Was Billy Graham A Freemason

The Reverend Billy Graham is not a freemason. The following correspondence to a reader of the Cutting Edge Ministry makes this very clear:

Subject: Freemason
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 97 11:23:21 -0500
From: dkinde@graham-assn.org (Don Kinde)
Thank you for your e-mail message. We understand your concern about rumors that Mr. Graham is in some way associated with Freemasonry. The reports are erroneous — though we continue to hear them. Mr. Graham is not, has not been and does not expect ever to be involved in Freemasonry. Your help in keeping the record as accurate as possible would be much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Don Kinde
Christian Guidance Department
Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

One possible source of this rumour was Composite Lodge No. 595’s website in Santa Monica, California, USA. The brother maintaining the site reproduced a list of famous freemasons that mistakenly included the Reverend Billy Graham’s name. Once the error was brought to his attention, the list was amended on December 28, 1996. Other masonic websites unwittingly reproduced the list and several years passed before most, if not all of them, were corrected.
The late Jim Shaw claimed that Billy Graham was present when he was made a 33rd Degree freemason. This is only one of Shaw’s many lies exposed in such publications as Is it True What They Say About Freemasonry?
On 13 June, 1997 anti-mason and fundamentalist Christian, Steve Van Nattan went on a syndicated Christian Fundamentalist radio talk show, "The Cutting Edge," to announce his "proof" that Graham was not only a freemason but that the freemasons were trying to hide his membership. The Cutting Edge Ministry subsequentially accepted the denial issued by Billy Graham’s office.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Rabbi Michael Laitman - Kabbalah Revealed
John Dee - La Grande Table De La Terre French Version
Aj Drew - Wicca Spellcraft For Men
Sri Swami Sivananda - Brahma Sutras
Castells - The Apocalypse Of Freemasonry

Is Freemasonry A Religion Or Has It A Religion

No, to both questions. "A" religion connotes some particular religion. Freemasonry is nonsectarian. Before its Altar Christian, Jew, Mohammedan, Buddist, Gentile, Confucian, may kneel together. If the question be phrased "Is Freemasonry religious" then the obvious answer is that an institution "erected to God" which begins its Ceremonies and ends its meeting with prayer; which has a Holy Book upon its Altar; which preaches the fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man, of course, has a religious character, although, let it be emphasized again, wholly nonsectarian.

All Grand Lodges require their initiates to express a belief and trust in God. No atheist can be made a Mason.

Downloadable books (free):

Anonymous - Thelema A New Spiritual Tradition For A New Age
Albert Mackey - History Of Freemasonry Vol I Prehistoric Masonry
John Arnott Macculloch - The Religion Of The Ancient Celts
Chantepie De La Saussaye - The Religion Of The Teutons

The Picatrix The Goal Of The Wise Planetary Talismanic Magic

Book: The Picatrix The Goal Of The Wise Planetary Talismanic Magic by Steven Ashe

The Planetary Magic of the Picatrix. Very rare teaching volume of the Fraternity of the Sanctum Regnum. A complete grimoire of Planetary Magic from The Picatrix. The elements of the practical planetary magic of The Picatrix are presented here from a new translation. The Nature and theory of the Planetary powers. The Incenses of the Planets and accompanying Invocations The Invocations of the Planetary powers according to the Picatrix. The knowledge and conversation of the heavenly powers. The Planetary aphorisms of Al-Babel The planets and their astral images. This work creates a practical grimoire of planetary magic selected from all four books of the Picatrix.

Each aspect of lore is referenced according to its place within the original text. This version takes into account the colloquialisms of the Arabic original and improves upon extant translations. From the Magical curriculum of the Fraternity of the Sanctum Regnum.

Picatrix is a grimoire (grammar) of the Art of Magic & Astrological Lore written around 1200 A.D. offering talismanic and Astrological guidance. The Picatrix was a primary source for 'alchemic scholars' such as Michael Scot. The book had a major influence on later West European magical thinking from Marsilio Ficino in the 1400s, Cornelius Agrippa, Thomas Campanella, Dr John Dee and Paracelsus in addition to the anonymous authors of magical grammars such as the Key of Solomon. The edition in the British Library passed through several hands: Simon Forman, Richard Napier, Elias Ashmole and William Lilly. Presented in the original Arabic, the talismanic property of this work will be of interest to specialist collectors of seminal grimoires & Golden Dawn source works. Reproduced in the original authentic Arabic.

Buy Steven Ashe's book: The Picatrix The Goal Of The Wise Planetary Talismanic Magic

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Eliphas Levi - The Doctrine Of Transcendental Magic
Eliphas Levi - The Ritual Of Transcendental Magic
William Kiesel - Picatrix Ghayat Al Hakim The Goal Of The Wise Vol I
William Kiesel - Picatrix Ghayat Al Hakim The Goal Of The Wise Vol Ii
Steven Ashe - The Picatrix The Goal Of The Wise Planetary Talismanic Magic

Women In Freemasonry

The position of women within Freemasonry is complex. Traditionally, only men could be made Freemasons. In Britain and France, and most other countries, women generally join "co-Masonic" Lodges, such as those under the international jurisdiction Le Droit Humain (LDH), which admit both men and women, or they join Lodges under local jurisdictions that admit only women. In North America, it is more common for women not to become Freemasons per se, but to join an associated body with its own, separate traditions, the Order of the Eastern Star (OES), which admits only male Freemasons and their female relatives. In the Netherlands, there is a completely separate, although allied, sorority for women, the Order of Weavers (OOW), which uses symbols from weaving rather than stonemasonry.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Pansophic Freemasons - Masonic Symbolism
Charles Webster Leadbeater - The Hidden Life In Freemasonry
Arthur Edward Waite - The Templar Orders In Freemasonry
Castells - The Apocalypse Of Freemasonry

The Two Great Schisms Of Freemasonry

The PGLE (Premier Grand Lodge of England), along with those jurisdictions with which it was in amity, later came to be known colloquially as the "Moderns", to distinguish them from a newer, rival group of Freemasonry, known as the "Antients." The Antients broke away and formed their own Grand Lodge in 1753, prompted by the PGLE's making changes to the secret modes of recognition. Tensions between the two groups were very high at times. Benjamin Franklin was a "Modern" and a deist, for instance, but by the time he died, his Lodge had gone "Antient", and would no longer recognize him as one of their own, declining even to give him a Masonic funeral (see "Revolutionary Brotherhood", by Steven C. Bullock, Univ. N. Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, 1996).

The schism was healed in the years following 1813, when the competing Grand Lodges were amalgamated, by virtue of a delicately worded compromise which left English Masonry clearly not Christian, returned the modes of recognition to their pre-1753 form, kept Freemasonry per se as consisting of three degrees only, but which was ambiguously worded so as to allow the Moderns to think of the Antient Royal Arch degree as an optional higher degree, while still allowing the Antients to view it as the completion of the third degree (see [1] (http://freemasonry.org/psoc/pragmatic.htm)).

Because both the Antients and the Moderns had "daughter" Lodges throughout the world, and because many of those Lodges still exist, there is a great deal of variability in the ritual used today, even between UGLE-recognized jurisdictions. Most Lodges conduct their Work in accordance with an agreed-upon single "Rite," such as the "York Rite" (which is popular in the United States), or the "Canadian Rite" (which is, in some ways, a concordance between the Rites used by the "Antients" and "Moderns").

The second great schism in Freemasonry occurred in the years following 1877, when the GOdF started accepting atheists unreservedly. While the issue of atheism is probably the greatest single factor in the split with the GOdF, the English also point to the French recognition of women's Masonry and co-Masonry, as well as the tendency of French Masons to be more willing to discuss religion and politics in Lodge. While the French curtail such discussion, they do not ban it as outright as do the English (see [2] (http://bessel.org/masrec/france.htm)). The schism between the two branches has occasionally been breached for short periods of time, especially during the First World War when American Masons overseas wanted to be able to visit French Lodges (see [3] (http://www.bessel.org/recfranc.htm)).

Concerning religious requirements, the oldest constitution of Freemasonry (that of Anderson, 1723) says only that a Mason "will never be a stupid Atheist nor an irreligious Libertine" if he "rightly understands the Art". The only religion required was "that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves" ([4] (http://www.2be1ask1.com/library/anderson.html)). Masons disagree as to whether "stupid" and "irreligious" are meant as necessary or as accidental modifiers of "atheist" and "libertine". It is possible the ambiguity is intentional. In 1815, the newly amalgamated UGLE changed Anderson's constitutions to include more orthodox overtones: "Let a man's religion or mode of worship be what it may, he is not excluded from the Order, provided he believes in the glorious Architect of heaven and earth, and practices the sacred duties of morality." The English enforce this with a requirement for belief in a Supreme Being, and in his revealed will. While these requirements can still be interpreted in a non-theistic manner, they made it more difficult for unorthodox believers to enter the fraternity.

In 1849, the GOdF followed the English lead by adopting the "Supreme Being" requirement, but there was increasing pressure in Latin countries to openly admit atheists. There was an attempt at a compromise in 1875, by allowing the alternative phrase "Creative Principle" (which was less theistic-sounding than "Supreme Being"), but this was ultimately not enough for the GOdF, and in 1877 they went back to having no religious entrance requirements, adopting the original Anderson document of 1723 as their official Constitutions. They also created a modified ritual that made no direct verbal reference to the G.A.O.T.U. (although, as a symbol, it was arguably still present). This new Rite did not replace the older ones, but was added as an alternative (European jurisdictions in general tend not to restrict themselves to a single Rite, like most North American jurisdictions, but offer a menu of Rites, from which their Lodges can choose.)

Books You Might Enjoy:

Henry Cornelius Agrippa - Of Geomancy
Captain William Morgan - The Mysteries Of Freemasonry
Castells - The Apocalypse Of Freemasonry

The Connection Between Freemasonry And The Mystery Religions

Excerpt from The Egyptian-Masonic-Satanic Connection by David L. Carrico

There is certainly no shortage of testimonies by Masonic authorities as to the relationship of Freemasonry and the Mystery Religions. According to Joseph Fort Newton, Masonry is the "spiritual descendant" of the Mysteries. Joseph Fort Newton was a 33" Mason who served as Past Grand Chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Iowa and Past Grand Prelate of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States. In his book, The Builders, he states:

Masonry stands in this tradition; and if we may not say that it is historically related to the great ancient orders, it is their spiritual descendant, and renders much the same ministry to our age which the Mysteries rendered to the olden world.

In his book, The Meaning of Masonry, W.L. Wilmshurst, the Past Provincial Grand Registrar (West Yorks) makes the following statement:

It remains with the Craft itself whether it shall enter upon its own heritage as a lineal successor of the ancient Mysteries and Wisdom--teaching, or whether, by failing so to do, it will undergo the inevitable fate of everything that is but a form from which its native spirit has departed.

The book, Freemasonry Its Hidden Meaning, by George H. Steinmetz, published by Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company, calls the "teaching of the Mysteries, the true parent of Freemasonry" and states that Freemasonry is a descendent or reincarnation of the Mysteries.

It is entirely out of harmony with the profound teaching of the Mysteries, the true parent of Freemasonry.

If Freemasonry is the actual descendant or, if one prefers the term, reincarnation of the Mysteries, back of its "veil of allegory," then must be concealed a deeper truth than expounded in the various lectures of the degrees.

It is from this book, The Spirit of Masonry, by Foster Bailey, that we will take a quote concerning Masonry and the Mystery Religions. Bailey plainly says that Masonry is carrying on the work of the ancient Mystery schools.

Study of spiritual realities found in Masonry reveals that we have perpetuated and increasingly activated the essential principals of the ancient Mystery Schools which have existed from the very earliest times.

The Masonic authority, Albert Pike, also testifies to the relation of Freemasonry to the Mystery Religions.

The Mysteries, like the symbols of Masonry, were but an image of the eloquent analogies of Nature;......

Masonry, successor of the Mysteries, still follows the ancient manner of teaching. Her ceremonies are like the ancient mystic shows,--not the reading of an essay, but the opening of a problem, requiring research, and constituting philosophy the arch-expounder.

Freemason Albert Churchwood writes in his book about the connection between Freemasonry and the religion of Babylon:

But the secrets these operative Masons had were received from the Chaldean Magicians.

The next documentation, a Masonic oath, the OATH OF NIMROD, is also from Churchwood's book.

Oath of Nimrod

Apprentice Degree (1st).

I,...............................do , in the presence of El Shaddai and of this Worshipful Assembly of Free Masons, Rough Masons, Wallers, Slaters, Paviors, Plaisterers and Bricklayers, promise and declare that I will not at any time hereafter, by any act or circumstance whatsoever, directly or indirectly, write, print, cut, mark, publish, discover, reveal, or make known, any part or parts of the Trade secrets, privileges, or counsells of the Worshipful Fraternity or Fellowship of Free Masonry, which I may have known at any time, or at any time hereafter shall be made known unto me.

The penalty for breaking this great oath shall be the loss of my life.

That I shall be branded with the mark of the Traitor and slain according to ancient custom by being throtalled, that my body shall be buried in the rough sands of the sea a cable's length from the shore where the tide regularly ebbs and flows twice in the twenty-four hours, so that my soul shall have no rest by night or by day--

(Candidate Signs the O.B.)

Given under my hand and sealed with my lips, this day of 1913.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Robert Ellwood - The Encyclopedia Of World Religions
Wouter Hanegraaff - Dictionary Of Gnosis And Western Esotericism
Michael Ford - Luciferian Witchcraft The Mystery Revealed
Anonymous - Introduction To The Old Religion Lesson 7a
Anonymous - Introduction To The Old Religion Lesson 8

If The Usa President Candidates Are Freemasons

As seems to happen every time there's a US presidential election, our site is regularly searched to find out if the candidates are Freemasons. OK. For the record:

John McCain is NOT a Mason. His father, Admiral John Sidney McCain, Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet during the Vietnam War and who died in 1981, was.

Bush is NOT a Mason - Sorry!Barack Obama is NOT a Mason.

Hillary Clinton is NOT a Mason. Her husband (former President Bill Clinton) was a member of a Masonic-sponsored youth organization. You can read more about that here.

Ron Paul is not a Mason although his father is.

George Bush is not a Mason. His father (former President George Bush) is not a Mason. And the Skull and Bones fraternity at Yale University has NO connection to Freemasonry whatsoever, despite what the person with the tin-foil hat wants you to believe!

So whatever the motive for your curiosity, the answer is - NO! OK? And despite the frenzied rants that have appeared on some websites, there's NO SUCH THING in the United States as being a 'secret Mason' or hiding one's membership. They'll usually tell you it's because the person is a 33rd Degree that makes it a secret which is total crap: see our page on 33rds RULE! for more information. The simple facts are that when a man becomes a Freemason, he doesn't hide his identity. (There are a couple of bogus groups - primarily internet fantasies - that aren't at all part of Freemasonry despite their ridiculous attempts at pretending to be. At least one of those phony groups has listed a large number of far-right Republicans as members in their group, surely none of whom are the least interested in being part of the creator's fantasies.) The fact is, though, that when one joins Freemasonry in the United States, it's done openly and without secrets. Thus, if a website tries to convince you that any of the above are actually Masons but that it's somehow a secret, ask them how they know. You'll get a LOT of double-talk and obfuscation which, in the final analysis, will be nothing more than plain and simple manure!

Books You Might Enjoy:

John Dee - Les 91 Princes Des 30 Aethyrs French Version
John Dee - La Grande Table De La Terre French Version
Castells - The Apocalypse Of Freemasonry

Get Masonic Membership

If you've read this far and are now interested in Masonic membership for yourself, simply visit your local Masonic lodge or call the Grand Lodge for your area. Masons, except in countries where persecution may require it, don't hide: our buildings (unlike most of our detractors) are clearly found in virtually every city and town throughout the inhabitable planet! Click HERE for a list of Grand Lodges. Nearly all of them have locator lists on their site to assist you in finding your local lodge.

If you know a man who is a Mason, ask him how you can join: we suspect that you'll both be glad you did! In many parts of the world, Masons wear jewelry which makes them easily identifiable. We further elaborate on this here. Hope it helps!
Remember that not all of Freemasonry is '"web empowered". As a result, phone calls, letters, and personal contacts might work far faster than using electronic means. Also, during summer months, many lodges close so that Masons can enjoy some rest and relaxation. As a result, requests for information during that time might languish while members are off enjoying summertime activities with their friends and family.

Finally, if none of these work, drop us a note: we'll be glad to try and provide contact information for you! As we said before, there are no membership contests and we don't earn "brownie points" for connecting folks with the right place but we do know from our online activities that the Internet makes knowledge of Freemasonry far more available than at any time in the past. As a result, serious men of high caliber are seeking membership in ways totally unimaginable just twenty years ago. It would be an honor to know that we've helped in your decision making. If your years in Masonry prove to be only one-fifth as pleasurable as ours, you'll consider yourself richly rewarded!

Books You Might Enjoy:

Vovim Baghie - The Grand Satanic Ritual
Gerald Massey - Gerald Massey Lectures
Pansophic Freemasons - Masonic Symbolism
Giuseppe Bezza - The Astrological Metaphors
Robert Anton Wilson - Prometheus Rising

Freemasonry And Satanic Ritual Abuse

Excerpt from The Egyptian-Masonic-Satanic Connection by David L. Carrico

My name is Neil and I experienced at least 18 years of Satanic ritual abuse by several groups of Masons. The Masons all over the country are an organization - a secret order - and part of what they do is ritually abuse children, adults, and animals. The people in my family are to blame, as well as the Masons and our society for allowing it to happen. The Masons are an organized part of society, including politicians, judges, lawyers, policemen, rabbis, priests, doctors, etc. The Masons are all are over the country, including the female chapters, which are called Eastern Star.

This testimony by a SRA (Satanic Ritual Abuse) MPD (Multiple Personality Disorder) survivor should give us reason for concern about the possibility of a connection between Freemasonry and Satanic ritual abuse. What is even more compelling is the fact that this testimony is not unique. All over the United States victims are disclosing that Satanic ritual abuse is being perpetrated by Freemasons and that this type of abuse is taking place on Masonic properties.

There is now a rapidly growing awareness among therapists and Christian counter-cult ministries that high percentages of their victims have a connection with Freemasonry.

A Christian minister has worked with about 100 SRA MPD victims and reports that 90% of his victims claim that they were abused by Masonic perpetrators and that over 50% of the actual abuse took place on Masonic properties.

A practicing psychotherapist gives the following report:

I am a psychotherapist in private practice and treat mainly survivors of Satanic cult abuse. About half of the clients I treat report that their fathers were Masons. About half of the others report that a very close friend of the family's was a Mason. They recall going to parties and gatherings at the homes of Masons.

For some time now our ministry has been involved with warning the church about the cancerous anti-Christian menace of Freemasonry. We have also been compiling a record of statements from therapists and of victims like Neil who have testified to a direct connection between FREEMASONRY and SRA (SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE). These testimonies are becoming too numerous to ignore and the study of the Masonic connection in SRA could open up new areas of understanding and prevention.

Our suspicions were first aroused that there could be a connection between Freemasonry and SRA during our involvement in the "Blue House SRA case" in Evansville, Indiana. The children in Evansville alleged that they were taken from school and subjected to Satanic abuse in a blue house. According to Rick Doninger, the leading children's advocate for the 'blue house children', all of the 'blue house children' claimed that they were abused by Masonic perpetrators. Mr. Doninger also informed us that the police who investigated the 'blue house case' also were Freemasons. No arrests resulted from the investigation.

Some people say there is no reason for unusual concern when Freemasons are accused of SRA because many ministers, teachers, day care workers, and policemen have also been accused. On the surface this argument seems to make sense but the logic is faulty. What has often come out upon closer examination is that those ministers, teachers, etc., accused of SRA have a common denominator - Freemasonry.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Thomas Moore - Candle Magick For Love
Pansophic Freemasons - Masonic Symbolism
Vovim Baghie - The Grand Satanic Ritual
Anton Szandor Lavey - The Satanic Rituals

Basic Principles Of Masons

These basic principles have been the means of attracting the most highly respected persons to Masonry for over three centuries. Their simplicity confounds and confuses those who see a conspiracy lurking behind every bush; those who want 'religious purity' and those whose own motives are constantly self-oriented. As a result, this quiet fraternity continues - as do its detractors.

- Being a man, freeborn, of good repute and well-recommended
- Masonry began as a male organization. There are women's groups and groups of mixed male-female membership who use rituals similar to that of the major body of Freemasons throughout the world. Some of these groups receive acknowledgement (but not 'recognition') due to their adherence to high moral principles etc. while others are frowned upon. It is, after all, quite easy for anyone to claim that they are the head of a Masonic group and begin to obtain members. (Check our list of regular/recognized Grand Lodges here and you may wish to browse our section on Fake Masonry here.)
- The requirement of being "freeborn" harkens back to the earliest days of Freemasonry. It became a requirement since only those free from indentured service as an apprentice or bondsman (as many were in 17th century England, for example), could truly make decisions for themselves.
- Being of good repute is another essential requirement. Masons do not wish to encourage membership by those whose actions would stain the reputation of the fraternity. In some jurisdictions this is specifically stated but in all, it is practiced!
- A well-recommended person is one for whom another is willing to vouch. Those who become Freemasons have been recommended by a proposer and then examined by lodge members to ensure that the candidate will benefit from his membership.

Belief in a Supreme Being

- The major 'bone of contention' for some detractors, Masonry does not attempt to define or delineate how a person should pray or to whom worship should be addressed.
- The term "Great Architect of the Universe" (or "Grand Architect of the Universe") is used to permit offerings of prayer in a non-offensive manner regardless of the varied religious beliefs of those present. All Masons understand this concept and when a prayer is said in lodge (a blessing before a meal, a word of prayer for the sick, for example), they understand that regardless of the person speaking the words or the usual form of prayer of others present, the prayer is addressed to their Supreme Being.
- Once a candidate professes such belief, no further investigation or interrogation is made. This fact stymies Freemasonry's detractors who seem to be constantly engaged in wars of 'religious correctness' and who consequently wind up in contradiction with each other as a result.

Ability to support one's self and family

- Although not specifically stated by all jurisdictions, this 'requirement' comes from a time when many would join fraternal organizations in the hope there would be financial and other benefits available for them in their old age. Masonry did want to become a benevolent association and thus the requirement appeared. Now, this is important to ensure that those who seek membership understand the priority of Freemasonry is secondary to religious and family obligations!

Of Lawful Age

- It's a simply understood concept: if you are not old enough to make legal commitments, then the concepts and precepts of Freemasonry might be a bit too much for you to comprehend. Although this isn't always true, there is a conceptual basis for separating 'adults' from 'children'.
- In most US jurisdictions, this age is now 18. There are, however, some jurisdictions where the age might be 19 or 21. Canadian and other jurisdictions vary as well. Check with your local Grand Lodge. A quick summary of US/Canada ages can be found here.

"Own Free Will and Accord"

- You won't find recruiting posters or 'membership bars' on a medal although one jurisdiction has put 'advertisements' on various web locations including search engines like Google. Masons simply don't get awards for bringing in new members. It's a voluntary organization, sought out by those with a positive impression of the organization.
- Masonic membership has always been an intensely personal experience and in times when "feelings" weren't discussed publicly by men, the need for a person to ask for membership was often not communicated to those who might otherwise be interested in the fraternity. Accordingly, there are many who became Masons much later in life than necessary: they had thought the proper thing to do was to wait to be asked to join!
- Some grand jurisdictions, recognizing the problem arising from false perceptions ("I must be asked to join such a good organization."), have begun to loosen prior strict prohibitions. They may now have a provision for Masons to let those who they may feel would be appropriate candidates know that they are 'welcomed' to join. This does not, however, in any way mitigate or diminish the requirement that a man make the choice to join under his 'own free will and accord' not actuated by unworthy motives!



Books You Might Enjoy:

Richard Weiss - Recipes For Immortality
Solomonic Grimoires - The Testament Of Solomon
Pansophic Freemasons - Masonic Symbolism
Anonymous - Basic Principles Of The Craft

Are You A Mason

Lord Justice Moulton : Anybody who knows anything about these societies knows that the ritual of most of them has been published.
Lord Justice Vaughan Williams : I have not observed any indication that you are, either of you, Masons. (Laughter.)
Sir F. Law.: I don’t propose to give your lordship any either. (Laughter.) The society is in no way a Masonic society.
Lord Justice Farwell said he could understand the publication of a trade secret doing a person irreparable injury, but he could not see how any damage, irreparable or otherwise could be done by this publication.
Sir. F. Law : If it is done it will be irreparable because the cat will be out of the bag.
Lord Justice Vaughan Williams : But so much of the cat came out the bag in September. (Laughter.)
Lord Justice Farwell : And I think it is a dead cat. (Laughter.)
Sir. F. Law : Perhaps there is a second cat in the bag, my lord. (Renewed Laughter.) The defendant is publishing the article as an act of revenge for having been expelled.
Lord Justice Vaughan Williams : I see the plaintiff says he is "the earthly chief" of the order, and subject to the guidance of the "Spiritual Order"? (Laughter.)
Lord Justice Farwell : What is the "Spiritual Order"? (Laughter.)
Sir. F. Law.: I cannot go into it, my lord. It is clear the spiritual head would not be answerable for costs. (Laughter.)
Lord Justice Vaughan Williams thought the appeal ought to succeed, and the injunction be discharged. The plaintiff had delayed his action until just before the publication of the new number of the magazine, whereas he might have proceeded a month or six weeks ago, before printing began. He did not decide, however, on that ground alone, but he also thought that the publication could do the plaintiff no harm, in view of what appeared in the last number of "The Equinox".
Lord Justice Moulton agreed. He was satisfied that if there was any reality in the plaintiff’s case, there was in the second number of the magazine such a breach and such a threat of continued breach that the plaintiff was in a position to assert his rights. He was of the opinion, however, that the plaintiff knew Mr. Crowley was the editor in November last, and that he would have had no difficulty then in brining his action in respect of breach and threatened breach. As a matter of fact, he let it go on till just before the third number had been issued, and then came and asked the court, before he had established any right, but merely on the possibility of having some right, which had been infringed, to give him the very serious remedy of an interim injunction to prevent publication. In his lordship’s opinion he had not shown such promptitude in asserting his rights at a time when they could be effectively asserted as to justify the granting of an injunction now.
Lord Justice Farwell also thought the plaintiff had dis-entitled himself by his delay, and added that, having regard to what had appeared in the second number of "The Equinox" he did not think there was any possibility of irreparable damage being done to him if the third number was allowed to come out.
The appeal was accordingly allowed, with costs.
KINGS BENCH DIVISION.

Books You Might Enjoy:

Albert Pike - Morals And Dogma
Aleister Crowley - To Man
Marian Green - A Witch Alone

Mysteries Of The Freemasons

Book: Mysteries Of The Freemasons by Michael Hall

Generally a good balanced view of Freemasonry, with plenty of opinions from several angles and well-known writers, both masonic and non-Masonic, on the Craft.. Libraries will find this outstanding DVD a popular pick, offering a fine historical and Biographical review. MYSTERIES OF THE FREEMASONS provides a fine survey of the world's oldest secret society, reviewing codes, murder, and offering a blend of reenactments and expert interviews to survey Freemason history. Great Information. Highly Recommended.

Buy Michael Hall's book: Mysteries Of The Freemasons

Downloadable books (free):

Bernard King - Meanings Of The Runes
James Anderson - The Constitutions Of The Freemasons 1734
Franz Cumont - The Mysteries Of Mithra
Captain William Morgan - The Mysteries Of Freemasonry

Is The Eye And Pyramid A Masonic Symbol

No.

Of the four men involved in designing the USA seal in 1776, only Benjamin Franklin was a freemason, and he contributed nothing of a masonic nature to the committee’s proposed design for a seal. The committeemen were Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams, with Pierre Du Simitiere as artist and consultant.

Du Simitiere, the committee’s consultant, and a non-mason, contributed several major design features that made their way into the ultimate design of the seal: "the shield, E Pluribus Unum, MDCCLXXVI, and the eye of providence in a triangle."

Congress declined the first committee’s suggestions as well as those of its 1780 committee. Francis Hopkinson, consultant to the second (1782) committee, used an unfinished pyramid in his design. Charles Thomson, Secretary of Congress, and William Barton, artist and consultant, borrowed from earlier designs and sketched what at length became the United States Seal. None of the final designers of the seal—William Baron, Charles Thomson, Sir John Prestwick—were freemasons.

"The single eye was a well-established artistic convention for an 'omniscient Ubiquitous Deity' in the medallic art of the Renaissance. In 1614 the frontispiece of The History of the World by Sir Walter Raleigh showed an eye in a cloud labeled "Providentia" overlooking a globe. Du Simitiere, who suggested using the symbol, collected art books and was familiar with the artistic and ornamental devices used in Renaissance art."

The all-seeing eye of God is noted several times in the Christian Bible:

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psalm 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Ezekiel 20:17 Nevertheless mine eye spared them from destroying them, neither did I make an end of them in the wilderness.

The misinterpretation of the seal as a masonic emblem may have been first introduced a century later in 1884. Harvard professor, Eliot Charles Norton (1827-1908), wrote that the reverse was "practically incapable of effective treatment; it can hardly, (however artistically treated by the designer), look otherwise than as a dull emblem of a masonic fraternity."4
The first "official" use and definition of the all-seeing eye as a masonic symbol seems to have come in 1797 with The Freemasons Monitor of Thomas Smith Webb — 14 years after Congress adopted the design for the Seal: "...and although our thoughts, words and actions, may be hidden from the eyes of man yet that All-Seeing Eye, whom the Sun Moon and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades the inmost recesses of the human heart, and will reward us according to our merits."

The eye inside of an equilateral triangle, point up or down, has often appeared in Christian art. "It is often placed high above the alter as in the Pfarrkirche at Grmunden am Traunsee (1626) and the Fisherman’s church at Traunkirchen, while it appears over the doorway of the church of the monastery of St. Florian near Linz."

Neither the eye nor the pyramid have ever been uniquely masonic symbols, although a few Grand Lodge jurisdictions incorporate them into their seals. The combining of the eye of providence overlooking an unfinished pyramid is a uniquely American, not masonic, icon. While the all-seeing eye appears on early embroidered masonic aprons and such items as pitchers, there are no available documents showing the all-seeing eye associated with freemasonry prior to 1797 and none at all related to the Bavarian Illuminati, with or without the pyramid.

While the eye and pyramid icon is clearly not masonic nor derived from any real-world usage other than the American Great Seal, conspiracy theorists are quick to point out that it, or variations of a circle inside a triangle, often appears in corporate logos. In popular fiction a stylized eye and pyramid, or some version of a single eye, is a common visual shorthand for power, secrecy, conspiracy or control. The intent of the creators of films and television programmes, in utilizing these icons, can only be a matter of conjecture. It is quite probable that conspiracy theorists and the visual arts are simply feeding off each other.

As an example, the otherwise credible author Gerald Suster (d. 2001) repeatedly, and without citation, in his history of the Hell-Fire Club asserts that the eye and pyramid are both Illuminati and masonic symbols.7 A number of conspiracy theorists, such as Jordan Maxwell, have claimed that the eye and pyramid symbol is printed in Bavarian Illuminati texts "until recently" on display in the British Museum. No citations or references are given, although mention is also sometimes made to UFOs and extraterrestrials. The dust jacket illustration for the 1972 hardcover edition of None Dare Call it Conspiracy includes the eye and pyramid symbol. Passing mention is made inside to the Illuminati, but no mention is made to the seal. And in 2005 the movie, National Treasure described the unfinished pyramid and all-seeing eye as symbols of the Knights Templar.

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The Knights Templar The History And Myths Of The Legendary Military Order

Book: The Knights Templar The History And Myths Of The Legendary Military Order by Sean Martin

This is an excellent, sober and balanced primer on what has been the subject of hysterical writing in the last few years, especially since the release of The Da Vinci Code. Sean Martin has written a very well structured book. It's divided into four main sections: the origins, activities, and fall of the Templars, as well as an additional section on the current mythology surrounding The Order. Sean Martin has an elegant, simple writing style, making the book a very easy read (which is bad news, because you finish it too quickly).

This book is an essential exploration into the history of a legendary group of Crusaders, which are prominently featured in Dan Brown’s recent best seller, The Da Vinci Code. The Knights Templar rose from humble beginnings to become the Most Powerful military religious order of the Middle Ages. Formed to protect pilgrims in the Holy Land, they participated in the Crusades and rapidly gained wealth, lands, and influence. Seemingly untouchable for nearly two centuries, they fell from grace spectacularly after the loss of the Holy Land. In the ensuing centuries the Templars have exerted a unique influence over European history; orthodox historians see them as nothing more than soldier-monks whose arrogance was their ultimate undoing, while others see them as occultists of the first order. With clarity and ease, Martin navigates between the orthodox and the speculative, the historical and the myth, to bring alive the story of the Templars. Like those other legends of the Middle Ages—the characters of the Arthurian tales—The Knights Templar holds captive the imagination of all those intrigued by conspiracy and how history and myth intertwine to become the stuff of legend.

It lays out the whole history of The Order, from Hughes de Payen's offer to the King of Jerusalem, to Bernard of Clairvaux's lobbying to the Council of Clermont, the first crusade and then on to the eventual downfall of the Templars with Jacques de Molay's execution in 1314. I won't enumerate all the details because if you're reading this review, you are probably a Templar buff, in which case you know all this. For those looking for an Introduction to this subject, this is THE book to get.

Too many history books are written in too scholarly a tone, resulting in a very tedious read-you only need to check some of the weightier volumes on the Crusades. The writing style of this book makes you feel part of the events unfolding page by page. Occasional dry humor that comes out in the writing adds to the enjoyment.

A bonus is that the storyline of the Templars in this book is weaved faultlessly with that of the Crusades, so that it also de facto becomes a primer on the latter. Not too many books on the Templars do this well-Gordon Napier's "The Rise and Fall of the Knights Templar" is one of a few that comes to mind.

Some maps, a chronology of Templar history, the list of Grand Masters (for you conspiracy theorists, this list ends with Jacques de Molay and not someone living today) and the list of formal charges against The Order rounds out what is a great little book.

This book is smaller than most works on this subject, but in my opinion, it is one of the best and if you are interested in the Templars or the Crusades, this is one book you should definitely have in your library. Buy the Pocket Essentials hardcover if you can spend the extra dough, this is one of those books that deserves such a binding.

Buy Sean Martin's book: The Knights Templar The History And Myths Of The Legendary Military Order

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Freemasonry Rituals Symbols And History Of The Secret Society

Book: Freemasonry Rituals Symbols And History Of The Secret Society by Mark Stavish

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.

Freemasons remain the largest fraternal organization in the world. Some of the most heroic and creative thinkers in history belonged to the order, including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Goethe, and Mozart. What links the philosophy of these great minds with the estimated four million Freemasons who actively maintain this ancient brotherhood today?

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.

From sacred geometry to legendary Masonic rites, author and Freemason Mark Stavish divulges the philosophy of Masonry and the moral code that all Masons share. Learn how Masonry's higher degrees, particularly Scottish Rite, were influenced by occult beliefs and practices, and how Masonry is linked to King Solomon, Gothic architecture, Magic Practice, alchemy, and Qabala.

With exercises and suggested readings, this fascinating exploration is an essential learning tool that will answer questions and shed light on other Masonic mysteries, including initiation and the Lost Word.

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 attention to your dreams - Bravo Mr. Stavish - excellent suggestion! Another suggestion that I heartily concur with is starting each reading session with a prayer.

Covered in this book are the different types of Freemasonry, he history behind the Temple of Solomon, Masonic initiation, sacred geometry, the Masonic Quest, Scottish Rite, Occult Masonry, the York Rite and the Knights Templar, and Freemasonry and the European Occult Revival. Each chapter ends with a listing of Key Points, Assignments - actions that the reader can take, and a suggested reading list.

The appendices include "Sacred Geometry and the Masonic Tradition", by John Michael Greer, Symbols of the Tracing Boards and the Degrees, and Excerpts From "Morals and Dogma" on the Three Degrees of Masonry.

For anyone interested in knowing more about Freemasonry, or perhaps in joining the society, this book is an excellent first step on the path of wisdom.

Mark Stavish (Pennsylvania) has been a long-time student of esotericism and is a frequent lecturer on ancient occult knowledge. Founder of the Institute for Hermetic Studies, he is the author of numerous articles on Western Esotericism. In 2001 he established the Louis Claude de St. Martin Fund, a non-profit dedicated to advancing the study and practice of Western Esotericism. He has also served as a consultant to print and broadcast media and several documentaries. He holds undergraduate degrees in Theology and Communications and a Master's in Counseling.

Buy Mark Stavish's book: Freemasonry Rituals Symbols And History Of The Secret Society

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Arthur Edward Waite - The Real History Of The Rosicrucians Part I

Why Cannot A Brother Appeal From A Master Decision In Lodge

He can, but not to the lodge; only to the Grand Master or Grand Lodge. The Master is strictly charged and sworn to uphold and promote the peace and harmony of his lodge. Without complete authority he cannot assume complete responsibility. It is, therefore, the Master's prerogative to begin or terminate debate; to rule on all questions; to control the deliberations of his lodge (within the framework of the by-laws-a Master cannot, for instance, legally open his lodge before the time set in the by-laws, or conduct business at a special or called communication not set forth in the call). If any brother could appeal from the Master to the lodge, the lodge would control the Master, not the Master the lodge. The Master is not only a presiding officer (as is the president of a club) but is literally master of all proceedings, discussions and actions of his lodge, provided what he does is within the framework of Grand Lodge law and the by-laws of his lodge.

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What Is A Cowan And What Is An Eavesdropper

"Cowan" is an old Scotch word, meaning an ignorant Mason who put stones Together without mortar, or piled rough stones from the field into a wall without working them square and true. He is a Mason without the Word; the Apprentice who tries to masquerade as a Master.

The eavesdropper in ancient times was that wouldbe thief of secrets who listened under the eaves of houses (there, was often a space between wall and roof, for the purpose of ventilation). Because to hear he had to get close to the wall under the eaves, he received the droppings from the roof if it rained-hence, eavesdropper. In modern times the eavesdropper is that bold man who forges a good standing card, or finds one and masquerades as its owner; the man who has read a so-called "expose" of Masonry and tries to get into a lodge, in order to ask for charity or help. He is very rare, and few tilers have ever met him! The cowan, however-the Fellowcraft or Entered Apprentice stopped for cause, the one-time member in good standing who is now dropped for one cause or another-these not infrequently try to pass the tiler.

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What Are The Ancient Landmarks

Various Grand Lodges have "adopted" various lists of Ancient Landmarks" and thus have given the tenets in the list the force of law in those Grand Lodges. But no Grand Lodge can make or unmake a landmark, any more than the Congress of the United States can make or unmake a law of nature. Congress might pass a law saying that the law of gravitation was hereafter to be inoperative, but presumably an apple rolling from a table would still fall to the floor!

Grand Lodges which leave landmarks undefined and unrestricted by listing seem to have the better practice, just as those churches which do not list "the moral law" clause by clause seem to have a better grasp of what it is. The late great Charles C. Hunt, Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Iowa, put this point of view in a few words:

"The Masonic conception of a landmark is fundamental law of Masonry which no body of men or Masons can repeal. Anything that can be adopted can he repealed. If a Grand Lodge has power to adopt, it has power to repeal. It is the very fact that they are unalterable which makes the landmarks similar to scientific laws which cannot be changed or altered by any man or body of men." It is probable that all English Speaking Grand Lodges will agree that at least seven Masonic Fundamentals are landmarks. These are:

a. Monotheism, the sole dogma of Freemasonry.
b. Belief in immortality, the ultimate lesson of Masonic philosophy.
c. The Volume of the Sacred Law, an indispensable part of the furniture of a lodge.
d. The legend of the Third Degree.
e. Secrecy.
f. The symbolism of the operative art.
g. A Mason must be a freeborn male adult. Every Mason should ascertain what his own Grand Lodge has adopted (or not adopted) as "landmarks" and govern himself accordingly.

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What Is An Emergent And Moon Lodge

What is a "emergent lodge"?

Any regular lodge called for an emergency at a special communication by its Master. The purpose of such a meeting must be stated in the call, whether it be for an emergent degree on an elected candidate-as on one who has received sudden orders for foreign service-or to consider an emergency requiring lodge action, or a sudden call for a greater amount of charity than the Master is willing to spend Without lodge authorization.

What is a "moon lodge"?

In the early days in this country many lodges met "on or after full moon," or "on or before full moon." Transportation was poor; roads were rough and difficult; getting from home to lodge was often a problem. Having the light of the moon made such Journeys safer and easier. Many old lodges refused to change their dates of meeting even when the necessity for lunar meeting tim';s had passed. But many Grand Lodges have legislated the "moon lodge" out of existence by insisting that their lodges meet upon definite dates, and others of the old moon lodges are gradually giving up that distinction in favor of the more Practical settled date. Only a few hundred moon lodges still exist in this country

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Masonic Words And Phrases

Book: Masonic Words And Phrases by Michael Poll

"Masonic Word and Phrases" is a wonderful collection of the most often used words and phrases in Masonry. Presented in an easy to read and understandable format, this work provides any student of Masonry with a clear understanding of the meaning of our many phrases and words so seldom used outside of Masonry. This work is valuable to the experienced Mason as a quick and handy reference guide. For the new Mason, however, it is an indispensable work and one that should augment any Masonic education program.

In "Masonic Words and Phrases," Bro. Poll has given us a well edited book on many of the common words and phrases used in Freemasonry. From Aaron to Zion, the Masonic reader will easily find, short, clear, and concise references to many of the terms used in Freemasonry. A book of this nature is an essential reference for any Masonic educational efforts due to the fact that experienced Masons frequently need to review this material and new Masons need to learn it!

Bro. Poll has written a wonderful book to give to an Entered Apprentice to introduce him to some of the basic terms and objects which are used and referred to in Freemasonry. However, "Masonic Words and Phrases" probably won't be a book that more advanced Masonic readers will find worth reading as it contains very basic information that they will already be quite familiar with. As I said, this would be a great book to give to a newly raised brother or perhaps to a friend or relative outside of the Craft who is curious.

Buy Michael Poll's book: Masonic Words And Phrases

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