The Hidden Life in Freemasonry

ALMOST 55 BILLION PAGES ON THE INTERNET... MAYBE THIS BOOK FOUND YOU
A RARE DATE-STAMPED 1949 EDITION THAT IS NOW 74 YEARS OLD AND THE ONLY 49' I CAN TRACE WITH THIS GOLD EMBOSSED COVER
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT 1970S, 1980S, 1990S, OR LATER REMAKE OR SOFTCOVER IT IS THE REAL 1949
SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: METAPHYSICS, ANGELS, PORTALS, THE BOOK OF THE DEAD, MAGIC, MYTHOLOGY, MAGIC, GATES OF LIGHT, THE ALL SEEING EYE, ANCIENT EGYPT, KUNDALINI, THE CHAKRAS, CLAIRVOYANCE, THE ASTRAL PLANE, ANGELIC INVOCATION, THE HOLY GRAIL, RITUALS, LORDS OF KARMA, THE SOUL, THE HIGHER WORLD, THE TEMPLE OF ANGELS, SECRET CEREMONIES, OTHER REALMS, THE DRUIDS, MYTHOLOGY, THE HIDDEN LIGHT, RITUALS, THE HIDDEN WORK, THE HIDDEN LIGHT, THE CEREMONY OF ANGELS, THE SACRED FIRE, OSIRIS, RA, THE ANCIENT WISDOM, TEMPLE OF ANGELS, THE MASTER OF THE SECRET HOUSE, BUDDHA AND BUDDHISM, LIFE AFTER DEATH, THE GATE OF MYSTERIES, THE DRUID CIRCLES, THE HIGHER DEGREES, ETHERIC FORCES, MYSTICISM, INITIATION, THE SECRET DOCTRINE, AND MORE
CONTAINING HISTORY THAT DATES BACK OVER 9,500 YEARS

"THEY FORM THE PORTAL OF THE MYSTERIES BY WHICH THE SOULS ASCEND TO THEIR DIVINE SOURCE."

This is by no means just a book of Masonic history. "Although it does contain that subject matter," it is a book of esoteric wisdom, ancient ritual, magic, and occult science. I have many books on Masonry, but this book differs from anything ever written. This particular printing is the most well-preserved I have ever seen. Everything from secret rituals to portals and other realms of existence. Even sections on human Chakras and in-depth writings on Metaphysics. I would snag this one before someone else does. In this book, Leadbeater explores the symbolism, rituals, and spiritual aspects of Freemasonry, a fraternal organization with historical roots dating back centuries.

It offers insights into the esoteric teachings and spiritual significance believed to be embedded within Freemasonry. Leadbeater delves into the symbolism behind Masonic rituals, the moral and ethical aspects of the organization, and the potential spiritual growth members may experience through their participation.

Leadbeater's work on Freemasonry aimed to shed light on the esoteric dimensions of the organization, appealing to those seeking a deeper understanding of its teachings and practices.

While "The Hidden Life in Freemasonry" remains a significant work within the theosophical and esoteric literature, it is worth mentioning that Freemasonry itself is a complex and multifaceted subject with a rich history and diverse interpretations. As with any book on the topic, readers are encouraged to approach it with an open mind and explore different perspectives to develop a well-rounded understanding of Freemasonry. This book delves into the deeper occult and metaphysical aspects in a way you won't find in most other volumes.

It is once more my privilege to usher into the world, for the help of the thoughtful, another volume of the series on the hidden side of things written by Bishop Charles W. Leadbeater. True Mason that he is, he is ever trying to spread the Light which he has received so that it may chase away the dark­ness of Chaos. To look for the Light, to see the Light, to follow the Light were duties familiar to all Egyptian Masons, though the darkness in that Ancient Land never approach­ed the density which shrouds the West today.

This book will be welcomed by all Free­masons who feel the beauty of their ancient Rite and desire to add knowledge to their zeal. The inner History of Masonry is left aside for the present, and the apprentice is led by a trustworthy guide through the labyrinth, which protects the central Shrine from careless and idle inquirers. Places that were obscure become illuminated; dark allusions are changed to crystal clarity; walls that seem solid melt away; confidence replaces doubt; glimpses of the goal are caught through rifts in the clouds; and the earth-born mists vanish before the rising sun's rays. Instead of fragments of half-understood traditions, confused and uninterpreted, we find in our hands a splendid science and a reservoir of power that we can use for the uplifting of the world. We no longer ask: "What is the Great Work? We see "that it is nothing less than a concerted effort to carry out the duty that is laid upon us, as those who possess the Light, to spread that Light abroad through the World, and actually to become fellow-laborers with T.G.A.O.T.U. in His great Plan for the evolution of our Brn".

Charles Webster Leadbeater (16 February 1854 – 1 March 1934) was a member of the Theosophical Society, Co-Freemasonry, author on occult subjects, and co-initiator with J. I. Wedgwood of the Liberal Catholic Church.

Originally a priest of the Church of England, his interest in spiritualism caused him to end his affiliation with Anglicanism in favour of the Theosophical Society, where he became an associate of Annie Besant. He became a high-ranking officer of the Society and remained one of its leading members until his death in 1934, writing over 60 books and pamphlets and maintaining regular speaking engagements.

The overall condition of this book is very good, considering how old it is. It does contain some normal aging and reading use, but it's been well preserved. The binding is tight, the pages are clean, and it has been well-kept for 74 Years.

The detailed explanations of the ceremonies are profoundly interesting and illuminative, and I commend them very heartily to all true Freemasons. Our V .·.·. I .·.·. Brother has added a heavy debt of gratitude by this book to the many we already owe him. Let us be honest debtors.

Adyar

ANNIE BESANT

December 25, 1925

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTORY

Personal Experience. Egyptian Evidences. Preservation of Rituals and Symbols. The Egyptian Outlook. The Hidden Work. The Egyptian Race. The Grand Lodges. The Ordinary Lodges. The History of Masonry.


CHAPTER II

THE LODGE

Form and Extension. Orientation. The Celestial Canopy. The Altar. Pedestals and Columns. Orders of Architecture. Meaning of the Three Columns. The Pillars of the Porchway.


CHAPTER III

THE FITTINGS OF THE LODGE

The Ornaments. The Mosaic Pavement. The Indented Border. The Blazing Star. The Furniture. The Movable Jewels. The Immovable Jewels.


CHAPTER IV

PRELIMINARY CEREMONIES

The Co-Masonic Ritual. The Procession. The Apron. The Ceremony of Censing. Lighting the Candles.


CHAPTER V

THE OPENING OF THE LODGE

The Brethren Assist. Tyling the Lodge. The E.A. S ... n. The Officers. The Duties. The Opening. The E.A. K … s.


CHAPTER VI

INITIATION

The Candidate. Divisions of the Ceremony. Preparation of the Candidate. The Inner Preparation. The Three Symbolical Journeys. The O …. The E …. I L … s. The S … and P … Examination and Investiture. The Working Tools. Egyptian Interpretation of the Working Tools.

(Second Edition: The Working Tools, and the Egyptian Interpretation of Them.


CHAPTER VII

THE SECOND DEGREE

The Questions. The Preparation. The Inner Preparation. The Opening. The E.A.'s Last Work. The Five Stages. The Five Steps. The O. The Working Tools. Closing the Lodge.


CHAPTER VIII

THE THIRD DEGREE

The Opening of the Lodge. The C … The Pre­paration. The Internal Preparation. Entering the Lodge. The Seven Steps. The O … The Etheric Forces. Hiram Abiff. Death and Resurrection. The Star. The Raising of Humanity. Fire, Sun, and Moon. The Villains.

The Inscription.

(Second Edition: Our Master H. A. instead of Hiram Abiff.)


CHAPTER IX

THE HIGHER DEGREES

The Masonic Plane. The Ceremony of Installation. The Mark Degree. The Holy Royal Arch. Still Higher. The Rose Croix. Black Masonry. White Masonry. How to Use the Powers. Our Relation with Angels.


CHAPTER X - (CHAPTER IX in First Edition)

TWO WONDERFUL RITUALS

The Workings in Egypt. The Form of the Temple of Amen-Ra. The Building of the Temple of Amen-Ra. The Unveiling of the Hidden Light. The Offerings. The Descent of Osiris. The Distribution of the Sacrament. The Reunion of Osiris. The Shining of the Light. The Pledge and the Blessing. The Ceremony of the Holy Angels. The Lodge and Officers. The Triangle of Adepts. The Arrival of the Angels. The Building of the Temple of the Angels. The Ceremony in the Temple. The Effect of the Festival.


CHAPTER XI - (CHAPTER X in First Edition)

CLOSING THE LODGE

The Greetings. Preparation for Closing. The Closing.


PLATES

0. The Masonic Temple (Coloured)

I. An Egyptian Apron (Coloured)

II. (a) An Egyptian Initiation

(b) Osiris on the Square

III. The Plan of the Lodge

IV. The Three Columns

(a) Doric

(b) Ionic

(c) Corinthian

V. Ruins of a Greek Temple

VI. A Pillar of the Porchway

VII. The Chapiter

VIII. The Arrow of Ra (Coloured)

IX. The Chakras

X. The Second Portal

XI. The Temple of the Angels