Initiation to Master Mason.

The initiate is required to identify himself by describing the previous degree and how he was initiated. He describes that in the second degree he was dressed as per the first degree except he was not hood winked or deprived of metal objects.

He is asked a number of questions and he describes how the masons building the temple received their wages without scruple because they deserved them and without shyness because they relied on the integrity of their employers.

He repeats the incorrect quotation from the previous degree concerning ‘god’ and the high priest.

He promises to complete the initiation ahead of him and vows himself to secrecy.

He is shown the pass grip, applying pressure of the thumb between the second and third knuckle joints of the others hand. The pass word is Tubal Cain who is reported to be the first worker of metals and the significance of the word is worldly possessions.

The initiate leaves and gets undressed for the third degree. Both arms, both breasts and both knees are made bare, both of the heels are slipshod. He puts on his apron.

He returns giving the password and grip to undergo the initiation. All of the lights are extinguished in the room. The inner guard places the points of a pair of compasses to the initiates breasts as he enters. The initiate displays the first and the second degree signs.

The worshipful master begins a prayer asking that the initiate be given strength to proceed with the ceremony that he may be under protection through the valley of the shadow of death and that he may finally rise from the tomb of transgression.

The initiate is required to repeat the first and second degree signs, grips and tokens. He then gives the pass grip and pass word for the third degree. He is instructed to advance to the east by seven steps, the first three of which as if stepping over a grave.

Prior to the initiates entrance a sheet has been placed in the centre line of the lodge around five feet west of the worshipful masters pedestal. Upon this sheet is a depiction of an open grave that is surrounded by skulls and crossbones. Some lodges may use a trap door beneath which is a ‘grave’ and sometimes real or artificial symbols of death are used and which may include a whole female skeleton. Freemasonry describes them as symbols of mortality.

The initiate proceeds in taking the steps, the first three walk over the depiction of the grave on the floor in a diagonal fashion. The remaining steps bring the initiate before the worshipful master. The steps are specifically intended to be awkward to complete.

He is advised that a most serious trial of his fortitude and fidelity await him and the initiate agrees to proceed.

The initiate kneels and places both hands upon the bible. He reiterates his act is one of free will and he swears himself to secrecy and loyalty to the lodge. He promises to defend and keep the secrets of his brothers in his heart with the exception of murder treason and felony and all other offences contrary to the Law of god. He finishes this section with the words so help me Most High and keep me steadfast in this my solemn obligation of a master mason.

He is instructed to kiss the bible three times. He swears himself to secrecy under penalty of being severed in two and having his bowels cut out and burned, alternatively the whole body may be burned, and the ashes scattered by the four winds of heaven that no trace of such a vile wretch may be found among men.

The worshipful master begins a lengthy section in which he describes the following. That having taken the obligation of a master mason the initiate can now demand the final and greatest trial. That the initiate upon entering learned about charity, mutual aid, humility and resignation to the will of the Great Architect of the Universe. That his heart is purified ready to receive truth and wisdom.

In the second degree he was led to contemplate intellectual faculty, tracing it from its development to the throne of god himself. The secrets of nature and the principles of intellectual truth were unveiled. Nature prepares the initiate even more by contemplating death.

In the third degree the initiate is invited to reflect that death has no terror equal to the stain of falsehood and dishonour.

As an example of this, the worshipful master then begins to relate the legend of Hiram Abiff. Fifteen second degree masons realised that they did not have possession of the secrets of the master masons degree. They conspired to obtain such secrets from Hiram Abiff. Twelve of the fifteen recanted. The other three lay in wait for Hiram Abiff at the east, north and south entrances to the Temple. Hiram Abiff had gone there to pay his adoration to the Most High. He did this at noon. Having finished he was confronted by the first ruffian who demanded the secrets of a master mason. Hiram Abiff refused and so the ruffian struck Hiram Abiff on the forehead/right temple. Recovering he went to the north entrance where he was met by the next ruffian who struck him on the forehead/left temple.  Staggering to the east entrance he met the third ruffian who struck and killed him with a blow to the forehead.

As this story is told the initiate is symbolically struck and at the point when Hiram Abiff dies he is lowered into the open grave. This is accompanied by a clock or gong striking twelve, or perhaps the death march being played by the organist and perhaps the recital of Ecclesiasticus XII

The worshipful master explains that the initiate represents Hiram Abiff one of the brightest characters in the annuls of Freemasonry.

The junior warden then attempts to raise the initiate from the grave using the first degree grip and this fails. The Senior Warden attempts to raise him using the second degree grip and this fails. The worshipful master then raises him using the third degree grip and raises the initiate by placing his right foot to right foot, right knee to right knee, right breast to right breast and left hand over the initiates back this is known as the five points of fellowship.

The next section is particularly important as the worshipful master explains the process now that the act is complete. The worshipful master goes on. Let me now beg you to observe that the light of a master mason is darkness visible, serving only to express that gloom which rests on the prospect of futurity. It is that mysterious veil which the eye of human reason cannot penetrate unless assisted by the light which is from above. Yet, even by this glimmering ray, you may perceive that you stand on the very brink of the grave into which when this transitory life shall have passed away, will again receive you into its cold bosom. Let the emblems of mortality which lie before you lead you to contemplate on your inevitable destiny, and guide your reflections to that most interesting of all human studies, the knowledge of yourself. Be careful to perform your allotted task while it is still day; continue to listen to the voice of Nature, which bears witness, that even in this perishable frame resides a vital and immortal principle, which inspires a holy confidence that the Lord of Life will enable us to trample the King of Terror beneath our feet, and lift our eyes to that bright Morning Star, whose rising brings peace and salvation to the faithful and obedient of the human race.

The worshipful master then proceeds to relate the secrets of the third degree. The first is called the sign of Horror and consists of having the left hand down with palm outwards as if shielding the eyes from some object on the ground the right hand is raised over the eyes as if shielding the eyes from something horrible on the floor with the head turned over the right shoulder as if struck with horror at some dreadful and afflicting sight. The second sign is the sign of Sympathy which involves tilting the head forward and gently striking the forehead with the right hand. The Penal sign is given by drawing the right thumb across the navel this imitates the punishment of having the bowels burnt and then wafted by the four winds of heaven.

The grip is only given in the five points of fellowship. The fingertips dig into the others wrist, hence it is known as the lions grasp.

The word is Machaben or Machbinna although there are many different pronunciations.

The initiate is allowed to leave and dress himself.

He returns and the worshipful master further explains the legend of Hiram Abiff.

Essentially the twelve crafts men who recanted confessed to Solomon the conspiracy. Solomon selected fifteen trusty craftsmen and launched a search for Hiram Abiff. One group of men were resting and happened to pull out a shrub from the ground. Noticing the ground had recently been disturbed they investigated and found the body of Hiram Abiff. The men then informed Solomon who ordered them to put the body in a proper grave. When they returned and uncovered the body they were so struck with horror at the sight and of the wound to the forehead they struck their own foreheads in sympathy. Two of the brothers then descended into the grave and tried to raise the body using the first degree grip and failed. They then tried the second degree grip and failed. Next a zealous and expert brother took a firm grasp of the sinews of the hand and with the others assistance raised the body. The others exclaimed Machaben or Machbinna, both words having similar import, the death of a builder.

Hence Solomon decreed that those signs and the word should designate all master masons until time or circumstances should restore the genuine. The three killers were found and confessed their crime. The body was buried as near the holy of holies as would be allowed.

The initiate is then told of a further two signs. In addition to the signs of Horror, Sympathy and the Penal sign are the signs of Grief and distress and the sign of joy and Exultation. The sign of grief and distress involves passing the right hand over the forehead and extending the thumb in a square over the left eye, this mimicking Hiram Abiff wiping sweat from his forehead during the attack. It is explained to the initiate that in Scotland, Ireland and some states of America the sign is given in a slightly different manner along with the exclamation: ‘O Lord my God, O Lord my God, O Lord my God, is there no help for the widows son?’

The sign of Joy and exultation stems from the completion of the Temple, which being so struck by its magnificence in one spontaneous motion every one cried oh wonderful masons. The sign involves raising both hands above the head, palms facing each other.

Finally the worshipful master associates tools with various virtuous aspects.

Review of the Third Degree and Previous.

As previously indicated, the initiations are full of references to a Supreme Being under a variety of different names. According to Freemasonry this is under the guise of religious tolerance such that the initiate may assume that these names refer to the God of their own religious belief. It must also be remembered that a belief in God is a prerequisite for membership. Therefore, when Freemasonry denies that it is based upon religious belief this may be regarded as being nonsense.

It is also important to realise that such a generalisation facilitates the worship of any deity.

In addition, at the time of the official formation of Freemasonry, there were not the wide variety of religions or cults as there are today. Consequently, the mantra of religious tolerance primarily related to Catholicism and Protestantism in the U.K. In this regard Catholicism banned its members from joining Freemasonry in 1738, a ban that is still in force today. This link discusses how both Protestant and Catholic texts have been employed by Freemasonry.

Numerous authors have questioned the absence of Jesus Christ throughout the initiations. A Freemason would probably respond by saying that the initiations are deliberately vague in order to facilitate religious tolerance and accommodate the personal religious belief systems of its members.

In addition, the initiations especially revolve around Old Testament text.

However, references which were deemed ‘Christian’ were deliberately removed from the initiations in 1813. This was done when the two English Grand Lodges, Modern and Ancient were united. Over the period of a century, since the official formation of Freemasonry, it was felt that initiations were including or ‘retrograding’ more and more to include Christian references. Therefore under the guise of religious tolerance all such references were supposedly removed and the initiations reworded.

However there are several things that have been left.

Symbolic Dress

The entered apprentice first enters wearing a blindfold. The blindfold is used in only one location in biblical text. It is used upon Jesus Christ after he had been captured by the Romans. It was placed upon him and he was then beaten (Luke 22:63/64/65 KJ/Douay). As a form of mockery he was then asked to prophesy who it was that was beating him, along with various blasphemies directed towards him and God. It was a biblical requirement that he remained silent, Isaiah 53:7.

Considering that this is the blindfolds only biblical usage it is particularly strange that it should be a dominant feature of the initiates dress. It is specifically and only associated with the torture of Jesus Christ together with blasphemy in biblical text.

The entered apprentice enters with a noose and a rope around his neck and hung over his back. This is usually referred to as a cable tow. This is specifically a Masonic word and description and will not be found in any typical dictionary. Biblically there are many references to hanging individuals. However there is only one generic term which describes hanging and its biblical significance. This is contained in Deuteronomy 21: 22 & 23. It explains that a man who is hung from a tree is cursed by God.

This has profound significance. In Douay Wisdom 2: 17-20 Jesus was to be tortured and suffer a most shameful death at the hands of the wicked - ‘Let us examine him by outrages and tortures, that we may know his meekness and try his patience. Let us condemn him to a most shameful death; for there shall be respect had unto him by his words.’

To be hung on a tree was the most shameful biblical death Jesus Christ could have been given. Hence in Acts 5:30, 10:39, 13:29 and Galatians 3:13 the death of Christ is described as being hung on a tree. The noose draws attention to the method of the death of Jesus Christ. The fact that a noose was not placed around his neck is not significant. He was not literally attached to a tree either. Jesus was suspended or hung from wood. The noose remains symbolic of hanging and is consistent with the description of being hung from a tree. (Gal 3:13 describes how Christ became a ‘curse’ for mankind, enduring a biblically cursed death).

The blindfold and the noose celebrate the above description of torment by the wicked. Purely a celebration of outrage, torture and a shameful death.

However, it should also be remembered that, to a Christian, such a death was glorious because of the outcome.

The entered apprentice first removes and submits one of his shoes. This is repeated in each Degree to Master Mason. If he had researched the first degree word Boaz (pillar in Solomons temple) he would have found that this appears in the book of Ruth 4 in association with Boaz, King Davids grandfather. The story explains that it was an accepted method of displaying the agreement of someone to give up their right over something. In some versions it is called the submission of a right of redemption or of purchase. In this regard, it should be remembered that Jesus Christ is described as the redeemer and as having purchased the souls of the world.

The Freemason may be asked what did you give to become a master mason? The standard reply is my shoe. It is likely that the removal of a shoe is supposed to represent much more than simply progressing through a dubious system of initiation.

The symbolism of a bared leg is interesting. The most obvious connection is in the description of the fall of Babylon in Isaiah 47 (Douay). It specifically mentions that the legs should be bare and it specifically names Babylon as a barren widow. Another biblical text describing baring of the legs in this fashion could not be found. In addition, the Freemasons freely describe themselves as ‘sons of the widow’which identifies themselves with both barrenness and widowhood. That is, the widow is not barren and through the initiations has a new son. This is also in accordance with the words of Babylon in Rev 18:7 ; ‘I am no widow’.

Genesis 3, which first introduces the devil, contains references to the breast, the heel and the arm or hand. These are the areas which are exposed by the initiate.

It is stated in Genesis 3:15 (K.J & Douay) that the heel comes under attack by the devil. The initiate wears slippers to facilitate this symbolic attack. The slippers are specifically the mule type. Mule slippers don’t have a back so that the bare heel of the foot is exposed.Alternatively the initiate is described as being slipshod. Slipshod literally means down at the heel. The effect of the mule slippers or of being slipshod is the same. The heel is deliberately exposed to the symbolic attack of the devil.

The initiate swears his oaths pointing a compass and holding it upon his breast. The breast is specifically mentioned in Genesis 3 (K.J. & Douay) in association with the devil. The heart is also associated with a demonic attack.

Adam is cast out of Eden before he reaches with his hand and ‘takes also of the tree of Life’. While Freemasonry does not offer eternal life the entered apprentice is seeking the ‘mysteries and privileges’ and the ‘Light’ of Freemasonry which are later elaborated upon and have significant spiritual undertones. It is reflective of spiritual reaching.

This reaching theme is repeated in stone in Rosslyn Chapel, a site very significant to Freemasonry. The depiction below is entitled King of Terrors. The male figure reaches with his left hand towards what appears to be a child sitting upon an open book, presumably the bible. His left arm is elongated and distorted emphasising the aspect of reaching.

Although the man appears to be fleeing ‘death’, the direction of the journey leads to spiritual death as shown above. The starving figure, on the right, holds its hands to its mouth as if eating. This is probably alluding to bread, as in the Lords prayer and daily bread, or rather the lack of it. On the other side, the side of ‘death’, there is a depiction of a healthy, plump child.

This is further explained later. Essentially it combines two of the defining characteristics of the devil, the accuser and the tempter. On the one hand it drives the man in a particular direction and on the other it provides the bait.

This explanation, for the symbolism of the bare arm, could be expanded in great detail and it specifically focuses upon the deliberate and immoral imitation of God, or more precisely the wrath of God.  However this is beyond the scope of this article. Suffice to say that, at least, it especially venerates wrath and, at best, it amplifies one of the biblical roles of the devil or how the devil may be used/ allowed freedom by God. In each case, the role of the devil is superficially amplified and that of God deliberately obscured. Christ, in relation to this theme, has certainly been omitted from Masonic initiation.

The Masonic apron is worn by the candidate after the first Degree. If a search of the K.J. and Douay bibles is conducted it will be found that the apron appears only twice. The latter reference concerns the apostles and healing and cannot be related to Freemasonry.

The first mention of an apron, as would be expected, is in Genesis 3:7. After the first biblical deception, Adam and Eve sewed together fig leaves to make aprons to hide their shame. As a simple symbol which illustrates the success of a Satanic deception it is hard to imagine another which could be so illustrative.

The Recurring Theme.

The blindfold and noose refer to the torture and crucifixion of Christ, along with the skull and crossbones described later.

For the Christian there are many opinions regarding the trials of Christ. Two of the most widely recognised are shown here. There are those who believe that the torture and crucifixion was brought about by God, using wicked people (yet biblically God does not tempt, hence would He have tempted Jesus?).

 There are also those that believe that God allowed the devil freedom to orchestrate the torture and crucifixion of Christ. Persecuting a sinless man and consequently bringing about its own final condemnation.

Freemasonry appears to fall into the latter category. Not only that but it venerates and celebrates such an interpretation with one important exception. There is no rejection of the devil despite subtle and direct references made to it in the initiations eg password ‘abaddon’ name of the devil and described later.

Consequently the significance of bare legs of Babylon, son of the widow, removal of a shoe, being slipshod and spiritually reaching to another source can be understood. Simply focussing upon biblical elements associated with the devil or the work of the devil. This is significantly illustrated further in the remaining sections.

Passwords First & Second Degree

The passwords Boaz and Jachin refer to two pillars in Solomons Temple. These were made of brass not stone. They, and the Freemasonic association with stonework, are intended to be deceptive. Although a Hiram is mentioned in association with these pillars he was not an architect. 1 Chronicles 28 clearly states that it was King David who designed the Temple for it to be built by his son Solomon.

Boaz is further explained in the previous section in relation to the removal of a shoe.

Regarding the password, Tubal Cain. This is taken from Genesis 4:22. He was a descendent of Cain and a worker in brass.

It is significant that this password is sourced from the chapter which describes the murder of Able by Cain. It serves to draw attention to the story that Cain killed his own brother. Lucifer or Satan is later described in the bible as being the first murderer because of this act. In accordance with the Hiram legend, he too was killed by his own Masonic ‘brothers’.

The Freemason will often describe how they are ‘walking to the east’ in search of the masonic light, Fellow Craft ritual. Churches are usually constructed with the altar towards the east, towards God.

However, the password Tubal Cain specifically draws attention to the chapter of Genesis 4. Cain was banished to the east side of Eden after killing his brother, and the mason describes himself in the same manner. Jude: 11 emphasises this, using the analogy that those who follow Cain represent evil. Consequently much of the Masonic ritual is directed towards the east and the Worshipful Master. The initiate is instructed how to approach the east in a ‘most ancient fashion’ and he is instructed in specific steps in order to do this. This is further described later in association with steps of the wicked.

Tubal Cain may also have been selected as a password because the same chapter describes the secret sign or mark placed upon Cain by God to identify him. In this regard Freemasonry favours the use of the symbol of a Tau or Thau. This is the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet and denotes setting a mark upon. Such a mark is later imitated in the form of the mark or character of the biblical Beast in Revelations. This is discussed later.

The password Shibboleth is usually described as an ear of corn near a fall of water. However, in some versions of the initiation it is described as a flow of water. This latter is also complimentary to chapter Isaiah 47 which describes the baring of the legs and the passing over the rivers by Babylon. There are variations in ritual but the theme remains the same. This is discussed further later and in another site under the section Voice of Nature.

This connection with Babylon would also appear to explain why a female skeleton is documented as being used in at least one Lodge in English Freemasonry. Considering that women have been barred from Freemasonry for much of its existence, why use a female skeleton in the third degree initiation? If the underlying meaning of the initiation is directly associated with Babylon and the feminine facade of Satanism then it is simply a logical, pseudo respectful and entirely predictable development of the initiation. The sons of the widow lying beside a representation of the widow herself. The theme remains the same.

Lucifer and Isaiah 14

The next few paragraphs relate primarily to the third degree.

One particular reference in the speech after the raising from the grave is notable because of its biblically dualistic meaning. The bright and Morning Star.

One origin of this description is Revelations 22.16 which describes the second coming of Christ as the bright and morning star, or more precisely if the rest of the book is read, he is given the morning star.

The other morning star in Biblical text is generally regarded as the devil: Isaiah 14:12.

From the King James Bible the relevant bit reads ‘How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground which didst weaken the nations.’

The term Lucifer is a later development in Christian history which relates to the devil. Lucifer is the Latin term which refers to the star Venus which could be seen in the morning, hence morning star or day star. The description day star being used in the Challoner notes of the Douay version. Its association with the devil stems from the biblical association with Babylon.

It should also be appreciated that Lucifer literally means ‘bringer of light’ or ‘bearer of light’ and that the initiate has previously and repeatedly emphasised that the predominant wish of his heart is light, indeed the ‘Masonic Light’ is central to the initiations.

Most importantly, the association between Lucifer and the devil was firmly established at the time of the creation of the Masonic initiations (1700’s).

In the initiations attention is drawn to the specific biblical chapter of Isaiah 14 and the only mention of Lucifer, not least, because of the third degree penalty. The oath regarding the penalty begins with the initiate vowing that he would be ‘ severed in two, my bowels burned to ashes...’. Isaiah was killed by being sawn in two and the third degree punishment mimics this.

The relevant bit of the Freemasonic text refers to the morning star and its rising. Is it a reference to Jesus Christ or is it a reference to the devil? Remember that references to Christianity were specifically removed from the initiation.

In verse 14 of the biblical chapter of Isaiah 14, Lucifer said ‘I will be like the most High’. It mentions a term for God; most High.

The initiate hears this term for the first time in English Freemasonry in the Third Degree Obligation before and after the symbolic death and rebirth ceremony. The term does not appear in the first or second degrees. Is it merely a coincidence that the terms most High and Morning Star have been used relatively close together in the Freemasonic ritual? Or is the intention to subtly imitate and point at this area of biblical text? If it were merely a coincidence I would not expect to find other similarities.

Verse 19 ‘But though are cast out of thy grave, as an unprofitable branch, defiled, and wrapped up among them that were slain by the sword: and art gone down to the bottom of the pit as a rotten carcass.’

The devil re-emerges from the grave to be cast into a pit as a rotten carcass. Hiram Abiff re-emerges from a grave. The initiate re-emerges from a grave.

According to one of the earliest written versions of the Hiram legend, dated 1730, the third degree word Machaben means ‘the flesh leaves the bone, the body is rotten’. The devil is cast into the pit as a rotten carcass.

Consider the five signs of the third degree. The signs that are learned and practised after the ‘re-birth’ are revealing in themselves.

Verse 16 ‘They that shall see thee shall turn toward thee and behold thee.’

We have a sign of Horror looking towards the floor and ‘shielding the eyes from a horrible sight on the ground’. Sympathy and striking the forehead as if realising something. Penal which is ‘an allusion to the penalty of the secret obligation’. Grief and Distress which forms a square around the left eye as if looking at something. Joy and Exultation with both hands raised above the head.

How may these be interpreted? Seeing, turning towards and embracing something as per the above verse? Is the initiate inadvertently enacting the above verse?

This is further demonstrated, without any ambiguity, in a popular book called the Hiram Key. Page 14 of the book describes how the candidate is lowered into the grave. After he has been raised he is instructed to look towards a shimmering light in the east in the form of a star. This is described as the morning star. The candidate is instructed to turn towards and behold a star, the Latin name for which is Lucifer.

However, in the bible, the people that behold Lucifer do so in a derogatory sense. It is Luciferian logic and protest that such an aspect of ceremony should be reversed. Disdain for the devil being transformed to reflect adoration. The biblically defined barren widow declaring that ‘she is no widow’ and has many ‘sons of the widow’.

With so much of Masonic ritual and initiation there is deception and outright lies (false preoccupation with stone work being an obvious example). This should be expected from a system of initiation especially focussed towards the ‘Father of Lies’. Exploiting the biblical ignorance of the initiates to the full measure.

We have what would appear to be overlaps and associations from a particularly small area of the bible with which comparisons may be made with Freemasonry and its rituals. First we have Genesis 3, the first biblical appearance of the devil. Now we also have Isaiah 14 and the only biblical mention of Lucifer.

In this case there would appear to be six relatively strong connections made within a small area of biblical text; morning star, most High, reference to a grave, enactment of signs of recognition, reference to a rotten carcass and imitation of the death of Isaiah included in the Masons penalty. These texts specifically concern the devil and are contained within a single biblical chapter, barely two pages in length. What are the chances of such an overlap occurring by accident?

Removal of Metal and Jewellry & other stuff.

The entered apprentice submits all metal objects including money and jewellery.  In the words of the junior deacon he is ‘deprived of everything valuable’. This is deemed particularly important because it represents the only aspect with which non-compliance would necessitate a complete repetition of the initiation from its very beginning. According to the first degree initiation this is so that the initiate may demonstrate his charitable nature later in the ceremony. He is asked to contribute to charity but yet having nothing to give he cannot. Therefore he has to state that if he did have something to give he would have did so.

Using search engines there are no appropriate hits regarding the words metal or valuable. In biblical text such things are described as precious. There are many hits regarding this word. However there is only one hit with which other comparisons with the initiations can be made. It follows the same general rule as other instances. More than one similarity to particular aspects of the three initiations are contained within a very small area of biblical text.

This area is Proverbs 1 verses 10 to 15. It describes the finding of all precious substance and the initiate submits all money and jewellery. It also describes restraining your feet from the path of the ‘wicked’. The entered apprentice is instructed to and takes three very specific and symbolic steps, of a special nature, in the First Degree, led with the left foot, each step being bigger than the last. This is extended in the Third Degree with the initiate walking over what would become his own grave. Yet in the Third Degree these steps are deliberately designed to be awkward to complete. The initiate must make a concerted effort and display clear intent in order to complete the steps. These steps are complimentary to the password Tubal Cain and ‘walking to the east’, following Cain and representing evil and the wicked. It also describes being swallowed alive and whole as one that goes into the pit, which is a chilling description which can be used to describe being lowered into the grave on top of a representation of bones in the Third Degree. It also describes combining of lots to have one purse and this is achieved through the Freemasonic subscriptions which have always been a requirement and the entering of the ‘brotherhood’.  It also describes laying snares for the innocent without cause and it may be argued that the initiations are exactly this. Snares of faith to trap unawares, compliant and trusting initiates. Perhaps this last also accounts for the common Masonic practise of withholding invitations to enter Freemasonry. The initiate must enter the passive snare of his own free will. All of this in less than 100 consecutive words.

It is illogical to conclude that such biblical overlaps with the initiations are merely in the eye of the beholder and the result of inventive spin doctoring. It is not a matter of jumping around biblical text piecing together individual sentences. The similarities, which require little stretch of the imagination, are contained within concise chapters and consecutive verses.

What are the realistic chances, considering the number of words in the bible, that a blindfold (mentioned only once) would be part of the initiation? Similarly an apron (mentioned only twice). Similarly, the heel and being slipshod (attack of the devil mentioned once)? Similarly the baring of the legs (once)? Similarly, the description as a son of a widow (three times)? Similarly, the removal of the shoe and symbolically selling themselves (once). The use of a grave, enactment of signs of recognition, etc focussing upon the only mention of Lucifer? The symbolic steps taken as described above? The removal of precious items? This list doesn’t end here.

The only logical conclusion that can be arrived at is that the initiations were designed and created to include these overlaps. Further more, these overlaps are subtly hinted at through the initiations. They are designed to be found by the entered apprentice who is instructed to study the bible during the First Degree. However, like any good puzzle, they are not blatantly presented. They are disguised and hidden among miss-information. Yet there is a sound biblical reason why such clues are presented in ritual and this is touched upon later.

Skull & Bones

The symbol of the skull and crossed bones upon which the initiate is laid is interesting. According to popular books it originates from a Templar legend.

According to legend a Templar sweetheart died. He visited her grave and opened it to have sexual relations with her dead body. After the act he heard a voice that told him to return to the grave in nine months. He did this and found the demonic birth of a skull on top of two crossed bones.

A dead human skull is mentioned in only one location in biblical text. It belonged to the famous witch Jezebel, who was flung from a high window, trampled horses and eaten by dogs. All that was left was the skull, bits of the hands and feet. Consequently, the Knight Templar degree and the kissing of a skull may be considered suspect.

However there is a simpler explanation for the combined symbol of a skull and crossed bones. According to the Douay Version, the crucifixion took place upon Calvary. According to The King James Version the Hebrew for Calvary is Golgotha and is interpreted as the place of a skull. Obviously a cross is associated with the crucifixion. Hence, Golgotha represents the only biblical place where both symbols of a cross and a skull could be united.

Yet the form of the cross is not the usually accepted form associated with Christianity. However, the shape of the cross is in accordance with the saltire of Scotland or the St Andrews Cross. Scotland is considered to be the home and origin of much of the Masonic Ritual.

However, if this is accurate in what sense is the skull and crossed bones used? While the crucifix is used by the church to represent the death and, more importantly, the resurrection of Jesus Christ it would appear that the symbol of a skull and crossed bones simply represent death. The symbol has been used to represent death danger and evil for hundreds of years. Therefore, is it purely a celebration of the crucifixion and suffering of Jesus Christ and not the resurrection? The noose and the blindfold fulfil the same purpose. They focus upon His suffering and the mechanism of death.

Third Degree Word

With respect to the third degree word Machaben or Machbinna, I have explained its derivation in the later section which discusses why the Douay Version of the bible has been used especially (in the original charges the masons describe themselves as ancient Catholics). Essentially it is a corruption of the name of the book Machabees which is derived from the Hebrew and the letters M.C.B.E.I. Derivation of the Masonic word from these letters allows two or more to be invented which is precisely what has happened. This is supported when it is considered that the bible does the same - Machabeus and Machabees are derived from these letters. It is also significant that the letters M.C.B.E.I. are themselves derived and refer to Exodus 15. 11

 ‘WHO IS LIKE TO THEE AMONG THE STRONG, O LORD’

Freemasonry frequently employs the reverse of such a principle. TGAOTU being a typical example, the grand architect of the universe.

Freemasonry utilises the biblical derivation of the letters directly in the Scottish Rite, attributing the letters the following meaning ‘Mi Camocha Baalim Jehovah’ or ‘Who is like unto thee among the gods, O Jehovah.’

Read this in conjunction with the words of Lucifer taken from the above mentioned chapter of Isaiah verse 14. This chapter being the one which especially overlaps with the Third Degree Initiation, use of a grave etc...

‘I will be like the most High’

Compare this also with the words of the worshippers of the biblical beast in revelations;

‘Who is like to the beast? And who shall be able to fight with him?’

This is an illustration of the imitative and opposite theory in practise. It is arrived at by simply investigating the religious significance of the biblical references employed in the initiation. It is simple and entirely logical.

It should be appreciated and emphasised that the biblical mechanism for the creation of the words is not the paramount issue. It is the Masonic initiations and legends which give the words the sinister meanings described. It is through its own mouth that the nature of Freemasonry is known or in other words ‘an enemy is known by his lips, when in his heart he entertains deceit’ Proverbs 26:24 (Douay).

It is precisely for this reason that there are clues contained in the initiations which can lead a person to discover the truth about Freemasonry. The biblical rules for the Satanist are simply being followed. The initiations have been created within these guidelines. Which, in its own way, exploits the biblical ignorance of the candidate even further. However, the rules are applied and the initiations are an example of this in practise. Consequently the symbol of the set square and compass can be further understood and illustrated. A certain law and compass enclosing the depths. Take me there.

In early Freemasonry the Third Degree password related to rotten flesh. This has rather sinister implications when it is considered that this overlaps with the only biblical reference to Lucifer and a rotten carcass. In modern Freemasonry the word relates to the death of a builder. The initiate is the builder. That is the fundamental purpose of the title Master Mason . In each case the password refers to the initiate and their actions.

Summary so far.

With these factors in mind, take an over view of the process of initiation and incorporate them into the ceremony with one very important factor in mind. Imagine it is specifically Satanic or Babylonian.

A symbolic death in darkness, a wound to the head, at the hands of his ‘brothers’ which imitates both the death of Hiram Abiff and the wound which is inflicted upon Lucifer or the beast of Revelations 13. He lies on top of or beside symbols that were either invented by the Templars and have their root in a demonic legend of necrophilia or employ rather sinister biblical symbolism. This ceremony being completed at ‘noon’ ,which may hint at the noon-day devil of David Ps 90:6 (Douay). Adding to this doom and gloom the death march may be played on the organ. The initiate is slain, in imitation of the wound to the biblical beast, and is lowered into a grave that contains the skull and cross bones or even lowered into a pit to lie with a female skeleton. He is then raised from the grave but not in imitation of the legendary Hiram Abiff, who remained dead, but apparently imitating Lucifer who after emerging from the grave will then cast into the pit as a rotten carcass. Perhaps if all the Freemasonic brothers pointed at the initiate at this point and exclaimed ‘Machaben !!’ which, according to early Freemasonry, means ‘rotten flesh’ or ‘dead builder’, the significance of the ceremony would become more clear.  The initiate is then instructed in a character in his right hand ( handshakes of specific character), which together with the blow to the forehead imitates the signs of the beast in Rev13. He is instructed to listen to the ‘voice of nature’ which may hint at the Biblical ‘evil hearing’ (Ps 111:7 Douay) and certainly points to one of the plagues that befell the Egyptians Wisdom 17 (Douay). He is told to contemplate his inevitable return to that ‘grave’, which may represent more than a physical grave. He is likened to being darkness visible.

Such a sinister meaning may be deduced if, for example, the whole process could more readily be identified as being a mockery and an immoral copy of a Christian baptism.

Immoral Baptism?

This may be hinted at in the prayer at the beginning of the initiation. It specifically asks for protection through the valley of the shadow of death and a final rising from the tomb of transgression. The valley of the shadow of death is always associated with evil, danger and the works of the devil. However such a prayer is normally reserved for a clear and present imminent threat. How could ‘school boyish’ theatrics such as these present such a threat?

If the ceremony is indeed a deliberate and immoral copy of a baptism then the presence of imminent spiritual danger is adequately explained. Hence the prayer would indeed have profound meaning.

The Christian baptism represents a death and burial with Christ such that the person may rise with him to a new life, dead to sin. Obviously Christ was buried in a Tomb. However it was not a tomb of transgression because a fundamental element of Christianity is that Christ was sinless.

Something which aims to imitate and corrupt a Christian Baptism may well employ a tomb of transgression.

Indeed something which aims to imorally imitate a Christian Baptism may well employ a grave instead of water. Yet, the Christian does not return to that grave upon their death, as the Masonic lectures claim.

An essential aspect of the Christian baptism is missing. Rejection of Satan. Rather the darkness, death and the ‘inevitable return to that grave’ is embraced.

Close Affinity with Ancient Egyptians

Regarding the statements after the death and re birth ceremony; ‘the light of a master mason is darkness visible serving only to express that gloom which rests on the prospect of futurity.’ What does this mean?

Darkness visible to express the gloom which is to come in the future? An apocalyptic example of what is to come? What an extremely strange statement after such a ceremony. If the Luciferian theory is correct then darkness visible is a simple and accurate description for the whole ceremony and the master mason is an illustration of a seduction by darkness.

However this is also very similar to the description of the punishment of the ancient Egyptians in the Book of Wisdom Chapter 17 verse 20.

It should be remembered that the description of Shibboleth as an ear of corn besides a fall of water also points to this chapter. The term ‘fall of water’ is only used in this biblical chapter.

The relevant verse concerning ‘darkness visible’ from Wisdom 17 reads;

‘But over them only was spread a heavy night, an image of that darkness which was to come upon them.’

The Masonic speech continues and the initiate is instructed to listen to ‘the voice of Nature’. The whole Chapter of Wisdom 17 concerns seeing and predominantly hearing things which weren’t there such that many of the Egyptians were scared to death. As far as hearing things is concerned this originated from a ‘whistling wind, or the melodious voice of birds among the spreading branches of trees or a fall of water running down with violence.’. Describing such an experience as the ‘Voice of Nature’ is concise and accurate.

Today it would probably be considered an acute attack of mass paranoid schizophrenia. Indeed, Deut 28:27 mentions the ulcer of Egypt and goes on to describe groping like a blind man at mid day, the fury of the mind and madness. Three things that may be associated with the Egyptian Darkness.

With regard to mental torment Ps 111:7(Douay) may be another reference to the Egyptian Darkness ‘The just shall be in everlasting remeberance: he shall not fear the evil hearing. Emphasis added.

The plague came upon the Egyptians from ‘the lowest and deepest hell’ and, if one has a belief in the devil, there is some basis for saying that God used devils or demons to inflict the Egyptian plague.Essentially using the same deities the Egyptians worshipped to punish them, in the fashion of an eye for an eye.

The devil or the demons ability to influence an individuals heart or especially the mind (hearing and seeing things) being exploited to inflict the plague. This is in line with the traditional depiction of devils; a ‘satyr’ with animal and human characteristics. Reflecting the belief in the ability of a demon to spiritually influence both man and beast. The extreme being possession and the lesser being suggestion.

The physical darkness experienced by the Egyptians could then be regarded, as an image of the spiritual darkness which was to come upon them. Darkness visible.

Revelations describes a similar plague (Rev Ch 9) where devils are allowed to ascend from hell to inflict a mass attack on all the wicked of the world. In this regard it is not surprising, and is almost predictable, that ‘Abaddon’, the name given to the devil in Rev Ch 9, is used as a Masonic password in a later degree. Together with a further understanding of the Masonic speech ‘the light of a master mason is darkness visible serving only to express that gloom which rests on the prospect of futurity.’

It should be remembered that Freemasonry claims a close affinity with the ancient Egyptians. The prophetic plagues to be inflicted on the wicked in the future, as described in Revelations, bare a number of striking similarities to those inflicted upon the Egyptians. Obvious similarities include sores, water trurning to blood, hail and consumation of vegetation together with the affliction of devils. Consequently one must ask if Freemasonry claims a close association with the Egyptians or simply with the wicked?

Use of the name Abbadon as a password in Freemasonry firstly focusses upon the future work of the devil. Secondly, it focusses upon the final judgement of the world. This judgemental theme is a significant feature when considering the biblical role of devils. That is, premature and false judgement.

2 Thessalonians 2 (Douay) says that people should not be moved or terrified by ‘spirits’ proclaiming judgement because there will be unmistakable signs before the Judgement Day. It essentially states that a Satanic ploy is to imitate judgement. This ploy is entirely complimentary to the defining characteristics of a devil; a deceiver, liar, especially accuser and imitating an angel of light. In this regard the sketch of Baphomet, link, illustrates this mechanism with the figure sitting in judgement upon the world.

It is significant that the Egyptians did more harm to each other than the darkness. In addition, the chapter makes it clear that the fear experienced by the Egyptians was ‘worthy of laughter’. The plague was effective because the Egyptians were exiled from the ‘eternal providence of God’ and consequently had no capacity to resist. Obviously this cannot be said of any group of people today.

There is the essential biblical difference between the ancient Egyptians and the modern Christian (?) Mason. The Egyptians were overcome and were exiled from Divine Providence.

The picture below is taken from Rosslyn Chapel and is illustrative of the man who becomes the slave of the thing that overcomes him. In this regard, when biblical text talks about cowards, especially in Rev, one wonders if this is a reference to those who concede to the devil.

Such an interpretation of Wisdom 17 and the use of demons to inflict the plague would certainly explain why Masonic initiations would hint and direct attention towards this chapter. Simply another celebration and focus upon the work of the devil or devils, despite the fact that God would have been in control. Link to another site to discuss further.

This interpretation would also provide a further understanding of the Royal Arch penalty of being beheaded but especially the penalty of the Knight Templars. Having the skull sawn apart so that the brains are exposed to the scorching rays of the sun. A colourful way of describing madness, fury of the mind and the evil hearing.

Consequently, the instruction given to the Master Mason ‘Listen to the Voice of Nature’ should be considered suspect. It should more accurately be regarded as an instruction to comply with the devil.

It is interesting to note that such ‘evil hearing’ is presented in the famous movie the Ten Commandments. Charlton Heston, clambering through the desert of Sin is briefly subjected to it by the spirits of the desert (usual biblical location for devils) or demons. There does not appear to be a basis for this in Protestant biblical text. However, the inclusion of this theme in the movie should not be considered surprising when the significant influence of Freemasonry in Hollywood is considered.

Purely as a by the way to this theme of psychological and spiritual attack, the derivation of the word panic is revealing. The Celts were poised to attack Greece in ancient history after laying waste to several prominent cities. The local inhabitants prayed to their deity Pan to protect them from the Celts. Shortly there after the Celts were overcome with an inexplicable fear and terror and consequently fled Greece before doing any real damage. From this event the word panic was born and it related to the mechanism of operation of the Greek deity Pan - blind, overpowering fear.

Pan would be biblically defined as a devil. Indeed, the name Pan has become synonymous with the devil.

Such a story has obvious similarities to the account of the fearful Egyptians in Wisdom 17. However, my favourite verse in the same chapter defines this fear and panic ‘For fear is nothing else than the yielding up of the succours from thought’. The absence of reason and the comfort it offers.

General.

Regarding the Masonic penalties, their nature and their sources are discussed later in section Dog New Tricks. However, their nature may be summarised by the ‘more effective’ punishment for the Entered Apprentice. To be branded an individual void of moral worth. In effect, employing the mechanism and derivation of the Greek word for a devil, diaballein - a slanderer and accuser.

The Masonic speech continues ‘You stand on the very brink of the grave into which you have descended and which when this transitory life has passed away, will again receive you into its cold bosom.’.  Does this literally mean a grave and death? Or does this essentially refer to a spiritual death and hell?

Is it a form of mockery? Could this be why the initiate was prompted to walk over, in a very awkward fashion, what is intended to become his own symbolic ‘spiritual grave’ three times? Paying considerable attention to it but missing the overall meaning? Three times, like Jesus prayed to have the cup removed from his lips. Three times like St Paul prayed to be released from a Satanic angel. Three degrees to become Master Mason and request hell?

In the first degree the worshipful master advises the initiate that he had avoided two great dangers. The first being that he managed to avoid rushing forward and killing himself upon the point of the compass. The second that he managed to resist the urge to retreat and therefore strangle himself with the noose. In each case he would have been an accessory to his own death. Yet in the third degree this is precisely what is required of the initiate who allows himself to be symbollically killed and lowered into a grave. The irony is thick.

Consider the legend of Hiram Abiff. First and foremost he was killed by his own ‘brothers’. In this regard the ceremony could not have taken place without the assistance of the initiates ‘brothers’. Are the Masonic brothers quite happily ‘killing’ each other in a spiritual sense in a complete, blind and religiously ignorant stupor? How many have even considered the spiritual significance of their actions? These men who are required to have a belief in God prior to being accepted into the organisation.

The death wound of Hiram Abiff, a blow to the head, is consistent with that of the biblical beast in Revelations. The initiate plays the part of Hiram and enacts this death ‘suffering’ such blows. Yet if Hiram Abiff is an allegorical figure which represents Lucifer himself, the brightest star in the annuls of Freemasonry, this enactment becomes even more sinister.

The idea of the legendary Hiram being eventually buried as close to the holy of holies in the Temple, the first House of God, becomes predictable if he does represent Lucifer. Such a location in legend can be anticipated when it is considered that Lucifer is clamourous and would be ‘like’ the most High, or as the N.T describes, impersonate an angel of light 2Corinthians 11:14. Consequently, the creators of the legend would have him buried as close to the most holy place as possible. The only reason Hiram is not buried within the chamber is that it would be considered an obvious blasphemy by any initiate with a shred of religious knowledge. Hence it would be too obvious and too revealing.

In the first degree the initiate was urged to read the Bible. In the second degree deliberate biblical errors were included in the ritual. The initiate states how he has been taught to be cautious. Yet he places blind trust in his new brethren and who are likely to be strangers.

In the third degree the emphasis is placed upon intellectual truth and death has no terrors equal to the stain of false hood and dishonour. The process of the initiations is an exercise in false hood, dishonour and mockery.

That is the sad, yet simple, point.

This is re-enforced by the next section.

Albert Pike: ‘The pretended possession of mysterious secrets, has enabled Masonry to number its initiates by tens of thousands. Never were any pretences to the possession of mysterious knowledge so baseless and so absurd as those of the Blue and Royal Chapter Degrees.’

Again it must be emphasised that Masonry is a biblical seduction and the initiate is the victim. This does not define him as a Satanist or a lost soul. 

What this Means for the Member and the Curious

Differentiating good and evil is an important theme in the New Testament made all the more difficult due to the imitative nature of biblical evil.

For the curious observer considering Freemasonry it is hoped that the contents of this site raise some important issues for consideration.

For those who wish to enter Freemasonry and have not yet done so, what will you do when you are invited to swear an oath, apparently before God, as to having heard no detrimental reports concerning Freemasonry?

Considering the volume of material on the subject it is astounding that anyone could honestly swear such an oath, despite the fact that such oath swearing is in opposotion to Christianity in the first place. Indeed, in this same category, the provocative nature of Freemasonry itself has made such an honest and affirmative answer to the oath difficult. Similarly, when one is invited to swear that they seek no worldly gain yet enter Freemasonry in the mistaken belief it would improve their career prospects.

In this regard the principle of the scroll as used in the Royal Arch Degree addresses this issue and concerns those who falsely and knowingly swear before God.

For the member of Freemasonry you have been deceived and manipulated with the presentation of a so called ‘mystery’. The initiate is at an immediate disadvantage in distinguishing good and evil because ignorance of the initiations is a requirement for entry.

Imagine the dilemma for those who have faith and researched Freemasonry. Learning the nature of Freemasonry but at the same time being bound by the oaths they took, apparently before God, to keep it a secret. A snare for the innocent without cause.

Yet does membership of some organisation define a person as evil? Hardly.

The undernoted extract is taken from a discourse by St Clemment concerning the Arian heresy and was written in the 4th century. It was found after the text for this site was completed and has now been included here because of obvious similarities in theme(highlighted in blue) together with a concise explanation of the motivation for creating this web site.

‘Of all other heresies which have departed from the truth it is acknowledged that they have but devised a madness, and their irreligiousness has long since become notorious to all men. For that their authors went out from us, it plainly follows, as the blessed John has written, that they never thought nor now think with us. Wherefore, as saith the Saviour, in that they gather not with us, they scatter with the devil, and keep an eye on those who slumber, that, by this second sowing of their own mortal poison, they may have companions in death. But, whereas one heresy, and that the last, which has now risen as a harbinger of Antichrist, the Arian, as it is called, considering that other heresies, her elder sisters, have been openly proscribed, in her craft and cunning, affects to array herself in Scripture language, like her father the devil, and is forcing her way back into the Churches paradise - that with the pretence of Christianity, her smooth sophistry (for reason she has none) may deceive men into wrong thoughts of Christ - nay, since she has already seduced certain of the foolish, not only to corrupt their ears, but even to take and eat with Eve, till in their ignorance which ensues they think bitter sweet, and admire this loathsome heresy, on this account I have thought it necessary, at your request, to unrip ‘the folds of its breast plate’, and shew the ill savour of its folly. So while those who are from it may continue to shun it, those whom it has deceived may repent; and , opening the eyes of their heart, may understand that darkness is not light, nor falsehood truth, nor Arianism good; nay, that those who call these men Christians are in great and grievous error, as neither having studied scripture, nor understanding Christianity at all, and the faith which it contains.’