| FREEMASONRY:
FOUNDATION OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Researched and Compiled by Pauly Fongemie for Catholic Tradition PART 3: THE SYMBOLS OF FREEMASONRY The symbols of Freemasonry on the dollar, the National Seal, Washington, DC, etc.: Why should they matter? 1. Because it mattered to the Founding Freemasons and so much so that they went to such effort, when necessary in secret. 2. Because symbols are powerful weapons in any war, especially in the war on Christ. If you do not think so, then just ask any ACLU plaintiff who objects to a simple Cross. To ask is to provide the very answer. 3. Symbols are not silent but continually communicate to those who casually dismiss them as of no account. If you do not think this so, again, ask why the culture has become so coarsened simply from immodest dress and pornographic images everywhere? Most people do not purchase pornography directly, nor do they march around in skimpy swim suits, yet, almost everyone has reduced expectations of daily comportment in dress, language and other modes of self-expression; in other words, are overly tolerant, thus endorsing them unofficially. Symbols: 1. THE ULTIMATE DECEPTION Masonry is, according to its own philosophers, a system of pure religion expressed in symbols, one which cannot be understood without a knowledge of the true meaning of them. This makes a proper understanding of those symbols terribly important. [Shaw] This imagery, like the teaching and practices of the Order,
comes
directly from the occult and is universally recognized. The real
meaning is hidden beneath a thick veil of secrecy, mystery and
deception. For the many zealous Masons, trusting their obedience to their
obligations to gain them entrance into that "Celestial Lodge Above,"
those for whom "the Lodge is a good enough religion," the correct
understanding of these symbols is the key they believe to their
eternal destiny. They are trusting in the teachings of the Lodge
concerning these symbols with their eternal redemption, or damnation,
at stake. This is the most horrifying aspect of Masonic "morality", that philosophy of the elite, which makes whatever they do "right" because it is they who do it. Having established and taught the sincere but deceived masses of Masons [the Blue Lodge Masons] that everything depends upon their proper understanding of the symbols of Masonry, they have then deliberately deceived them as to the true meaning of those symbols. Albert Pike, Supreme Pontiff of Universal Freemasonry, that preeminent Masonic authority: "The Blue Degrees are but the court or portico (porch) of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them; but it is intended that he shall imagine that he understands them . . . their true explication (explanation and understanding) is reserved for the Adepts, the Princes of Masonry (those of the 32nd and 33rd Degrees)." [Morals and Dogma, p. 819.] Freemasonry is actually the largest, most influential occult organization in the world today, and has inherited its esoteric [hidden or occult] symbolism, from ancient pagan mysteries according to Evangelical author W. J. McCormick in Christ, the Christian and Freemasonry, p. 94. All occult symbolism has two meanings or interpretations, in that, it has an exoteric or outward meaning [known to the public] and an esoteric or hidden meaning known only to the adepts. Occultist Frederick Goodman in his book Magical Symbols writes: "The true magic symbol is an image which hides an inner meaning. This meaning is usually cunningly hidden behind a form which most people think they can understand immediately." [p. 6] He adds, "True magical symbols are 'disguises' for ideas, how their forms are so arranged as to provide a clue to some hidden meaning. The 'hidden meanings' are often very subtle, and an ability to recognize magical symbols must be developed by anyone who wishes to seek these out." [p. 11] Protestant authority on Freemasonry E. M. Storms, in his book Should a Christian be a Mason? states, "Nowhere in Masonry is the 'brother' more cleverly deceived than in the presentation of its varied and ancient symbols. Most symbols are dualistic in nature and Masonic symbols are no exception. Behind all Masonic symbolism there is an undisclosed occult interpretation of which most Freemasons are ignorant." [p. 43] It is of particular note that both Evangelical and Masonic authorities are in complete agreement on the deceptive nature of secret society symbolism. The most authoritative of all Masons, Albert Pike [1809-1891], who rose to Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the thirty-third degree and Supreme Pontiff of Universal Freemasonry wrote what is still considered the "Masonic Bible", Morals and Dogma. Pike admits: "Masonry like all religions, all the Mysteries, Hermeticism and Alchemy, conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect and uses false explanations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve to be misled; to conceal the Truth which it calls Light, from them, and to draw them away from it. "The Blue Degrees are but the outer court or portico of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the Initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them, but it is intended that he shall imagine he understands them." [FINAL NOTICE, Barry Smith pp. 328-329.] It is these deliberately deceptive, dual meanings that reveal the devil at work. 2. THE ALL-SEEING EYE The Masonic third degree instruction is that the "All-Seeing Eye whom the Sun Moon and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even comets perform their stupendous revolutions, beholds the innermost recesses of the human heart, and will reward us according to our works" [BEYOND THE LIGHT, p. 136.] This teaching disguises the fact that the "deity" is not the One True God, but actually man instead, who can manipulate matter through his mind. Again, citing occultist Frederick Goodman, "the eye relates to
the 'God within' to the higher spiritual guardian who can 'see' the
purpose of man's life, and in some mysterious way guide him." [MAGICAL
Many modern groups, although not directly related, nevertheless, claim to be branches of the original so-called Mystery Religion. They hold to and practice the very same Secret Doctrine. Some may even appear to be enemies of the Craft, but their underlying philosophy is identical employing the same imagery, such as the All Seeing Eye. Two of these groups are the Illuminati, and the Rosicrucians. 3. FIVE POINTED STAR This star is one of the most prominent emblems of Freemasonry, though its significance, like every symbol inherited from the occult, is concealed behind ambiguity except from the upper echelon members. The five-pointed star is found on most Masonic memorabilia. It is a blasphemous "Resurrection" rite of the five points of fellowship, each point, mimicking very inaccurately Jesus' Five Holy Wounds: Foot to foot, Knee to knee, Hand in hand, Breast to breast and Left hand behind the back. The symbol is normally seen within Masonry with the single point pointing upwards denoting its association with white witchcraft. However, like the Orange Order and Mormonism, Freemasonry uses the five-pointed star as an esoteric representation of the five points of fellowship, also a rite of blasphemy within their membership also. In the Dictionary of Mysticism Frank Gaynor tells us that the five-pointed star "is considered by occultists to be the most potent means of conjuring spirits. When a single point of the star points upward, it is regarded as the sign of the good and a means to conjure benevolent spirits; when the single point points down and a pair of points are on top, it is a sign of the evil [Satan] and is used to conjure powers of evil." [ p. 84] 4. SUN, MOON AND STARSThe sun, moon and stars, are the backdrop of Masonic imagery. These emblems, once associated with Baal worship, are also found prominently displayed today within most New Age shops. It is not surprising to find such symbolism spread widely throughout the occult world. In of itself there is nothing sinfully corruptive of true Religion to use this imagery in artistic and linguistic expression, for the Bible certainly does. It is the worship and occult use of them that is: Paganism has always displayed its trinities in art by the sun with a face representing the male sun god, the moon with a face representing the moon goddess or queen of heaven, a blasphemy and the all-seeing eye representing their offspring. The children of Israel were often seen turning towards these objects of idolatry at times of great apostasy in Scripture. Such a time is revealed in 2 Kings 17:16, "and they forsook all the precepts of the Lord their God: and made to themselves two molten calves, and groves, and adored all the host of heaven: and they served Baal." Host of heaven means the sun, moon and stars. 5. OTHER SYMBOLS EMPLOYED Some Masonic apologists may argue, on the general subject of symbolism, that "it is what you take out of it!" But is it? Holding such an indeterminate logic would force a man to assume an attitude that there are no absolute rights and no absolute wrongs, i.e. secular humanism which is animated by the spirit of naturalism. This "religion" is opposed with that of Jesus Christ Who instructs us still through the perennial, traditional teachings of the Holy Catholic Church Other apologists for the Lodge even try to liken the Masonic symbolism to the occasional symbolism found within some Protestant churches, such as the dove and the burning bush. Nevertheless, comparing such open imagery to the numerous mystical hidden occult symbols used within secret societies is distortion to the extreme. 6. THE FOUNDATION OF MASONIC SYMBOLISM: PHALLIC WORSHIPBecause the real meaning of Masonic symbols and, thus, the true meaning of Masonry itself, is to be known only by the Prince Adepts of Masonry, we must know what they say about them. Albert Pike, Albert Mackey, J.D. Buck, Daniel Sickles and others teach that Masonry is but a revival of the Ancient Mysteries religions of Babylon, Egypt, Persia, Rome and Greece. Again, these pagan cults had two meanings, or interpretations. One was the apparent [exoteric] meaning, known to the uninitiated, ignorant masses; the other [esoteric] meaning was the true meaning, entirely different, known only to a small, elite group, initiated into their secrets and secret rituals of worship. These mystery religions were forms of nature worship, more specifically and most commonly the worship of the Sun as source and giver of life to the Earth. Since ancient times, this worship of the Sun and of the Moon, stars and of nature in general, has been sexual in its outworkings and rituals. Since the Sun's rays, penetrating the Earth and bringing about new life, have been central to such worship, the phallus, the male "generative principle," has been worshipped as representing the Sun's rays. In this way, the phallus has been worshipped and the rituals climaxed with sexual union in the mystery religions of Isis and Osiris, Tammuz, Baal, etc. Now, since the Ancient Mysteries [especially those of Egypt] are in fact the "Old Religion" of which Freemasonry is a revival, the symbols of Masonry should be expected to be phallic in true meaning. This, in very fact, is the case. 7. THE SQUARE AND COMPASS Blue Lodge Masons are taught that the Square is to remind them that they must be "square" in their dealings with all men, i.e. to be honest. The Compass, they are taught, is to teach them to "circumscribe their passions," i.e. to control their desires and to be temperate. The real meaning of these "great lights," however, is sexual. The Square represents the female [passive] generative principle, the earth, and the baser, sensual nature; and the Compass represents the male [active] generative principle, the sun/heavens, and the higher, spiritual nature. The Compass, arranged above the Square, symbolizes the [male] Sun, impregnating the passive [female] Earth with its life-producing rays. 8. THE LETTERS "O" AND "G" The Blue Lodge Mason is taught that the "O" in the basic Masonic symbol represents God. Later on, he is told that it also represents "deity." Later still, he is told that it represents "geometry." In reality, this letter represents the "generative principle," the Sun-god and, thus, the worshipped phallus, the male "generative principle." In its position [along with the Square and Compass] on the east wall over the chair [throne] of the Worshipful Master, it is the representation of the Sun, thus of the Sun-god, Osiris. Its earthly meaning, then, is of the sacred phallus; its cosmic meaning is of the Sun, worshipped since antiquity by pagans. The English letter "G" in Masonic symbolism is inseparable from, and identical with, the Hebrew letter "YOD." This "YOD" is the symbol on the Scottish Rite ring. "YOD" represents deity in general (its cosmic meaning), and the worshipped phallus in particular [its earthly meaning]. Albert Pike wrote that the "G" displayed in English speaking lodges is merely a corruption of the "YOD" (with which it should be replaced), and that "the mysterious YOD of the Kabalah" is the "image of the Kabalistic Phallus." The "Kabalah" he refers to here is a medieval book of the occult, a highly mystical and magical interpretation of the Bible, and important source book for sorcerers and magicians. 9. THE POINT WITHIN A CIRCLE The Masons of the Blue Lodge are taught that the Point within a Circle represents the individual Mason [the Point], contained and restricted by the boundary line of his duty [the Circle]. Its real meaning, however, is that of the phallus, positioned within the female generative principle in sexual union, the climactic act of Sun-god worship. Dr. Albert Mackey, already quoted above, also writes in his classic work Symbolism of Freemasonry, on page 352, "Phallus, a representation of the virile member, which was venerated as a religious symbol . . . It was one of the modifications of sun worship, and was a symbol of the fecundating power of that luminary. The Masonic point within a circle is undoubtedly of phallic origin." 10. THE VERTICAL LINES The two vertical lines touching the sides of the circle are represented to the Blue Lodge Mason as "the Holy Saints John." By this is meant John the Baptist and John the Apostle. In reality, the two vertical lines represent the Summer and Winter Solstices, the shortest and longest nights of the year, respectively. These nights are, and have been since antiquity, important periods for pagan worship. Concerning these two lines, Albert Mackey has written [Op. cit., 352], "The lines touching the circle in the symbol of the point within a circle are said to represent St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, but they really refer to the solstitial points, Cancer and Capricorn, in the Zodiac." 11. THE BIBLE The Bible, only one of the "Three Great Lights" of Masonry [along with the Square and Compass], is represented to Blue Lodge Masons as symbolizing truth. In reality, the Bible may be replaced with the Koran, the Book of the Law, the Hindu scriptures or any other "holy book," depending on the preferences of the men in the Lodge. In most American Lodges, the members are told that all the Masonic system and its rituals are "based on the Bible." But, this is not the case. In Chase's Digest of Masonic Law, pages 207-209, it is clearly written that "Masonry has nothing whatever to do with the Bible," and that "it is not founded upon the Bible, for if it were it would not be Masonry, it would be something else." Albert Pike, in writing on the subject of Masonry's source book said, "Masonry is a search after light. That search leads us directly back, as you see, to the Kabalah." [MORALS AND DOGMAS, p. 741]. The Kabalah, then, seems to be the actual source book of Masonry and the Bible merely [as it is spoken of in the ritual] a piece of the "furniture" of the Lodge. THE COLORS OF FREEMASONRY The color of a vestment or of a decoration is never arbitrarily adopted in Freemasonry. Every color is selected with a view to its power in the symbolic alphabet, and it teaches the initiate some instructive moral lesson, or refers to some important historical fact in the system. The Masonic colors are seven in number: blue, white, red, purple [or violet], black, green and yellow. According to the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF FREEMASONRY AND ITS KINDRED SCIENCES by Albert Mackey: In the great Temple, usually known as the Ocean Banner Monastery, at Honam, a suburb of Canton, China, we find four colossal idols occupying a large porch, each image being painted a different color. Ch'i-kwoh, who rules the north and grants propitious winds, is dark ; Kwang-muh is red, and to him it is given to rule the south and control the fire, air, and water; To-man' rules the west, and grants or withholds rain, his color being white; while Chang-tsang, whose color is green, rules the winds and keeps them within their proper bounds, his supreme control being exercised over the east. The old custom of associating colors with the four quarters of the globe has probably led to the habit of describing the winds from these respective points as possessed of the same Colors. The fifth, the earth, the central remaining point, still is conjectural. Thus, we also find in China a set of deities known as the five rulers; their colors, elements, and points may be thus represented as in the table. Black ..... Water ..... North .... Back * COLORS, ELEMENTS, AND POINTS, OF THE FIVE RULERSThese again are in turn associated with the planets, and the study of Chinese and Babylonian planet colors is full of curious points of similarity. BLACK, typifying the north, has two direct opponents in symbolic colors, and these are red and white. The first as implying ignorance arising from evil passions, the second indicating ignorance of mind. Red-black is called in Hebrew Heum, from which comes Heume, an enclosing wall. Black from white, in Hebrew, is Seh-her, signifying the dawn of light to the mind of the Masonic profane, the hand to back, as the words of wisdom are about to be spoken. In the Egyptian, the black Osiris appears at the commencement of the Funereal Ritual, representing the state of the soul which passes into the world of light. Anubis, one of the sons of Osiris, who weighs the soul in the seales of Amenti, and is the god of the dead, is black. The Conductor, or Master of Ceremonies, Thoth Psychopompe, has the head of the black Ibis (see Truth). RED GREEN Phtha was the Egyptian Creator of the world; he was at times represented with his flesh painted green, and holding a scepter of four colors, red, blue, green, and yellow: fire, air, water, and earth. The god Lunus, the Moon, in Hebrew pronounced yeh-rak, is formed of one of the roots of green, signifying to found or set in order. Green is the symbol of Victory as well as Hope, in the symbolic colors [see Green]. WHITE Its reference to the West would imply the first point whereat the profane bent the knee in supplication to the Deity. YELLOW Blue is the color traditionally connected with the three Craft or Symbolic degrees of Freemasonry. It appears not only on the Mason’s apron, but also in the decoration of the Lodge room or Temple. Why this particular color should have been chosen for our Craft is not clear, and various explanations have been advanced in the past, based mostly on moral or religious considerations, or on pseudo-historical speculation. NOTE: For more information concerning Masonic symbols and their true meanings, see McQuaig, C.F., "The Masonic Report," Answer Books and Tapes, Norcross, GA 1976; Storms, E. M., "Should a Christian Be a Mason?," New Puritan Library, 1 Fletcher, NC 1980; and Mackey, Albert G., "Symbolism of Freemasonry," Charles T. " Powner Co, Chicago 1975. While the US Flag originated from the British Union Jack in color and design, knowing that the foundations of the United States were for the religion of naturalism, a religion of tolerance where ideas of evil and good have "equal rights", and knowing that three of the four main colors of the Craft are Red, White and Blue, the next time you hear someone say, or are tempted yourself to say, "I am red, white and blue", meaning a patriotic American, will you think twice? Especially when you learn how Freemasonry's Satanic spirit has infected most of the so-called "free world?" Even though you mean something quite harmless? Even though many images of the Saints contain these colors as do any number of other wholesome uses? It is the totality of the phrase in context: Why permit the enemy even this victory!  E-MAIL www.catholictradition.org/masonry3.htm |