledge is available to the average Mason.
A great work therefore remains to be done for exoteric Freemasonry. First, it requires to be purged, for it has become a veritable Augean Stables, urgently needing its Herakles. Secondly, it is essential that it be reoriented towards its true purpose, which is both to aid the spiritual evolution of mankind and to establish Brotherhood of mankind and to establish Brotherhood without distinction of race, creed, sex or colour on Earth. Thirdly, it is greatly to be desired that the Order be revealed as a recognisable expression of, and channel for, the true Wisdom.
Co-Freemasonry, which admits women as members, is in a different category from the masculine Obedience. It attracts almost entirely the second main class group previously referred to. Most Co-Masons, we may assume, are reincarnations of Souls who were previously member of the Order or of the Lesser or the Greater Mysteries. In addition, this Movement serves as a recruiting agency from worldly life to the Path of Discipleship. This is the chief difference between the two forms of Freemasonry. The literature and Rituals of Co-Freemasonry indicate the continuing need for the pouring the “water of esoteric knowledge” into “Masonic vessels”. At present, not enough emphasis is put in Co-Masonic Lodges on character training and on progress in knowledge and in wisdom, for which purpose Co-Freemasonry exists. There is a tendency for too much attention to the outer forms and the formal possession of Degrees. These can be not only of limited value, but even a definite hindrance on the Path unless the appropriate Inner Life is perceived and lived.
By Geoffrey Hodson
Geoffrey Hodson was a Theosophist and a priest in the Liberal Catholic Church. He was also clairvoyant.
These are his views on Freemasonry. Do you find any part of this paper of interest to you?
