Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society

The Freemasons are the largest fraternal organization in the world, and one of the most well known mystery societies. Author Mark Stavish is an active Freemason, a Thirty-Second degree member of the Scottish Rite, a member of the Knights Templar and the Order of the Eastern Star. Why is this important? Only someone on the inside, someone familiar with the workings of the Freemasons, could provide such cohesive insight into their history, their philosophy, and how their ideals interact with day-to-day life. The depth of scholarship in this book is reflected, in part, in the acknowledgments section when Stavish speaks of the assistance given to him by Brother Charles S. Canning, Director of the Harry C. Trexler Masonic Library (Allentown, PA). Brother Canning not only performed research for this book, but he also reviewed the manuscript. In his foreword, Brother Lon Milo DuQuette speaks of an informal gathering of Freemasons at an undisclosed location, in an incredibly beautiful Masonic Temple. Part of his reflection is on the building itself, and its incredible sense of geometry (something that Masonic Temples are known for). DuQuette indicates that Masonry is once again becoming a secret society, largely because of public concerns over its esoteric nature. He goes on to say that the only demographic group applying for Masonic membership in significant numbers is that of young men passionately interested in the esoteric mysteries of the Craft. In his introduction, Stavish notes that the symbols used by Freemasonry have their roots in both Jewish and Christian religious and mystical practices, with the fundamental notion of Freemasonry being that of build or creating. Masonry has a great deal to do with how a man lives his life - with the virtues of faith, hope and charity, as well as the Golden Rule being implicit in all Masons. Stavish states that by the example of improving himself, a Mason improves the world around him. A Mason will also be religiously devoted/mystically inclined. Within himself, each Mason constructs the Temple of Wisdom. The mystical nature of a Mason comes last, according to Stavish, because it is most personal. In the beginning of this book is a short chapter on how to use it. This impressed me, because it placed the reader on notice that this was not just a book to be read, information assimilated, and book set aside. The information presented here is a beginning, and there is a path to be followed. In "Freemasonry", Stavish presents the events that are behind the origin and growth of Freemasonry, why they are still important today, and how to live a "Masonic" life as a "creator, builder and friend of God and humanity", whether the reader wishes to wear a Masonic apron or not. It is suggested that the reader have a notebook handy, along with colored pencils or pens. It is suggested that the reader go over the list of recommended books at the end of each chapter, and read one of them. Another suggestion is to pay att

this paperback book has become my winter companion....seems to be a worthwhile attempt to present accurate/historical information about this group.

Masonic education is the pursuit of further light in Masonry and "Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society" goes a long way towards providing that. Brother Stavis has written a book the goes beyond the realm of introductory Masonic texts, yet still remains approachable and easy to comprehend. The history of the fraternity, its rituals, symbolism, and esoteric underpinnings are laid out in a clear and concise manner. It is a great tool for helping the newly raised Master Mason makes sense of his experiences and forms a solid foundation on which a continuing Masonic education can be built.

I have read Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols, & History of the Secret Society, and speaking as a Mason this is one of the best non-sensational books on the market dealing with the esoteric underpinnings of the Craft. Regarding the complaints of a previous poster, he never tells us whether he is a Mason himself. Having read this book cover-to-cover, I cannot recall one instance that substantiates the negatives hurled at Mr. Stavish's book. There are no real foundations to them, from what I can tell. Freemasonry is a helping book. It is designed for use as if it were a distance-learner's class text book. The exercises have been designed to maximize the readers comprehension and application of the materials therein. Regarding the complaint of dream notation -- symbols affect one's inner life, and Masonry is about the inner life of the Initiate. Masonry is symbolic. One of the main problems with contemporary Masonry is that it has degenerated into a social club, and an aging one at that. Local Masonic lodges are rife with uninspiring fund raisers such as spaghetti dinners, badly done ritual, and little more of substance than the reading of minutes and light-weight presentations in lodge meetings. Masonic authors such as Stavish are trying to resurrect the esoteric core of the Craft, to revivify a dying brotherhood by reconnecting it to its life-roots. Rest assured, there are copious amounts of footnotes, a bibliography, and all of the other tools necessary for a student to pursue further Masonic studies.

From the Foreword, by Lon Milo DuQuette, 32° What has been lacking for the modern Mason, and what Brother Stavish now mercifully presents us, is a straightforward, and step-by-step, study of Freemasonry and the myriad movements and ideas that gave birth to Craft in all its manifestations. Moreover, he sets it all vis á vis 21st century science, philosophy and mysticism, and challenges the reader to do the same. This book is a one-volume liberal arts education in Freemasonry, and never before in the history of the Craft has it been more important for individual Masons to be so educated. I wish I could put Brother Stavish's book in the hands of every newly-raised Brother, not simply for his own benefit, but for the benefit of those individuals throughout his life who will look to him as worthy example of a knowledgeable and enlightened member of the Fraternity.