"THE MASONIC TRINTTY AND WAY OF THE CROSS"
by W.Bro. The Rev. J.K. Cloland, M.A.,D.D.
I must begin my remarks by saying that, although I have adopted a
dogmatic form of expression as being the easiest method of presentation,
I do not wish it to be thought that I am laying down dogmas. What I
have to put before you is my own interpretation of certain facts and
symbols, the way in which they have appealed to me, have helped me to
gain some insight into some of the dark corners of the Masonic
structure, and above all, have given me certainties to replace some of
those pious hopes with which I was put off and more or less satisfied in
the course of my youthful religious upbringing. It will be necessary for
me to refer to other degrees besides those of the Craft, in order to
give as complete a picture as possible, but, where I have done so, I
have used such terms as will make the references fully intelligible only
to those of you who are members of those degrees.
It is just possible that some of you are making the remark, "Now what
does he mean by introducing religious discussion into Freemasonry?" Far
be from me any such intention. I have chooen the title of my remarks of
set purpose and for three especial reasons:
1. Because, this country being, at least nominally so far as religion is
concerned officially Christian, "The Masonic Trinity and Way of the
Cross" is the title which will convey most readily to most of you a
conception of the Spiritual Experiences which I want to consider.
2. Because the Trinity and the Cross are very much older and more
universal than Christianity and I want to consider them in their
universal bearing, although I will take most of my illustrations from
the Christian Mythos. And
3. Because I do not speak to you as a priest, or even as a Christian,
but as a humble student of the Holy Catholic Faith, which those who
understand it will find in every manifested religion in the World.
Every religion is founded upon the Gospel of Catholicism, which phrase
means literally "God's Word of Universality," or "God's universal Plan."
Sometimes lost or forgotten, often overlaid or overlooked, seldom
realised or understood, it is always fundamentally the same. It is
Religion, with a capital "R".
Perhaps I may also speak as an old soldier who has learned from sad
experience that there is only one enemy whom it pays one to fight and to
conquer, one's own lower self.
In a paper such as this, one cannot fully go into details of the
subject; but one can attempt a general survey of the ground, indicate
certain lines of approach and avenues open, for research and, in some
cases, bring forward proven facts and indications pointing to
Freemasonry as the repository of certain teachings which are, and have
always been, the basis upon which religious systems and philosophics
have been built up. These teachings, or this deposit of truth, have
been called "The Ancient Wisdom" and other names, and have underlain
every religion and philosophy given to or evolved by man,
My thesis may be briefly stated:.
1. The conception of a Trinity in Unity is a fundamental truth, and has
always been considered and taught as such.
2. So also has the teaching of a Quest or path of enlightenment, by
which it is necessary that all man ultimately should advance. It has
been called by many names and taught under many different forms and
symbols.
3. These two teachings are very closely linked and are necessary to the
undestanding of the third basic teaching of ancient times, the teaching
written over the entrance to every Temple of Initiations "Man, know
thyself,"
4. The symbolism of the Cross is an integral part of Freemasonry
permeating it from the very beginning of our masonic experience. The
understanding of this symbol throws light upon a number points in our
rituals which are normally difficult to understand, even when closely
studied and not, as is usually the case, simply accepted without
thought. Some of these do not even make sense until considered in the
light of the Cross.
No doctrine is more fundamental or more emphasised in Freemasonry than
that of the Trinity, although many masons never realise its presence.
From the first moment of our entrance upon our Masonic journey we find
three aspects of the Divine functioning in the Lodge:- Strength, Wisdom,
Beauty; S.W., W.M., J.W. Later you will see why I place them in this
order.
If we dissect Freemasonry we will find its structure, like that of all
other religious and philosophic conceptions, based upon two main
doctrines:-
1. The doctrine of One God, Father of all men, who are therefore
Brothers. This Unity manifesting as a Trinity, which, in turn, gives
rise to a Septenary.
2. The doctrine of a Quest for something that has been lost, usually a
Word, but sometimes otherwise represented, as in the Graal Quest. It is
always a passing through a regular series of what may be called
Expansions of Consciousness, usually five in number, towards union with
God, or some supreme goal. Man himself, being "made in the image of
God," is therefore not only a unity but a trinity and a septenary, and
capable, through the development of full knowledge of himself as such,
of Union with God. This is the same quest which, in Christian parlance,
is known as "the Way of the Cross."
There are many signs in our Rituals of the doctrines we have mentioned.
Let us first consider the Trinity in Unity and try to realise the
necessity for the recognition of three aspects in any unity. The first
examples which occur to us most naturally, as dwellers incarnate in time
and space, are the obvious divisions of these three environments into
their three components; Incarnation manifesting as Birth, Life and
Death; Time as Past, Present and Future; and Space as Length, Breadth
and Thickness. In some cases we have the attributes of Deity given to
us as Omnipotence, Omniscience and Omnipresence, sometimes as Will,
Wisdom and Activity, which correspond to our Craft terms, Strength,
Wisdom and Beauty. All these correspond to the most generally attributed
functions of Anihilation, Preservation and Creation; but, instead of the
word Anihilation, I prefer the more scientifically accurate
Transmutation. These same attributes are found in the Hindu teachings
as Brahma, the Creator; Vishnu, the Preserver; and Shiva, the Destroyer,
who is also the "Willing Bestower of Requests" or, in Christian
terminology, "the Answerer of Payer." For the benefit of those who are
interested in the philosophies of India, I suggest a parallel in the
Samkhya-Yoga, where we find the three attributes clearly defined in the
three Gunas or aspects of Prakriti or Nature. These are Tamas -
Inertia, Sattva. - Experience and Rajas - Energy. Prakriti is, however,
impermanent and exists only in manifestation. Behind it lies Purusha,
someti mes translated "Soul": it is the transcendent unitary principle
postulated by Kant: In our Lodges, it is the empty chair in the North.
We are told by modern Science that our whole physical universe is only
Vibration manifest. The V.S.L. informs us that All was created by the
spoken word, which is merely another way of stating the same scientific
truth. Let us, for a moment, consider the production of sound in the
spoken word and its essential connection with this Trinity. We will take
as our example the enuncation of a single vowel sound "A". In order to
say "A" I must first CREATE a Vibration; I then PRESERVE that vibration
for an appre ciable moment of time; I then DESTROY or cease to Preserve
it, or I TRANSMUTE it into the vibration of the next sound I wish to
communicate. Thus, in the pronunciation of the simplest of vowel
sounds, I have found it necesary to exercise all the three functions
which we have found as the attributes of Deity.
As in Christianity, so in the Craft, emphasis is laid upon the Secord
Person or Wisdom Aspect of the Trinity, as Initiator and Ruler of things
manifest. It is interesting here to note that although the W.M. rules
his Lodge and performs the ceremonies of Initiation, Passing and
Raising, he only succeeds on the last with the assistance of his
Wardens, and that he cannot himself invest a candidate, but has to send
him to the S.W., as representative of the First Person. The Wardens are
impotent until the W.M. descends and raises upon the F.P.O.F. This is
another point worth deep consideration for, in the Christian teaching,
it is the descent into Incarnation of the Second Person, the coming into
the grave of the flesh, that saves mankind.
In the H.R.A. the three Principals act as One. This degree being upon a
totally different plane of consciousness to the Craft, the First Person
is the supreme ruler. Again it he He who invests. Elsewhere we find
other symbols used.
Man himself is a trinity and a septenary, as well as a unity. Let me
expand this statement. St. Paul divides man into Body, Soul and Spirit.
He leaves it there, except for the statement that "there is a natural
body, and there is a spiritual body." (1. Cor., 15, 44). Proof that one
functions in a multiplicity of bodies or vehicles is not difficult to
attain by personal experiment and experience. It can be reached without
any very great knowledge of the three methods or stages laid down for
practice by Masters of this most ancient of all Sciences: viz.
Concentration, Meditation, Contemplation. Yet another Triad!
A very slight exercise of Concentration only will be sufficent to bring
home to most average men the fact that they are not their physical
bodies, but that the physical body is something through which they
function and contact the surrounding physical world, something which
their "I" can control. Sometimes this body is ruled by other things;
passions, emotions, desires; and its muscles are tensed and contorted
and its functions upset. Host men can realise that they can, or should
be able to, control these passions etc. Again, they are something
through which to function; they are not the "I". We control them
through the use of mind and control of thought. But we find ourselves
controlling thought and mind, and can realise yet another vehicle of
consciousness: Once more, it is not "I".
So far we have found a trinity within our unity, yet still have not
reached the real "I". It is still beyond. This trinity of Mental,
Desire and Physical Bodies is technically known as the Personality. We
find it illustrated in the gifts brought by the Wise Men to the cave in
Bethlehem (The House of Bread). Gold is the material nature to be
consecrated to the service of God and Man; Frankincense is the emotional
nature, desires and longings which must rise like incense to God. It is
also the symbol of purification, of that cleansing fire which removes
all dress and leaves only the pure essence for the blessing of God.
Myrrh, bitterness, is related to the mind, through which, as human
beings we suffer. The further the Race progresses are develops
mentally, the greater becomes its capacity for suffering. Only when
seen in its true light and dedicated to God can suffering be used as an
instrument of conscious approach to God.
This three-fold Personality is, then, of vast importance. PER SONO, "I
sound through"; it is a wonderfully expressive term.
The Mental part of the Personality is only a fraction of the mental
make-up of of man. It has been called the lower, or analytical, mind,
as distinct from the higher, or synthetic mind, by which it can be
controlled and which, in turn, is controlled by something still higher.
So, we are told, and some have reached to proof, that we also function
through a second trinity of mind, Intuition and Spirit. This trinity is
called the Individuality. Yet, over all, is the real Self, the Ego, the
"I". Paul Brunton calls it the Overself.
Thus, in man wo have a Major Trinity - Ego, Individuality and
Personality composed of Two Minor Trinities and a Unity, for which they
form vehicles. It is very tempting to follow this path further, but it
would take us too far from our main road. Suffice it to say that, in
the ancient Mystery teachings, One plus One produces Three, and Three
plus Three produces Seven, and so on. This fact can be seen illustrated
in Nature, in Science and in Art. Everywhere we look, if our eyes be
open, we will find the Septenary division, made up of Three Aspects on
the Life side and and Three Aspepts on the Form side, with a Unity which
produces a Synthesis of the Whole.
The emphasis laid upon these facts in all ages is particularly
interesting when considered in connection with the Quest doctrine. As
far back as has been traced we find this emphasis laid upon a Quest or
Pilgrimage, or Path; generally of 3, 7, or sometimes 9 steps. Really
each of these numbers expresses a degree of truth. I shall refer to them
as we meet them, but the Quest with which I want to deal to-night is a
Quest of Five Stages.
We meet the idea of an upward climb or advance first in the E.A.T.B.,
the symbol there used, the ladder, appearing in many other degrees, We
next meet the idea in the Craft in the F.C. advance.
Before, going further, let me emphasise once more that the doctrine of
the Trinity and the-story of the mystical experience which we have
called "The Way of the Cross," together with the Cross-symbol itself,
are immeasurably older than Christianity.
In the N.T. Gospel story the Five Stages are clearly recognisable in the
Birth, Baptism, Transfiguration, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and the
Ascension. The Alter Cross commonly found in Churches bears out the
teaching. It stands on three steps, corresponding to the first grades.
The Cross itself is the Fourth Grade and some symbol, which varies
considerably in different sects, is usually added to represent the Fifth
and culminating Grade; we have the hanging figure of the Catholic
Crucifix, the rose-circle of the Rosicrucian Fellowship, the single Rose
of other Rosicrucian Bodies, the Vine-leaf of the Faithist Scientists
and so on; sometimes we find the simple circle of Eternity, sometimes a
star or a Jewel; but, all take their rise from the centre of the Cross
itself. Both Hindu and Buddhist lay stress on these Five Stages as
evolutionary crises which no man may ultimately escape. On the Path of
Discipleship the Grades are:- 1. The Man of Ideals; 2. Probationary
Pupil; 3. Accepted Pupil; 4. "Son of the Master"; 5. Initiate. On
reaching this stage the real Path begins and the Five Initiations are
known as:- 1. SOTAPANNA, Entered the Stream; 2. SAKADAGAMI, Once
Returning; 3. ANAGAMI, Not Returning; 4. ARHAT, The Venerable; and 5.
ASEKEA, The Master, or The Master of the Wisdom. The qualifications
even for the preliminary steps are very exacting. The true name of most
of the Egyptian Script that we know as the Book of tho Dead is "The Book
of the Master of th e Secret House" or "The Book of the Master of the
Hidden Places, " a clear indication of its character as an initiation
ritual.
The same sequence is to be found in the English Version of the O.T. Name
of God:- I AM THAT I AM and it is significant that it is always spelled
in Capitals. The steps are:-
1. The realization of I which I call Self-Individualisation
2. " " " I AM " " " Self-determination.
3. " " " I AM THAT " " " Self-Participation.
4. " " " I AM THAT I " " " Self-Identification.
5. " " " I AM THAT I AM " " Self Unification or
At-One-Ment The Psalmist
gives us the best of
advice when he says; "Be
still and know that I
AM, God." (Ps. XLVI,
10).
The steps appear symbolically also as the Pentacle and as the Five
Divisions of the Tarot Pack, to which Cards I will refer later.
Let us now consider the Masonic Square. The true Masonic Square has
been said to have the proportion 3 x 4. We find it illustrated in our
P.M. Jewel, as the two sides of right angles of the triangle in the
Theorem of Pythagoras (Euclid 1, 47), the third side being 5. Our first
meeting with this proportion is in the E.A. advance wherein, in some
Lodges, including my own Mother, De Grey and Ripon No. 837 in W. Yorks,
the Candidate is still given the pace lengths as 9, 12 and 15 inches.
This triangle was the basis of the Egyptian symbol of the Trinity, from
which is derived our symbol of the All-Seaing Eye. Here it might be
worth while to note, that the root Pytha = (Latin) Pater = Father = Abif
and the root Goras = (Sanskrit) Guru = Huram = Teacher, so that Huram
Abif = Pythagoras The Father-Teacher, or The Master Teacher.
The Masonic Square would, then, be as expanded, and keeping to the same
prorortion.
Here, I suggest that we find the three who rule, A, B, C; the Five who
hold, C, D, E, F, G,; and the Seven who make perfect, embracing the
whole figure. The Three combine with the Five to make seven through the
link C. I am inclined to think that the explanation of these terms given
in the ritual is of comparatively late growth, the real significance
having been forgotten, The similarity to the divisions to the Seven
Rays, or modes of development, attributed to mankind, each man seeking
Truth along his line of least resistance, is, at least, remarkable. Let
me tabulate them:-
A. Power, Rule, Strength. B. Love, Wisdom. C. Activity, Beauty, which
Third Ray manifests alone Five Paths, namely, D. Tact, Adaptability. E.
Beauty, Harmony. F. Knowledge, Science. G. Devotion. H. Order,
Ceremonial, Business.
Each Ray is ruled by a Member of that Great Hierarchy which is variously
known as The Great White Lodge, The Grand Lodge Above, etc., who have
for the purpose taken certain Higher initiations:-
A. is ruled by the Manu who has taken the 9th Initiation
B. " " " " " Bodhisattva " " " " 8th "
C. " " " " " Maha-Chohan " " " 7th "
D. " " " " " Chohan " " " 6th "
E. " " " " " Chohan All under general " "
F. " " " " " Chohan guidance of the " "
G. " " " " " Chohan Maha-Chohan " "
These Rays have correspondences in the Centres of Vital Force in the
human body, in the seven Schools of Yoga among the Hindus and so on,
thus:,
Centre of Force. School of Yoga.
A. Apex Raja Yoga B. Between the
Brows Karma Yoga C. Throat Jnana Yoga
D. Heart Hatha Yoga E. Navel Layati Yoga F.
Spleen Bhakti Yoga G. Base of Spine
Mantra Yoga
I will come bank to these Centres later.
Pathanjali describes the first objpct of the Science of Yoga as "Chitta
Vritti Nirodha," which means literally "Control of the Whirlpools of the
Mind," that is to say the complete control of the lower mind-by the
higher. The same thing is symbolised in the O.T. by the story of the
cure of those bitten by the "fiery serpents," the agitated lower
mentality, when they raised their eyes to the "brazen Serpent," became
conscious of the quiet poise of the higher mental faculty. It might be
well to note here that the traditional form shows the brazen serpent
raised upon a T-shaped, or TAU Cross.
Let us now see the correspondences between the Five Rays, the
Initiations, Christian and Masonic and the levels of consciousness:-
They are:-
1. E.A. birth Physical body
2. F.C. (and Mark Man) Baptism Desire Body
3. Mark Master and R.A.M. Transfiquration Lower Mind
4. Master Mason Crucifixion Higher Mind
4b.I.M. (and probably E.M.) Resurrection
5. H.R. Arch Ascension Intuition
Let us now pass on to the Cross Symbol itself and see how it enters into
Freemasonry,
When we enter a Masonic Lodge for the first time we are Admitted on the
p.o.s.s.i.p.t.c.n.l.b. This should be a straight blade with a sharp
point and a cross-hilt. The point here represents no-dimensional, the
Blade one-dimensional and the Hilt two-dimensional continuity. It is an
interesting exercise to trace this dimensional Symbolism through the
Steps and Modes of Entrance in the Craft Degrees into the
Four-Dimensional Continuum of the Holy Royal Arch. The W.T's. in the
Craft, I.M. and K.R.A. are also i nteresting in this respect. The whole
story of Descent and Ascent is summed up in the H.R.A. in a pair of
tools which usually are passed over almost unnoticed.
Returning from this fascinating by-path, we find ourselves, then, at the
entrance of the Lodge and at that moment the Cross is emplanted in our
breast. Through its instrumentality we enter upon a path of trial and
probation which should lead to Union with God in fact, and which does so
in symbol. This is that Union which is denoted in the East by the word
YOGA, meaning Union, or rather that Effort by which Union is attained -
the root of the word means Effort - and in the Christian West by
Atonement, or At-one-ment, a word also carrying in it the idea of effort
or action. Here, at the very commencement of our Masonic career, we
become cognisant, for the first time, of the Spirit that lies behind
Matter.
In the F.C. Degree the Cross becomes fully enshrined in our hearts - our
hearts are symboliclly crucified - as is shown in the P.S., b.c.o. and
h.t.tf., as it is still given in many Lodges, in spite of the ravages of
ignorance and the consequent growth of carelessness and untidiness in
the giving of signs. In the Mark the final test is, or should be, given
by means of a Tau cross and in the M.M. degree we trample under foot the
cross of Matter.
We might note note that one accusation brought against the Knights
Templar, when the Order was suppressed in 1307, was never refuted nor
even, so far as I know, denied, the accusation that, in their
ceremonies, they trampled upon the Cross. This is one of the main
arguments used in tracing a Templar descent for our Third Degree. In the
M.M. degree we reach a stage when, preparing ourselves for Installation,
we glimpse a new form of the Tau, the Spiritual Cross, often wrongly
referred to as the Master's level.
The Symbols denoting the Holy Trinity are of great antiquity:- 1. The
First Person is represented by a Circle with a central Point. Let me
remind you that, when we ask where we hope to find the genuine secrets
which have been lost, we are answered "With the Centre"; not on, or at,
or in the Centre, but with the Centre. In other words, within that
infinity rwpresented by this Symbol, that which we represent as a
central point is everywhere, the circumference is nowhere. From the
Centre the Life rays out through the planes of consciousness, buring
itself in that it may conquer Matter on all levels. From this
self-sought tomb it arises and returns to the Centre with the results of
its accumulated experiences. It gains the point when the urge is felt "I
will arise and go to my Father." Thus, no point can be said to be upon
the circumference, because each and every point is always with the
Centre, although it may have, in time and space, veiled itself so that
the Centre is lost to sight.
The Second Person is symbolised by the same Circle with a horizontal
diameter, denoting its balanced nature, Spirit and Matter, Very God and
Very Man.
The Third Person is shown as the Circle enclosing the Greek Cross,
equi-armed, a vertical diameter added to the former symbol. It
represents spirit in manifestation, crucified on the cross of Matter.
It is composed of Two separate and distinct symbols, 1. With the lower
semicircle only divided, it is Spirit upon the Tau cross of Matter 2.
With the upper semi-circle only divided, Spirit upon the Tau Cross of
spirit. The one denotes Limitation, Involution, the other denotes
Triumph, Evolution. The latter is the Nimbus of Christ Triumphant, in
art.
When, in the former, spirit rises above Matter and subdues it, the
resultant symbol is a circle-handled cross and, as it draws away from
the Material level; the handle elongates into the Loop. Here is the
CRUX ANSATA, or Ankh Cross. The same symbol appears also, and the two
phases are seen in the Egyptian Scarab and Ankh. It appears also,
whether accidentally or by design, in the position of the hands of the
of the Celebrant at the Christian Eucharist between the Consecration and
the final Ablutions.
From the equi-armed, so-called Greek, Cross, on which is based the
symbol of the Third Person, have develoyed various forms of the Cross.
Most of these indicate the Activity of the Third Person, The Swastika,
the Maltese Cross and so on. One point might be of interest, which is
illustrated in the loop of the "Absolute Key of Occult Science," shown
in the frontispiece of Papust' "The Tarot of the Bohemians." Here we
have the letters TARO distributed equidistantly round the Circle, that
is to say, at the four points of a Cross. This arrangement appears also
on the 10th card of the Major Pack, the Wheel of Fortune. The word TAROT
would indicate that Man emerges from Immortality and passes through
Birth, Life and Death and back into Immortality. The "T" or Tau, is here
that Immortality which is Perfect Light and Perfect Darkness, the
Occupant of the Northern position in the Lodge. The Wards of this Key
are three in number; 1, coloured Red and marked DEUS, God; 2, White or
Yellow and marke HOMO, Man; and 3, Blue, marked TORA or ROTA, the
Universe or Wheel. It is noteworthy that Man, standing at the bottom of
the Wheel, reads the letters as ROTA, the Disc or Potter's Wheel.
The Tau Cross is the Mark mentioned in Ezekiel IX,4, where the Lord says
to the Angel, "Go through the midst of the City, through the midst of
Jerusalem, and set a MARK upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and
that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof."
The Vulgate roads "sigma Thau," which is literally translated in the
Douay Version as "mark Thau."
As the junior officers in a H.R.A. Chapter wear the Master's Square as
the badge of their office and the candidate also is invested therewith,
it follows that they are all entitled to this Tau of Spirit. The W.M.
wears it three times repeated on his apron to indicate that he has
completely triumphed over the Personality. He should be, as we say, one
who has reached complete self-control or self-mastery, as a condition of
competency to rule over others. Originally one had to be an I.M. before
presenting o neself for exaltation in the Chapter. A relic of this is
found in our printed rituals in the Craft, wherein it is usual to find
the response, s.m.i,b., put into the mouth of a P.M In the Chapter a
word is gained, the vibratory qualities of which make it an exact
equivalent of the ancient sacred Name, usually represented by the
letters A.U.M. This AUM or Om in later times becomes confused with the
Egyptain AMEM, which is used in the Churches to-day. Still later, in
Masonry, the response came to be given by all and the qualification for
the Chapter was reduced. Then this response, which only a P.M. who was
also a R.A.Mason could legally pronounce, was changed into the
non-comittal and safe substitute, s.m.i.b.
Now I want to consider one more symbolic Cross, up to which all this has
been leading, the Traditional Form of what is called the "True Cross".
We fine the dimensions given in Chapter 2 of the "Travels of Sir John
Maundeville," and quoted by R. A. Lidstone in his "Studies in
Symbology." Tho Cross is made of wood, of timbers of 9 inch square
section. The Upright measures 144 inches (8 cubits). The top of the
Cross-bar is 27 inches from the top of the Upright and the Crosd-bar is
63 inches long. Thus the Upright is composed of 16 nine-inch cubic
units and the Cross-bar of 7 units, that unit numbered "4" being common
to both. The whole symbol comprises 22 cubes.
Before going further I would like to show you an example of Cruciform
symbolism from Vancouver, British Columbia. Passing through Vancouver
last year, I visited Stanley Park and saw the Indian Totem Poles there.
I was at onco struck by the fact that some of them were cruciform in
design, and, having bought a small souvenir, I was, later, struck by its
peculiar proportions. In its rectangular basis, that is to say omitting
the ornamental quadrants on the ends of the Cross-bar; we find a central
square whe re the two beams cross; above and on each side we find a
similar square and below there are four of those unit squares.
Comparing this with our Symbolic Cross, we find there also a central
square. Above and on each side we have a unit of Three squares; below we
have Four of these units, 12 squares. I hunted out illustrations of a
number of other Totem-poles and was amazed to find how many of them
approximated to this peculiar proportion. Had I noticed this before
leaving Vancouver, and had I had longer time there, I might have learned
more. As it is, I think the reading of this particular Pole is fairly
obvious. It is the Totem or Crest of the Raven Clan, and represents
TOOTOOCH, the Thunder Bord. The human form, called the Slave, is the
Soul, held in bondage by CHET-WOOT, the Bear, representing the Body and
the lower animal nature in man. But, above, with outstretched wings, is
Tootooch, the roaring Spirit, with its promise of freedom, resurrection
and rise , to greater things. Tootooch is said, to be one of the forms
of SAGALIE TYEE, the Creator God. His office, as Totem of the Clan, is
one of Protection and Preservation.
Returning to our Cross; The Three cubes above the bar represent the
Trinity of Deity as reflected in the Solar System by the three forces of
the Sun: Force of Fohat, Life or Prana and Fire or Kundalini. This last
is the Divine Fire which, in man, is known as the Serpent Fire. These
three are also related to the three Mother letters of the Hebrew
Alphabet. The 7 cubes in the Cross-bar represent the 7 Planets, the
Rays etc., and are related to the 7 Double letters of the Hebrew. The
12 cubes below the bar represent the 12 Signs of the Zodiac, the 12
Tribes, etc. and are related to the 12 single letters of the Hebrew. I
may mention here, for the benefit of those who care to pursue the
subject further, that in the H.R.A. these 12 revent to their more
natural circular formation and the resulting figure is most interesting
as showing that the form of the Chapter is based upon the Crux Ansata,
the Ankh Cross, the Symbol of Resurrection, Life and Immortality.
The 22 cubes also have attribution to the 22 cards of the Major Arcana
of the Tarot Pack of Cards. The full Pack is one of 78 cards,
comprising 4 suites - Cups, Swords, Wands, Pentacle - of 14 cards each,
called the Minor Arcana, and of which our modern Playing Cards are the
lineal descendants; and 22 individual cards, numbered from 1 to 21 and
Zero. These are called the Major Arcana, and are sad to hold the key to
all knowledge.
In our Cross, the Spiritual Tau will be iscerned, surmounting the
symbol, and there are Two distinct ways in which a symbolic figure may
be placed with regard to it. The figure is of a symbolically perfect
man, 6 feet, or 72 inches, in height.
The first position from which, quite late in history the Crucifix as now
used in Roman Churches and elsewhere, was developed, has only two of the
seven Vital Centres of the body, those situated in the head, within the
Tau of Spirit. The other, a symbol of Triumph, has the hands held in
the attitude usually depicted by the Old Masters in representations of
the Ascension and has six centres within the Tau. Only one, that
through which the animal nature of man functions, is left below the bar.
The same symbolic fact is to be seen in the Cross produced by what is
known as the Sacrifice of the Cube or Perfect Ashlar. I shall come back
to this point.
In all Craft Lodges, the 7 Planets lie across the floor of the Lodge.
The Lodge itself is four-square, founded upon the Masonic Square, which
is the Greet letter GAMMA, the Third in the alphabet. The Lodge-Square
is composed of three Gammas. Another figure is formed from 4 Gammas,
taking in the Gamma which belongs to the Empty Chair in the North, that
Place of Darkness which is, paradoxically, Perfect Light, and we find
this figure in Masonry surrounding the Theorem of Pythagoras in the P.M.
Jewel. Within the Lodge lies the Circle of the Brethren, a figure of the
lost Greek letter Episemon or DIGAMMA, the Sixth in the alphabet. These
two figures surround a Triangle formed by the W.M. and his Wardens. This
Triangle is the Sacred DELTA, the Fourth letter in the alphabet. In the
Centre of the whole figure is the S.S. On each side of this S.S. should
lie a Cubic Stone, one with sides rough and unpolished and the other
smooth and perfect. We may n umber the sides of these cubes from 1 to 6.
and from 7 to 12. We then find:-
12 6 11 Gamma Digamma Delta 5 10 4 9
3 6 4 3 8 2 7 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
57 3 6 4 21
Reading the cubes outward from the Centre will reverse the digits of the
number 57, so that, reading across, we have finally: 7 5 3 6 4 2 1
The Planets are said to occupy certain Signs of the Zodiac as their Day
Houses. Taking these in their order as placed by the Ancient
Astrologers, we have:-
Aquarius Pisces Aries Taurus Gemini Cancer Leo
Saturn Jupiter Mars Venus Mercury Moon Sun
Saturday Thursday Tuesday Friday Wednesday Monday Sunday 7
5 3 6 4 2 1
The first line being the Day Houses, the second the Planets, the third
the Days of the Week attributed to them and the fourth the places
occupied by these days in the week, which correspond in ordor to our
reading of the Lodge positions. Thus, the Planets being always in their
Day Houses when the Lodge is open, the Sun can never set therein while
the Lodge is in session.
The 16 cubes in the upright are referred to in sone of the so-callod
Higher Degrees, and refer also to the 16 of our 4 by rectangle. So here
we need only note that they represent the Lodge itself. The omission of
cube 4 leaves us with 15 which may be the 15 F.C's. of our T.H., 5
triple units or three group of 5; I am inclined to think that the three
ruffians may best be represented by cubes 14, 15, 16; but it has been
suggested that they are 16, 13, 10, standing guard at the three portals
of the lowest gr ades to test the candidate. In any case I suggest the
following parallels:-
16, 15, 14. 1st grade E.A. Birth and growth of the Mineral
Consciousness. 13, 12, 11. 2nd grade F.C. Baptism and growth of
Vegetable Sentiency. & Mk. Man. 10, 9, 8. 3rd grade M.M.M.
Transfiguration and growth of the Animal Instinct. & R.A.M. 7, 6, 5.
4th grade M.M. Crucifixion. Man appears with all that goes before
plus (a pass grade) Mind. Cross-bar Completion of
4th. Resurrection. I.M. 3,2,1 5th grade Ascension, Growth to
Superman with H.R. Arch with Spirit added to Man.
These grades are also related to the 5 so-called Platonic solids and, of
course, to the 4 Elements - Fire, Air, Water, Earth, - and the Sphere of
the Universe or Aether.
The 15 F.C's represent 15 stages in the Involution of Spirit into
Matter, which culminates in Spirit being buried and veiled in Matter.
We might note that the F.C., in his descent into the grave of Matter,
preparatory to being "raised" therefrom, approaches the Cross from the
Apex. He meets the Tau upright and it is therefore the Material Tau
which he treads underfoot. In doing so he passes over the open grave,
reference to the Fire rising through the Vital Centres and, at this
point, passing over the cof fin-shaped Third Ventricle of the Cranium.
Spirit is then buried in Matter, "in a grave, 3 feet E, 1', 2', 3', 4; 3
feet between W",4, 5',6',7'; 3 feet between N. and S.,"1, 2, 3, 4; and
"5 feet or more perpendicular," 5, 6,7,8,9,10,11; the 63 inches below
the Cross-bar which are occupied by the figure of a man, symbolically
perfect, or 72 inches in height, hanging so that the points of his
middle fingers touch the centre of the end lines of the Cross-bar. I
arrived at this result experimentally and totally unexpectedly, when
testing Lidstone's theories, with which I do not wholly agree.
The Sacrifice of the Perfect Ashlar and its parallelism to this True
Cross symbol is of interest. When man attains to perection, while still
in the body, he is represented in what I have called the attitude of
Ascension, but still on the cross. He is now "in the world but not of
it" so he is still within the Cross of Matter. But even the inclusion of
the centre cube, 4, with those occupied by the body and limbs below the
bar, cannot make more than 54 inches. Now, this same measure, 54 inches,
is found when the centre square of the Ashlar Cross is taken with those
below it. Each of its other three measures is, as in the other symbol,
36 inches. I have worked in inches and feet in bringing these facts to
your notice, but some interesting numerical results can be obtained by
working with the standard cubit of 18 inches.
The Vital Centres to which I have referred are what are known in the
East as the Chakras, literally Wheels, and the Science of their
awakening by the Divine Fire, Kundalini, has always been carefully
guarded from the profane, who might put the Powers gained to selfish and
destructive use. This awakening has been symbolised in various ways.
One of the best known follows the old Hindu teaching closely and can be
traced in Masonry. In the E.A. degree the feminine aspect of the force,
IDA it is called, is stimulated. It is red in colour and correspords to
the 1-h.p. which we call B. In the F.C. the masculine aspect, PINGALA,
is stimulated. It is yellow in colour and is our r-h.p., J. In the M.M.
degree the series is completed in the balancing aspect, SUSHUMNA. This
is blue in colour and is indicated by the advance in the 3rd degree and
by the upright of our Cross. The same story is told in the Caducuus of
Mercury, the Staff of Aesculapeus, and elsewhere. This contains the key
to the Spiritual health of man, besides having been adoptod as the badge
of those responsible for his restoration to physical health when he is
ill. Anatomically, it represents the Spine and the two nervous systems.
The joint at the top marks the Third Ventricle of which we have spoken;
the Wings represent the Lateral Ventricles; the short neck shows the
Aquaduct of Sylvius and the knob is the Pineal Gland, towards the full
development of which all the efforts made are tending. This so-called
"atrophied organ" is really in the embryonic stage in man and is capable
of being developed to full power of function.
The Thyrsus of the Bacchic Mysteries again tolls the same tale. It is
the "Rod of Power" with which the Initiate was touched. The Pine Cone at
once suggests the Conarium, the Rod itself is the Spine and the Ribbons
indicate the Lateral Ventricles and the two channels, Ida and Pingala.
The Five Stages we have noted elsewhere are also to be found if we
analyse the "Lord's Prayer" and they are also inherent in the famous
Buddhist Mantram, "AUM MANI PADME HUM."
Perhpas I may be called a fool to have attempted to put these matters
before you. If so, I am in good company. I comfort myself with the
thought that the most important card of the Tarot, is named, "The Fool,"
and, in the Graal Legend, it is Parsifal, the pure Fool; who attains.
He will not use the spiritual Power he has gained, represented by the
Sacred Lance or Rod, even in self-defence but only for unselfish
purposes. He is the Spirit, carrying with him into the Presence, the
wayfarer or journeyman, Gurnemanz; representing the Soul and also
Kundry, representing the Body which, its work-being over, dies.
I have tried to place befone you some of the peculiarities of these
figures and symbols and some of the discoveries and inferences I have
made. I find, bearing upon me heavily, the common experience of all who
try to express in words the result of an experience which cannot itself,
in the very nature of things, be communicated. I feel the total
inadequacy of words. This is the traditional "Mandate" of the Mysteries.
There is a direct Spiritual Knowledge of the things of the Spirit. It
is, and has been in all ages, the goal, and sometimes the achievement of
Sages and Initiates. It is not the prerogative of Freemasonry, of
Christianity, or of any other exclusive system.
The Cosmic Process is an Outgoing from the "One" and a Return Thereto, a
"Fall" or descent into Matter and a "Redemption" or rise out of Matter.
The Goal is set out clearly in all religions. Man falls in order that
he may rise the higher. He veils himself from what has been called, by
Paul Brunton, his Overself, in order to attain to ascendency over matter
on all levels, and he takes the results of his accumulated experiences
back to the Overself. Few of us, in these hectic days, are willing to
pause for a moment, in our rush and hurry to do what might just as well
be left undone, to give this Overself a chance to get to know us, and
ourselves a chance to contact the Overself. There is a story of
J.W.H.Turner, the painter, when he was a student. He went out with a
sketching party in Scotland and the other students were very derisive
when he arrived at the evening rendezvous with a clean sketch-book. His
reply was that, even if he had put nothing upon paper, he had "learned
what water looks like when a piece of stone is thrown into it". Perhaps
if we were less absorbed in Setting things on to paper in this life, we
might learn, in the silence and apparent inaction of our own selves,
what Matter looks like when a piece of the Spiritual Self is thrown into
it. Tnere is also an old story of a man who spent all his time sitting
on a log in Florida. He was asked about his occupation and replied
calmly that he could not spare the time for work. One is led to wonder
if, perchance, he worked a good deal harder than people know.
The Vehicles, through which contact is made with the lower worlds, are
the Veils of Isis, the Ever-Virgin Mother, which veils the hand of no
mortal, corruptible man may ever set aside; "For this corruptible must
put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when
this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall
have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that
is written. Death is swallowed up in Victory," (1 Cor, XV., 53, 54.)
Then shall the Veils of the Temple be rent asunder, and Man, realising
himself as an immortal, spiritual Being, as One with God, free to
administer the functions of Creation, Preservation and Transmutation in
accordance with the will of God, shall find, in His service perfect
freedom, himself Isis, the Creative ever-virgin Mother, himself Horus,
the Preserver and Initiator, himself Osiris, the Destroyer and
Transmuter, to be OE WITH WHOM Osirified, was the goal of the ancient
Egyptian Initiate.
The Way of the Cross lies clear before us in Freemasonry as elsewhere
where Truth is the Goal. We are back from our tour and find ourselves
at the point where we started, "Man, Know Thyself!"
I would like to leave you with a quotation from the Persian poet, Jalalu
'a Din Rumi:-
"I died from the mineral and became a plant; I died from the plant and
reappeared in an animal; I died from the animal and became a man;
Wherefor then should I fear? When did I grow less by dying? Next time I
shall die from the man, That I may grow the wings of angels, From the
angel, too, I must seek to advance; All things shall perish save His
face."
(Koran, XXV11,88.)
Once more shall I wing my way above the angels; I shall become
that which entereth not the imagination. Then let me become naught,
naught; for the harp-string crieth unto me,
"Verily unto Him do we return."