Freemasonry and Its Ancient Mystic Rites

This was purchased as a Christmas present and was very well received. He's enjoying it enormously.

The original title to this classic work was "Glimpses of Masonic History." This showed the author's purpose to demonstrate a direct connection between modern masonry and the ancient mystery religions. How well he made this case is up to the reader to decide. Personally, it is obvious to me that there is a golden thread connecting the traditions. This is most obvious at the level of the Occult School (as opposed to the "Authentic", Anthropological", and "Mystical" Schools.) Leadbeater showed a remarkable knowledge of the Egyptian, Cretan, Jewish, Greek, and Mithraic mysteries. This is knowledge based not merely on a deep familiarity with ancient written source works and archeological finds, but on the unconventional knowing of the clairvoyant. Leadbeater was considered one of the most distinguished clairvoyants of his day. You will find much here that is not included in more "scholarly" works. Needless to say, such knowledge is not varifiable to the satisfaction of most of the scientific establishment. Yet, this is not to say that it is in error. The second half of the book covers the operative masonry of Medieval Times, and then the more traditional history of speculative masonry in the early 17th century. It ends with an examination of the Co-Masonic Order (a more metaphysical branch of masonry closely associated with the Theosophical Society, and which accepts both men and women.) Transmutemini, Transmutemini De Lapidibus Mortuis In Lapides Vivos Philosophicos.

I read this book long time ago; I referred to an older edition. This book will be very good for any one whom would like to know about freemasonry in general. The reader could get a pretty good idea of what freemasonry is allabout, i.e. deferent secret societies going back to Egypt, Crete and Greece. Although if theReader will be interested in freemasonry and be enlighten the Masonic lodge will be the right place to start... just ask one to be one, LV., MM.

Within the confines of the explained secrecy of the Mystic rites of Freemasonry, Leadbeater, shares many insights although this book was written in 1925, when much less of the mysteries were being revealed. He goes into explanation of various rites in some detail with beautiful visual descriptions including color and imagry. He covers masonic groups from various countries and explains their connections. Taking us as far back as the connection to the mystic rites of the pyramids of Egypt and beyond. This book left me with a new understanding of the purpose of the masons as people pledged to bring light into the world.

Explores the ancient Egyptian influence upon modern Freemasony. Discusses the history of the A.A.S.R. and it's predecessor, the Rite of Perfection. There is also much information about the history of Co-Masonry, although, the wonderful pictures of Annie Beasant et al are not in this edition.