The Big Tent of Freemasonry
What attracts you to Freemasonry? Has that attraction remained constant throughout your journey, or has it evolved?
I was attracted to Freemasonry by its rich history and the influence it had on the founding of the great, Constitutional Republic of the United States of America. As I advanced through the degrees and began to practice our craft, I became acquainted with, and enamored by the hidden, or esoteric knowledge contained within the ritual, symbology and allegory found within the degrees of Masonry.
Others who join the Lodge may do so because they desire fellowship and fraternity, want to perform in parades, support hospitals or provide scholarships.
Which is the correct reason? I’ll offer that each of these and many others are the right direction to take.
Some will argue that there is no space in Freemasonry for esoteric, or occult studies. Some will say that studying old world texts, ancient mysteries and old ideals is Masonry at its essence.
Who’s right?
It's a fact that Masons are very charitable and expend vast energy contributing to the relief of all those who have a claim upon our kind offices. Do our efforts have to stop with this charitable work? I think not.
Upon reflection, the symbols encountered throughout our rituals are Masonic messengers that, if we are listening intently, will call out to us to study the ancient mysteries of our Craft.
If we were to remove this esoteric aspect of our labor, what then would delineate our labors from the good works performed by the Elks or the Grange? We would be relegated to service organization status. American Masonry seems to be more civic-minded and therefore considered “safe”, inasmuch as “no occult practices here”. Craft Masonry outside of North America seems to be much bolder and more unapologetic with respect to the mystical ties of our institution.
As we preserve the ritualistic traditions of Masonry, do we really know what we are preserving? Whether we know it or not, we are the guardians of this precious, esoteric Craft.
Under this tent of Masonry, there are many activities. These activities are both necessary and important to the continued well-being of our esteemed organization.
A recent epiphany of mine caused me to look at my path as just one of many. Any path taken with the blessing of Deity is equally as beneficial to our collective well-being and each will serve to make a man a better version of himself.
One tent, many compartments.