This is a book that should be read by all Freemasons, and all those interested in Freemasonry. It will provide a deeper understanding of the hidden information that the rituals of Freemasonry are trying to convey to those who seek Truth. There are thousands of books on Freemasonry and most of them cover literal interpretations of Masonic ritual and expand on the moral lessons to be learned from them. This book is different to most, in that it looks beyond the literal veil, and digs into the deeper messages embedded in the rituals, symbols, and ceremonies. The symbols and rituals of Freemasonry have always been mysterious, even to the average Mason. This book exposes the hidden code that underlies each of the Craft rituals and which points to the true meaning of these ceremonies. People join Freemasonry for different the camaraderie; self-improvement; charitable service - mostly to fill some void in their lives. Many, today, are looking for something deeper, but are not interested in the formal trappings of the various religions. Many of these are disappointed because they don't find what they're looking for in Freemasonry and, as a result, leave the organization. This is unfortunate because embedded in the truly amazing, multi-layered ritual, are messages from the Ancient Mysteries, which point out a clear path, through ancient knowledge, to spiritual consciousness. This knowledge, which constitutes the real "secrets and mysteries of ancient Freemasonry", was regularly taught in the earlier days of the Craft, but seems to have been forgotten over the years. This book is aimed at reviving that knowledge and spreading it to Masons and non-Masons across the world, to reach those that seek Truth and Light, and gain the full benefit of what Freemasonry is all about.
Prompted by a visit to the Philadelphia Masonic Lodge (which was amazing), (and just a few blocks walking distance from the LDS "Mormon" Temple which I also visited that day), I found this electronic book with hope to discover more about the Freemasons and what they believe and do in their lodges and temples. As a symbol-appreciating member of the Mormon faith, I found it QUITE fascinating indeed.
I didn't love the first section of the book, "Seeking Light" in which the author lays out the case for his own spiritual seeking and what he believes about Deity and the various world religions. There was some good material there to consider, however, along with the closed-book determinations he has come to. It wasn't that I couldn't appreciate his story and beliefs - it was more the imperious way he had of looking down at the masses who haven't done the work to put them where he has come to.
Part 2 - "Finding Light" was really interesting, with discussion of many of the physical features I saw on my tour, and about the ceremonies and paths of progression. Part 3 - "Living the Light" was also full of thought-provoking ideas drawn from many enlightenment traditions through time.
Overall I would give this effort a B+ for helping non-initiated people understand Freemasonry a little better. (Some of it was too preachy and certain, although I understand an author's desire to impart his beliefs.) I have come to the conclusion that some paths/symbols/rites/efforts to attain a deeper spiritual understanding of who we are, and who the Creator is, have been around since the beginning of time - allowed to us by that benevolent Creator to help us understand more. If we will make the effort to find the truth, an amazing outpouring can happen, usually through esoteric means. Kudos to the seeker!!
An excellent revelation of the substance and purpose of Masonic ritual. The author's experience with theosophy and Rosicrucian ideology helped to widen and round out his perspective.