The Alchemical Keys To Masonic Ritual

by Timothy Hogan

The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual is the first book to explore in depth how the passwords, penal signs, due guards, and emblems of the symbolic degrees of Freemasonry relate directly to the alchemical process for producing the Philosopher's Stone. This book is intended for Masons who wish to gain further light into the secret meanings of their tradition. Albert Pike believed that at the heart of Freemasonry were the secrets of alchemy, however it has never been substantially proven in one book until now. Chemical lab processes are explored in detail along with the symbolic "blue lodge" degrees in order to show how they correlate. The keys given for the first time in this book may be one of the most important working tools ever given to the Master Mason wishing to understand his craft.Timothy Hogan is a Past Master of East Denver Lodge #160, AF&AM, as well as having received many other honors in Freemasonry, and he lectures around the world on the mysteries of Freemasonry. He is also Grand Master of the Ordre Souverain du Temple Initiatique (OSTI) Templar lineage, and he runs CIRCES International, which explores and researches the world's cultural and spiritual traditions.

Genres: Alchemy, Occult, Nonfiction

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2007

About the author

Timothy Hogan is an author and lecturer within the Western Mystery school tradition. He is a Past Master within several different spiritual and initiatic traditions, including many bodies in Freemasonry (AF&AM) and of Rosicrucian lineages. He is the current Grand Master for the Ordre Souverain du Temple Initiatique (a Knight Templar lineage), and he runs CIRCES International. Timothy Hogan has lectured all over the world in both public and private venues, and has appeared on numerous television programs world wide. He is author of The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual; The 32 Secret Paths of Solomon; Revelation of the Holy Grail (written under the pen name of Chevalier Emerys); Entering the Chain of Union, and he is author of Novo Clavis Esoterika. He has also written for several periodicals over the last decade, including L'Initiation, Ariadne's Web, Livings Stones Magazine, the New Equinox Journal, and Heredom.

Reviews

[Petros Lamprides · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is certainly an interesting book. The interpretations of the 3 symbolic degrees of Freemansonry from an alchemical point of view are very well thought and at some points quite convincing and inspiring. The weakness of this book is the lack of proper citations and the (very often) far-fetched assumptions. I wouldn't have a problem with intepreting parts of history, mysticism, literature and science under another view, as long as it actualy makes a point, but this book is swaying too far, trying to connect things that cannot be connected so directly. I would certainly recomend it, as a source of inspiration and reflection on the symbolic initiations, but I would not take it too literally. Also, I too think that the editing could be better.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A logical, eye opening book that although short, has changed my views of the history of Freemasonry and its rituals. My only complaint is that it is too short, but that can be forgiven due to the substance.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book could use some editing. Other than that, it's an interesting interpretation of some Masonic rituals related to alchemy. However, I think the author has misinterpreted the symbolism and veered off into the plant kingdom rather than the mineral kingdom. I think it has been fairly well established that nothing from the plant or animal kingdoms will ever result in the Philosophers Stone. Everything from the plant kingdom is volatile and does not withstand the test of fire.

[Scott Medsker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any serious student of Masonry.

[Pierre Normand · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting little booklet on the relationship of alchemical symbolism with Masonic ritual. Unfortunately, the book is printed in a ten-point san-serif type face, making it difficult to read, and the illustrations are too small and of poor quality. I'd like to see a longer, more in-depth study of the subject.

[Nicholas Vettese · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with an alternative view of Masonic symbolism. I was able to easily follow along, and as I went through the book, much of the information began to make sense. If you are a Freemason looking for more understanding of freemasonry, and it's symbolism, this is a great book

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read. Highly recommend it.

[Gökhan Kuruç · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting take on Ritual

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting,

[Taylor Kleineick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Brady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Dear Mr. Hogan,

You've compiled some good information, but please hire an editor for your next book.

Thanks,

Brady