Without further ado, two dictionary definitions are proffered.
Initiation
1) The act of initiating or the fact of being initiated.
2) A ceremony, ritual, test, or period of instruction by which a new member is admitted to an organisation, office or status of knowledge{1}.
and
Initiation A beginning; the making one acquainted with new principles, rites etc, admission into a new society or association; the ceremony by which one is admitted{2}.
It would not, the Writer would suggest, be unreasonable to deduce from these definitions that the salient word indicating Initiation is, ‘beginning’. Indeed a number of Masonic authors would support this view. It would also appear that many other ventures such as attaining new positions in one’s professional life or joining various organisations can, as a generality, require, ‘Initiation’. i.e. a process of joining; a beginning, as a Rite of Passage. But the question needs to be asked at this point just why we need to be Initiated into an organisation which some claim to be only a Charitable Dining Club?
The Writer would suggest that we are far more than that, as Masonic authors such as A E Waite, George Oliver, W L Wilmshurst, Julian Rees, Robert Lomas, Manly P Hall, Angel Millar, to name but a few, assert.
So, what is its purpose?
Here we begin to tread the thin ice of contentious issues because, the Writer feels from his own Masonic experience, that the Spiritual and Esoteric Dimensions of our beloved Craft have received scant attention. The reasons for this are well outside the scope of this Paper.
Suffice to say that in recent years the emphasis on the ever changing world of semantics and political correctness have caused many to confuse the word ‘Religion’ with that of ‘Spirituality’.
However, we are often told that Freemasonry is engaged in the task of, ‘...making good men better’ and should practice ‘Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth’. Even these latter concepts have received attention by our Governing Body and, arguable correctly, have been redefined as Respect, Integrity, Friendship and Charity to make them more palatable to the general public. But a study of articles in the on-line Masonic Teaching Tool, Solomon, clearly state that Freemasonry contains a Spiritual Dimension and wherever such a dimension exists, it follows that an Esoteric Dimension is also present. The true purpose of Masonic Initiation could be briefly stated as the process by which the Initiate (Candidate) is led from Masonic Darkness (Ignorance) to being re-born into Masonic Light.
Already it can be deduced that there may well be as many opinions on ‘Initiation’ as there are Freemasons. All are valid and to be respected. Below, the Reader will glimpse a number of opinions that were proffered by Members of his Lodge in response to a request, prior to writing this Paper. These opinions provide the Reader with impressions by rank and file Freemasons as opposed to recognised Masonic commentators and authors. One such Brother writes;
“The Initiation Ceremony in Masonry, to state the blindingly obvious, is an allegorical representation of birth, inception or beginning. Practically every project in life starts in this way to be progressed to execution and finally to completion”
He then proceeds to give examples, including the mundane, such as walking the dog, joining a religion, marriage, having children or joining Freemasonry. All are process; a beginning, execution and completion.
Another Brother writes that for him, Initiation meant that he had joined, “something special” and proceeds to recall the process and what it meant, and still means, to him.
I quote another Brother who shares his intimate thoughts with us;
“...Initiation is, as it says on the tin, the first step on the ritual journey of intellectual, spiritual and/or metaphysical self development and underlined by the powerful oath sworn and the penalties threatened for revealing its secrets, not only seeks to bind the Initiate to Masonry for life but to create a shared, unsettling experience that his brothers various have gone through”.
He concludes,
“My recollection of my Masonic Initiation was that it was a somewhat mystifying and uplifting experience”.
In stark contrast, playing Devil’s Advocate, a cynical Brother writes:
“The Ceremony of Initiation can, however, have a much more profound and ‘darker’ implication; that of total control over an individual (prospective) member by the Lodge acting as a Corporate Body to impose the will of the GAOTU on each and every one of the Brethren”.
“Once initiated into Freemasonry, the Brother becomes a virtual slave to the ritual concept and thereby the teachings of our forefathers who concocted the system in the first place; we are no longer an individual but part of that integrated corporation, from which we are not permitted to stray”.
He concludes,
“The truly thoughtful Freemason is perhaps the one who manages to break free from the hold on him and relinquishes the Craft and all its sibling organisations, but does he still become a ‘better man’ by having trodden along the path, or is it preferable to have him remained uninitiated in the first place?”
As the Reader will see, other opinions may well introduce a different perspective on such cynical observations but nonetheless the comments are sincere food for thought.
I take two examples from the on-line teaching tool Solomon for our consideration, in answer to FAQ’s regarding the Three Degrees we are told they concern “Birth, Life and Death”{3} and “Initiation, once, only once, and forever”
“...on the first floor of Tapton Masonic Hall in Sheffield, you will see on the wall a poster dated 1797, commemorating the Opening Ceremony of Sheffield General Hospital. “...you will see that representatives of Freemasonry and 36 other fraternal organisations were present and yet, today the only one who exists is Freemasonry”.
The reason for this is that Freemasonry is an initiatory society and the others were not. After his Initiation, the new Mason is changed fundamentally”{4}. These assertions, like many that are made, can of course be challenged. Indeed, the Writer would urge all to do just that. However, in spite of such diversity of opinion, the Writer would also encourage every Mason to enquire, as to just why Initiation is of such import and precisely what it means to him personally. It certainly appears that a consensus of opinion claims that Initiation and Freemasonry is both a beginning and a journey. It could also be argued that the journey starts in advance of the Ceremony of Initiation because the question asked prior to Passing a Candidate is, “Where were you first made a Mason?” Answer, “In my heart” {5}.
This opens Pandora’s Box because it implies that our journey began before we ever reached the door of the Masonic Temple, to ascertain that we were, “...a Candidate properly prepared”. This was not just about the Tyler re-arranging our dress, surely, but a clear reference to the fact that we were, “...fit and proper person to be made a Freemason”{6}.
In many Traditions, whether religious, spiritual, exoteric or esoteric, a process is deployed to ensure that the Candidate is worthy to become a member of such an organisation. For us, as Freemasons, it began when our would be Proposer and Seconder endeavoured to establish our moral and spiritual perceptions. Next, we may have been interviewed by a Lodge Committee comprised of senior Brethren. Perhaps this was extended to a ‘full-blown’ quite daunting interview, depending on the rigour employed in a particular Lodge’s process.
History confirms that this has been so for millennia. Indeed, Initiation has been practised in all the great societies, e.g. Egyptian, Persian, Greek etc and the purity of a Candidate, before the Ancient Mysteries became debased, was a paramount requisite required of any Candidate.
Returning to Masonic Initiation, many commentators and authors are particularly eloquent when it comes to identifying its purpose. Below are just a few views expressed:
“The word Initiation comes from two Latin words, in – into, and ire – to go; therefore, the making of a beginning, or the entrance into something. It posits, in its widest sense, in the case we are studying, an entrance into the spiritual life, or into a fresh stage of that life. It is the first step, and the succeeding steps upon the Path of Holiness” {7}.
“Initiation is psychological change, an issue of personal consciousness and inward growth. You become an Initiate by spiritual effort, something that cannot be contrived. Rank comes as the result of interior development, not just taking part in ceremonies, and ritual can only help to smooth the way to this knowledge” {8}.
“A new birth. It is therefore as if the Candidate on his Initiation had been born anew into a universe or that a door had opened to admit him into another, analogous cosmos. Indeed at that pregnant moment when he is restored to light, he discovers himself in the symbolical representation of a new world; and when he is told subsequently that he is the corner-stone of a new foundation from which he must build up himself, he should realise – if his be the gift of insight – that from such point of view the just, perfect and regular Lodge is also his own symbol, a representation of that state which he is called to attain.”{9}
“...Masonry, as now intelligently practised, does not and cannot confer real Initiation; it merely discharges ceremonial formalities{10}. (my emphasis)
And finally,
“The Mason must realise that his true Initiation is a spiritual and not a physical ritual, and that his Initiation into the living temple of the spiritual hierarchy regulating Freemasonry may not occur until years after he has taken the physical degree, or spiritually he may be a Grand Master before he comes into the world. There are probably few instances in the history of Freemasonry where the spiritual orientation of the aspiring seeker took place at the same time as the physical Initiation, because the true Initiation depends upon the cultivation of certain soul qualities – an individual and personal matter which is left entirely to the volition of the mystic Mason and which he must carry out in silence and alone” {11}.
It can clearly be seen from the above, even to the casual reader, that there is far more to a Masonic Initiation than readily appears at first glance. Surely such prominent Masonic authors cannot be so misguided as to risk their reputations by writing thus? It must also be stated that the above quotations are but a few compared with the number of august and prominent Masonic personalities who concur. It must follow that their writings should, at the very least, be considered and if acceptable, practised.
Some will argue that, quite correctly, not all Masons wish to delve into the more arcane aspects of our beloved Craft but the writer would argue that at least all Freemasons should be taught that these possibilities exist, otherwise if we do not bring the horse to water, it is not given the chance to drink!
One Lodge Member in volunteering his opinion on this topic, drew the writer’s attention to the fact that some other charitable organisations had certain joining criteria which could loosely be termed an initiatory process, but they did not require a Ceremony of rolled up trouser legs, funny handshakes and strange passwords. Surely, another indicator that we simply are not another Charitable Dining Club.
Recently, our Provincial Grand Chaplain, the Reverend Aled Lewis made the following observations (during his address at the Consecration of the Cyfrinfa Y Tair Sir Lodge on 22nd October 2022): “I venture to say, that it is our Ritual which sets us apart from every other organisation”, and that “...it remains the Ritual, practiced and demonstrated, the work, which sets us apart, and must be the cement which holds together every Lodge.”
What became clearly evident to this writer when collating opinions received from Brethren, was not only the diversity of those views but the private, personal and indelible impressions left upon those Brethren – most, if not all, have been life-changing which suggests the physical act and ceremonial of Masonic Initiation can be not only a profound experience but that it acts on a number of levels or planes of being e.g. physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
If this is indeed a probability, the ramifications of this are well outside the scope of this Paper. Perhaps it will suffice to say that Masonic Initiation can trigger, augment and assist the process of, ‘making good men better’ by guiding the Initiate not only to emerge from his Masonic Darkness (or ignorance) but to seek that supernal Light which only the Blazing Star can confer.
We have all been, prior to Initiation, examined and found to be:
“Just, upright and free men, of mature age, sound judgement, strict ethical morals” {12}
And then admitted, “of, at and on” {13}
researched, “...into the hidden mysteries of Nature and Science”{14}
studied, “...such of the Liberal Arts and Sciences as may lie within the compass of your attainment”{15}
been led “...even to the throne of God himself” {16}
risen from the figurative grave and informed that “...the Light of a Master Mason is darkness visible,...” {17}
The writer would suggest that it is safe to conclude that Masonic Initiation is, for some, a profound, meaningful and life-enhancing experience. This Rite of Passage that many glibly refer to is millennia old and its origins appear to be lost in the mists of time, but all Initiations into spiritual organisations ever have knowledge of such as did the Ancient Mystery Schools, which sought to make their adherents, ‘better people’ by encouraging that which might be called, ‘The search for the Divine’. Many would argue that it cannot be found without, for it lies within our way of being. It is for each and every one to consider how this may be achieved.
Our Provincial Grand Chaplain advises further during the above-mentioned Consecration:
“As we delve deeper into the secrets and mysteries of our Initiation, concealed and revealed in the Ritual, so we understand more fully the need for our daily advancement in Masonic knowledge”.
Perhaps we should seriously consider Wilmshurst’s observations:
“That Craft will only become what its individual members make it. If they see in it only a ceremonial procedure, at such it will remain, and their Initiation will be but one in name and not in fact. But if they strive to realise and make their own the living spirit and intention behind the outward rites and formal usages, the dramatist quest of Light and of the Lost Word may result for them in a blessed finding of that which they profess to seek, and what they find themselves they will become able to communicate to other seekers, until the Craft is justified of all its children and itself becomes – as it was intended to become – a great light in a dark world”. {18} (my emphasis)
Are we not in need of such Light Brethren? As always the choice is ours.
_________________________________________________________________
Collated by W Bro J S ‘Brig’ Youngs
With contributions from Members of The Richard Warburton Lodge of Education, Research and Demonstration plus additional comments in the Appendix.
©Copyright 2022
Acknowledgments:
My grateful thanks to my wife, Christine Fletcher, for her patience, research skills and spiritual insights in the production of this Paper.
Further grateful thanks are due to W Bro Nick Sawyer for note taking and for contributions made during the Meeting of the 11th November 2022 by Visiting Brethren. Especial thanks to Bros Andrew Walker and Geoff Leavold, of Narberth and Frenni Lodge respectively.
Appendix
The following comments were received during the first delivery of this Paper at Tenby Lodge on 11th November 2022, in response to the following questions:
Why do we need to be initiated to become a Freemason?
It is the start.
If we aren’t initiated, we wouldn’t hear the First Degree Charge, which is very memorable and becomes more relevant when we have to learn it to deliver it Involvement. Not a club. We are a Fraternity. It is the start of a mindset, to contemplate and organise. We are distinct from other organisations.
As Freemasons descended from the old Operative Guilds, we set ourselves up to know each other.
Universal Beneficence. Why do we question? We have all been through Initiation and it is a common bond.
Our Initiation is different and we need to have an answer when people ask us.
It sets us apart, but it’s not why we joined.
We are all individuals...(life of Brian).
Poultry farmer of 30 years - chicken and egg... embrace the mystery.
Chicken Amazon Egg Ebay Initial first letter, it sets us apart.
What is the purpose of initiation?
Latin – beginning – Baptism, Confirmation, Preparedness. It is a journey. Not religious.
Help of God. Senses are heightened.
Do you believe in God? Used to be the first question to a potential Freemason. Now it is a
Supreme Being. We swear on a Sacred Book.
Old school. Did not know what to expect. Blindfold. Placed trust in his Guide.
Trustworthiness. Ritual, “in all cases of danger and difficulty, in whom do you put your
trust?”.
From the UGLE website, we are an, Upright Members Organisation. NOT religious. All faiths are welcome.
Kipling was initiated in India. I wonder what book he took his oath on?
Trials and Tests for the journey.
Not only a ceremonial procedure but realisation of inner spirit and light – a great light in a dark world.
References
1. Readers Digest Universal Dictionary
Pub The Readers Digest Association Limited
Amended Edition 1993
2. New English Dictionary
Ed. By Ernest A Baker, M.A., D.Lit.
Pub. Odhams Press Ltd, 1932.
3. Solomon, FAQ’s
4. Voice, Neil Solomon
Initiation, Once, Only Once, and Forever
5. Emulation Ritual
Questions before Passing
First Published Lewis Masonic 1969
Thirteenth Edition 2014 p112
6. Emulation Ritual
Questions before Passing
First Published Lewis Masonic 1969
Thirteenth Edition 2014 p114
7. Bailey, Alice Initiation, Human and Solar
Pub Lucis Press Limited
First published 1922
17th Edition 1997 p 10
8. Lomas, Robert The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation
Pub. Lewis Masonic 2008 p 24
9. Waite, Arthur Edward A New Encyclopaedia of Freemasonry
Pub. Wings Books 1194 p 395
10. Wilmshurst, W. L. Masonic Initiation
Pub. Kessinger Publishing LLC. P 21
11. Hall, Manly, P. The Lost Keys of Freemasonry
First Pub 1923
This Edition Martino Publishing 2013 p34
12 Emulation Ritual
OPCIT p 114
13. The Lectures of the Three Degrees in Craft Masonry
Pub. Lewis Masonic 1974 p 23
14 Emulation Ritual
OPCIT p 143
15 Emulation Ritual
OPCIT p 108
16 Emulation Ritual
OPCIT p 181
17 Emulation Ritual
OPCIT p 188
18. Wilmshurst, W. L. Masonic Initiation
OPCIT . p 21
Bibliography
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First Published Lewis Masonic 1969
Thirteenth Edition 2014
New English Dictionary
Ed. By Ernest A Baker, M.A., D.Lit.
Pub. Odhams Press Ltd, 1932.
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Pub The Readers Digest Association Limited
Amended Edition 1993
The Art and Science of Initiation
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The Lectures of the Three Degrees in Craft Masonry
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Bailey, Alice Initiation, Human and Solar
Pub Lucis Press Limited
First published 1922
17th Edition 1997
Hall, Manly, P. The Lost Keys of Freemasonry
First Pub 1923
This Edition Martino Publishing 2013
Lomas, Robert The Secret Science of Masonic Initiation
Pub. Lewis Masonic 2008
Oliver, George The History of Initiation
First published Leon Hyneman 1989
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Venzi, Fabio Freemasonry- the Esoteric Tradition
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