The Craft and Its Symbols

by Allen E. Roberts

1974: by Allen E. Roberts- Published by Macoy Pub. and Masonic Supply Co. - Symbolism is the life-blood of the craft and is what distinguishes Free Masonry from other Fraternal Organizations.

Genres: Nonfiction

90 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1985

Reviews

[HillbillyMystic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a good Manley P. Hall 33° book, this one too, makes me want to a better man. I have already started using some of the symbols I learned. For instance the beehive helped me to more gratefully and less irritatedly do the 16 hours of chores I do per day from 4:30am to 11:30pm. “If you haven’t been as productive as you should have been, you still have an opportunity to please God before your spirit returns to him.” The first half is quite an understatement for this old sailor who spent half his life stumbling around drunk on burgundy wine and the other half found me staring uselessly into screens of one form or another. I’d say I have a lot of catching up to do. So now I am keeping the beehive in mind while running from yoga to work to cleaning the house and taking dogs to the river before rushing to service commitments then home again to read, meditate, chant before falling asleep with an ancient tome or two upon my chest and lap at night. I grateful and honored to trusted and enlightened by this ancient wisdom and a little help from Sophia, Hermes Trismegistus and a few dead warriors whom I once called family on this plane.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book that brought further light and understanding to some of the precepts of Freemasonry. I found that it solidified much of what I all ready knew and believed was true about the Craft. I had been wavering in my love of the Fraternity, primarily due to much perceived negativity by some members. I was beginning to feel that if so many brothers felt as they did that I might have it all wrong. This book helped me to see that what I believed were the teachings of Freemasonry were true. It also did bring up that there may be other brothers that might not be quite ready to embrace the teachings and to accept that they are on their own path with their own truths. That reminded me of the Hindu teaching I have related many times, " There are many paths up the mountain. The only one who is not reaching the top, is the one running around and around telling everyone else they are on the wrong path.". My path is my path, and theirs is theirs. I must constantly remind myself of this teaching.

[Dave B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Craft and Its Symbols is a concise 90 page summary (exactly 90 pages) of the first 3 degrees of Masonry told with respect for the craft and the body of knowledge restricted to an actual Master Mason. I recommend this book for any newly made Masons that would like to start the journey of understanding all the meaning and allegory behind the rituals of the first three degrees.
Fore warning to any non-mason; this book only provides some context to associate the MM with what they experience throughout initiation, passing and raising. Always remember; 2B1A1 (To be one ask one) if the reader want to truly understand they should seek out a real person and a desire to learn how to be a better man.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a Brother, this is a great first step to continue learning more about the journey you are taking. So much to learn and this is only the beginning.

[Chuck Springer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I acquired this book upon recommendation. I was surprised and enthralled on how this book goes into more detail of the symbolism of each degree. Symbolism is part of our everyday life and many times we take it for granted. In this case symbolism is the life-blood of the Craft. There is so much more to the forms and ceremonies that does not meet the eye. But upon further study on the various subjects, it is truly an enriching and intriguing experience. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you are new to the fraternity, as it will aid you in understanding more of the meaning of its contents.

[Robert Baer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Craft and It Symbols is an excellent book for newly raised Masons and for those who want a basic knowledge about Freemasonry. This book should be used as a study guide to help new brothers understand the three degrees. Since it doesn't give away any "Masonic secrets", like the site of the world's greatest treasure, which we all know is in New York City under Trinity Church (National Treasure). The book can be shared with your loved ones and the general public. After all Allen Robert's daughter and wife assisted him with the book. It's also a great refresher for those members who have not been to a meeting in years. If your lodge give a gift to newly raised MM consider giving this book.

[Galen Kaback · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for any newly raised masters. Gives a great overview of the degree work and adds perspective to the initiation process. I enjoyed also the perspective it added to my recent experiences.

Each degree is dissected and looked at on a micro level, but also summarized and joined to the whole. highly recommend, but only for newly made masters.

It will definitely not have appeal to those not participating or at least highly interested in the craft.

[John Burchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the newly made Master Mson, this is the one book that you must have.

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very good introduction for the newly made mason. For those seeking more light, check out the books by Kirk MacNulty.

[Nicholas Vettese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book for my masonic education, and although a small easy to read book, I didn't get much out of it. I will have to re-read it for my report

[IAO131 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very clear and basic intro to Masonic symbolism of the Blue Lodge degrees. Recommended to anyone who may want a super-basic primer.

[Greg Van Vorhis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful.

[Rusty Booth · Rating 5 out of 5]

concise and thought provoking