Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry

 This excerpt from Oriental Masonry delves into the profound connections that certain Masonic traditions draw between ancient civilizations, symbolism, and geography. Let’s explore some of the key themes and ideas presented in this passage.

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Key Ideas from the Excerpt:

1. The Universality of the Ancient and Mystic Oriental Rite: The text emphasizes that the Ancient and Mystic Oriental Rite is universal, accessible to any Master Mason who holds certain values—specifically the belief in the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of all Men. It also highlights the moral qualifications of a Neophyte, stressing the importance of being honorable and upright.

2. Symbolism and the Origins of Masonry: According to the passage, the cradle of Masonic symbolism is believed by some authorities to be in the plateau of Tartary, an ancient term often used to describe parts of Central Asia. From this region, it suggests, the symbolic knowledge was transmitted by sages from India, Persia, Ethiopia, and Egypt.

3. America’s Role in Masonic Traditions: A controversial claim in the passage is that Masonic religion and rites are not derived from Europe or Asia but from America. This is an unusual assertion, as Masonic lore traditionally emphasizes its ancient origins in the Old World. However, the passage suggests that America, specifically, is the rediscovered Egypt and the Promised Land, linking the two continents symbolically and perhaps mystically.

4. Egypt and America as One Land: A notable element is the claim that, thousands of years ago, Egypt and the continent of America were one and the same. This idea could be drawing from esoteric or speculative theories of a lost continent or a unified pre-historic civilization, often seen in mysticism and alternative archaeology, which posits connections between ancient Egypt and pre-Columbian America.

5. The Great Pyramid as the Key to Mysteries: The text mentions the Great Pyramid of Giza as the long-sought key to unlocking the mysteries of mythology and world religions. This is a frequent theme in esoteric writings, where the Great Pyramid is often seen not merely as a tomb but as a repository of ancient knowledge, including scientific and cosmological wisdom.

6. The Columbian Celebration and Re-Discovery of America: The passage refers to the Columbian celebration (which marks the four-hundredth anniversary of Columbus’ arrival in America) as significant because it suggests that this re-discovery of America also symbolized the recovery of Egypt and the Promised Land. The "land of the constellation of the Eagle" is a curious reference, possibly alluding to the American eagle, symbolizing that America holds esoteric importance.

Mystical and Esoteric Interpretations:

The passage combines several recurring themes found in Masonic and esoteric thought:

• The belief in the universality of Masonic teachings.
• The transmission of ancient knowledge through a lineage of wise civilizations.
• A symbolic connection between ancient Egypt and America.
• The idea that the Great Pyramid holds the key to hidden, cosmic knowledge.

This kind of thinking is not unique to Masonry, as various mystical schools and secret societies have long speculated on the existence of a primordial civilization that predates known history, often tying together Egypt, the Americas, and other ancient cultures in symbolic ways.

Conclusion:

The excerpt from Oriental Masonry offers a unique glimpse into how Masonic lore and symbolism can weave together global, ancient traditions with modern esoteric thought. The assertion that America and Egypt were once united, both symbolically and mystically, along with the role of the Great Pyramid as a key to world mysteries, reflects a fascinating intersection of mysticism, history, and Masonic tradition.