Many people have heard of Freemasonry, but few have any idea what it is, what it does, or why it exists. Freemasonry is not a religion, but rather a spiritual self-help society whose declared purpose is to help members become better citizens, and it has a strong track record of doing just that since it began in Scotland in the 15th century. Freemasonry For Beginners explores the objectives and teaching methods of Freemasonry and describes its influence on society in the past, present, and future. It recounts the origins of the movement in Scotland and its spread to North America and the rest of the world. Not least of all, it shows how Masonic teachings have helped so many members over the centuries learn the skills to become leaders in society, science, and the arts.

Take the mystery out of the Freemasons Fascinated by Freemasons? Freemasons For Dummies is the internationally bestselling introduction to the Masons, the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This balanced, eye-opening guide demystifies Freemasonry, explaining everything from its elaborate rituals and cryptic rites, to its curious symbols and their meanings. With new and improved content, including updated examples and references throughout, this new edition of Freemasons For Dummies provides the most straightforward, non-intimidating guide to the subject on the market. Updated expert coverage of the basic beliefs and philosophy behind Freemasonry Revised information on the history of the society, including updates concerning its founding, famous historical members, and pivotal events New coverage devoted to the recent influx of younger membership The latest and ongoing controversies and myths surrounding Freemasonry The role of women in a Masonic organization, including opportunities for women to participate in Freemasonry The effects cultural and political changes and worldwide events are having on the organization If you're intrigued by the mystery that surrounds the Masons, get ready to learn the facts about this ancient order in Freemasons For Dummies.

It's a masterpiece...if you're interested in American Masonry and its impact on our country, this book is for you.—Brent Morris, The Scottish Rite Journal

Uncover the fascinating truth behind Freemasonry and incorporate symbolic rituals into your life with this remarkably detailed and comprehensive insider's guide. Jean-Louis de Biasi, a 32nd Degree Freemason who's been involved in the order for over twenty years, offers a candid look at the essential aspects of Freemasonry. Basing his work on original texts and archaeological findings, de Biasi details the Masonic tradition's history, the degree-based system of the Scottish Rite, and their ethical teachings and philosophies. He provides evidence of Freemasonry's origination in the Ancient Western Mysteries and its Hermetic and Qabalistic underpinnings, and then traces how the Founding Fathers used this knowledge to embed sacred symbolism into the U.S. Capitol and throughout Washington, DC. From the power-charged grids within architecture to Albert Pike's highly influential teachings, from the Rose-Cross mysteries to the Masonic themes in Dan Brown's popular books, Secrets and Practices of the Freemasons shines a revelatory light on this captivating subject. Also featured: genuine Masonic meditations and individual rituals with easy-to-follow instructions, plus interviews with scientists who lend their perspectives on Freemasonry as it is viewed and practiced today.

Was Jesus a Freemason? The discovery of evidence of the most secret rites of Freemasonry in an ancient Egyptian tomb led authors Chris Knight and Bob Lomas into and extraordinary investigation of 4, 000 years of history. This astonishing bestseller raises questions that have challenged some of Western civilisation's most cherished beliefs: Were scrolls bearing the secret teachings of Jesus buried beneath Herod's Temple shortly before the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman's? Did the Knights Templar, the forerunners of modern Freemasonry, excavate these scrolls in the twelfth century? And were these scrolls subsequently buried underneath a reconstruction of Herod's Temple, Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland - where they are now awaiting excavation? The authors' discoveries shed a new light on Masonic ceremony and overturn out understanding of history.

• 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.

This series of short talks was collated from over twenty years of lecturing in Lodges and Chapters, in Europe and the United States, by a Past Grand High Priest of New York State. The author covers a broad range of topics, covering elements of Blue Lodge, York Rite and Scottish Rite, and explores both history and symbolism in this series of papers. Some go more deeply into the esoteric symbolism and the messages hidden in the Degrees. This is a book for anyone who has an interest in the Gentle Craft, of any fraternal line, and will satisfy the need of both younger members entering the Craft with a strong idea of what they wish to learn, and the mature member who seeks to make that daily advance in knowledge.

This pocket-sized book is aimed at lodge mentors and both new and established members. New members are full of questions about Freemasonry, and are sometimes afraid to ask established members, thus turning to the Internet to be confronted by an array of websites; some filled with misinformation. This book gives the opportunity to answer those questions, and would be perfect for mentors in lodges on both sides of the Atlantic. The pocket book includes an easy-to-understand guide to Freemasonry—an all-questions-answered approach, providing a brief history of Freemasonry, and a quick guide to Masonic ritual, all in a question-and-answers section with a full index, covering the roles of the officers, the festive board, toasting, and an examination of all the current English Masonic rituals: Emulation, Bottomley, Nigerian, the Bristol, York and Hull working. Effectively, the handbook is an easy-to-understand beginners guide—a why, how, and when of Craft Freemasonry.

The Sacred Realm of Freemasonry Awaits Esoteric Freemasonry takes you deep into the mystical side of this fascinating secret society and shows you how to carry out the most powerful practices. Learn how to enter your inner temple and accomplish the ancient mysteries. Discover the compelling links to Egyptian Freemasonry as you progress through the degrees of initiation. Using this guide's profound rituals and its exploration of Masonic tradition, you'll take the next step in your spiritual practice and improve all realms of life. As a leading Mason in Europe, Jean-Louis de Biasi was appointed Grand Officer after successfully restoring the esoteric and Egyptian degrees in one of the most important French Masonic groups, the Grand Orient of France. With access to highly restricted teachings, Jean-Louis is a foremost authority on little-known rituals and practices that can be used by lodges and individually. Freemasonry is an ancient and powerful initiatic organization, with both public and esoteric doctrines. The inner teachings and practices of the esoteric tradition are indispensable for any serious student of this often misunderstood fellowship.

#1 WORLDWIDE BESTSELLER • An intelligent, lightning-paced thriller set within the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples of Washington, D.C., with surprises at every turn. “Impossible to put down.... Another mind-blowing Robert Langdon story.” —The New York Times Famed Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon answers an unexpected summons to appear at the U.S. Capitol Building. His plans are interrupted when a disturbing object—artfully encoded with five symbols—is discovered in the building. Langdon recognizes in the find an ancient invitation into a lost world of esoteric, potentially dangerous wisdom. When his mentor Peter Solomon—a long-standing Mason and beloved philanthropist—is kidnapped, Langdon realizes that the only way to save Solomon is to accept the mystical invitation and plunge headlong into a clandestine world of Masonic secrets, hidden history, and one inconceivable truth ... all under the watchful eye of Dan Brown's most terrifying villain to date.