The Symbolism of Freemasonry: Illustrating and Explaining Its Science and Philosophy, its Legends, Myths and Symbols

by Albert G. MacKey

Of the various modes of communicating instruction to the uninformed, the Masonic student is particularly interested in two; namely, the instruction by legends and that by symbols. It is to these two, almost exclusively, that he is indebted for all that he knows, and for all that he can know, of the philosophic system which is taught in the institution. All its mysteries and its dogmas, which constitute its philosophy, are entrusted for communication to the neophyte, sometimes to one, sometimes to the other of these two methods of instruction, and sometimes to both of them combined. The Freemason has no way of reaching any of the esoteric teachings of the Order except through the medium of a legend or a symbol. A legend differs from an historical narrative only in this-that it is without documentary evidence of authenticity. It is the offspring solely of tradition. Its details may be true in part or in whole. There may be no internal evidence to the contrary, or there may be internal evidence that they are altogether false. But neither the possibility of truth in the one case, nor the certainty of falsehood in the other, can remove the traditional narrative from the class of legends. It is a legend simply because it rests on no written foundation. It is oral, and therefore legendary. In grave problems of history, such as the establishment of empires, the discovery and settlement of countries, or the rise and fall of dynasties, the knowledge of the truth or falsity of the legendary narrative will be of importance, because the value of history is impaired by the imputation of doubt. But it is not so in Freemasonry. Here there need be no absolute question of the truth or falsity of the legend. The object of the Masonic legends is not to establish historical facts, but to convey philosophical doctrines. They are a method by which esoteric instruction is communicated, and the student accepts them with reference to nothing else except their positive use and meaning as developing Masonic dogmas. Take, for instance, the Hiramic legend of the third degree. Of what importance is it to the disciple of Masonry whether it be true or false? All that he wants to know is its internal signification; and when he learns that it is intended to illustrate the doctrine of the immortality of the soul, he is content with that interpretation, and he does not deem it necessary, except as a matter of curious or antiquarian inquiry, to investigate its historical accuracy, or to reconcile any of its apparent contradictions. So of the lost keystone; so of the second temple; so of the hidden ark: these are to him legendary narratives, which, like the casket, would be of no value were it not for the precious jewel contained within. Each of these legends is the expression of a philosophical idea. But there is another method of Masonic instruction, and that is by symbols. No science is more ancient than that of symbolism. At one time, nearly all the learning of the world was conveyed in symbols. And although modern philosophy now deals only in abstract propositions, Freemasonry still cleaves to the ancient method, and has preserved it in its primitive importance as a means of communicating knowledge. According to the derivation of the word from the Greek, "to symbolize" signifies "to compare one thing with another." Hence a symbol is the expression of an idea that has been derived from the comparison or contrast of some object with a moral conception or attribute. Thus we say that the plumb is a symbol of rectitude of conduct. The physical qualities of the plumb are here compared or contrasted with the moral conception of virtue, or rectitude. Then to the Speculative Mason it becomes, after he has been taught its symbolic meaning, the visible expression of the idea of moral uprightness. Albert G. mackey

Genres: Occult, Reference, Nonfiction, Philosophy, History, Amazon, Classics

170 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1994

About the author

Albert Gallatin Mackey was a medical doctor and Freemason who served as Grand Lecturer and Grand Secretary of The Grand Lodge of South Carolina, as well as Secretary General of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States.

Reviews

[Chuck Springer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many years ago, I was introduced to Freemasonry. The symbology and the teachings fascinated me as a technique to teach simple to complicated ideas and principles. Several years have passed and I've read a little here and a little there more on Freemasonry. I found that this book gives good background for many of the basics of modern day ritual and procedures. It was also easy to see where some have attempted to incorporate these principles into their own lives or religions.

The author's presentation is easily readable and provides adequate background information all along the way to guide the reader through the maze of sometimes conflicting ideas and opinions. I would recommend this book to anyone who truly wishes to obtain a better understanding of the nature of Freemasonry. This work is well worth the time needed to read through it!

[Harriet Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Symbolism of Freemasonry

The Symbolism of Freemasonry is
A fairly interesting book but I wonder how accurate it is . It uses some terminology that educated people would never use, such as "Jewish Church" and misspelled the word "Hindu".
Also, how would he know this?

I don't know if I can recommend this book.

[Tom Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very technical book. I liked how he traces the origins of Freemasonry. I think it provides an excellent foundation to help one's understanding of how Freemasonry got to where it is today.

[Richard Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Freemason book that's very cryptic and had to follow unless you are one. Would recommend it unless your one

[Freda Minton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I REALLY liked this book!

Written in the late 1800’s, it is still easy enough to read if you have a decent vocabulary.

What is so interesting is that it isn’t just about Freemasonry symbolism, but traces the symbolism back even further to some societies and shows how it could have evolved through history.

I’m not sure if it would be a spoiler for EA & FC - it doesn’t go into detail of ritual, etc. But it might be best to wait until a person is a MM as ones head is spinning enough anyway at the start.

As to the accuracy? I really wouldn’t know as I’m not knowledgable enough. However, there are many references and endnotes, so I think it is.

[Ronald Zarach · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was informative. I was hard to follow. I had to start it three times before I got all the way through.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

More basic than what I was hoping for.