The Path of Freemasonry: The Craft as a Spiritual Practice

by Mark Stavish

• Shares the history and meaning of Freemasonry and its symbols • Offers thoughtful explorations of different areas of Masonic experience, drawing on esoteric doctrines and paralleling them with experiences found in daily life • Provides simple exercises and practices to help internalize and personalize the lessons presented, including dreamwork, journaling, meditation, and prayer In this practical guide, Mark Stavish details the spiritual lessons and rituals of Freemasonry as a step-by-step path of spiritual development and self-improvement for both Masons and non-Masons, men and women, alike. He explores the history and meaning of Freemasonry and its symbols--from its origins in the Temple of Solomon to the Medieval craft guilds to the Renaissance--and explains how the Craft promotes personal growth through the symbolic building of self and an inner Temple of Wisdom in much the same way that Masonry’s rituals symbolize the building of Solomon’s Temple in accordance with the mystical architectural instructions of Hiram. Drawing on esoteric doctrines, including the Qabala, alchemy, sacred geometry, John Dee’s angelic magic, and the secrets of the Gothic cathedral builders, each chapter addresses an area of the Masonic experience, paralleling them with experiences each of us finds in our own lives. The author provides simple practices to help internalize and personalize the lessons presented, including dreamwork, journaling, meditation, prayer, and understanding sacred architecture. The author also examines the crafting and use of the spiritual and symbolic tools of Freemasonry, such as the trestle or tracing board and the Chamber of Reflection. Providing the tools to make the Craft an initiatic experience of self-improvement, the author shows that, ultimately, the Masonic experience is the human quest for self-realization and self-expression, so that we each may find our place in the Temple of Wisdom.

Genres: Esoterica

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2021

About the author

Mark Stavish, the Director of Studies for the Institute for Hermetic Studies (which he established in 1998), is a life-long student of esotericism with over 25 years experience in comparative religion, philosophy, psychology, and mysticism with emphasis on Traditional Western Esotericism. His articles have appeared in academic, specialty, and mass market publications specializing in spiritual studies, making Mark one of the leading authorities in Hermeticism today.

In addition to being a member and officer of several prominent Rosicrucian and Martinist societies, he served as the Director of Research for the Occult Research and Applications Project, of the Philosophers of Nature (PON). The Philosophers of Nature was founded by Jean Dubuis in France in 1979 and for twenty years was the leading resource for practical information on mineral and plant alchemy, as well as qabala. ORA, a statistically based research wing of the American branch of PON performed detailed exploration into the validity and practicality of various traditional esoteric methods. Original research from the ORA Project was published in the organization's journal, The Stone.

A graduate of King's College, in Theology (B.A.), and Communications (B.A.), and Rhode Island College (Providence), with a Master's degree in Counseling emphasizing psycho-spiritual modalities and Psychosynthesis, he brings a unique blend of tradition with modern research to the application of esoteric philosophy.

Reviews

[Phil Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too much right wing subtext

The author is far too obsessed with his hatred for social services. It's distracting and stopped me from reading.
Especially as it is based on the patent nonsense that all modern large buildings are solely for the purpose of administration of these services.
I wouldn't mind. But he's American, and they don't even have any social services!

[Ana Isabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully comprehensive guide to Freemasonry and its history. Mark has a wonderful understanding of ancient practices and how they are at the heart of Freemasonry. For those interested in mysticism, this is a fascinating book. It holds some beautiful guidelines to following a rich and spiritual life.

Watch Mark discussing his book on In The Light- Growing Your Soul
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHAyr...

[Fedel Palmero · Rating 2 out of 5]

✅ I appreciated the reflective practice component at the end of each chapter based on the topics previously covered. A good way to connect the philosophy relevance or information into a practical component.

❌ It’s a very niche topic and not for everyone. Whilst it unpacked helpful details on the “why” for its founding, rituals and fraternity intent, the ancient religious meanings ie: Solomon’s temple etc were quite difficult to understand and navigate.

[william m manzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic work of Masonic history and wets the appetite for anyone wishing to understand the traditions and working of this much maligned organisation. I found it a most worthy place in my library and my mind 93s

[Robert Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read!

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masonry is a path to improvement and is intellectually stimulating.