This is one of A. E. Waite's less known works on freemasonry but still essential to understand the order in itself. This edition includes a detailed essay about Freemasonry, its history and origins, written by Hermann Gruber. Contents: Part I A System Of Morality The First Degree The Meaning Of Initiation Entered, Passed, Raised Imperfect Symbolism The Third Degree Part II The Book Of The Dead The Christian Mysteries The Mystical Fact The Place Of Darkness Operative Masonry The Old Charges Living Stones Part III The Kabalah The Divine Name The Temple The Builder Craft Masonry

This early work by Arthur Edward Waite was originally published in the early 20th Century and we are now republishing it with a brand new introductory biography. 'Some Deeper Aspects of Masonic Symbolism' is one of Waite's writings on secret societies. Arthur Edward Waite was born on the 2nd of October, 1857 in America. After the death of his father, Waite and his mother returned to her native England, where he was raised in North London, attending St. Charles' College from the age of thirteen. Waite left school to become a clerk, but also wrote verse in his spare time. The death of his sister, Frederika Waite, in 1874 soon attracted him into psychical research. Waite became a prolific author with many of his works being well received in academic circles. He wrote occult texts on subjects including divination, esotericism, Rosicrucianism, Freemasonry and ceremonial magic, Kabbalism, and alchemy.

Meditations on Masonic Symbolism is Master Mason John R. Heisman's reflective, scholarly exploration of the symbolism in the ritual of Freemasonry for Freemasons and non-Masons alike. While there is much to discover about the meaning of the hallmark Masonic symbols, there is nothing secret about Freemasonry's defining love for humanity. What Masonic symbols do reveal about the guiding purpose of a Masonic lodge is brought to light in Meditations on Masonic Symbolism, Master Mason John R. Heisman's reflective exploration of the symbolism in the ritual of Freemasonry that reveals how they illuminate ancient knowledge about mankind's relationship to God. A compilation of articles written for the author's Masonic Lodge, Blackmer Lodge No. 442, in his year as Master, Meditations on Masonic Symbolism sheds fascinating new light on Freemasonry for Freemasons and non-Masons alike about the workings of this worldwide and ancient fraternity. Often described as a secret society, owing to its use of certain symbols, the essays in Heisman's book help demystify Freemasonry for those who are interested in a deeper understanding of its mission. For instance, a variety of charities that are supported by Freemasonry and its millions of men and women are well known and easily recognizable. Children's hospitals are operated by Shriners throughout the world. Speech therapy centers, educational grants, eye care foundations, and homes for the aged are funded and operated by Scottish Rite Masons, Knights Templar, and Grand Lodges everywhere they are situated. Heisman's book explains Freemasonry as a fraternal organization with many groups, several of which are designed for boys and girls. All Masonic organizations have a charity and are devoted to the ideals of brotherly love, relief, and truth. Scholarly and philosophical, Meditations on Masonic Symbolism provides insight on recognizable Masonic symbols, such as the square and compass. From the significance of beauty in its architecture to the pillar of wisdom, each essay in this thoughtful collection reveals in detail the significance of the symbols and how they come together in this intricate and long contemplated belief system. In clear, accessible language, the book explains all manner of Freemasonry principles, including harmony, knowledge, brotherhood, unity, and more. While the rituals of the organization may only be attended by Freemasons, its lessons may be studied by anyone interested in subjects such as philosophy, comparative religion, liberal arts, and geometry. Meditations on Masonic Symbolism is a thought-provoking, elegant addition to any well-rounded library.

THE subject which I am about to approach is one having certainobvious difficulties, because it is outside the usual horizon ofMasonic literature, and requires, therefore, to be put withconsiderable care, as well as with reasonable prudence. Moreover,it is not easy to do it full justice within the limits of a singlelecture. I must ask my Brethren to make allowance beforehand forthe fact that I am speaking in good faith, and where the evidencefor what I shall affirm does not appear in its fullness, andsometimes scarcely at all, they must believe that I can produce itat need, should the opportunity occur. As a matter of fact, somepart of it has appeared in my published writings.I will introduce the question in hand by a citation which isfamiliar to us all, as it so happens that it forms a good point ofdeparture:- "But as we are not all operative Masons, but ratherFree and Accepted or speculative, we apply these tools to ourmorals." With certain variations, these words occur in each of theCraft Degrees, and their analogies are to be found in a fewsubsidiary Degrees which may be said to arise out of the Craft-as, for example, the Honorable Degree of Mark Master Mason. Thatwhich is applied more specially to the working implements ofMasonry belongs to our entire building symbolism, whether it isconcerned with the erection by the Candidate in his ownpersonality of an edifice or "superstructure perfect in its partsand honorable to the builder, " or, in the Mark Degree, with ahouse not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, or again withSolomon's Temple spiritualized in the Legend of the Master Degree.