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is it required to be initiated to learn the mysteries?

jwhoff

Premium Member
Brother Calo, I don't think the level of, or lack thereof, of a certification has much to do with fueling a candidate's interest in meaning.

I agree with you that esoterica is often wasted on the non-initiated individual. Even though these folks are led to the northeast corner, they never seem to reap the rich rewards thereof. But those are not the brethren of which I speak. Far to many are left cold when they need it most. Some believe defense of the West Gate would better deal with the former.
 
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calo

Registered User
Brother Calo, I don't think the level of, or lack thereof, of a certification has much to do with fueling a candidate's interest in meaning.

The emphasis isn't on the candidate's fuel. The emphasis was on the instructors (typically cert holders) who hold the meanings at little to no importance.
Though, this may not be the case at your lodge.
 

dhouseholder

Registered User
The emphasis isn't on the candidate's fuel. The emphasis was on the instructors (typically cert holders) who hold the meanings at little to no importance.
Though, this may not be the case at your lodge.

If a candidate is interested in the esoteric aspects of our order, he will find what he seeks. I don't think getting a "not-necessarily-interested-in-esoterica" type teacher will dissuade a candidate from his journey; and if that is all it took to dissuade him... then... he probably wasn't ready in the first place.

That being said (by you, a few posts back), I would encourage all of the instructors to add a little bit of esoterica when the candidate is interested. This not only serves as better way to remember the work, but, it tends to spur conversation during gatherings, non-stated meeting night discussions, etc. The more our fraternity cultivates this knowledge, the more relevant we will stay in today's society.

I'm not saying that our esoteric knowledge is our only benefit as a fraternity, but the more substance we can offer candidates, the more likely they are to become more involved.
 
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Warrior1256

Site Benefactor
I contend that one could not truly learn the mysteries without first experiencing the initiatic process. I'm reminded of an old quote from a sitcom. One guy was from the country, and he said he liked hearing Jimi Hendrix. The other guy (from the inner city) told him, "You can't hear Jimi! You can listen to Jimi... but you can't hear Jimi...” The mysteries are quite the same. You can read about them all you want, but you'll never be able to truly understand them.


Contact or stop by a local Masonic Lodge and talk to the brethren there.
Agreed!
 

GKA

Premium Member
This question comes up many times in many other areas of study besides Freemasonry and every example I have seen gives the same answer, you cannot learn the mysteries apart from the order that controls them.
In the book, "The mystical qabbalah" by Diane Fortune, she addresses this very question
The groups of esoteric knowledge maintain secrecy over their teachings in order to preserve their existence
Much of what is learned is not gotten from books but rather from experience, you need to be part of that group to gain that experience.
 

GKA

Premium Member
Good point indeed, :) however it brings up a point, is it really a great mystery to live a clean life?
Many men who do so have still contemplated our mysteries
There must be something more
 

coachn

Coach John S. Nagy
Premium Member
Is it required to be initiated to learn the mysteries?
  1. Initiation as a ceremony has value only in the mind of the individual going through it. It can be likened to a public commitment to a path, but it is not necessarily that. Initiation as a new behavior that indicates an individual is now engaged in something that is to transform him is wholly different then going through a ceremony.
  2. Learning is only Effective when Behavior has Changed that is Supportive of the Lessons Presented. When behavior has not changed in line with the lessons, other than repeating back what one has been told to repeat back, learning has not occurred.
  3. The biggest problem with the word, "mystery" is that it initially meant "occupation", "trade" and "profession". It did not, in this instance, mean "things that are only revealed to those initiated" or "hidden things". Although, the word can be used in this manner, to use it to indicate the latter in this case is altogether misleading.
  4. Once you get past all the twists and turns, you may come to realize that "one must Engage in the Work to become Transformed". This engagement can occur with or without the support of others, as has been proven so many times throughout recorded history by those who have brought forth things and ideas in our cultures that were not evident to the masses before.
Coming back to the original question, the answer is "No". But you'll be hard-pressed to hear this from the hoards a) who are convinced otherwise, or b) who have a vested interest in having you believe otherwise.

That being said, there are plenty of initiatic societies that offer experiences that they claim to be transformative. I refer you to item 2 on the list as your rule and guide to measure the success of your engagements in these matters.
 
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