Books
Making Light: A Handbook for Freemasons
At last an easy-to-read guide to the path of self-knowledge and self-improvement that is Freemasonry. This volume takes the reader through each of the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry, explaining how best to gain insight from the study and application of the allegories, symbols and teachings. For the newly-made Mason, this book provides an explanation of the ceremony and a glossary of Masonic terminology. It also provides a similar guide for future degrees of Masonic progression. For the experienced Freemason it illustrates interesting and largely unknown aspects of the symbolism of the three degrees. To discover the true Masonic secret, we have to work to bring it forth; this book is the manual for that great work.
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Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind: Sketches from an Esoteric Notebook
Julian Rees has been writing about Freemasonry for many years, promoting the deeper, esoteric aspects of the Freemason’s craft. He has written articles for several publications worldwide and has lectured and given presentations in several countries.
His speculative writing on the symbolism, allegory and ritual aspects has become for many the touchstone of masonic education and information.
In this compendium, he writes about the different aspects of brotherhood, the power of allegory, the spirituality inherent in the Craft, the reality of Freemasonry stripped of extraneous matters, the importance of Truth in all areas of Freemasonry, about the way we can make sense of chaos and invest in harmony, order and peace, and the importance of the tools the Freemason uses in his work and on his path.
Tracing Boards of the Three Degrees in Craft Freemasonry Explained
Although most Freemasons will be familiar with the Tracing Boards — painted or engraved illustrations developed in the early years of Freemasonry which are used in Lodges to illustrate Masonic symbols and allegories during degree ceremonies and lectures — little has been published on them. The Tracing Boards are an essential part of the three Craft Degrees, assisting the Freemason in his quest to decode and interpret those allegories. There is no publication which adequately explains the Tracing Boards, their use and meaning of their symbolism, and Tracing Boards of the Three Degrees in Craft Freemasonry Explained fills that gap. The first three chapters give a detailed method of understanding and revealing the import of the three craft boards, based on those used in the three degrees by the Emulation Lodge of Improvement, known as the Harris Boards, which contain the elements of most of the Tracing Boards used in Lodges throughout England. The fourth chapter gives a brief overview of the history and the development of Tracing Boards in England, with some fascinating illustrations of long-forgotten boards. In the fifth chapter the author draws in many Tracing Boards and Lodge Cloths from other countries, particularly from the USA, and from other Masonic jurisdictions. The sixth chapter takes the reader on a journey through a rich collection of lantern slides from the Grand Lodge of Iowa, not seen for many years.
More Light. Today's Freemasonry for Men and Women
Freemasonry is often looked upon as an all-male pursuit, a social activity. But since 1893, when French Freemason Georges Martin founded the mixed masonic Order Le Droit Humain, Freemasonry for men and women has flourished and grown from strength to strength, currently boasting more than 30,000 members in over 50 countries. The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain forms part of a larger Masonic family, namely the liberal branch of Freemasonry alongside Orders such as the Grand Orient of France and many others worldwide. The British Federation of Le Droit Humain prides itself on being the home of spiritual and esoteric Freemasonry in the United Kingdom.
This book sets out to show how in this Masonic Order a truly liberal, spiritual, esoteric and philosophical Freemasonry is followed, detailing some of the practices and aims of its members. The authors draw on the various strands that have come together to make Freemasonry what it is today, from the Ancient Mysteries, Mithraism, Eleusinian practices and medieval stonemasons, in addition giving us some fascinating insights into the ritual and ceremonial dimension.
More Light will be a revelation to many, men and women alike, whether already members of a masonic Order or not.
Ornaments, Furniture and Jewels
Nowadays in our lodges degree ceremonies seem to be the first and most important thing in the plan of work for the lodge. But all the evidence suggests that the practice of Freemasonry in the eighteenth century was very different from present-day convention.
What records we have suggest a number of important differences. The chapters in the book deal individually with The Power of Allegory, Ornaments, Furniture, Movable Jewels, Immovable Jewels, and Art, Architecture and Image.
The Stairway of Freemasonry
For any inquiring mind, this little book sets out to help answer questions – not so much: ‘What does it mean?’ but rather: ‘What can it mean?’, since the journey is concerned not with learning other people’s answers, but in working out answers for yourself. This is a book about what it means to walk the path of a Freemason; to be inspired by its rituals, to live your life by its precepts and to cultivate virtue within yourself. You may want answers to questions such as Why can I not become a Freemason by reading about it in a book? What does initiation do for me? What is the point of secrets in Freemasonry? Why are the square and compasses in Freemasonry such a universal symbol? What are Masonic symbols for? Do they mean anything? Can Freemasonry be as meaningful for me as my religion? By being a Freemason, can I be closer to God? Why are we called ‘Free’ Masons? If secrets in Freemasonry are not to hide something, what are they for? What does the ritual mean when it talks of avoiding fear and rashness? How can symbols best be used? Can working tools really be used to make me a better person? If so, how? Why is it said that lodges stand on holy ground? How am I to understand light in a symbolic sense? At the end of each little talk there are some questions to be answered. This book can be used either as a list of short talks to be given in Lodge, or as an individual study for the Freemason in his own home.
So You Want To Be A Freemason?
In this book Julian Rees explains what a candidate for Masonic Initiation should know before he joins Freemasonry, but may be too afraid to ask. This essential guide explains in straightforward terms all the practicalities of becoming a Mason. Subjects covered include a short history of Freemasonry, an overview of the many Orders in the Craft, an account of some famous Freemasons, a detailed account of what you need to know before becoming a Freemason, what happens on the night of the initiation, and information on the world of Freemasonry. The book also contains a handy glossary of Masonic terms. This book is an essential read for anyone considering becoming a Freemason, anyone who has just joined Freemasonry and is unsure of all of the strict routines and procedures within the Craft, and also perhaps for established Freemasons who need a reminder about what it means to be a Freemason. Written by a leading high-profile freemason, this is a must have purchase for all prospective Freemasons throughout the country.