From: Tagi@cup.portal.com (Tagi Mordred Nagashiva)
Newsgroups: alt.magick
Subject: Re: Lost Keys of Fremasonry
Date: Tue,  8 Sep 92 10:45:08 PDT
Organization: The Portal System (TM)
  <1992Sep5.005444.4500@actrix.gen.nz>

9209.08 e.v.  [The Birthday of my Abyss!]

John Vorstermans quotes and writes, I respond:

In article <la5ehcINNmv9@west.west.sun.com> markk@sagredo.West.Sun.COM 
(Mark Kampe) writes:

> I recently picked up and read this work by Manly Hall.  I very much enjoyed
> it, but I saw little relationship between that book and the Shriners I 
> have known.  I was simultaneously impressed and depressed - impressed by the
> significant structure dedicated to completing an important work - depressed
> by the fear that these keys are indeed lost (or at best little-used).


Response:

Many, including those of the Mystery Schools, have claimed that these 'keys'
have indeed been forgotten/lost by those of Masonry.  From what I've seen
(very little), this may not be the case.  It may have just sunk into the
subconscious mind of the organization.


John:

Manly P Hall was indeed a personality who managed to capture some of the
true essence which underlies the masonic rituals (IMHO).  As regards to the
lost keys..... these keys are not of a mortal nature but rather something more
akin to such mystical stories as the search for the "Holy Grail".  Once these
keys are found the mason (or anyone for that matter) is able to enter into
such realms of consciousness unimaginable to our mortal brain.  Sadly the 
experience of it all is such that it is impossible to comunicate it in words 
or writing which even conveys a glimpse of what has been perceived.  Thus each
mason must find the lost keys for themselves.


Response:

This is true of every spiritual path.  Nobody can walk it for us.  Many have
returned from their search and attempted to put into words that experience
for which we may have no referent.  Usually such things are expressed
rather ambiguously and poetically.  There is a wealth of mystical and poetic
literature to keep us busy if we wish to find it outside Masonry.  I don't
know what works are considered 'mystical' within the bonds of the Order
itself.  Perhaps the word 'mystical' is now considered 'improper'.


Mark:

> Are there lodges that are more dedicated to the spiritual growth elements 
> of masonry? 


Response:

There are many, but I don't know if they lie within the orthodoxy.  Orders
such as the 'Hermetic Society of the Golden Dawn' and 'Ordo Templi Orientis'
are examples.  There are many others, including 'Servants Of Light', 
'Builders of the Adytum', etc. etc.  Lots to choose from, not all the same.


John:

Yes there most definitly are but they are often not so easy to find as the
"common" mason tend to redicule them, often claiming they are not true mason.
Rather sad to see the often closed minded view of the "comman" mason these
days.  The masonic movement has some very good rituals meant for everyone.
It is really just a slow and cautious way of teaching individuals about 
themselves, there place in the scheme of things and an introductions into
ritual magic. It is pleasent to be able to work with some of the unseen 
forces that surround us.


Response:

Not all orthodox Masons ridicule them, however.  Some are INVOLVED in them.
You just have to know the right people.  I know a handful of people who are
involved with BOTH the Masons and OTO, for example.  I've met a couple of
orthodox Masons who were VERY open-minded (and, unfortunately, too open-
mouthed - they seemed not to have a value for silence).


Mark:

> Is everyone over twelfth degree actually dedicated to building
> the temple and I just never noticed it?  Is the spiritual path actually 
> tended by a few 38+ degree wierdos who have long since learned that talking
> about it is alot like teaching a pig to sing?


Response:

Please understand that organization does not mean absolute accuracy.
Many people within such organizations (even the most 'spiritual') are
simply socially adept.  They have no real interest in pursuits other
than interacting with others.  There is no crime in this, but this may
disappoint those who seek out the upper echelon of such an organization
expecting to find a 'realized master'.  There is no absolute correlation
between involvement with ANY organization at ANY level and spiritual
attainment.  Grand Poobah's can be ignorant assholes.  They can also be
extremely perceptive, gentle people.


John:

Often those that no most say the least.



Thyagi
----------------------------------
"Those who speak do not know.
 Those who know do not speak."    -    Lao Tzu
Xref: sparky alt.magick:4259 alt.satanism:1947