The Arcana of Freemasonry: A History of Masonic Symbolism

by Albert Churchward

Egyptian hieroglyphics, Mayan carvings, and Greek mathematical notations figure prominently in this spellbinding true story of a mysterious order's secret history. Author Albert Churchward, a renowned symbologist and member of "the Craft," offers illustrated explanations of the meanings behind Masonic symbols. Churchward reveals Masonic messages hidden—in plain sight—within works of art, architecture, geometry, and literature.
First published in 1915, The Arcana of Freemasonry examines still-relevant issues regarding the fraternal society's purpose and function in today's world. Generously illustrated with Masonic symbols, it explores the significance of the signs and tools of contemporary Freemasonry, including the two triangles—one upright, one reverse—that form the oft-seen square and compasses known as the "Key of Hiram." Initiates and experts alike will find this history both captivating and informative.

Genres: Esoterica

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2005

Reviews

[Galen Kaback · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling look at the potential symbolic roots of the craft. Highly controversial in its day, now seemingly a lynchpin or archetypal work for what has evolved into the discipline of comparative mythology. One familiar with this style of theological examination will likely find it reminiscent of Joseph Campbell, but it does predate Campbell's work. So in all fairness, Campbell is actually reminiscent of Churchward.

There is a forward accusing Churchward of being racist, or warning the reader. But unless I have overlooked something, I didn't remember reading anything that had normative claims about race in this work. It may be a part of his larger body of work, or a known fact about the individual, but it was not overtly reflected in this work, save for some outdated nomenclature regarding primordial indigenous peoples. I believe modern academic readership would ascribe this unpleasantness to be a product of the time, and not indicative of his theory wholesale. Again, I'm not familiar, regrettably, with his larger body of work so I could definitely be mistaken.

I found it to be an intriguing and fluid read. I would recommend to any enthusiast of symbolic Freemasonry or any with an interest with symbolic genealogy.

[Petros Lamprides · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very outdated and problematic. Only interesting if read with a critical eye, as a product of its time.

[AnarchoWitchcraft · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you're already well-versed in Masonic history, this might be amusing, but otherwise, it's a pseudohistorical and borderline offensive crock of you-know-what that won't teach you anything useful.