A Question Raised
Scott G. Arnold
in Entered Apprentice, Books, Articles and other Media, Esoteric Masonry
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3 Comments
On my last article, The Allegories, Symbolism and Metaphors of the Entered Apprentice Degree, Brother Carter left a comment asking where I've gained my insight into Masonry thus far. His question is as follows:
Bro, you are no ordinary [FC]. Where did you gain your insight? Looks like you did lots of studying prior to taking the journey. Do tell.
I believe that is a valid question for anyone who reads my blog to have so I will do my best to try and answer it.
The long and short of it is that I am lucky enough to have an excellent instructor who is very thoughtful and well versed in the more esoteric aspects of Masonry. Not only do we have our regular weekly instructional sessions for the proficiency, but we also set some time aside to expand upon the teachings of the degree (for instance referring to passages in the bible which relate to the degree work). I also do a lot of reading on my own; I read every blog I can get my hands on, I browse through the various Masonic forums daily and I've read a lot of books on Masonry. My Lodge, for instance, gives out a copy of the Claudy book corresponding to the degree being conferred that evening. Truth be told, I read Bro. Hodapp's "Freemasons for Dummies", Bro. S. Brent Morris' "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry", Bro. Robert's "The Craft and its Symbols" and Bro. MacNulty's "Freemasonry: Symbols, Secrets, Significance" (which, despite its title, does not reveal any of the secrets of Freemasonry) before I was even initiated as an Entered Apprentice. I'm also a musician so I tend to look for a deeper meaning within words and I contemplate very deeply on what I read.
That being said, I've been very careful not to expose myself to any of the materials which claim to expose the secrets of Freemasonry or the degree rituals (which is easier said than done with all the garbage posted on the Internet!) - I have no desire to ruin those for myself. Every single one of those books I listed above, in addition to the others I have in my "to read" pile, are written by active Masons who honor their obligations not to reveal any of the fraternity's secrets. I couldn't tell you a thing about the 3rd degree yet (grips, words, signs, ritual, etc) and I have made it a point not to watch the TV special which reportedly shows a Master Mason ritual being performed.
Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the role my recommenders and those who signed my petition play in my Masonic pursuits. I feel indebted to those people who went out on a limb to recommend me, signed my petition, dropped the white ball on me, participated in my degrees and who spend their time teaching me what I need to know to find light. I don't want to let them down in any way and, in the case of my Cousin who made his final journey to the Lodge on High shortly after recommending me, I feel a duty to honor his memory by not only being a Mason in name, but by living as one too.
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Reader Comments (3)
Thank you for your response. You seem to be very well read, very well spoken, and very well cared for. It must be a tremendously enriching journey you are on. Your travels sound familiar to my own. I did a lot of research before putting in my application, both good and bad, and like you I was very careful not to gain things that were not yet mine to gain. I'm glad I did, for it made my journey much more rewarding than I even imagined. It's been a year since my raising. I continue to seek light and find myself stronger in my convictions and proud to be a brother.
May you travel well Brother.
You are very welcome Brother! While speaking about all things Masonic last weekend, my instructor told me that any intelligent, thinking man would surely research any organization they were thinking of joining in depth before deciding to do so. He was absolutely right.
I think there is a whole segment of intelligent, charity-minded individuals out there who would be excellent Masons but are put off by what they read on the internet and see on TV. It would seem to me that the Fraternity could capitalize on this by providing in depth, quality information on the internet and in the media to combat the pandemic of anti-masonic hysteria that dominates the Google search results.
It is refreshing to meet other Masons like yourself who have taken the teachings of Masonry to heart and who endeavor to live by the square. It is an honor and a privilege to call men like you my Brother.
Likewise and concur fully. Also want you to know that your work here is appreciated and I hope you continue for the benefit of the Craft. I think what you say, at least thusfar, is representative of young masons and the experiences we share. It's a little more cement that binds us even more. You have the guts to do what others would like to do (blog).
Peace.