MASONIC EDUCATION

Top Five Esoteric Books for 2023

Recommended reading for the New Year

It is said Freemasonry is embedded in Hermetic principles incepting from various religions the Egyptians, Hebrews, Babylonian, and ancient India, etc. Some Masons postulate that there is no esotericism in Freemasonry and conclude no reciprocity to Egypt. I advise Brethren to read the Cooke Manuscript the supposed 2nd oldest masonic manuscript after the Regis Manuscript it reads:
“In this manner was the [a]foresaid art begun in the land of Egypt, by the [a]foresaid master Englet, and so it went from land to land, and from kingdom to kingdom. After that, many years, in the time of King Athelstan, which was sometimes king of England, by his councilors, and other greater lords of the land, by common assent, for great default found among masons, they ordained a certain rule amongst them: one time of the year, or in 3 years as need were to the king and great lords of the land, and all the commonalty, from province to province, and from country to country, congregations should be made, by masters, of all masters, masons, and fellows in the [a]foresaid art, and so, at such congregations, they that be made masters should be examined, of the articles after written, and be ransacked whether they be able and cunning to the profit of the lords [having] them to serve and to the honor of the [a]foresaid art.”
Nonetheless, since we are in a different era and age of information there is a pubescent of generational Masons who are seeking light and interest in esotericism. Freemasonry is modifying and becoming more focused on the educational aspect of the craft. Albert Mackey once said: “So there are some Masons who think the mere act of initiation is at once followed by an influx of all masonic knowledge. They need no further study or research. All that they require to know has already been received by a sort of initiation process.”

Mackey also says, “One who commits to memory the questions and answers of the catechetical lectures, and the formulas of the ritual, but pays no attention to the history and philosophy of the Institution, is commonly called a Parrot Mason, because he is supposed to repeat what he has learned without any conception of its true meaning.”

Here are my Top 5 recommended esoteric books:

1. Manly P. Hall, “The Lost Key of Freemasonry: The Legend of Hiram Abiff”It reveals the basic esoteric symbolism of the 3 blue lodge Degrees, interpreting the spiritual ties in Freemasonry, but also that the craft is more than a mere social organization, as it is a Mystery School.
2. J.S.M Ward, “Who is Hiram Abiff”

This Book goes into the origins of Hiram Abiff analyzing the Mesopotamian and Greek Theology connection to Hiram with Tammuz and Adonis. Mr. Ward wrote a plethora of esoteric works; although he was a controversial figure his works are noteworthy.

3. John Fellows A.M, “The Mysteries of Freemasonry: Or an Exposition of the Religious Dogmas and Customs of the Ancient Egyptians”

This book written in 1860 explains the Mysteries of Freemasonry and its dogmatic connection to Ancient Egypt.

4. J.D Buck, “The Symbolism of Freemasonry or Mystic Masonry”

This read explores mystical aspects of Freemasonry and the spiritual significant effect one obtains through the initiations.

5. William James Hutchinson, “The Spirit of Masonry”

This Book concentrates on the inner mysteries of the Masonic ceremonies and rites as well as the nature of the lodge, its furniture, and jewels.

“To live in the world without becoming aware of the meaning of the world is like wandering about in a great library without touching the books.”
-Manly P Hall

Written by Bro. Rene J. Perez
Marshal, George Washington #285
Manhattan, New York