Want to research the 5 points of fellowship and looking for good source material.

A discussion has come up about the meaning behind some of the 5 points of fellowship. I want to research the deeper meanings and see if I can help both sides of the debate at my lodge understand the true meaning. I think both sides have solid merit but both seem to be missing something, what I am not quite sure of yet.

Any ideas on where to start looking would be greatly appreciated.

 

I have never seen anything like the FPoF in ancient writings.

The nearest I have seen is the founders of China with S&C. Of course they are male and female so that is a problem.

 

That is a tough question to answer on a public forum. There is some on it in my Third Degree lessons. And even though I was able to find it in a presentation on my GL's website I'm just going to say what it initially stands for. The first point is companionship, the second point symbolizes fellowship with our creator, the third point is further evidence of fellowship, the fourth point indicates our backs must be strong enough and willing to support each other's burdens. The fifth point is meant to teach us that we should be ever ready to whisper good counsel in the ear of a Brother.

 

As for the deeper meanings, it can go several different ways but I'm not too comfortable really giving specifics about them online. That's just me. However, it depends on how deep you want to look at it really. You could dabble in alchemy, chakras, and elements if you wanted among other things. I think going back to the FC MC lct may help tie up any loose ends as well. Good luck researching.

 

You can go down that road of mechanical symbolism till you're blue in the face. Should you forget the overall message of safe close intimacy this series of placements is supposed to convey, you miss the entire point of these group's conveyances.

 

Such is the problem with looking for answers on this, it really isn't supposed to be written down anywhere. I think that the main point of discussions comes down to the meaning in just one. The problem is how to state the issue in a forum without writing the least character....................

Oh well, that kind of leads me to a dead end...................

 

Well, it's also an opportunity to have discussions in lodge. Maybe an open discussion type scenario. Have some points you'd like to discuss and then have some folks take it from there.

 

In my jurisdiction we have a school of light usually, that is led by our Worshipful Grand Lecturer and his District Lecturers. Usually after the schedule instructions or lectures they have an open forum on any ritualistic questions. Does your jurisdiction or lodge have anything similar?


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I will have to check and see if we have something along those lines. I have not heard of it but it may just be something I have missed to this point.

 

Excellent idea!

 

I really don't think we should be discussing the FPOF on a public forum.

 

Same here!

 

Dittos, only make that years...

 

This sounds like it could be a great discussion.

You did say that opinions are varying among Brothers in your lodge about possible meanings of this symbolism within our Rituals.

But honestly i can't understand how much of a debate can be drawn up about it? What makes the topic so open to multiple interpretations? I can't imagine how Brothers could disagree about it???

You're either DOING it right or wrong.

Unfortunately we shouldn't speak too much more about this aspect of Ritual in a public forum.





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Or take it for granted we're doing it wrong

I'll talk a lot and openly about Freemasonry, but for some reason, being this could be regarded as a "secret" by many, and I think. in this instance, that includes me (today - and following the adage; when in doubt, don't).

 

>You're either DOING it right or wrong.

If the FPoF is symbolic then there may be a preferred way to do it.

If the FPoF is part of Masonic Science then variations will often reduce its effectiveness.

 

I agree about where best to discuss it!! I am merely looking for the names of some good books to reference and do research in to better be able to be a part of that discussion!

 

I'd definitely start by asking members of your own lodge about it - especially what is said in related charges. Me, I can't recommend a book because I can't think of one, but would google...