This site reflects my interest in secret societies. Especially Freemasonry,
in particular the monstrously huge Antient and Primitive Rite of Memphis and
Mizraim; and also the pseudo-masonic Ordo Templi Orientis and the heavily
Masonic influenced but independent Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn.
While it is currently "politically correct" in conventional Masonic circles
to say that Freemasonry "is not a 'secret society' but a society with secrets"
(which some would say that this itself is a definition of a secret society), the
fact is that Freemasonry is the very archetype of what is meant by the term .
Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, 1975, defines secret society as " n : any
of various oath-bound societies often devoted to brotherhood, moral discipline,
and mutual assistance". This most certainly covers Freemasonry.
Freemasonry is the King and Grandfather of all the old Secret Societies that
have come down to us from the remote past. It tantalizes us with its symbols and
secrets and regalia and banners and strange and ancient titles of innumerable
Degrees open only to those who have been investigated and passed the secret
ballot without one negative vote cast against them.
It has been accused of being a conspiracy against religions, governments and
the world at large. It has been variously characterized as communistic,
democratic, atheistic, religious, irreligious and of course satanic, the hidden
hand behind the real money and power in the world and a bunch of out of touch,
doddering old men engaged in a childishly silly, but harmless pastime. "Regular"
Freemasonry however, is most certainly not a sinister secret society. While
political and religious extremists of both the Right and the Left have always
condemned Freemasonry as a sinister secret society they have generally been only
able to offer lunatic stories without basis in fact in their attacks against it
(outstanding articles on this subject may be found at: http://http://www.casebook.org/dissertations/freemasonry/anti-mason.html and
The Anti-Masonic FAQ)
The adverse propaganda of these political and religious fringes feeds upon
itself and grows. Many who do not thoroughly and objectively check into the
matter unknowingly swallow the most absurd garbage without realizing it. On the
other hand, far too many Freemasons have swallowed unfounded myths about their
Order themselves.
The literature of Freemasonry is immense. And hardly anyone pro or con feels
disposed to read any of it. They have their cherished strong opinions either for
or against Freemasonry and that is enough for them. My two favorite quotes from
men who were considered good Masonic Brethren are: "It (Freemasonry) doesn't
mean anything, it's just symbolic"(!) and "What a bunch of bullshit just to get
to the Shrine!" The first was uttered by a Brother attending a Masonic research
society whose purpose was to encourage research into the history, symbolism,
ritual and philosophy of the Masonic Orders. The second was made by a Master
Mason who was taking the Degrees of the "York Rite" in preparation for becoming
a Shriner. I have quite commonly come upon Masonic books that were a hundred
years or older only to find indications such as uncut pages that show that the
book was never read once before in all that time. But as ignorant as the
majority of Masons may be, I'm afraid that their opposition hasn't been
distinguished for either its honesty and credibility or its scholarship.
Suspecting that Freemasonry was neither wholly evil or wholly good and yet
prepared that it might indeed be either or both(!) I ventured into the darkness
of ancient secret societies with their rituals and symbols and ciphers and
passwords and secret handshakes. It has proved to be a richly rewarding
experience for me.
At any rate, I hope you'll be informed and amused by what has been gathered
here and what shall appear here in the future. Learning about Secret Societies
is fun! For a good treatment of several other Secret Societies be sure to also see: http://www.abaris.net/freemasonry/marin-fraternities.htm
Need I add that any opinions expressed here on my web site are solely my own?
Gary Ford
Somewhere in cyberspace having fun.
Gary Ford and his wife, Melodie Kate.
You can contact me at:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
The Webmaster would like to thank Morgune Kate for technical assistance and advice. Also Art DeHoyos for advice upon Masonic historical and other subjects.
Last Updated February 6, 2002
Copyright © 2002, by C. Gary Ford
All Rights Reserved
