Some Thoughts from a Pagan Mason

There was a discussion that got rather heated on another Masonic board here on FB. Is Freemasonry Monotheist? I would assume that they are talking about mainstream Masonry, as in general most talk of Freemasonry (falsely) as an organization, as opposed to what it is, an initiatic path of divine remanifestation.

Now, this topic gave me pause. I am not a monotheist, and to my knowledge I never have been as I grew up in a very secular household. I came into my religion of Hellenic Reconstructionism while in college. ironically enough it was the joining of my college fraternity ΣΦΕ that got me really interested in the Greek alphabet, from there into Greek gematria, and from there what I believe the unlocking of divine truth.

I have been a faithful servant of the Hellenic path ever since. Now, I joined Freemasonry right after graduation. It was the reading of Madame Blavatsky's The Secret Doctrine that led me in the path of the Craft. I joined a liberal lodge as I felt that the balance of male and female energy was ideal. To be honest , since I came from no family background in Freemasonry i never considered an all male or "mainstream" lodge.

My lodge was filled with every faith you could imagine. We had no less than four sacred texts on the alter at any one time. Since my faith is not "book based" I asked my WM to take my obligation on what I feel would be the closest thing to a Holy book, The Illiad. They obliged.

So when I read a question like "is Freemasonry monotheistic" I am a bit dumbfounded. I have never know Freemasonry to be literal. The point (as I have always understood it) is like other divine paths, the truth is obscured through the symbolism of the ritual, not just splayed out in front of you by it. Like in gematria, the numbers actual conceal and force the brain and soul to reveal the value.

In Masonic ritual, it is up to the seeker to find the meaning for themselves. I have found when done correctly, it is a sort of "soul language" that communicates to the divine self. This may be more than out profane or human self can easily describe but it makes it no less real. It is what we in the 1613 describe as remanifestation.

In my Masonic Rite, the Hellenic Ritual, we call among Pagan God forms to teach our souls what are minds and body are incapable of understanding by themselves. To awaken the divine fire to burn away our profane existence, and leave behind the stone once rough made smooth.

This is not to say that monotheistic based ritual would not have the same effect. Regardless of weather it is known or concealed, God forms of all kinds are found within the middle chamber. In between the pillars of Hercules (B&J) we leave behind out former self, to be reborn as men and women of divine light.

This has just as much meaning and effect on the aspirant regardless of their personal spiritual belief. I do not subscribe to any form of exclusivity of thought. I am not about to say that Hebrew symbolism is lost on the Hindu, or Helline. I would also not demand that one be a "believer" in order for this sacred algorithm to access the vast database that is our mind and soul.

IN LVX,
Joshua Walker-WM Lodge Hera