Further thoughts after having considered the Da Vinci Code in relationship with Masonic Ritual (Craft, Ark Mariner, Holy Royal Arch, Knights Templar, and Royal Order of Scotland) and the Holy Bible.

The Da Vinci Code is of course a fictional work and much of what it claims is unsubstantiated. For example, the author makes representation that the disciple on the right of Christ in Da Vinci's last supper painting is Mary M., but as put forth in Choirs of the God, there is evidence that some of Christs disciples practiced self castration as a way to deny their sexuality and become closer to the deity. Of course, the image of a "V" created by Christ and this person (which could simply be a complete young man with delicate features) may well still represent the feminine aspect of deity. Perhaps Da Vinci made himself to be a eunuch. Regardless of its own academic worth, The Da Vinci Code does indeed provide some seeds for further rigorous research. Website on Da Vinci Code

From the time of King David to the exile to Babylon there existed an androgynous union between the masculine and feminine aspects of deity, but it was abruptly destroyed. Those returning from the exile undertook a search for that which was lost. The genuine secrets of a Master Mason may well be to achieve wholeness through uniting the feminine and masculine aspect of deity. and achieve a balance or perfection. That is, to resolve the chaos.

The pentacle is symbolic of that perfection as traced by the planet Venus every eight years across the ecliptic sky; the sacred feminine or divine goddess. The union is further symbolised by two interlaced triangles; that facing up masculine and that facing down feminine.

The Christian fleur des lis typically has larger petals on top than those below, which form a larger masculine triangle than the feminine. Unless difficult and painful lessons are learned by men they will continue this 60/40 sort of subjugation of paternalism. Is this symbolic of the subjugation of women throughout the Piscean era? Are we moving into a more balanced fleur des lis, perhaps reflected better by some Bhuddist symbolism?

Perhaps the secret of a Master Mason is to recognise and acknowledge the androgynous balanced union of the masculine with the feminine deities. In the Ark Mariner degree, prior to the Candidate being admitted a "blade triangle" is flipped to form a "chalice triangle" for him to explore. In other words, it appears to me that the masculine world is temporarily put aside for the Candidate to experience the feminine world. Very few Freemasons bother with the Ark Mariner degree (a shame because it enables better understanding of Holy Royal Arch symbolism).

Having done this it is necessary for men to get in touch with their inner selves and become active there. The sort of self-development lessons that must be learned are best presented and experienced through allegory and symbolism. This can be done in many ways by working in the context of myth - Freemasonry provides one option to do this. The First three degrees provide an introduction, the Holy Royal Arch degrees provide the true initiation, and the Knights Templar degree enjoins the candidate to understand himself. (Note: Those interested in self castration will not find that in Freemasonry.)

Of course, this is my interpretation and is in no way a doctrine or dogma of Freemason. Why? There are no such established doctrines or dogmas in Freemasonry. Each Freemason is free to think for himself and evolve as he is led through life and the inspiration of God.

LJB Sep 2004

Danny offers the following:

Indeed, both views of the fleur-de-lis have been used as the national symbol of Hebrews/Israelites/Jews since very ancient times. At one time, the French royal family, in an attempt to gain international royal influence, invented an imaginary story and claimed to be the successors of Jesus, and therefore, the successors of David, King of Israel. Since then, the side view of the fleur-de-lis has been used by the French to symbolize France's royal family and later the country of France.

In parallel, the English have also invented quite a similar imaginary story, claiming again that the English royal family are the successors of Jesus, and therefore, the successors of David, King of Israel.

It's not surprising that two so competitive and close European royal families tried to gain advantage over the other in an attempt to conquer the world with a fabricated ancient royal lineage justification, using religion as a tool. Amazingly, there're still credules in both those countries fanatically believing in those old jokes.

How exactly the lily became fleur-de-lis (side view) and the six-pointed star (David's Shield) (top view) is probably the observation and creativity of ancient artists.

By the way, there was also a European claim that the six-pointed star used by the Jews was not ancient and was in use only in Europe. All recent archaelogical findings in Israel are proving the opposite and clearly showing the antiquity of both symbols and their wide use as a national symbol of Israel.

According to the tradition and the Kabbalists, the basis of the six-pointed star (David's Shield) is solely the two oppositely situated triangles. Of course, we can see many other forms in there by connecting any other two lines, but that's just not the point.

Danny (?) May 2001