Masonry, fully understood, is a philosophy, a science, and a safeguard of ancient truth. Its teachings reflect early human history, the structure of the Universe, and a universal moral code meant to guide all civilizations toward prosperity. —Albert Pike
Freemasonry is not a secret society, it is a society with secrets. It is a "beautiful system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols”
The Construction of the Temple of Solomon
the Temple's construction as the central allegorical drama
The symbolism is mainly, but not exclusively, drawn from the tools of stonemasons—the square and compasses, the level and plumb rule, the trowel, the rough and smooth ashlars, among others.
Solomon's Temple is a central symbol of Freemasonry which holds that the first three Grand Masters were King Solomon, King Hiram I of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff – the craftsman/architect who built the temple. Masonic initiation rites include the reenactment of a scene set on the Temple Mount while it was under construction. Every Masonic lodge, therefore, is symbolically the Temple for the duration of the degree and possesses ritual objects representing the architecture of the Temple. These may either be built into the hall or be portable. Among the most prominent are replicas of the pillars Boaz and Jachin through which every initiate has to pass.
Freemasonry & Hermes
The two earliest Masonic manuscripts cite Hermes as the founder - The Cooke Manuscript (1390s) explicitly states Hermes found the two pillars of stone (one cannot burn, one cannot drown) wherein the sciences were written.
The Shaw Statutes (1598-99) say Freemasonry's purpose is teaching "the Hermetic Art of Memory."
The Craft
Laborare est orare “to work is to pray”
Adam was the first Mason, and that the Garden of Eden was his lodge.
“Masonry is a march and a struggle toward the Light. For the individual as well as the nation, Light is Virtue, Manliness, Intelligence, Liberty. Tyranny over the soul or body, is darkness.” - Albert Pike
Freemasonry is the subjugation of the Human that is in man by the Divine; the Conquest of the Appetites and Passions by the Moral Sense and the Reason; a continual effort, struggle, and warfare of the Spiritual against the Material and Sensual. That victory, when it has been achieved and secured, and the conqueror may rest upon his shield and wear the well-earned laurels, is the true Holy Empire.” - Albert Pike
“Freemasonry is ancient, and few records survive to give us insight into its original character. The oldest known Masonic document, the Regius Manuscript (ca. 1410), includes the Old Charges or Gothic constitutions—the laws and moral code of conduct observed by medieval stonemasons. Over 120 ancient documents detailing these principles still survive. What today we call the “lodge” was originally just the small private dwelling of the master—the stonemason who held the building contract for a medieval construction project. It was erected near the project, and if a Mason was lucky, he might be invited to enjoy its fellowship. These early Masons were likely read the Old Charges, given a mythical history of their trade, and invested with secret modes of recognition, including special handshakes and passwords. They were religious men, builders of cathedrals, and their stories included tales of the building of the Tower of Babel, Noah’s Ark, and, later, King Solomon’s Temple. ” - Arturo De Hoyos
May the blessing of Heaven rest upon us and all regular Masons! May Brotherly Love prevail, and every moral and social virtue cement us! Amen. - MASTER MASON’S CLOSING PRAYER
