Freemasonry has long been associated with secrecy and the occult, leading many to question its origins and purpose. Understanding the history and origins of Freemasonry is a complex task, as it is an ancient fraternity with a history dating back to the origins of Operative Masonry around 6,000 BC, possibly even earlier.
To truly understand Freemasonry, it is important to note that the original Masons were builders, known as Operative Masons, who possessed a deep understanding of not only the craft of building and masonry, but also a deep knowledge of Esoterica, mathematics, science, astronomy, astrology, and spirituality. They were highly skilled craftsmen who not only built structures but also held a deep understanding of the principles and laws of the universe.
To summarize the history and purpose of Freemasonry in a few sentences would be an impossible task, it requires a deeper understanding and study of its history, principles, and teachings.
Origins and History:
Freemasonry, with a history suggested to date back to 6,000 BC, originated from Operative Masons, skilled in building and profound in universal laws, including mathematics and spirituality. Transitioning through historical periods, it evolved from operative craftsmanship to a fraternity focused on moral and intellectual development.
From Templars to Modern Masons:
The Knights Templar, operative masons of 1100-1300 AD, form a bridge to contemporary Freemasonry, which prioritizes character building over physical constructions. It aims to improve members ethically, morally, and spiritually, promoting virtues like brotherhood and wisdom.
Esoteric Tradition:
Freemasonry’s esoteric tradition is difficult to date precisely. It encompasses teachings from various ancient cultures and its recorded history begins with medieval stonemason guilds. The Regius Manuscript, circa 1390, is its oldest written record of speculative Masonry.
Operative to Speculative Transition:
With the decline of cathedral construction, lodges began admitting non-operative members, leading to the official organized speculative Freemasonry’s establishment in 1717. This occurred in an establishment named “The Goose and Gridiron”. It was located in St. Paul’s Churchyard in London, and it’s where, on June 24, 1717, four (existing) London lodges met to form the first Grand Lodge, marking the beginning of organized speculative Freemasonry. This meeting is an essential part of Masonic history as it represents the formal foundation of what has become known as modern Freemasonry.
Degrees in Freemasonry:
The three primary degrees in Freemasonry symbolize a journey of self-betterment:
- 1st Degree: Entered Apprentice
- 2nd Degree: Fellowcraft
- 3rd Degree: Master Mason
Foundational pillars of Freemasonry:
King Solomon and his temple play a central role in the allegorical and symbolic framework of Freemasonry. The significance lies in how his life, wisdom, and the construction of the Temple of Solomon, which are used as metaphors for moral and spiritual lessons (including Esoterica) within the Masonic tradition.
King Solomon’s Wisdom and Leadership:
King Solomon is revered for his wisdom and fair judgment, qualities that are highly esteemed in Freemasonry. He is often depicted as an ideal ruler who used knowledge and understanding to govern his people, which parallels the Masonic pursuit of enlightenment and personal development.
Construction of the Temple:
Although King Solomon built many temples throughout Palestine and other regions in and around Palestine (including but not limited to regions such as the Amonite region, the Sidonite Region, the Hittite Region and so on), the building of King Solomon’s Temple (in the land of Canaan which we call today Israel, Jerusalem), is described in biblical texts as an architectural marvel, is central to Masonic ritual and symbolism. The temple’s construction is used within Freemasonry as an allegory for personal growth and the building of one’s character and also provides esoteric knowledge embedded deep within the temple.
Masonic Degrees and the Temple:
The degrees within Freemasonry, particularly the third degree of Master Mason, incorporate the symbolism of the temple’s construction. The rituals and teachings associated with these degrees encourage members to work on themselves, moving from a ‘rough ashlar’ (used as a Metaphor for a candidate as ‘a rough and unrefined stone’) to a ‘perfect ashlar’ (used as a Metaphor of ‘a polished and perfected stone ready for use in construction’ – a better man), akin to the stones prepared for Solomon’s Temple.
The Legend of Hiram Abiff:
In Masonic tradition, the narrative of Hiram Abiff, the master builder of Solomon’s Temple, is central to the Master Mason degree. Hiram’s story, his dedication to the craft, and the tragedy of his death serve as a teaching tool for loyalty, integrity, and the perpetuation of knowledge. The allegory also explores themes of loss, rebirth, and the immortality of the soul.
Symbolism of the Temple:
The Temple of Solomon symbolizes the world as seen by Freemasons. It is a microcosm representing the universe, human existence, and the relationship with the Divine. The temple’s design, based on specific measurements and harmonious proportions, reflects the order and structure that Masons seek in their moral and spiritual lives.
Moral and Ethical Lessons: King Solomon’s Temple serves as a backdrop for the conveyance of moral and ethical lessons within Masonry. Its construction, care, and eventual destruction and hoped-for rebuilding encapsulate the journey of life, the importance of building something lasting, and the hope of leaving a legacy.
King Solomon’s life, his wisdom, and the allegorical construction of his temple provide a rich tapestry of symbols and lessons that form the backbone of Masonic ritual and philosophy. These teachings are not to be understood as historical truths within Freemasonry but as tools for conveying ethical principles and a framework for personal and collective improvement.
Becoming a Freemason:
Joining Freemasonry requires the following:
- You must believe in a supreme being
- You must not have a criminal record
- You must be a person of good social standing
- You must be a person of good character
- You must be an Adult of a minimum age of 18 (or 21 in some jurisdictions)
- You must be willing to join freely (eg. A Free Man) meaning nobody has forced you or coerced you to join.
For more information on how to become a Freemason, please visit one of the links below:
- https://www.scottishrite.org
- https://freemasonsvic.org.au/
- https://www.myfreemasonry.com
- https://princehall.org/
Or go to our Grand Lodge Locator page here, to find the nearest Grand Lodge in your area.
Freemasonry is Not a Religion:
Despite misconceptions, Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for religion. It does not advocate or engage in any form of worship, as it lacks the basic elements of Religion, which means:
- It has no dogma or theology
- It has no wish or means to enforce religious orthodoxy
- It offers no sacraments
- It does not claim to lead to salvation by works, secret knowledge, or any other means
- The secrets of Freemasonry are concerned with modes of recognition, not with the means of salvation
Core Values of Freemasonry:
The core values of Freemasonry are as follows:
- Practice Universal Charity
- Provide Opportunities for Self Development
- Build Friendships
- Foster Moral Standards
- Seek Excellence in all pursuits
Freemasonry unites men across many religions, promoting moral values and societal betterment. Officially, Freemasonry is known as:
“A system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.“
Masonic Meetings:
Religion and Politics are expressly prohibited topics within the lodge to maintain harmony. Masonic rituals, replete with prayers, underscore the non-sectarian nature of the fraternity.
Masonic Education: Masonic libraries and online meetings provide resources for deeper understanding. The Scottish Rite and the Rite of Memphis Misraim, for example, known for their esoteric degrees, requires diligent study, with resources available for self-motivated members to explore further.
Purpose and Personal Journey in Freemasonry
Self-Discovery and Growth:
Freemasonry is fundamentally about self-improvement and growth, engaging the heart, mind, and soul. Its essence isn’t easily conveyed by one person to another; it’s an experiential process that each member discovers on their own.
Opening of the Lodge:
The purpose of Freemasonry is poignantly underscored during the opening of a Masonic lodge. A dialogue between the Worshipful Master and the Senior Warden reveals that members come to ‘subdue their passions’ and ‘improve themselves in Masonry.’ The use of ‘subdue’ suggests not the eradication but the mastery of one’s baser instincts.
Controlling Passions:
Freemasonry encourages the control of passions rather than their elimination. This control allows for the balance between human impulses and moral and ethical conduct, leading to mastery over oneself rather than suppression.
Individual Interpretation:
The craft is deeply personal, with each member drawing unique meaning from its practices. It is not a one-size-fits-all system; rather, it is a personal commitment to a set of time-tested teachings aimed at enhancing mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Diverse and Complex:
Freemasonry encompasses elements of science, philosophy, art, and esoteric knowledge. It aims to provide insights into the individual’s relationship with the universe, promoting self-awareness and personal elevation.
Continuous Improvement:
Freemasonry is an enduring pursuit, a journey that does not end. It is about constantly striving to better oneself, reflecting the principles of the fraternity in daily life.
Key Points:
- Freemasonry is a progressive moral and ethical journey.
- The degrees illustrate personal growth and moral teachings.
- Becoming a Freemason involves meeting specific prerequisites.
- Freemasonry is a fraternity, not a religion.
- Politics and religion are excluded from Masonic discussions to ensure unity and respect.
In essence, Freemasonry is a metaphorical journey from a ‘rough ashlar’ to a ‘smooth ashlar,’ where the individual crafts their character much like a stonemason refines a stone. This process is deeply introspective, unique to each person, and revolves around timeless principles of moral and ethical development.
Please watch the presentations below by RW Bro. Bharat Venkat Epur and a second video by Bro. Robert Cooper, as they explain Freemasonry to both the layman and Brethren. The videos are extremely informative and include beautiful graphical illustrations.