RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FREEMASONRY AND THE ANCIENT MYSTERIES

Every man who joins a Freemasons Lodge has a natural curiosity to find out as much as he can about the origins and history of the Craft. When he reads the ritual he is struck by the many allusions to ancient mysteries and if this natural curiosity is not channelled in the right direction one of two things is likely to happen. He may give up, discouraged because what he has seen is incomprehensible or he may accept what he reads literally and as a result will draw many wrong conclusions.

The constant reference to biblical stories with excerpts from the Old Testament and other sources tends to lend credence to the myth that there is a direct link between Freemasonry as practiced in our Lodges and these Biblical sources. However plausible it may sound there is nothing at all to substantiate such a link!

No less a personage than M.W. Bro. John Ross Robertson, the founder of the Toronto Telegram, a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the province of Ontario, an historian and classicist has left us this message: ‘From my research into this matter, I can find no substantive evidence that there is any evidence which would lead me to the conclusion that there is any evidence of a direct link between the Old Testaments and Freemasonry; which would substantiate a claim of direct descendancy to Masonry today and the workmen mentioned in “Holy Writ”.’

All things considered this line of research is in itself only of academic interest because there is more to Masonry than the dry bones of speculation.

For anyone studying Masonic literature and comparative religions, the remarkable presence of common factors, common beliefs, doctrines, practices and symbols whether they are ancient or modern, civilized or barbarian, eastern or western, Christian or Pagan is quite remarkable. Regardless of the separation by virtue of knowledge, morals or customs between the great religions of the world they employ or exemplify certain of these symbols in common with each other.

Masonic literature abounds with examples of the use of some of these symbols which are displayed prominently in Lodges. In fact, many authors take great delight in showing that a certain symbol is ancient and universal and at the same time fail to go further and explain the reason for this antiquity and universality. In other words, they are content to point out that a symbol is being used but there is no solid evidence that its use ties Masonry directly to the source of the symbol. Just because it is used does not automatically establish a viable connection to any one religion.

For instance, the symbolism attached to the construction of King Solomon’s Temple is said to symbolize perfect development of mind and character because tradition dictated that King Solomon’s Temple was the most perfect structure ever erected. Nowhere does it imply that Freemasons are directly linked to the workmen referred to in the Old Testament. It is used by Masons in order to illustrate the many moral lessons to be taught and consequently it has been used quite freely and effectively.

There is no question that we can trace, and obtain direct evidence of the founding meetings of modern Masonry and there is little doubt that these early Masons used symbols which were the popular currency of their day. These symbols were used to illustrate and highlight the lessons. They became much more relevant when they were tied to something or someone in antiquity to teach a lesson or illustrate a moral point. Unfortunately this connection is misunderstood and there is now confusion and irrelevancy to upset the brethren whereas there should be clarity and understanding.

Because this happens we should seek to have it clarified. On the contrary, Masters are enjoined when installed in the Chair of King Solomon that they will without exception adhere to the ritual of the Lodge as laid down by their Grand Lodge, and this includes the symbolic use of ancient mysteries as contained in the work. The ancient mysteries that Masons, among others, use are The Mysteries of Osiris (Egypt); of Mithras (Persia); of Adonis (Syria); Of Dionysus, Bacchic and Eleusis (Greece) and the Druids (Gaul and Britain).

The ancient mysteries, in general, were established by men of great moral fibre to teach purity, to ameliorate the cruelty of the human race, refine its morals and manners and to restrain society by the obligations of fraternity.

The link, therefore, between Masonry as we know it and practice it, and the ancients mysteries is both strong and yet also quite tenuous. There is no direct link, but when we start talking about the lessons taught by these mysteries we are then on much firmer ground. The philosophies set out by Freemasonry draw quite heavily from the lessons established for us by these ancient mysteries.

Although there is a relationship between Freemasonry and the ancient mysteries, we must be careful not to over-sentimentalize the situation and claim for this relationship something that is not. We must, therefore, always be cautious and thorough in our researches and accurate in the production of information about our gentle craft.

Observations by Bro. Francis Dowe F.C.F. Former Secretary, Centennial No. 684     G.R.C.