The Hidden Life In Freemasonry

by C.W. Leadbeater

If you are satisfied with regular business meetings and great fish fries, then this is NOT the Masonic book for you. This classic Masonic esoteric work is designed for the student seeking far deeper meanings in Masonry. In the words of the author: "Although the book is primarily intended for the instruction of members of the Co-Masonic Order, whose desire, as is expressed in their ritual, is to pour the waters of esoteric knowledge into the Masonic vessels, I hope nevertheless that it may appeal to a wider circle, and may perhaps be of use to some of those many Brn. in the masculine Craft who are seeking for a deeper interpretation of Masonic symbolism than is given in the majority of their Lodges ..." C.W. Leadbeater (1854-1934), was an English clergyman and respected theosophical author. Leadbeater is the author of the popular "Freemasonry and Its Ancient Mystic Rites." This is an indespensible work for the esoteric Mason. Foreword by Annie Besant.

Genres: Occult, Nonfiction, Religion

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Charles Webster Leadbeater was an influential member of the Theosophical Society, author on occult subjects and co-initiator with J.I. Wedgwood of the Liberal Catholic Church.

Originally a priest of the Church of England, his interest in spiritualism caused him to end his affiliation with Anglicanism in favour of the Theosophical Society, where he became an associate of Annie Besant. He became a high-ranking officer of the society, but resigned in 1906 amid a scandal. Accusations of his detractors were never proven and, with Besant's assistance, he was readmitted a few years later. Leadbeater went on to write over 69 books and pamphlets that examined in detail the hidden side of life as well as maintain regular speaking engagements. His efforts on behalf of the society assured his status as one of its leading members until his death in 1934.

Reviews

[Daniel Champeny]

As a Christian researching Freemasonic literature for proof of its satanic connection I found some good information in this book, albeit as the writer explains how he must "guard the secrets" so that there be no "infringement of any oath." Therefore we can conclude that, despite the title, "hidden life," not all that is hidden is revealed.

Throughout the book the writer explicitly states numerous times of the invocation of "angelic" beings during masonic ceremonies and how they are "attached" to the candidate by these ceremonies. These, what the new age would call "ascended masters" ("Deva of the First Ray" being Michael the archangel and the "Seventh Ray Angel" being Zadkiel) and what I would call demonic spirits (2nd Corinthians 11:14-15), "help" the candidate in his "private and individual work for the cause."

The writer also refers to Helena Blavatsky and Annie Besant who both were theosophists and masons, thus strengthening the connection between masonry and the new age movement.

A disclaimer is that the writer believes in reincarnation, claiming to be able to recall accurately having attended some Egyptian initiation thousands of years ago.

[Patsy S. Duke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good info

I've studied a lot about The masons. This was most interesting because it goes into the rituals. I had 2 grandfathers that were masons and my husband's uncle was amazing. It was a very it's very ancient Brotherhood Alexa.

[John]

Again, its in the title. Another interesting book by C.W. Leadbeater