Knowledge

Freemasonry and its Role in Civil Society

Shakespeare, Library,Curator, Julian Harrison, British Library

We would offer as a starting point a commonly held view that the arrangements with major impact on human existence are those of the state, family and market with a fourth “civil society” being the totality of other institutions. These groupings are not fixed. Rather, they should be understood as tectonic plates vitalised by human energy, continuously shaping and forming themselves, and similarly reshaping and re-forming each other.It is to “civil society” that we must turn to find Freemasonry

Esoteric Significance of the White Lambskin Apron

Picture of Masonic Lamb Skin Apron

Perhaps the most universal symbol of Masonry, other than the Square & Compass or the seemingly all pervasive letter G, is that singular mark of distinction which every Entered Apprentice is first presented with –the white lambskin apron. Recognised around the globe as the distinguishing “badge” of the Mason, the lambskin apron is rich with symbolism and practical instruction for the speculative initiate of our Craft who is willing to seek more Light.

Why to Become A Freemason – The Attraction of values

Joining the Fraternity

When being asked, what would be the value of a diamond, mostly everybody answers in terms of higher amounts of money. A poor wanderer in the desert, in need of a cup of water, would probably give a better answer to this question, because he reflects of value in a different way. “Most valuable” for him means, “serving his needs and desires best”.

A Charge By Any Other Name – On yonder Book that oath I took

Charge

In our Masonic lodges we are apt to see or hear a piece of work that makes a great impression on us. Each degree in our respective rituals has special pieces that standout with unique beauty and meaning. I was intrigued while visiting a lodge some years ago when I saw a wonderful poem called “On Yonder Book” given as a charge after the third degree. Afterwards I asked the brother who had given it where it was from, but he had little information about it. I eventually received a copy from a friend from Ohio, who gives it to every newly raised MM in his lodge.

Wearing the Tercentenary Jewel

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The Jewel can be worn by any member of UGLE who is a member between the 24 June 2016 and 31 December 2017. It can only be worn by Master Masons and above. Anyone initiated between those dates can purchase the Tercentenary Jewel but will not be eligible to wear it until they have been raised. The Jewel can be worn by Master Masons, Masters and Past Masters and Grand Officers.

The Gloves

Masonic freemasonry men s large ceremonial white gloves

Apart from their practical uses to protect the hands from cold and injury, gloves have symbolic connotations. The old illustrations of operative masons at work do not show them wearing gloves. Their use, then, must have been mostly ceremonial, and their adoption in speculative Freemasonic ritual must be explained by their symbolism. The Italian writer Vanni considers that the origin of the symbolism lies not in their use by certain craftsmen or as protection against the cold, but rather in their military use.

The Deeper Symbolism of Freemasonry – The Meaning of Masonry – W. L. Wilmshurst

Wilmhurst

A candidate proposing to enter Freemasonry has seldom formed any definite idea of the nature of what he is engaging in. Even after his admission he usually remains quite at a loss to explain satisfactorily what Masonry is and for what purpose his Order exists. He finds, indeed, that it is “a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols,” but that explanation, whilst true, is but partial and does not carry him very far.


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