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The Meaning of Masonry
For more than two centuries, The Spirit of Masonry has been the essential source for anyone exploring the inner mysteries of the Masonic Fraternity. When it first appeared in 1775, it was hailed as the first work to deal with the religion, purpose, and the deeper significance of Freemasonry; and its popularity among Masonic scholars has never decreased. In thsi fascinating book, author William Hutchinson has discussed several subjects including the orders of Freemasonry, the rites, ceremonies and institutions of the ancients, the nature and furniture of the lodge, the apparel, jewels, and occupations of Masons, the temple of Jerusalem, as well as the secrecy of Masons, charity, and brotherly love. This is the classic study in the history and philosophy of Freemasonry, the oldest fraternal order in the world.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1775
192 people are currently reading
1199 people want to read
About the author
W.L. Wilmshurst
43 books12 followersWalter Leslie Wilmshurst was an English author and Freemason. He published four books on English Freemasonry and submitted articles to The Occult Review magazine. Born in Chichester, Wilmshurst was initiated as a Mason in the Huddersfield lodge in 1889, having moved to the town to become a solicitor, for a time becoming president of the Huddersfield Law Society. He died in Huddersfield.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 31, 2022
To be read only after the 3rd. Brings deeper meaning to what we do, and what we believe.
January 22, 2019
I've often heard this book recommended for those looking for a deeper meaning to the symbols and allegories of the degrees. Regrettably, I'm leaving it feeling disappointed.
Much like another recent read, MacNulty's The Way of the Craftsman, how much one enjoys this book will depend heavily on whether the author's personal interpretation jives with the reader. The interpretation given is extensive, but citations are almost nonexistent. When Wilmshurst cites ancient practices, it's frequently in a vague sense, if he cites any origin for a claim at all. In reviewing my notes, I found almost all of them to be regarding claims he made that made me audibly say "What? Really? I need to find where you got THAT from." He often plays the "this isn't the place to go too far into that" card, which is sometimes fair, particularly for a lecture format, but he opens by saying that these lectures have been reworked for print. It all just happens too often, and it honestly feels like a cop-out.
Fresh in my mind is an example in the last chapter, where he goes on about parallels between "early Christian practice" and masonry's three degree structure, citing "Dionysius' Ecclesiastical Hierarchy". He specifically recommends the work as worth reading, and it is a rare instance of specific source citation. However, the works of *Pseudo-*Dionysius are pseudepigrapha written likely in the 5th or 6th centuries (known to be so since at least the 1500s). Representing them as a reliable source on early church practices is, at best, a sign of lax research, and, at worst, dishonest.
Much like another recent read, MacNulty's The Way of the Craftsman, how much one enjoys this book will depend heavily on whether the author's personal interpretation jives with the reader. The interpretation given is extensive, but citations are almost nonexistent. When Wilmshurst cites ancient practices, it's frequently in a vague sense, if he cites any origin for a claim at all. In reviewing my notes, I found almost all of them to be regarding claims he made that made me audibly say "What? Really? I need to find where you got THAT from." He often plays the "this isn't the place to go too far into that" card, which is sometimes fair, particularly for a lecture format, but he opens by saying that these lectures have been reworked for print. It all just happens too often, and it honestly feels like a cop-out.
Fresh in my mind is an example in the last chapter, where he goes on about parallels between "early Christian practice" and masonry's three degree structure, citing "Dionysius' Ecclesiastical Hierarchy". He specifically recommends the work as worth reading, and it is a rare instance of specific source citation. However, the works of *Pseudo-*Dionysius are pseudepigrapha written likely in the 5th or 6th centuries (known to be so since at least the 1500s). Representing them as a reliable source on early church practices is, at best, a sign of lax research, and, at worst, dishonest.
November 22, 2016
This book is the eye opening book about masonry you have been looking for, While not a mason myself this book in my research answered so many questions and put many historical timelines into context. This book is a lesson in self reflection that brings meaning to what has become wrote ritual. I understand more the reason for secrecy but also how outdated that concept is today. I also understand the power of the times we live in where the works cited in this book like the complete works of Plato are just a kindle download away and available to all.
November 28, 2023
A must read for any Freemason who truly wants to understand the Craft and its ritual.
May 25, 2024
A RESPECTED 1922 OVERVIEW OF MASONRY
Walter Leslie Wilmshurst (1867-1939) was an English author and Mason. He wrote in the Introduction to this 1922 book, “The papers here collected are written solely for members of the Masonic Order, constituted under the United Grand Lodge of England… They have been written with a view to promoting the deeper understanding of the meaning of Masonry; to providing the explanation of it that one constantly hears called for and that becomes all the more necessary in view of the unprecedented increase of interest in, and membership of, the Order at the present day… It seems taken for granted that reception into the Order will automatically be accompanied by an ability to appreciate forthwith and at its full value all that one there finds. The contrary is the case, for Masonry is a veiled and cryptic expression of the difficult science of spiritual life, and the understanding of it calls for special and informed guidance on the one hand, and on the other a genuine and earnest desire for knowledge and no small capacity for spiritual perception on the part of those seeking to be instructed; and not infrequently one finds Brethren discontinuing their interest of their membership because they find that Masonry means nothing to them and that no explanation or guidance is vouchsafed them… As a contribution to repairing the absence of explanation referred to these papers have been compiled.” (Pg. 5-6)
He notes, “To explain Masonry in general outline is, therefore, not to divulge a subject which is entirely exclusive to its members, but merely to show that Masonry stands in line with other doctrinal systems inculcating the same principles and to which no secrecy attaches, and that it is a specialized and highly effective method of inculcating these principles.” (Pg. 9)
He explains, “Masonry is a sacramental system, possessing, like all sacraments, an outward and visible aide consisting of its ceremonial, its doctrine and its symbols which we can see and hear, and an inward, intellectual and spiritual side, which is concealed behind the ceremonial, the doctrine and the symbols, and which is available only to the Mason who has learned to used his spiritual imagination and who can appreciate the reality that lies behind the veil of outward symbol.” (Pg. 21) Later, he adds, “To state things briefly, Masonry offers us, in dramatic form and by means of dramatic ceremonial a philosophy of the spiritual life of man and a diagram of the process of regeneration.” (Pg. 27)
He states, “the evolution of man into superman---was always the purpose of the ancient Mysteries, and the real purpose of modern Masonry is, not the social and charitable purposes to which so much attention is paid, but the expediting of the spiritual evolution of those who aspire to perfect their own nature and transform it into a more god-like quality. And this is a definite science, a royal art, which it is possible for each of us to put into practice…” (Pg. 47) He continues, “It is not in itself a religion; but rather a dramatized and intensified form of religious processes inculcated by every religious system in the world.” (Pg. 49)
He advises, “the Masonic student, who will be called upon to accept many such truths provisionally until he knows them as certainties, should reflect … that the Order engages to assist him to that light in regard to matters of which he is admittedly ignorant, and … that a humble, docile and receptive mental attitude towards those symbols and their meanings will better conduce to his advancement than a critical or hostile one.” (Pg. 98)
He states, “we may refer to a very heavily veiled Scriptural testimony, the import of which goes quite unperceived to the uninstructed reader. The Gospels record that the Passion of the Great Exemplar and Master concluded: ‘at the place called Golgotha in the Hebrew tongue; that is, the place of a skull’; that is to say it terminated in the head or seat of intelligence and in a mystery of the spiritual consciousness.” (Pg. 149-150)
He asserts, “The condition attained by the illumined candidate is the equivalent of what in Christian theology is known as Beatific vision and in the East as ‘Samadhi.’ It is also spoken of as universal or cosmic consciousness, since the percipient, transcending all sense of personal individualization, time and space, is co-conscious with all that is.” (Pg. 155)
He supposes, “But if in the hands of its present exponents Masonry is now rather a dead letter than a living effectual Initiatory Rite capable of quickening the spirituality of its candidates, it still remains for the earnest and perspicuous aspirant to the deeper verities and instructive economy of the science of self-gnosis and regeneration. For such these papers are written…” (Pg. 167)
He argues, “The supposition of a ‘fall of man’ is nowadays an unpopular doctrine, rejected by many who contend that everything points rather to a rise of man, yet who fail to reflect that logically a rise necessarily involves an antecedent fall from which a rise becomes possible… From that ‘fall,’ which was not due to the transgression of an individual, but to some weakness of defect in the collective or group-soul of the Adamic race, and which was not the matter of a moment but a process covering vast time-cycles, it was necessary and within the divine counsels and providence that humanity should be redeemed and restored to its pristine state; that it should be brought back once more into vital association with the Divine Principle from which by its secession it became increasingly detached, as its materialistic tendencies overpowered and quenched its native spirituality.” (Pg. 173-174)
He concludes, “If Wisdom today is widowed, all Masons are actually or potentially the widow’s sons, and she will be justified of her children who seek her out and who labor for her as for his treasure. It remains within the Craft itself whether it shall enter upon its own heritage as a lineal successor of the Ancient Mysteries and Wisdom-teaching, or whether, by failing to do so it will undergo the inevitable fate of everything that is but a form from which its native spirit has departed.” (Pg. 216)
This book is a fine overview of Masonry, that will be of great interest to those studying the subject.
Walter Leslie Wilmshurst (1867-1939) was an English author and Mason. He wrote in the Introduction to this 1922 book, “The papers here collected are written solely for members of the Masonic Order, constituted under the United Grand Lodge of England… They have been written with a view to promoting the deeper understanding of the meaning of Masonry; to providing the explanation of it that one constantly hears called for and that becomes all the more necessary in view of the unprecedented increase of interest in, and membership of, the Order at the present day… It seems taken for granted that reception into the Order will automatically be accompanied by an ability to appreciate forthwith and at its full value all that one there finds. The contrary is the case, for Masonry is a veiled and cryptic expression of the difficult science of spiritual life, and the understanding of it calls for special and informed guidance on the one hand, and on the other a genuine and earnest desire for knowledge and no small capacity for spiritual perception on the part of those seeking to be instructed; and not infrequently one finds Brethren discontinuing their interest of their membership because they find that Masonry means nothing to them and that no explanation or guidance is vouchsafed them… As a contribution to repairing the absence of explanation referred to these papers have been compiled.” (Pg. 5-6)
He notes, “To explain Masonry in general outline is, therefore, not to divulge a subject which is entirely exclusive to its members, but merely to show that Masonry stands in line with other doctrinal systems inculcating the same principles and to which no secrecy attaches, and that it is a specialized and highly effective method of inculcating these principles.” (Pg. 9)
He explains, “Masonry is a sacramental system, possessing, like all sacraments, an outward and visible aide consisting of its ceremonial, its doctrine and its symbols which we can see and hear, and an inward, intellectual and spiritual side, which is concealed behind the ceremonial, the doctrine and the symbols, and which is available only to the Mason who has learned to used his spiritual imagination and who can appreciate the reality that lies behind the veil of outward symbol.” (Pg. 21) Later, he adds, “To state things briefly, Masonry offers us, in dramatic form and by means of dramatic ceremonial a philosophy of the spiritual life of man and a diagram of the process of regeneration.” (Pg. 27)
He states, “the evolution of man into superman---was always the purpose of the ancient Mysteries, and the real purpose of modern Masonry is, not the social and charitable purposes to which so much attention is paid, but the expediting of the spiritual evolution of those who aspire to perfect their own nature and transform it into a more god-like quality. And this is a definite science, a royal art, which it is possible for each of us to put into practice…” (Pg. 47) He continues, “It is not in itself a religion; but rather a dramatized and intensified form of religious processes inculcated by every religious system in the world.” (Pg. 49)
He advises, “the Masonic student, who will be called upon to accept many such truths provisionally until he knows them as certainties, should reflect … that the Order engages to assist him to that light in regard to matters of which he is admittedly ignorant, and … that a humble, docile and receptive mental attitude towards those symbols and their meanings will better conduce to his advancement than a critical or hostile one.” (Pg. 98)
He states, “we may refer to a very heavily veiled Scriptural testimony, the import of which goes quite unperceived to the uninstructed reader. The Gospels record that the Passion of the Great Exemplar and Master concluded: ‘at the place called Golgotha in the Hebrew tongue; that is, the place of a skull’; that is to say it terminated in the head or seat of intelligence and in a mystery of the spiritual consciousness.” (Pg. 149-150)
He asserts, “The condition attained by the illumined candidate is the equivalent of what in Christian theology is known as Beatific vision and in the East as ‘Samadhi.’ It is also spoken of as universal or cosmic consciousness, since the percipient, transcending all sense of personal individualization, time and space, is co-conscious with all that is.” (Pg. 155)
He supposes, “But if in the hands of its present exponents Masonry is now rather a dead letter than a living effectual Initiatory Rite capable of quickening the spirituality of its candidates, it still remains for the earnest and perspicuous aspirant to the deeper verities and instructive economy of the science of self-gnosis and regeneration. For such these papers are written…” (Pg. 167)
He argues, “The supposition of a ‘fall of man’ is nowadays an unpopular doctrine, rejected by many who contend that everything points rather to a rise of man, yet who fail to reflect that logically a rise necessarily involves an antecedent fall from which a rise becomes possible… From that ‘fall,’ which was not due to the transgression of an individual, but to some weakness of defect in the collective or group-soul of the Adamic race, and which was not the matter of a moment but a process covering vast time-cycles, it was necessary and within the divine counsels and providence that humanity should be redeemed and restored to its pristine state; that it should be brought back once more into vital association with the Divine Principle from which by its secession it became increasingly detached, as its materialistic tendencies overpowered and quenched its native spirituality.” (Pg. 173-174)
He concludes, “If Wisdom today is widowed, all Masons are actually or potentially the widow’s sons, and she will be justified of her children who seek her out and who labor for her as for his treasure. It remains within the Craft itself whether it shall enter upon its own heritage as a lineal successor of the Ancient Mysteries and Wisdom-teaching, or whether, by failing to do so it will undergo the inevitable fate of everything that is but a form from which its native spirit has departed.” (Pg. 216)
This book is a fine overview of Masonry, that will be of great interest to those studying the subject.
April 4, 2018
Mandatory reading for every lodge officer
I have always believed that the majority of my masonic education would not come from my time spent in lodge but from readings and lectures such as this book which so eloquently expound upon the seamingly menial tasks performed in lodge. As the sitting Junior Warden in Federal Lodge #1 under the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia FAAM I would recommend this book as reading for every lodge officer and every brother aspiring to become one. This book gives much context to your esoteric role in the function of the lodge which only serves to illuminate the importance of your office exoterically. The book went on to highlight the ceremonies of the Royal Arch and having just witnessed a Mark Master degree on Monday Night at Mt Vernon William R Singleton Chapter I further understand even more the significance of the veils. There are some references to the symbolism and regalia of English Masonry not present in American Masonry that does prompt me to do additional research on the differences between the two.
I have always believed that the majority of my masonic education would not come from my time spent in lodge but from readings and lectures such as this book which so eloquently expound upon the seamingly menial tasks performed in lodge. As the sitting Junior Warden in Federal Lodge #1 under the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia FAAM I would recommend this book as reading for every lodge officer and every brother aspiring to become one. This book gives much context to your esoteric role in the function of the lodge which only serves to illuminate the importance of your office exoterically. The book went on to highlight the ceremonies of the Royal Arch and having just witnessed a Mark Master degree on Monday Night at Mt Vernon William R Singleton Chapter I further understand even more the significance of the veils. There are some references to the symbolism and regalia of English Masonry not present in American Masonry that does prompt me to do additional research on the differences between the two.
October 27, 2014
The edition of this book that I got from the Sun City library had a different cover, with different symbols of Masonry. ORIGONALLY PUBLISHED IN 1922!! Mr. W.L. Wilmshurst is a dyed-in-the-wool (pun intended) Enghlishman who writes from his unshaken belief in Masonry. Taking that into consideration (what about Islam? Confucianism? Buddhism?) he argues and puts forth convincing arguments for the study of Masonry as THE method of attaining Enlightenment.
September 16, 2014
Like many classic works of Masonic literature, this book can take a while to wade through. Lack of paragraphs, arcane language, and run-on sentences pose quite the challenge to the reader.
If you stick with it and plow through, this is a very interesting explanation of the whys and hows of Masonry.
If you stick with it and plow through, this is a very interesting explanation of the whys and hows of Masonry.
October 2, 2012
While on the one hand it explains that Masonry is about perfecting the individual and creating someone better... It doesn't really go into how that's done. I guess that's some of the mysteries of Masonry.
October 27, 2014
Masons are a secret society that takes on the aspects of a religion. The author promotes the role of masonry as a dedication to science. To be a true Mason one has to forsake one's religious beliefs. Some of the basic tenants are explained.
February 26, 2018
I really liked this book! I will write a more detailed review later, but wow!
September 23, 2024
Freemasonry embodies a spiritual nature that can enlighten humans in seeking the One God. Pythagoras, revered in Freemasonry for his understanding of the secret schools of the Mysteries, held philosophical tenets that bear similarities to the number philosophy of the Gnostic Marcionites. While credited as an influence on the formation of Freemasonry, Pythagoras never recorded his ideas on this topic in writing, and little surviving work by his chroniclers Philolaus and Jamblichus questions their comprehensiveness. Nevertheless, both philosophical teachings serve to promote Pythagorean thought within the framework of Neoplatonism, a tendency that influences their accounts. The message of the book "The Meaning of Masonry" is to inspire its readers, particularly Masons, to appreciate the esoteric aspects of the Craft and seek to use this knowledge to promote self-improvement and the betterment of humanity.
August 15, 2023
Terrible formatting, run on sentences and contradicting truth statements ie. Masonry is not a religion, yet it recognizes the truth in all religions. Then it goes on to say "behind all other the grand officers of the Masonic hierarchy, there stands the Grand Master." This master of the universe guiding all of us into enlightenment mason or not. Masonry is clearly a religion.
Ironically this book is a perfect symbol of what Masonry is. Chaotic, messy, incoherent, over reliance on secrecy and puts a herculean task on the reader to make sense of it all. What a waste of time. I sought a good book on masonry and found this subversive piece of trash.
Ironically this book is a perfect symbol of what Masonry is. Chaotic, messy, incoherent, over reliance on secrecy and puts a herculean task on the reader to make sense of it all. What a waste of time. I sought a good book on masonry and found this subversive piece of trash.
April 7, 2023
I’ve always been really curious about masonry, it’s origins and meaning, this book provided great insight into what the organization means, and has helped me understand a lot of parallels between masonry and my own religious background. I wouldn’t consider this a religious text but rather a spiritual one. I don’t consider joining masonry after reading this, but reading this gave me a new perspective and respect for such a cool order an organization.
August 4, 2018
Thoughts
Some can be very thought provoking......some do not agree.but willing to listen and contemplate other ideas.......religious., masonic., thought provoking historic philosophy
Some can be very thought provoking......some do not agree.but willing to listen and contemplate other ideas.......religious., masonic., thought provoking historic philosophy
June 2, 2020
Written by a Freemason. Gives his point of view of the organization and its goals. I have read other books on Freemasonry that address the negative aspects of its practices. Good to read if you want to understand their perspective.
July 26, 2020
Esoteric and Stunning - I identified with the spiritual elements and Wilmshurst insights are invaluable to the Serious Freemason. If you are passionate about the Craft then this needs to be on your book self.
September 16, 2021
Love it!
This was a great and easy read. It flowed beautifully and is highly recommended for MMs. I highlighted and marked copious amounts of text and will certainly make plans to read a second or third time.
This was a great and easy read. It flowed beautifully and is highly recommended for MMs. I highlighted and marked copious amounts of text and will certainly make plans to read a second or third time.
October 3, 2018
Every Master Mason should read this. Provides an entirely different perspective on the meaning of Masonry.
April 5, 2021
Very useful for my paper
April 10, 2021
Learned a great deal about the Masons and their rituals etc!
December 19, 2022
A great dive into the true meaning (or spirituality) behind Freemasonry.
August 27, 2024
Disappointing
August 10, 2025
wordy
No doubt Wilmhurdt is learned but this book is very wordy and uses lots of ten dollar word and references things very few non scholars would be able to relate.
No doubt Wilmhurdt is learned but this book is very wordy and uses lots of ten dollar word and references things very few non scholars would be able to relate.
January 6, 2013
This is a clear and considered exposition of the meaning underlying the symbolism and ritual of Freemasonry. I found that reading it helped me considerably in understanding much of what occurs in the Lodge. Wilmshurst's discussion of Masonry's relationship to the ancient Mystery schools was very thought-provoking.
I highly recommend this book for any new brother, and I wish I had read it earlier in my Masonic career.
If I have one criticism, it is that Bro. Wilmshurst tends to over-emphasize Christianity at the expense of other religions; however, if he is somewhat less ecumenical than I would like, I can forgive him that slight excess in an otherwise exemplary treatise.
I highly recommend this book for any new brother, and I wish I had read it earlier in my Masonic career.
If I have one criticism, it is that Bro. Wilmshurst tends to over-emphasize Christianity at the expense of other religions; however, if he is somewhat less ecumenical than I would like, I can forgive him that slight excess in an otherwise exemplary treatise.
March 27, 2016
I haven't finish reading it yet but, I'm already bedazzle by the glamorous prose of it's time.
OK. I just finished reading this book and all I can say is that it's of an invaluable measure the "Gift" within its content. I'm incredibly surprise by how this book came to my possession as a vulgar cheap prize discounted offer on Barnes & Nobles for less than 10.00 dollars. This is not a book, it's an ARCANE.
But them again, it shouldn't surprise me that all good things are never appreciated by the masses or those with eyes but blinds at births for all their life.
OK. I just finished reading this book and all I can say is that it's of an invaluable measure the "Gift" within its content. I'm incredibly surprise by how this book came to my possession as a vulgar cheap prize discounted offer on Barnes & Nobles for less than 10.00 dollars. This is not a book, it's an ARCANE.
But them again, it shouldn't surprise me that all good things are never appreciated by the masses or those with eyes but blinds at births for all their life.
Want to read
January 14, 2009I thought this book was very interesting. I love seeing the comparisons to Masonry in my own faith. I don't know the right word to use... but the author uses way to many words to put forth a simple idea. It was hard to stay focused. Partly it was just really intense and deep and I wasn't able to get into it. Maybe I will look for another book about Masonry.
February 18, 2014
I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to any brother mason. The first 3 chapters are a must read for any mason in search of the veiled allegory within the symbolism of the craft. This is a perfect starting point if you're interested in doing your own lectures in lodge, especially if you are wanting to delve into the more esoteric without going too far off the deep end.
March 7, 2014
This book was recommended to me to get a better understanding of freemasonry. I really enjoyed this book, the history, the symbolism and description of the allegories. The book also helps one to realize that the Craft is to mean more than ancient rituals, it is a true spiritual journey and rebuilding of man within himself...in which good men are made better!
March 3, 2025
This is a dense book to be read by Mason's. It tells of the allegorical nature of Masonry and all religions to the spiritual truths of our reality, one and the same. It condemns the lost art of Masonry as meaningless ritual where its meaning has been forgotten. Reading this book will help, in part, illuminate Masonry for its practitioners.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews