Santa Claus and Christ-Mass Re-Explained: An Immortal Lesson

Like most people, I grew up enjoying the Christmas holiday season; especially the gifts under the Christmas Tree on that special day. Nevertheless, what if I told you that there may, in fact, be additional meanings to this wonderful event. And as might be supposed, it begs the question, what came first the chicken or the egg? But more on that in a little while.

First and foremost, let us look at how many folklore stories are intertwined into our culture. You see, many of the ideas and traditions we hold dear today, were simply metaphorical stories to remind an illiterate population about the human body and how it works; like that of the Mother Goose stories, which signified the birth of the monthly seed (to learn more about the month seed, please read my previous post: Claustrum Oil: an Immortal Lesson). More specifically, the story of Santa Claus is of him being the bearer of gifts; i.e., relating to the gift of eternal life (Immortality). In short, of all the stories ever told, the tale of Christmas holds a special place in the hearts and minds of cultures around the world for a reason:

All down the ages there have been stories of fairies, gnomes, mermaids, naiads and fabled characters galore. The ancient Norsemen, Dutch, Huns and all the oriental races possess literature prolific with allegories, parables and fables built around the wonders and physical and chemical operations of the human body. The birth of the monthly seed is the basis of the Mother Goose Stories and similar tales in all lands. Santa Claus, or Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of seafarers, virgins and children, is the bearer of gifts to children on Christmas eve. Of all festivals celebrated all over the known world, that held in honor of Santa Claus ranks as first in the hearts of all humanity, old as well as young. This in itself is a most significant fact (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 107).

Thus, since the beginning of time, many truths have remained hidden in allegory. It is now time to celebrate this inward path, which many only consider outwardly. In truth, since time immemorial, parents have told their children the story of Santa; yet, no one ever saw him, but everyone participated in this yearly celebration of him:

It is time that the truth in regard to this age long custom be made known to the world, time that its real and true significance be understood. Then will it be truly celebrated, for it will have become an inward process, as well as an outward observation. Parents, from time immemorial, have explained to their children that the presents which they found in their stockings, when they jumped eagerly from their beds in the morning, were placed there by a mysterious person called “Santa Claus.” No one saw him come, no one saw him leave, but he left unmistakable evidence of his visit (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 107).

Nevertheless, the mythological story of Santa Claus inevitably comes to an end for everyone. Children begin to ask questions, which inevitably results in a child’s hope being shattered, and the trust they have in their parents tested for the very first time:

Some children ask many questions in regard to this mysterious “person,” and when they become too insistent the ingenuity of parents is sorely taxed to give satisfactory answers. There comes a time, however, when they must have the Santa Claus “myth” explained to them, and it is then that their deep childlike trust and confidence in their parents receives its first shock. Thereafter they commence to doubt their parents, to question their veracity, and many tears have been shed, because, after all Santa was not a “really, truly person” (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 107).

Notwithstanding these facts, there is, in fact, a Santa Claus (physiologically), which makes understanding this truth, even harder to accept as an adult, only because of the unfortunate conditioning of our youth; however, those who become believers will again become like little children – or, As Above So Below:

THERE IS A SANTA CLAUS, IT IS A PHYSIOLOGICAL FACT, and IT does “SECRETE” the most holy and wonderful “gift” or substance in the body of every individual. Those who understand it who receive it in the right spirit have “Become as little children.” “As above, so below.” As in the Macrocosm the universe, so in the microcosm-man (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 108).

As is often stated, all folklore has an element of truth, despite the naysayers; that is, the basis of the story is firmly planted on a truth. The hardest thing to do, however, is to decipher this original truth:

Can anyone think for one moment that the parables, fables, allegories and myths that have come down to us through the ages have no basic foundation? They, as well as the fast days and feast days are founded on great esoteric truths. Otherwise they would have ceased to be. The Great Hierarchy that rules the Universe see to it that nothing is forgotten that needs to be remembered (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 108).

With that said, Santa Claus is derived from its root meaning, Claustrum; as mentioned previously, to learn more about the Claustrum oil, see the earlier post, Claustrum Oil: an Immortal Lesson. In short, this is a holy or secluded place (within the human brain) dedicated to divinity; it is the origin of consciousness:

Santa Claus, or Saint Claus, is derived from the same root word as “claustrum,” from which “cloister” is also derived. Claustrum means a barrier, a covered place, seclusion. Cloister is referred to as a place of seclusion, and more especially as a place of seclusion for something holy, something dedicated to divinity (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 108).

Therefore, Saint Claus or Santa Claus does in fact exist within the cerebrum of the brain; yet, the question remains, where did this name come from, as was stated and asked by Dr. George Carey:

There is a Saint Claus, or Claustrum within the cerebrum, and whoever gave it that name knew why they did so (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 108).

Dr. Carey further explained this most interesting process; starting with the sutures of the skull (Brain held within) and stick or door of Brahm (vertebrae or spinal cord), which is chimney of Santa (ego or spirit leaving the body):

The suture of the skull is the point where the bones meet. We can very easily see this place on the head of infants, as the sections are not then drawn closely together, and the vibrations of the brain can be both seen and felt. In Sanscrit this is called “The Door of Brahm,” for it is the apperture through which the Ego, or Spirit leaves the body. It is also the chimney of Santa Claus. The vertebrae as a whole is called the “stick of Brahm” (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 108).

Moreover, under the door of Brahm is the Island of Reil, a triangular shaped body; which is, metaphorically speaking, the location where John saw the regenerated man in the Isle of Patmos. In short, the Island of Reil is the north pole of the body or sacred land:

Directly underneath the “door of Brahm” is a triangular shaped body named in physiology the “Island of Reil.” This is the place where “John” was when “he” looked back and saw the wonderful vision of the regenerated man in the “Isle of Patmos.” This island is the central lobe of the cerebrum, and is also called the Pole; hence, the Island of Reil is the North Pole of the body, and is, as we well know, the imperishable, sacred land (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 108).

More exactly, the Island of Reil is “situated in the medial wall of the lateral fissure of the cerebrum,” and by the end of the year (extrauterine life) it is concealed by mother nature (this will make more sense later on):

In Santee’s anatomy of the brain and spinal cord, we find that this island is “situated in the medial wall of the lateral fissure of the cerebrum, between the frontal, parietal and temporal lobes, whose growth, after the fifth month in utero, gradually covers it over. At the end of the first year of extrauterine life, it is entirely concealed by temporal, parietal and frontal parts of the operculum” cover or lid. Thus we see that Mother Nature has taken great pains to conceal this sacred center (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 109).

What is more, under the Island of Reil and in direct line of the Optic Thalamus is the Claustrum:

Underneath this island, and directly in a line with the Optic Thalamus lies the Claustrum, but separated from it by yet three other bodies (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 109).

The Claustrum, therefore, is a small narrow sheet of gray matter near the Island of Reil; and it produces a yellow oil that flows down the spinal cord. This is the oil that the Holy Bible talks about:

The claustrum is a thin sheet of isolated gray matter, found just medial to the Island of Reil. Santee says it “is a sheet of peculiar gray substance, and is made up of fusiform (spindle shaped) cell-bodies.” It is from this claustrum that contains yellow substance within its outer grayish exterior, that the wonderful, priceless OIL is formed that flows down into the olivary fasciculus, “descending with the rubro-spinal tract through the reticular formation in the pons and medulla to the lateral column of the spinal cord. It terminates in the gray matter of the spinal cord, probably giving off collaterals to corresponding nuclei in the brain stem.” Santee. This is the OIL, the precious gift of which the Bible speaks, “Thou anointest my head with oil” (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 109).

As such, the brain is a laboratory, an olive tree, that actual bears olives (metaphorically speaking). These two olives are on the sides of the medulla, with a pyramid in between. They are relay stations between the cerebrum and cerebellum:

And not only is there oil manufactured within this special laboratory of the brain, but there is actually an olive tree, which bears actual olives so named in any anatomy. The two olives are two infinitesimal eminences on either side of the medulla, with the Pyramid between. They are one-half inch in length. It is found well developed only in the higher mammals. They are RELAY (Santee) stations between the cerebrum and the cerebellum and between the spinal cord and the cerebellum (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 109).

So now we see why this oil is the most sacred substance within the body; and because of its yellowness, it is considered gold, or a gift. This sacred oil is also found in semen, which gives significance to saving this fluid, within the body, by not ejaculating the substance through sexual intercourse or masturbation:

This oil is the most sacred substance in the body it is the quintessence of gold the “Gold of Ophir” most truly a rare gift. Globules of oil are found in the vital fluid, the semen, and when the prodigal son has wasted his substance, he finds that it takes a long time to replace the deficiency and make good the looted bank account (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 109).

Metaphorically speaking, this oil is the secret work of the virgin Mary, who is perfect. Most interestingly, when one (a virgo) drains this sacred oil, (ejaculation) baldness is the result and dryness will occur; one can imagine what other deficits will result for other people (signs) as well:

This wonderful oil is the secret work of the immaculate Virgin, Mary(or Mare) “represented by the sign Virgo. In chemistry we find that sulphate of potassium is the mineral salt, which, uniting with sulphur and oxygen, manufactures the oil. We find that this salt also crystallizes out from the mother-liquors of sea water and salt springs. People born under the sign Virgo, if they have become deficient in this salt suffer from dryness of the skin, and baldness. We can also understand why draining of the vital fluid living in excesses, will also produce baldness. If there were no oil in the body, the skin would become harsh and dry (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 110).

Likewise, the oil of the body cannot meet the wise virgin/bridegroom unless the lamp is burning; the lamb is the lamp:

The story of the wise virgins who had their lamps trimmed and filled with oil is given to emphasize the necessity for the presence of oil in the body, for they cannot go out to meet the “bridegroom” unless their lamps are burning. “The lamb is the lamp thereof” (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 110).

As mentioned previously, the olives that contain the sacred secretion are the reservoirs, which furnish the lamp, the pineal gland, with oil to ignite the flame or eye; a key component for Enlightenment.

The olives, which contain the oil, are the reservoirs the relay stations, of course, which furnish the oil for the lamp, the pineal gland, at the top of which is the flame or eye. When the Kundalini, the serpent fire that lies concealed within the sacral plexus is awakened, burns up the dross within the spinal cord, and reaches the conarium, it sets fire to this oil and thus lights the “perpetual lamp,” which “Gives the light to the whole house” (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 110).

Consequently, Santa Clause is the supreme gift, the perpetual oil; and without it, the body dies. Santa brings his gifts when Christ and Mass are honored:

Santa Claus is thus the giver of the supreme gift in the human body, the oil for the perpetual lamp the gold of Ophir, the quintessence of richness. A total lack of oil in the body will, in itself, cause death. Santa Claus brings his gifts when the Christ-mass is celebrated (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 110).

In short, the Greek letters XPI stand for Christ; and the word Christ means oil. By the same token, the seed is life, and once it is anointed, the oil becomes the bread of Christ-mass:

The Greek characters that stand for Christ are X P I, and the word itself (Christ) means oil, in Greek. The seed is the bread of life, and when anointed with oil (Christed and crucified) become the Christ-mass the bread, eaten in the Father’s Kingdom (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 110).

In conclusion, although this topic might very well be new to you, the connection between the terms Claustrum oil and Santa Claus has already been well established by esoteric history. And as has been discussed throughout this essay, and in Dr. George Carey’s book, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, saving this sacred secretion is of paramount importance to extending one’s life. Truly, Santa Claus gives us the greatest gift of all, the prospect of Immortality.

With this in mind, please enjoy your Christ-Mass (Christ anointing the oil) holiday season!!!

So Mote It Be!

Hank Kraychir

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Claustrum Oil: An Immortal Lesson

I know some people have made the claim that the Claustrum Oil theory proves that Jesus Christ did not exist; an idea I vehemently disagree with. Rather, I believe it further proves God’s broad plan for humanity, let me explain. You see, the one thing I have come to understand by studying Masonic allegory is we must look layers deep to find the truth; and in many cases the same issue will have multiple meanings and definitions. I find it most interesting to discover parallels between the human body and the story of Christ, God, hell, heaven and even biblical events in history. In fact, the Essenes (early Christians) new about these unique parallels:

The early Christians (Essenes) knew that the Scriptures, whether written in ancient Hebrew or the Greek, were allegories, parables or fables based on the human body, “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 89).

Indeed, God exists in all his glory; a fact he has proven to me countless times. I also believe Jesus Christ existed in human form; yet, this does not dismiss the human body’s uniqueness to these previous claims, as was stated by Dr. George Carey:

If the allegories of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as Paul’s Epistles and Acts of the Apostles teach anything, they teach the mastery and transmutation of the human body by anyone who obeys the physiological guide book the whole book the Holy Bible. But let the reader observe that each of the 66 books, as well as an almost countless number of ancient books of all races and languages, teach the same mathematical and physiological facts (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 22).

You see, it is well understood that the Holy Bible was a book of Immortal instruction:

THERE is an automatic procedure within the human body, which, if not interfered with, will do away with sickness, trouble, sorrow and death, as stated in the Bible (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 21).

Furthermore, the Bible gives us countless related similes to the human body; like the Word, or Seed:

The Bible tells us that “Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word (or seed), that proceedeth out of the mouth of God,” proving that, in order to truly live, we must save the precious substance. In anatomy, the passage way underneath the sutures which leads down into the thalamus, is the mouth of God, for it is from the cerebrum, the upper brain, that the most wonderful “gift” to the human body comes. This represents the unseen “mouth.” The visible mouth is the solar plexus (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 42).

Therefore, the brain is the father (God) metaphorically speaking; it is from this substance that the entire body originally existed:

We can turn to the pages of Gray’s Anatomy, or any good medical dictionary, and examine carefully the illustration of a 26-day old foetus. We see, then, that almost the entire body consists of brain substance in fact, it looks like an elongated brain. The upper brain, or Father-Mother substance, is what furnishes the material from which the body is made. Verily it is the Alpha, the beginning. Degenerates, and people living in excesses, have become greatly deficient in this precious material, and the whole appearance of the body testifies to the desecration of the temple (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 42).

With that clearly understood, we must now take a look at the word Seed, or God, which is the nucleus of everything – the beginning of man – the beginning of the WORD:

“Now this is the parable. The SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD.” Luke 8:11. “Seed, word” and “God,” are all synonyms of one and the same thing the wonderful creative substance, the universal esse, from which all things are brought forth, and in which all things are. The Scriptures, or allegories and parables of the Bible, are the only writings that give us information as to what the Word of God is. Therefore, in this book, we will quote what is written there in regard to it. Seed is the cause, the nucleus of everything, therefore a seed is “the beginning.” In the beginning was the WORD” (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 43).

As such, the brain (father or Creator) secretes a fluid or oil, often called the marrow, which flows down the spinal cord; this generative Seed is the life essence, and is called Christ – in Greek Christ means oil. When this oil is lifted up, like that of Jesus, it regenerates the body, and overcomes the last enemy, death. This oil, Christ or Seed travels through the spinal cord:

The fluid, oil, or marrow which flows down the spinal cord, comes from the upper brain, the Creator or Father, the “Most High,” and is known in physiology as ovum, or generative seed that life essence which creates the human form of corruptible flesh. In the Greek, from which the New Testament was translated, this marrow is called Christ, which is the Greek word for oil. When this oil is refined, transmuted, lifted up, raised, it becomes so highly vitalized that it regenerates the body and “overcomes” the last enemy, death. How can it be lifted up? By lifting up the “Son of man,” the seed, the word, the savior. The oil (Christ) in the spinal cord, is the salt which is mentioned in the Bible, and the savior is the seed, or Jesus (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 44).

You see, there is no greater mystery than man himself. To know thyself is perhaps the hardest thing mankind has faced since the beginning of time. Nevertheless, God has given us a path, a strait and narrow way, if you will, to redemption; a way to save ourselves from death, but only a few are paying attention. We just must be wise enough to see his plan, his river that leads to the most high from the dead sea (base of the spine) or Sodom:

There is no mystery, no marvel in all the universe that is greater than man himself. “Man know thyself” confronts us, down through the ages, but only a few have paid attention to the voice of the Delphic oracle only a few have looked within. There is a wonderful “Strait and narrow way,” a real strait, not straight, which extends from the upper brain, the cerebrum, to the end of the spinal cord, otherwise named Jordan, in the Bible. We find that the meaning of this in Hebrew is, descender or “River of God.” The “Strait and narrow way is, indeed, the River of God, for it leads to the Father the Most High the upper brain. As the Jordan empties into the Dead Sea, so the spinal cord terminates in that section of the anatomy, which is designated, in the medical terminology as Sodom (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 44).

Therefore, now that you know what this process is all about, the question remains, “how does one get his seed to rise again?” In short, it is by saving the precious seed (and other related activities); let us have Dr. George Carey give an allegorical account:

The monthly seed (fruit) when saved, not “eaten,” heals disease and sin. “Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” the body. Moses, the first born, the seed, desired to regenerate the blood and lead it to the promised land, thus he lifted up the animal forces, sex desire, here symboled as the serpent (see the temptation of Adam and Eve) … So shall the “Son, or Seed, of Man be lifted up,” etc., etc. that is put on the cross in order to reach the pineal gland. “If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me.” I will draw all other seed unto me. Study the etymology of “men.” Also read “The tree in the midst of the garden bore fruit every month and its leaves were healing.” The Commandment to not eat of the fruit of this tree was not (is not) heeded by the race and death is the result. The serpent said “Eat, thou shalt not die,” but sex desire was a liar from the beginning (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 137).

As can be seen in the above text, sex, or the release of the seed (semen) results in death. Yes, yes, I know this goes against virtually everything our society teaches today. Nevertheless, if we look back into our history, it actually makes sense. Why does the Catholic church teach abstinence? Where did the idea that sex is something that should only be used for procreation come from? In hindsight, it actually makes sense from an ancient esoteric perspective. You see, our body dies for a lack of knowledge (sin):

Sin is from the Hebrew letter Schin, meaning to fall short of knowledge. Sin does not mean wrong or crime, but one may commit a crime and do wrong through lack of knowledge. Paul said: “I die daily” … I am the chief of sinners.” Revelation: “And the lamp thereof is the Lamb.” The word “Lamb” ends with B, which means a house or body of some kind (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 137).

Therefore, the Seed, (semen) must be maintained within the body and used for even greater purposes (physical Immortality). This does not mean a man cannot have sexual intercourse; rather, it means he should release his Seed unless the intent is the bring life into this world – otherwise sex has become an unworthy act. Giving pleasure to ones companion (wife) is a loving act, but ejaculation becomes selfish if used for anything other than to bring another life into this world (child bearing).  Also, do not waist it upon the ground – masterbation for the purpose of self gratification, through the release of the Seed, ends in the same selfish act. In fact, an Immortal man wants his Seed to build up, in order to raise the it up the spinal cord to the brain, which will result in not only physical, but spiritual, powers as well. Yet, there is more to this story than just physical gratification; there is also the matter of our actions and behaviors:

Envy, hatred, ambition, covetousness, will destroy the capsule that contains the seed and thus corrupt the blood, as surely as sexual contact. Alcohol in all its deceptive forms is the arch foe to this life-seed and seeks by every means known to the enemy of man to destroy it. No drunkard shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven” because alcohol destroys the redeeming substance that enables man to understand or think in his heart the thoughts of the Spirit. Alcohol cuts the capsule that holds the Esse born every month in Bethlehem. Alcohol eats the fruit of the tree of life. Gluttony is another enemy to regeneration. All excess of food, all that is not burnt up in the furnace the stomach and intestinal tract, all that is not properly digested, ferments and produces acid which develops alcohol. Auto-intoxication is common among those who overeat. Most everyone overeats. The furnace, stomach and digestive tract becomes a distillery when the surplus food ferments, and thus becomes Babylon, the home of unclean birds and beasts which pander to carnal mind. Here we have the reason why sickness was considered Sin by the ancients. “To heal the sick and cast out devils” is the mission of the seed. “He that is born of God cannot sin, or be sick, for his seed remaineth in him.” “The blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin,” therefore from all disease. Here is the physiological explanation: When the Christed substance, the ointment from the river of Jordan, the oil in the spinal cord, reaches the pineal gland, it vibrates to a rate that causes new blood the new wine. This is the blood of Christ that heals all infirmities (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 138).

Consequently, even envy or hatred or ambition and covetousness could easily inhibit the Seed’s ability to rise up the spinal cord, as surely as the sexual release of semen. Hence, one’s actions also play a direct role in this process. While teaching young Mason’s, I often ask them, “To what end; why be a good man; for what purpose?” I now firmly believe that the lessons Freemasonry and the ideal of men being a good, have a direct linkage to this process. They all now clearly line up, if one seeks to even look upon this clear relationship.

Yet, there is even more. Alcohol consumption is also a hindrance to this process, which is further aligned with gluttony – overeating; for overeating leads the body turning excessive food into alcohol. In short, Alcohol eats away at the tree of life.

Therefore, in summation, the word Secret is derived from Secretions; and is directed originally from the Cerebrum, which supplies the human temple (body) with its life force for regeneration. This Secretion (Claustrum Oil) is either enhanced or diminished based on an individual’s behavior – everything from Gluttony to Sexual gratification (releasing the Seed, as mentioned previously):

The word Secret is derived from Secretions. The upper brain, the Cerebrum, contains the secretions, gray matter, creative or that which creates, builds and supplies all the life force of the human temple, Soul of Man’s (Solomon’s temple). Hence God, the Creator, dwells in you. The cerebellum is his throne. Prayer or desires expressed by man in the cerebellum for righteousness is answered in the cerebrum. Thus by prayer to God within, and in no other way, can man overcome the adversary or the “carnal mind which is at enmity to God” (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 138).

So the next time you act inappropriately, know well that your behavior, actions and even thoughts may in fact be diminishing your ability to regenerate your body.

So Mote It Be!

Hank Kraychir

Blue Lodge Master Mason – Scottish Rite Mason – York Rite Mason – Knight Mason – Allied Mason – York Rite College – Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priest – Red Cross of Constantine – Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis.

Mortal Obstacles to Immortality and the Seven Deadly Sins

As many of the followers of my Facebook page, Immortal Light, and this blog know, I, as well as many other Mason’s, believe that Freemasonry’s secret is, in fact, in finding the hidden knowledge of Immortality. As such, along this line of thinking, I will now discuss the Seven Deadly Sins and their relationship to the Masonic quest for Immortality.

1. The first sin is Lust, which can be defined as an uncontrollable passion or longing, especially in relationship to sexual desire; yet it may also relate to other uncontrollable desires.

It is important to understand that the quest for longevity (Immortality) has countless rules and even suggestions. Yet, the important issue to understand with most mortal behavior and activity is moderation; this certainly includes sexual desires, which as most people probably already know, may cause some people to do unspeakable and even illegal things to gratify mortal pleasure. When a man allows his passion to overtake his logic, he has given into his mortal desires. The difference between humans and other animals is his ability to think and use logic to evolve our status in life.

More specifically, as Dr. George Carey suggested in his book, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh (1920), there is a direct relationship to sexual activity and Immortality. In short, the male genitalia (sexual organ) is directly connected to the spinal cord, which is connected to the Thalamus, Cerebellum, Cerebrum, Pituitary and Pineal Glands, Claustrum, brain stem, etc. He stated that there is an oil that flows between these components that should not be wasted for carnal purposes:

The upper brain is the reservoir of this Or and is the gray matter or “Precious Ointment” or Christ. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God. All things were (or is) created by it” etc., etc.

The “Lost Word” is a symbol of the generative or animal thought eating the fruit of the Tree of Life thus destroying or losing the gold, “or,” of the body.

Hiram means “high born,” or the seed destined to reach the pineal gland and “Single Eye.” Tyre means a rock. By the conservation and transmutation of the sex substance the pineal gland becomes firm and hard and is, in the fable, called rock (Tyre).

“The wise man built his house, Beth or body, upon a rock.”

So here we have the explanation of Hiram Abiff. Abiff is derived from the word Abid month. Hiram Abiff (there are some who will understand) was resurrected during the delay caused by searching for his body: in other words a month passed and another seed was born which the candidate for initiation is admonished not to slay (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 124).

This does not mean a man must not engage in sexual activity, certainly not; but it does mean that sex must be purposeful, and not for pure physical gratification or pleasure. Rather, it is intended to be used for either procreation or intimacy and love and assurance. The only time semen should be released is for procreation. In fact, the art of non-ejaculation during sex is a common practice for those seeking an Immortal state; this allows one’s partner to understand that he still enjoys the companions affections, etc, but he does not release the vital Immortal oil, which is needed for longevity.

To help with excessive desires, consider physical and mental exercises in self-control; possibly even chastity for a while. As an Immortal aspirant, one must learn to channel and control all excessive passions, which will allow one to leverage that energy for the good of others.

2. The second sin is Gluttony, which can be defined as an excessive and ongoing consumption of food. It is clear, the ancients believed that excessive consumption of food would shorten one’s life. In fact, Dr. George Carey wrote that overeating causes the buildup of toxins in the body, which, if not digested, would result in a shortened life:

The lower portion of the torso, bowels, etc., is called “hell,” a “grave or lake,” many times in the Scriptures. Sulphur is a product of brimstone. There is more or less sulphur in all foodstuffs. Over eating results in an over supply of sulphur, i.e. brimstone. Overeating causes acidity. A portion of the food, failing to digest, ferments, and acid results. The acid, uniting with sulphur causes heat, fire, fever; hence hell, fire and brimstone are chemical statements…

“Let the wicked man forsake his ways” (cease to eat of the fruit of the tree of life), “and return unto the Lord who will abundantly pardon,” and thus save his soul. All who bodily die lose their soul, for, says Job, “As the soul of a beast goeth downward, at death, so doth the soul of man.” Certainly, for “The wages of sin (ignorance) is death” (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 124).

The only cure for Gluttony is temperance, which is the practice of moderation and self-control. One of the most important Immortal lessons one must abide by is eating smaller and smaller portions. Yes, it is difficult to do; but with practice it can be done. The best way to look upon eating is to look at each meal as a snack, as opposed to a meal. Use the smallest plate in the cabinet, not the largest. Eating two or three snacks a day will surely have you dropping weight by the pounds in no time; thereby increasing your longevity. Portion control is a great habit to practice, especially if one desires Immortality. Think about all the monks who simply live on a handful of nuts to survive; they do this for a reason.

3. The third sin is Greed, which is an excessive pursuit of material possessions. It perhaps goes without saying that Greed will have a profound effect on how the human body reacts to this negative stimuli. In fact, Dr. George Carey wrote about how such negative behavior destroys the oil or claustrum that flows up and down the spinal cord:

The physiological results of having plenty of good oil thus circulated constantly in the body we have demonstrated to be: First: Destruction of all semblance of nervousness, irritability, greed, fear and unrest (God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 79)

Needless to say, it is this oil that, if not protected, will dry out and result in death; however, if this oil is protected through good behavior, diet (elixir), prayer and exercise, extending one’s life is certainly probable beyond what most people think today. Dr. George Carey once again confirmed this way of thinking and how it may hinder or even help one’s longevity:

Of enormous importance is another fact regarding this oil. It is extremely affected by mental states, and by the states of consciousness… This is an effect of mind upon matter… Restoration of youthful vigor and prevention of all frailties of old age (God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 79).

The only cure for greed is charity, which helps align your own bodily functions, thereby protecting this vital oil. And of course, it goes without saying that the term, “Faith, Hope and Charity“ is at the forefront of our Masonic instruction for a reason.

4. The fourth sin is Sloth, which is excessive laziness or the failure to act and utilize one’s talents. Therefore, the Freemason is ever mindful that work is a virtue, while laziness will hold back society and man himself from advancing:

Then will humanity realize that the same force that is manifested in war and brutality may be transmuted and used in numberless ways for the benefit of humanity. If mankind would use the same amount of force and energy in doing constructive, instead of destructive work, we would soon see Mars through rose-colored glasses, instead of those colored blood-red (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 82).

Furthermore, the concept of work (the opposite of sloth) goes well beyond physical activity; it also involves spiritual (mental) work, like that of the work of an Immortal existence:

“The wise man rules his stars,” all, all are seeking to span the awful space that yawns between the neophyte and the Promised Land of immortality in the body, where “in my flesh I shall see God,” and when and where he can truly say with the regenerated Job, “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth thee.” Man must work out his own salvation (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 99).

Therefore, diligence, zeal and hard work are the only cures for slothfulness; to do otherwise will only result in harming your Immortal body.

5. The fifth sin is Wrath, which is an uncontrollable anger and hatred toward another person. It must be stressed that if one is seeking an Immortal status, a balanced state is paramount. The philosophical work is based on temporal happiness and bodily health; and if attained, God willing, may lead to earthly fortune, but this should never be the first goal of an Immortal. God will grant wealth if Immortality has been attained, because a certain amount of wealth is a necessary component of an Immortals existence – for it is needed to survive.  Yet, one must be cognizant of his own behavior; he must drive away all hatred (Wrath) and sorrow, for such things are ailments of the body and the spirit of man. One must prevent evil words and thoughts from even entering one’s mind and body:

A wondrous closing and finish of philosophical work, by which are discovered the dews of heaven and the fastness of earth. What the mouth of man cannot utter is all found in this spirit. As Morienus says: ‘He who has this has all things and wants no other aid,’ for in it are all temporal happiness, bodily health and earthly fortune. It is the spirit of the fifth substance, a fount of all joys (beneath the rays of the Moon), the supporter of Heaven and Earth, the mover of Sea and Wind, the outpourer of Rain, upholding the strength of all things and an excellent spirit above heavenly and other spirits, giving Health, Joy, Peace, Love; driving away Hatred and Sorrow, bringing in Joy; expelling all Evil, quickly healing all diseases, destroying poverty and misery, leading to all good things, preventing all evil words and thoughts; giving man his heart’s desire (‘Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things shall be added unto you’ Bible), bringing to the pious, earthly honor and long life, but to the wicked who misuse it, eternal punishment (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 114).

The only known cure is to practice patience in words, thoughts and action toward others and even oneself.

6. The sixth sin is Envy, which is the intense desire to have an item or experience what someone else possesses. Envy, like that of covetousness, will destroy the life-seed and corrupt the blood; it has no redeeming value and hinders the growth of the spirit:

Envy, hatred, ambition, covetousness, will destroy the capsule that contains the seed and thus corrupt the blood, as surely as sexual contact. Alcohol in all its deceptive forms is the arch foe to this life-seed and seeks by every means known to the enemy of man to destroy it. No drunkard shall inherit the Kingdom of Heaven” because alcohol destroys the redeeming substance that enables man to understand or think in his heart the thoughts of the Spirit. Alcohol cuts the capsule that holds the Esse born every month in Bethlehem. Alcohol eats the fruit of the tree of life (Dr. George Carey, God-Man: The Word Made Flesh, 1920, p. 138).

The only cure for envy is to place the desire to help others above your own desires. In short, the more you give, the more you will receive.

7. The seventh sin is Pride (ego), which is an excessive view of one’s self without regard to others. We now see that the sin of pride or ego resides in and operates from the cerebellum in the brain. In short, such behavior damages the seed within man (Jesus); it eats the fruit from the tree of life, so man (Jesus, Adam) cannot rule or become the master of himself; a deficiency or a wasting away of the gray matter of the brain occurs; or as was mentioned below, “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body:”

“If a man cannot rule his own house, how can he take care of the church of God?” The Ego resides in and operates from the cerebellum, a house or beth, and is in direct communication with the upper brain, the FATHER, not only by means of the connective tissue partition of ganglia, but also by the wondrous lever, the pineal gland, the “Root and the stem of Jesse.” Jesse means “a traveler from Bethlehem” the very same as Jesus, the seed.

The pneumogastric nerve also commences in the medulla oblongata, against the cerebellum, and reaches down to the plexus, branches, in Bethlehem.

The thoughts of the Ego in its home in the cerebellum (called “heart” by the Greeks “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he”) may operate in the lower or Adam man, or in the “Lord God from heaven” realm.

This operation is clearly and startlingly set forth in the ancient, thrice-told parable of the prodigal son, who thought it best to take his portion or substance and waste, or “eat it,” in riotous living. The Ego thus ate of the fruit or bread of the tree of life, so that he did not rule or master himself. The natural sequence to this failure is a deficiency or wasting away of the gray matter of the brain, for the seed that should lift up one-tenth (tithe) every 29 1/2 days has been eaten in Egypt and Sodom, “Where our Lord was also crucified.” “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

The only cure for pride or ego is humility, for it removes one’s ego and boastfulness, which replaces it for the attitude of service.

Next month, I will be writing about the Claustrum Oil, or Christos Oil, which aligns with the details of the lessons mentioned in this post. In short, the body produces an oil, which, if saved and utilized properly, will enable a human to attain an Immortal status; but more on that next month.

So Mote It Be!

Hank Kraychir

Lucifer? Part III

Let us now continue where we left off in Lucifer? Part II.

Freemason Albert Pike continued where Eliphas Levi left off; like when he said that the true name of Satan is that of Yahveh reversed, and that Satan is not a black god – rather he is the negation of God. This, of course, aligns with Levi’s words almost verbatim. Furthermore, the Devil is the embodiment of atheism and or idolatry. And here is the kicker, Pike referred to the Devil as not a person, but a force that can be used for both good and evil. It is an instrument of liberty and free will; a force of physical generation, like that of the god Pan or the serpent; the light-bearer or false Lucifer:

The true name of Satan, the Kabalists say, is that of Yahveh reversed; for Satan is not a black god, but the negation of God. The Devil is the personification of Atheism or Idolatry. For the Initiates, this is not a Person, but a Force, created for good, but which may serve for evil. It is the instrument of Liberty or Free Will. They represent this Force, which presides over the physical generation, under the mythologic and horned form of the God PAN; thence came the he-goat of the Sabbat, brother of the Ancient Serpent, and the Light-bearer or Phosphor, of which the poets have made the false Lucifer of the legend (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 76).

Here we see Pike illustrated conflicting perspectives; at first he stressed that in the 19th degree, God is made Divine – reaching the highest level; yet, immediately afterwards, he mentioned that the initiated are taught to despise the works of Lucifer. I took this to mean that this is a common misconception of the degree; for this can be seen immediately afterwards, when it was stated that Lucifer is the Light Bearer – that it was a strange name given to the spirit of darkness; as though he was questioning its meaning. Next we see Pike wrote that Lucifer, the Son of the Morning, bears the Light, but is he blinding feeble and selfish souls? No – he doubted it when he said doubt it not. Pike then came back with the statement that traditions are full of Divine revelations and inspirations; thereby relating it back to Godly traditions, which is the exact opposite of the Church’s view of Lucifer. And finally, he mentioned that inspiration is not defined by any particular time period:

The Apocalypse is, to those who receive the nineteenth Degree, the Apotheosis of that Sublime Faith which aspires to God alone, and despises all the pomps and works of Lucifer. LUCIFER, the Light-bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the Light, and with its splendors intolerable blinds feeble, sensual, or selfish Souls? Doubt it not! for traditions are full of Divine Revelations and Inspirations: and Inspiration is not of one Age nor of one Creed. Plato and Philo, also, were inspired (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 234).

We see Pike now writing about the conviction that God is good led to the belief in an evil principled force – the Devil, which aligned with Lucifer or an adversary. This attempted to explain the existence of evil; too make God’s benevolence consistent with his power and wisdom:

The conviction of all men that God is good led to a belief in a Devil, the fallen Lucifer or Light-bearer, Shaitan the Adversary, Ahriman and Tupho_n, as an attempt to explain the existence of Evil, and make it consistent with the Infinite Power, Wisdom, and Benevolence of God  (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 236).

This point is best exemplified when Pike wrote about how the ancient Persians explained to themselves the two principles – good and evil – and the mastery thereof. Light over darkness – good over evil. Yet, this still left such ideas unexplained. You see, the human mind is always content – it is hard to believe that nothing exists. The human mind will always be content; it cannot believe that the world is based on nothing – including the concept of evil. Faith is always satisfied; it has always been a great source of happiness to the people to believe that a Devil exists – this would relieve God from being the anchor of sin:

To explain to themselves the existence of Evil and Suffering, the Ancient Persians imagined that there were two Principles or Deities in the Universe, the one of Good and the other of Evil, constantly in conflict with each other in struggle for the mastery, and alternately overcoming and overcome. Over both, for the SAGES, was the One Supreme; and for them Light was in the end to prevail over Darkness, the Good over the Evil, and even Ahriman and his Demons to part with their wicked and vicious natures and share the universal Salvation. It did not occur to them that the existence of the Evil Principle, by the consent of the Omnipotent Supreme, presented the same difficulty, and left the existence of Evil as unexplained as before. The human mind is always content, if it can remove a difficulty a step further off. It cannot believe that the world rests on nothing, but is devoutly content when taught that it is borne on the back of an immense elephant, who himself stands on the back of a tortoise. Given the tortoise, Faith is always satisfied; and it has been a great source of happiness to multitudes that they could believe in a Devil who could relieve God of the odium of being the Author of Sin (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 219).

Therefore, evil is personified in an opposing force – not necessarily a single entity, like that of a Devil or Lucifer. This point is clearly displayed when Pike wrote about an adversarial force. The Hebrews held the concept of a good deity and a bad, the Devil, a malicious spirit, Angels of Darkness – ever opposing God. This, of course, was transferred over time into the Christian faith and its general understanding today. Regardless, knowing its origin does not make it correct, as is and will be continually pointed out through his earlier and later writings. Like the plural usage of the word Angles – meaning more than one:

The Hebrews, at least after their return from the Persian captivity, had their good Deity, and the Devil, a bad and malicious Spirit, ever opposing God, and Chief of the Angels of Darkness, as God was of those of Light. The word “Satan” means, in Hebrew, simply, “The Adversary” (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 479).

Pike turned his attention to God’s forces are a part of an equilibrium of appetites and senses for good and are not the fruits of a Devil. Notice he said are the fruits of the Devil, rather a Devil – an important distinction – to be detested. This statement aligns with the belief that evil exists, but it is not a single entity, as is so often depicted:

Which possible Equilibrium proves to us that our Appetites and Senses also are Forces given unto us by God, for purposes of good, and not the fruits of the malignancy of a Devil, to be detested, mortified, and, if possible, rendered inert and dead: that they are given us to be the means by which we shall be strengthened and incited to great and good deeds, and are to be wisely used, and not abused; to be controlled and kept within due bounds by the Reason and the Moral Sense; to be made useful instruments and servants, and not permitted to become the managers and masters, using our intellect and reason as base instruments for their gratification (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 624).

This exercise could go on and on; but, I think I have made my point. The point being that Freemasonry has nothing to do with contemporary ideals of Satanism, which are not even close to being factually correct; especially when referencing Lucifer. The word Luciferianism is not the same as Satanism:

Luciferianism is a belief system that venerates the essential characteristics that are affixed to Lucifer. The tradition, influenced by Gnosticism, usually reveres Lucifer not as the devil, but as a liberator, a guardian or guiding spirit… Sometimes mistakenly associated with Satanism due to the Christian interpretation of the fallen angel, Luciferianism is a wholly different belief system and does not revere the devil figure or most characteristics typically affixed to Satan. Rather, Lucifer in this context is seen as one of many morning stars, a symbol of enlightenment, independence, and human progression, and is often used interchangeably with similar figures from a range of ancient beliefs, such as the Greek titan Prometheus or the Jewish Talmudic figure Lilith. Luciferians generally support the protection of the natural world. Both the arts and sciences are crucial to human development and thus both are cherished. Luciferians think that humans should be focused on this life and how to make the most of it every single day. The ability to recognize both good and evil, to accept that all actions have both positive and negative consequences, and to actively influence one’s environment is a key factor.

There you have it; society today has mixed together two different ideals into one. Lucifer has nothing to do with Satan – the Devil; although some have tried to align them together. When you read the above quote, the term Luciferianism sounds a lot like Freemasonry; but because of contemporary misunderstandings, we no longer publicly associate ourselves with that term, which is clearly seen by many Masonic authors today. You see, just like stated above, we (Freemasonry) were influenced by the Gnostics; we are seeking enlightenment – the morning star; we do believe in human progression and the advancement of society, and we also promote both the arts and sciences toward this aim; and finally, as I have mentioned in previous posts on this blog, our literature promotes the ideals of Immortality – the ideals of human longevity; all of which align with Gnostic and Luciferian beliefs. And yet, a great many people make broad statements that are simply not true; like, Freemasonry worships Lucifer. However, it only took a couple of minutes to discover the following quote to dismiss this belief:

Luciferians believe in Lucifer as an actual deity, not to be worshipped as the Judeo-Christian God but to be revered and followed as a teacher and friend, as a rescuer or guiding spirit, or even the one true god as opposed to the traditional creator deity in Judaism.

I know most of you did not see that one coming (*Smile*)! Even Luciferians don’t worship Lucifer; no, rather they consider him to be a teacher, a sage, etc.  Therefore, Luciferianism is actually a belief system that does not require worshipful behavior – like so many pundits claim.

Furthermore, will someone please explain to me what is the problem with the following beliefs – Gnosticism; enlightenment; human progression and the advancement of society; promotion of the arts and sciences; and the ideals of human longevity. Nothing sinister here. In fact, everything just mentioned is a part of our culture and widely accepted by most people today.

It is all too easy to make the claim that Freemasonry promotes Satan or Devil worship when taken out of context for a political agenda. Yet, if one is intellectually honest and studies this topic from an historically accurate perspective, no other conclusion can be given – Luciferianism is not Devil or Satan worship. Absolutely not. And although, Freemasonry teaches many elements of the ancient ideals of Luciferianism, it does not in any way worship Lucifer; rather it looks upon the idea of Lucifer as a teacher or sage of enlightenment.

So Mote It Be!

Hank Kraychir

 

 

 

 

 

Lucifer? Part II

We will now continue where we left off in Lucifer? Part I.

Levi calls Lucifer/Satan an irreligious phantom that blasphemes the ideals behind religion itself. As such, he is a non-religious phantom. The definition for phantom is, “a figment of the imagination.” Therefore, Satan/Devil, is a figment of our cultural imagination. Furthermore, Levi unequivocally states that we should do away with this idol; that he is a falsehood:

Such is the irreligious phantom which blasphemes religion. Away with this idol which hides our Saviour. Down with the tyrant of falsehood, the black god of Manicheans, the Ahriman of old idolaters. Live God and His Word incarnate, who saw Satan fall from heaven. And live Mary, the Divine Mother, who crushed the head of the infernal serpent (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 15).

We now hear Levi’s background behind the general misunderstanding of religious traditions, like an attack on saints or examples of goodness, and the slander on divinity and encourage revolt. In short, his diatribe attacks the unrighteousness that is coalesced into the ideal of a Devil – a personification of evil itself, but not an individual or specific force:

So cry with one voice the traditions of saints, and so cry faithful hearts. The attribution of any greatness whatsoever to a fallen spirit is a slander on Divinity; the ascription of any royalty whatsoever to the rebel spirit is to encourage revolt and be guilty, at least in thought, of that crime which the horror of the middle ages termed sorcery. For all the offences visited with death on the old sorcerers were real crimes and were indeed the greatest of all. They stole fire from heaven, like Prometheus; they rode winged dragons and the flying serpent, like Medea; they poisoned the breathable air, like the shadow of the manchineel tree; they profaned sacred things and even used the body of the Lord in works of destruction and malevolence (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 16).

This force is in fact a composite agent, which is just the opposite of a single agent. It is an imagination of nature; an Od, or a “hypothetical power once thought to pervade nature and account for various phenomena, such as magnetism:”

How is all this possible. Because there is a composite agent, a natural and divine agent, at once corporeal and spiritual, an universal plastic mediator, a common receptacle for vibrations of movement and images of form, a fluid and a force which may be called, in a sense at least, the imagination of Nature. By the mediation of this force every nervous apparatus is in secret communication together; hence come sympathy and antipathy, hence dreams, hence the phenomena of second sight and extra-natural vision. This universal agent of Nature’s works is the Od of the Jews and of Reichenbach, the Astral Light of the Martinists, which denomination we prefer as the more explicit (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 16).

Levi defined God as purity; however, Satan is not so clearly defined. In fact, the spirit of darkness is not a personality, nor a black god, it is a perversity; in fact, he states that Satan has many forces, not a single one, “My name is legion… for we are many:”

By its clear formulation of concepts respecting the Divine, Christianity leads us to the understanding of God as the most absolute and the most purest love, while it defines, not less clearly, the spirit which is opposed to God, the spirit of revolt and hatred: hereof is Satan. But this spirit is not a personality and is not to be regarded as a kind of black god: it is a perversity which is common to all extralineal intelligences. “My name is legion,” says Satan in the Gospel, “for we are many” (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 187).

Levi discusses the biblical reference to Lucifer, “‘How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, Son of the Morning?” This particular quote has often been taken out of context by pundits of the Craft to justify their illogical thinking. He asks the question, does this mean the Morning Star of intelligence was changed somehow? – of course not – just misinterpreted or misapplied. In essence, Satan is a personification of evil and sin; in countless forms, Satan personifies the idea of disorder, whereas, God represents order:

The birth of intelligence may be compared to the Star of the Morning and, after it has shone for an instant, if it fall of its own accord into the void of darkness, we may apply to it that apostrophe which was uttered by Isaiah to the king of Babylon: ”How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, Son of the Morning?” But does this mean that the celestial Lucifer, the Morning Star of intelligence, has been changed into a brand of hell? Can the name of Light-bearer be applied justly to the angel of trespass and of darkness? We think not, more especially if it be understood, as we understand, who have the magical tradition behind us, that the hell personified by Satan, and symbolised by the old serpent, is that central fire which encompasses the earth, consuming all that it produces and devouring its own tail, like the serpent of Kronos—in a word, that Astral Light of which the Almighty spoke to Cain when He said: “If thou doest evil, sin shall be straightway at thy gates”—that is to say, disorder will take possession of all thy senses; “yet unto thee I have made subject the lust of death, and it is for thee to rule it” (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 188).

Now we hear that the divine view of Satan is actually a blunder; that Satan was made divine, although it is a passive force. Furthermore, the Church made its stance that devil had become their object or creation:

The royal and almost divine personification of Satan is a blunder which goes back to the false Zoroaster, or otherwise, to the sophisticated doctrine of the later and materialistic Magi of Persia; it was they who represented the two poles of the intellectual world as deities, making a divinity out of passive force in contradistinction to that force which is active. We have indicated that the same grave error was made by Indian mythology. Ahriman or Siva is the father of the demon, as the latter is understood by superstitious makers of legend, and hence it was said by our Saviour: “The devil is a liar like his father.” On this question the Church rests satisfied with the Gospel texts and has published no dogmatic decisions, having the definition of the devil as their object (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 188).

You see, good Christians are taught to avoid the topic of satan, the devil; instead, thinking only of God and his graces. The object of our purpose is not to omit what the church teaches regarding this omission; no, our objective is to correct the error as it relates to the occult sciences:

Good Christians avoid even naming him, while religious moralists recommend the faithful to take no concern regarding him, seeking to resist his arts by thinking only of God. We cannot but admire this wise reserve on the part of priestly teaching. Why indeed should the light of doctrine be reflected on him who is intellectual obscurity and darkest night of the heart. Let the spirit which would distract us from the knowledge of God remain unknown by us. It is assuredly not of our intention to perform what the Church has omitted; we certify on such a subject only as to the secret instruction of initiates in the occult sciences (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 188).

Therefore, according to the occult sciences, not the Christian Church, Lucifer, the “Great Magical Agent,” is a “vehicle of light;” a “mediating force.” It is a force of duality, creation as well as destruction that is within each individual; a choice, a madness, an hallucination and even visions and ecstasies. The word ecstasies can be defined as, “an emotional or religious frenzy or trancelike state, originally one involving an experience of mystic self-transcendence.” As such, Lucifer can also defined as a feeling, often based on ones decisions; and intelligence within man himself:

They have said that the Great Magical Agent—accurately termed Lucifer because it is the vehicle of light and the receptacle of all forms—is a mediating force diffused throughout creation; that it serves for creation and destruction; that the fall of Adam was an erotic intoxication which made his race subject to that fatal light; that all amorous passion which invades the senses is a whirlpool of this light, seeking to draw us down into the gulf of death; that madness, hallucinations, visions, ecstasies constitute an exceedingly dangerous exaltation of this interior phosphorus; finally, that the light in question is of the nature of fire, that it is warming and vivifying in its prudent use, but that it burns, dissolves and destroys in its excess (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 188).

Levi makes a distinction between the light of man, which earns him Immortality, and on the other hand, man’s intoxication with eternal destruction. These battling ideals between good and evil need a face, a figure to blame; God on the one hand and an adversary on the other. Yet, the adversary is an idea, not a single entity. Lucifer, therefore, is a phantom of life that escapes from an individual that results in misery, which we call the devil or satan. Even hell is included in this illusionary image:

Over this light man is called, on the one hand, to assume a sovereign empire, so earning his immortality, but, on the other, he is menaced by the intoxication, absorption and eternal destruction thereof. In its devouring, avenging and fatal aspect, the Astral Light may be called the fire of hell, the serpent of legend, while the tormented sin which abounds therein, the tears and the gnashing of teeth on the part of the abortions that it consumes, the phantom of life which escapes them and seems to insult their misery—all this may be termed the devil or Satan. Among the pomps and works of hell may be included, in fine, those actions, those illusionary images of pleasure, wealth and glory which are misdirected by the vertigo of this light (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 189).

This next section is incredibly important if one wants to understand the position of Levi; here he equates evil to that of a manifestation, a disorder, an hallucination or delirium of a diseased mind. That such thinking is repugnant to a sage or even an initiate. Indeed, there are astral disturbances when it comes to demons; but there is a distinction between the diseased mind and even a demon force or forces, and that of a single spirit, which many have referred to as Lucifer or satan the devil.

Father Hiiarion Tissot regards certain nervous diseases which are accompanied by hallucinations and delirium as diabolical possessions and, understood in the sense of the Kabalists, he is right assuredly. Whatsoever delivers our soul to the fatality of vertigo is truly infernal, since heaven is the eternal reign of order, intelligence and liberty. The possessed people of the Gospel fled away from Jesus Christ ; the oracles were silenced in the presence of the Apostles; while those who are prey to the disease of hallucination have ever manifested an invincible repugnance for initiates and sages. The suspension of oracles and obsessions proved the triumph of human liberty over fatality. When astral diseases reappear, it is an ominous sign of spiritual enervation, and manifestations of this kind are followed invariably by fatal disorders. The disturbances here referred to continued till the French Revolution, and the fanatics of Saint-Medard were the prophets of its sanguinary calamities. The famous criminologist Torreblanca, who had gone to the root of Diabolical Magic, describes accurately all the phenomena of astral disturbance, when classifying the works of the demon (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 189).

To better understand what Levi was writing about, I have separated the following for clearer study and absorption. You see, the ancients looked upon the idea of demons as a disorder of the mind; often displayed in imaginary forms, which resulted in frenzied behavior. Not something a sage would seek:

Here are some extracts from the 15th chapter of his work on Operative Magic:

• (1) The demon is endeavouring continually to lead us into error.
• (2) He deludes the senses by disturbing the imagination, though he cannot change its nature.
• (3) When things abnormal are manifested to the eye of man, an imaginary body assumes shape in the mind and so long as that phantom remains therein, the phenomena continue.
• (4) The demon destroys equilibrium in the imagination by a disturbance of the vital functions, whether by irregularity in health or actual disease.
• (5) When some morbid cause has destroyed this equilibrium, and that also of reason, waking dream becomes possible and that which has no existence assumes the semblance of reality.
• (6) The mental perception of images in this manner makes sight unworthy of trust.
• (7) Visions are bodied forth, but they are merely thought-forms.
• (8) The ancients distinguished two orders of disease, one of them being the perception of imaginary forms, which was termed frenzy, and the other corybantism, or the hearing of voices and other sounds which have no existence (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 189).

Levi continues to explain his point that a Demon is in fact a disease:

It follows from these statements, which are curious in several respects, that disease is attributed by Torreblanca to the demon, who indeed is disease itself, with which we should agree entirely—if permitted by dogmatic authority (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 190).

To which, Levi specifically illustrates that disease held instinctively a spirit of perversity and a love of destruction; that it was an astral perversity of hate and death:

The recurring efforts of the Astral Light to disintegrate and absorb entities are part of its nature; its ceaseless currents have a wearing effect like water and it consumes even as fire, for it is the very essence and dissolving force of fire. The spirit of perversity and the love of destruction which characterise those whom it governs are instincts of this force. They are further consequent on the suffering of the soul, which is conscious of incomplete life and feels torn in opposite directions. The soul yearns to make an end of itself, yet fears to die alone, and therefore would include all creation in its destruction. Such astral perversity assumes frequently the form of the hatred of children; an unknown power impels certain subjects to kill them, and imperious voices seem to demand their death. Dr. Brierre de Boismont cites terrible examples of this mania, recalling the crimes of Papavoine and Henriette Cornier (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 190).

Here we see Levi writing about the sufferers of astral perversion as being malevolent or evil; that they are jealous of others happiness. They have no hope. Their life is associated or synonymous with suffering and even death. In fact, this astral perversion hinders the act of regeneration, leading to death itself:

Sufferers from astral perversion are malevolent, and they are jealous at the joy of others; they are especially inimical to hope, and even when offering consolation they choose the most desperate and heartrending figures of speech. That explanation is that their life is synonymous with suffering and that they have been whirled into the dance of death. It is, moreover, astral perversion and the lust of death which abuses the act of generation, leading to its perversion or dishonour by sacrilegious mockeries and shameful pleasantries. Obscenity is a blasphemy against life (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 191).

More specifically, the above vices are attributed to a demon, or a distorted reflection of divinity (God); these are the idols of death, not life. Levi also lists several examples of demon associated entities:

Each of these vices is personified by a black idol or by a demon, which is the negative and distorted reflection of the divinity who communicates life: these are idols of death. Moloch is the fatality which devours infants. Satan and Nisroch are gods of hatred, fatality and despair. Astarte, Lilith, Nehamah, Ashtaroth are idols of debauchery and abortion. Adramelech is the god of murder, while Belial is that of eternal revolt and anarchy. Such are the monstrous conceptions of reason, when it pauses on the verge of extinction and slavishly worships its destroyer, so that it may reach the end of its torment by the destroyer absorbing it (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 191).

Even more confusingly, Levi makes mentioned that the true name of Satan is that of Jehovah – Satan is not a black god – he is the negation or opposite of Deity (God). Satan is the personification of atheism or the none belief in Divinity, and of idolatry or false worship. Furthermore, the devil is not a personality, but a force applied to evil, and is personified through such figures at the horned god Pan – hence the goat like figure – a false lucifer:

According to the Kabalists, the true name of Satan is that of Jehovah reversed, for Satan is not a black god but the negation of Deity. He is the personification of atheism and idolatry. The devil is not a personality for initiates but a force created with a good object, though it can be applied to evil: it is really the instrument of liberty. They represented this force, which presides over physical generation, under the mythological figure of the horned god Pan, and hence comes the goat of the Sabbath, brother of the old serpent, the light-bearer or phosphorus, converted by poets into the false Lucifer of legend (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p. 191).

I hope you enjoyed Lucifer? Part II. Next month, this series will continue with Lucifer? Part III. Until then, enjoy life forever my friends!

So Mote It Be!!!

Hank Kraychir

Lucifer? Part I

OK, it’s now time to deal with one of the last major lingering issues that pundits continually throw about in order to attack Freemasonry; yes, as the title suggests, it is now time to write about the topic of Lucifer.

I am often asked by unknowing individuals about this topic; which means this issue is perhaps one of the most destructive lies told today, as it had been throughout our history. Sadly, as enlightened as our society has become today, it would rather believe a lie then research the topic in order to discover the truth for themselves. We (Freemasonry) have made many valiant efforts to reassure the public that Freemasonry harbors no such views or conducts such activities. Nevertheless, as Pike affirmed, “the masses need a teaching proportioned to their imperfect reason”  (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 104).​ I will, therefore, endeavor to better explain the topic to the satisfaction of the uninitiated public.

Freemason Eliphas Levi wrote that God’s goodness is eternal, not evil; and asked the question, according to the creed of the church, would it not be blasphemy to believe in Lucifer? Yes, of course it would be; that is why we don’t:

“good alone is infinite; evil is not; and hence if God be the eternal object of faith, then the devil belongs to science. In which of the catholic creeds is there any question concerning him? Would it not be blasphemy to say that we believe in him” (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  11)?

Levi went on to debate the definition of Lucifer:

In Holy Scripture he is named but not defined. Genesis makes no allusion to a reputed revolt of angels; it ascribes the fall of Adam to the serpent, as to the most subtle and dangerous of living beings. We are acquainted with Christian tradition on this subject; but if that tradition is explicable by one of the greatest and most diffused allegories of science, what can such solution signify to the faith which aspires only to God, which despises the pomps and works of Lucifer” (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  11).

And here is the first indicator that we (Freemasons) do not worship the spirit of darkness (i.e. Satan):

Lucifer—Light-Bearer—how strange a name, attributed to the spirit of darkness! Is it he who carries the light and yet blinds feeble souls? The answer is yes, unquestionably; for traditions are full of divine disclosures and inspirations. “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light,” says St. Paul. And Christ Himself said: “I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.” So also the prophet Isaiah: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning” (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  11).

I know, I know, you are more than likely scratching your head at this point. Well, this double sided viewpoint will start to make more sense in a moment. Levi continued with a specific explanation about Lucifer by asking the question is Lucifer a person or a force, etc?:

Lucifer is then a fallen star—a meteor which is on fire always, which burns when it enlightens no longer. But is this Lucifer a person or a force, an angel or a strayed thunder bolt? Tradition supposes that it is an angel, but the Psalmist says: “Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire.” The word angel is applied in the Bible to all messengers of God—emissaries or new creations, revealers or scourges, radiant spirits or brilliant objects. The shafts of fire which the Most High darts through the clouds are angels of His wrath, and such figurative language is familiar to all readers of eastern poetry (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  12).

So Levi raised several additional questions about Lucifer. Yet, I am confused; I thought we already knew that Lucifer was Satan, the Devil. I thought the issue had already been resolved; I guess not. He (Levi) now asks the question, is Lucifer nothing more than a diseased imagination?:

Having been the world’s terror through the period of the middle ages, the devil has become its mockery. Heir to the monstrous forms of all false gods cast down successively from their thrones, the grotesque scarecrow has turned into a mere bugbear through very deformity and hideousness. Yet observe as to this that those only dare to laugh at the devil who know not the fear of God. Can it be that for many diseased imaginations he is God’s own shadow, or is he not often the idol of degenerate souls who only understand supernatural power as the exercise of cruelty with impunity (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  12)?

Levi, in the next paragraph, better states his point, which is, does the Devil even exist, that it may be nothing more than a superstition, a ridiculous invention:

But it is important to ascertain whether the notion of this evil power can be reconciled with that of God—in a word, whether the devil exists, and in such case what he is. There is no longer any question of superstition or of ridiculous invention; it is a question of religion alone and hence of the whole future, with all the interests, of humanity (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  12).

Next he debates the reasoning powers, especially as it relates to spiritual powers vs materiel desires. Be patent, Levi is simply laying the groundwork for another point:

Strange reasoners indeed are we: we call ourselves strong-minded when we are indifferent to everything except material advantages, as, for example, money; and we leave to their own devices the ideas which are mothers of opinions and may, or at least can, by their sudden veering, upset all fortunes. A conquest of science is much more important than the discovery of a gold mine. Given science, gold is utilized in the service of life; given ignorance, wealth furnishes only destroying weapons (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  12).

Levi now discusses the influence the Church has had on the understanding of Lucifer; that we have deferred our reasoning to that of the Church.

For the rest, it is to be understood absolutely that our scientific revelations pause in the presence of faith, that—as Christian and Catholic—our work is submitted entirely to the supreme judgment of the Church. This said, to those who question the existence of a devil, we would point out that whatsoever has a name exists; speech may be uttered in vain, but in itself it cannot be vain, and it has a meaning invariably. The Word is never void, and if it be written that it is in God, as also that it is God, this is because it is the expression and the proof of being and of truth. The devil is named and personified in the Gospel, which is the Word of truth; he exists therefore and can be considered as a person. But here it is the Christian who defers: let science or reason speak; these two are one (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  13).

Levi confirms the fact that evil does exist; however, does this evil emanate from one source, like that of a Devil?:

Evil exists; it is impossible to doubt it; we can work good or evil. There are beings who work evil knowingly and willingly. The spirit which animates these beings and prompts them to do ill is bewrayed, turned aside from the right road, and thrown across the path of good as an obstacle; this is the precise meaning of the Greek word diabolos, which we render as devil (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  13).

Further research into the word diabolos came up with the following definition:

The Devil (from Greek: διάβολος diábolos “slanderer, accuser”) is the personification and archetype of evil in various cultures. Historically, the Devil can be defined as the personification of whatever is perceived in society as evil and the depiction consist of its cultural traditions.

Even more specific, the word personification can be defined as: “an imaginary person or creature conceived or figured to represent a thing or abstraction.” Therefore, at least according to Levi, by way of the use of the word diabolos, the Devil is nothing more than an imaginary creature.

Levi further defines evil as being, “a devil” or diabolos, an imaginary creature; he did not say the devil, no, he wrote “a devil,” as though it was not a single entity, rather it was a combination of entities, a personification; and even more importantly, he leave the open ended question, who is the father of the devil?:

The spirits who love and perform evil are accidentally bad. There is therefore a devil who is the spirit of error, wilful ignorance, vertigo; there are beings under his obedience who are his envoys, emissaries, angels; and it is for this reason that the Gospel speaks of an eternal fire which is prepared, and in a sense predestined, for the devil and his angels. These words are themselves a revelation, so let us search their meaning, giving, in the first place, a concise definition of evil. Evil is the absence of rectitude in being. Moral evil is falsehood in action, as the lie is a crime in speech. Injustice is of the essence of lying, and every lie is In injustice. When that which we utter is just, there is no falsity. When that which we do is equitable and true in mode, there is no sin. Injustice is the death of moral being, as lying is the poison of intelligence. The false spirit is therefore a spirit of death. Those who hearken to him become his dupes and are by him poisoned. But if we had to take his absolute personification seriously, he would be himself absolutely dead and absolutely deceived, which means that the affirmation of his existence must imply a patent contradiction. Jesus said that the devil is a liar like his father. Who then is the father of the devil (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  14)?

In short, the answer to the question of who is the father of the devil is, whoever gives the idea of the devil, the diabolos, the personification, his power is the father:

Whosoever gives him a personal existence by living in accordance with his inspirations; the man who diabolises himself is the father of the incarnate spirit of evil (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  14).

Yet, despite this historical fact, pundits of the Craft, like the Pharisee who hated Jesus and his teachings, continue to throw about the false idea of Lucifer, which is nothing but a hybrid creation or a pretended hero of the black eternities:

But there is a rash, impious and monstrous conception, traditional like the pride of the Pharisees, and in fine there is a hybrid creation which armed the paltry philosophy of the eighteenth century with an apparent defence. It is the false Lucifer of the heterodox legend—that angel proud enough to think that he was God, brave enough to buy independence at the price of eternal torment, beautiful enough to worship himself in the plenary Divine Light; strong enough to reign still in darkness and in dole and to make a throne of his inextinguishable fire. It is the Satan of the heretical and republican Milton, the pretended hero of black eternities, calumniated by deformity, bedecked with horns and talons which would better become his implacable tormentor (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  14).

Believers in the devil have made him king of evil, as if evil were a kingdom; that intelligent men would succumb to this false fear; that eternal lie; that somehow, God tolerates this contradiction or that he is the devil of God:

It is the devil who is king of evil, as if evil were a kingdom, who is more intelligent than the men of genius that fear his wiles. It is {a) that black light, that darkness with eyes, that power which God has not willed but which no fallen creature could create; that prince of anarchy served by a hierarchy of pure spirits; that exile of God who on earth seems, like Him, everywhere, but is more tangible, is more for the majority in evidence, and is served better than God himself; that conquered one, to whom the victor gives his children that he may devour them; that artificer of sins of the flesh, to whom flesh is nothing, and who therefore can be nothing to flesh, unless indeed he be its creator and master, like God; that immense, realised, personified and eternal lie; that death which cannot die; that blasphemy which the Word of God will never silence; that poisoner of souls whom God tolerates by a contradiction of His omnipotence or preserves as the Roman emperors guarded Locusta among the trophies of their reign; that executed criminal, living still to curse his Judge and still have a cause against him, since he will never repent; that monster accepted as executioner by the Sovereign Power, and who, according to the forcible expression of an old catholic writer, may term God the God of the devil by describing himself as a devil of God (Eliphas Levi, The History of Magic, 1860, p.  14).

This topic will be discussed further next month in part II. Nevertheless, until the next article is finalized, please remember and reflect upon a very important quote from Albert Pike, who wrote, “The symbols of the wise are the idols of the vulgar” (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 819). This point is significant, because, although we may utilize ancient symbols in our teachings, we do not worship them; they are simply used to teach greater meanings and for instruction. And unfortunately, due to a lack of knowledge and understanding, the profane (vulgar) use such symbols as idols, like that of baphomet (See picture above) to represent the devil or lucifer. Yet, that was not its intent, as will be discussed next month.

So Mote It Be!

Hank Kraychir

Jesus Influenced Freemasonry or was it the Other Way Around?

I am often perplexed by the Masonic cognoscenti (pundit) that claims Christian beliefs do not belong or have anything to do with Freemasonry. Sadly, this belief is often perpetuated in many Masonic Blue Lodges. It is true that no one belief is taught within the Craft; in fact, it is well understood that Masonic lessons and ideas predate most contemporary religions. Nevertheless, even this fact is often lost within the Craft due to the belief in not harming another Brothers feelings; that we need to be more inclusive. In no way am I claiming the Craft is a Christian order; no, my writing will make the point that the ideas that Jesus promoted most certainly influenced the Craft – as have other religious ideas from various religions.

Moreover, it can also be argued that the ideas within Freemasonry more than likely influenced Jesus. This can be clearly seen in the York Rite bodies, which are filled with pre-Christian and post-Christian doctrine. Always remember, the story of Hiram and the Building of King Solomon’s Temple did not originate with Christianity; although, there are similarities, through allegory, to the death of Jesus. No, the story’s premise actually predates the Jesus era. It has been written, the teachings of Christ can actually be traced to the mystery schools and teachings that dominated the Mediterranean area and time period before and after Jesus; like the mystery schools from Greece, Rome and Alexandria, etc.  Therefore, in order to make my point, I will now break down Jesus’s word from his now famous Sermon on the Mount, which may include comments from your author.

Taken and adapted from Matthew Chapters 5-7, New International Version (NIV).

Introduction to the Sermon on the Mount:

• Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down.
• His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.

The Beatitudes (Blessings): (These Blessing are used in several Masonic bodies).

•        He said:
• Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
• Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
• Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
• Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
• Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
• Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
• Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
• Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

You are a Shinning Light:

• You are the salt of the earth. (Salt is an important component of Alchemy, which is taught within Freemasonry).
• But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? (Same as previously mentioned).
• It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. (Same as previously mentioned).
• You are the light of the world. (Light is taught in every level of Freemasonry).
• A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (The truth is often hidden from the uninitiated, but not from the educated and informed Mason). 
• Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. (an allegory about the uninformed vs. the informed; a lesson within the Craft). 
• Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (A light on a lamp is used within several levels of Freemasonry; including Blue Lodge). 
• In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (The changes a Mason makes in his character, if properly learned and applied, will become visible to the world). 

How to Treat Others (Law and Reward):

• Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. (A Mason has not come to change Masonic traditions; no, he has come to fulfill his responsibilities by following its laws). 
• For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. (This confirms the previous statement).
• Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. (Freemasonry has levels; those who are worthy rise within the ranks and those who do not, remain in lower ranks; much of it based on behavior and commitment to the Craft and its laws and traditions).
• For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Those men found unworthy will never be allowed to join the Craft). 

Anger and Murder – Punishment (Alternative Path):

• You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ (The story of Hiram Abiff is an allegorical story about the ills of such behavior). 
• But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. (Masonry teaches us Brotherly love).
• Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. (Masonry teaches to have only friendly conversations; and the dangers of talking about such things as politics, religion and sexuality, etc).
• Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Masonry instructs men to be perfect, like God; one would be a hypocrite if he went to God and ask for something, if he had not made things right with his brother).
• Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. (Masonry teaches men to humble themselves, to admit their faults and to become better men; that life is full of lessons, including those of evil). 
• Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. (Masonry instructs a man that his word is his bond; if your agree to it verbally or agree to something in writing, you are required to do your best to fulfil those obligations). 
• Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny. (Masonry instructs men that their are sanctions for bad behavior; as well as rewards to good behavior).  

Adultery and Lust:

• You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ (Freemasonry instructs a man to love and be faithful to his wife).
• But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Freemasonry also instruct a man to have a pure heart).
• If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. (This lesson is used as a sign in a York Rite Body).
• It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. (This lesson is used as a sign in a York Rite Body).
• And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. (This lesson is used as a sign in a York Rite Body).
• It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. (This lesson is used as a sign in a York Rite Body).

Divorce:

• It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.’ (Freemason are taught to follow civil law).
• But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. (Freemasonry instruct a man to have a pure heart).

Oaths:

• Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.’ (Freemasonry instructs a man to fulfill his obligations).
• But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. (Freemasons often take oaths, but they are only binding to each other; God is only our witness. Masons are taught not swear an oath to God; such activity is personal).
• And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. (As mentioned previously).
• All you need to say is simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (As mentioned previously).

Do Not Resist Evil, But Instead Help Others:

• You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity).
• But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity).
• If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. (York Rite in particular teaches this lesson).
• And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity).
• If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity).
• Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (A lesson within York Rite).

Love Your Enemy; Be Perfect:

• You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity).
• But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity).
• He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. (Freemasonry instructs men about God’s love and power).
• If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity).
• Are not even the tax collectors doing that? (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity; despite what others do).
• And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others. (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity).
• Do not even pagans do that? (Freemasonry teaches love for all of humanity; despite what others do).
• Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Freemasonry is about make men better than their natural state; in God’s image).

Boasting (Secrecy and Reward):

• Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. (Freemasonry instructs men to be silent; not to boast).
• If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (Freemasonry instructs men that rewards come from God; not other men).
• So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. (Freemasonry instructs men to be silent; not to boast).
• Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. (Freemasonry teaches that God loves all of his creations).
• But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. (Freemasonry instructs men to be silent; not to boast).
• Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Freemasonry instructs men that rewards come from God; not other men).

Prayer and Forgiveness(Secrecy and Reward):

• And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. (Masonic prayers are most often conducted in secret; hidden from public view).
• Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. (Freemasonry instructs men that rewards come from God; not other men).
• But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. (Masonic prayers are most often conducted in secret; hidden from public view).
• Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Knowledgeable Masons know that if righteous behavior is done in secret, God may reward him; that boasting is done in bad taste).
• And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. (Freemasonry instructs its priests and prelates to keep prayers short and on topic).
• Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. (Freemasons are taught that God is all Powerful and all knowing; i.e. the Eye of God).
• This, then, is how you should pray: (The Lords Prayer is specifically conducted in a York Rite Body; but maybe used elsewhere in Freemasonry).
  • Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
  • Give us today our daily bread.
  • And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
  • And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
  • For yours is the kingdom and power forever.
  • Amen.
• For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (Freemasonry teaches forgiveness).
• But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (Same as listed previously).

Fasting (Secrecy and Reward):

• When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. (Fasting is a healthy activity conducted by many knowledgeable Masons; but is something done in private).
• Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. (Freemasonry teaches that God loves all of humanity, despite its failures).
• But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Knowledgeable Masons know that if righteous behavior is done in secret, God may reward him; that boasting is done in bad taste).

Treasures (Do Right):

• Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. (Freemasonry teaches to feed the poor, etc; that their rewards come from God, often rewarded in the future).
• But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Same as previously mentioned).
• For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Freemasonry instructs that rewards come from God, often rewarded in the future).

Eye (Outlook):

• The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. (Freemasonry teaches love).
• But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. (Freemasonry also instructs its initiates the lessons of failure).
• If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! (Freemasonry teaches that each man is given a choice).

Masters:

• No one can serve two masters. (Blue Lodge Masons are taught that the Master rules his Lodge; just like a Commander rules his Commandery. The lesson of one ruler permeate all Masonic orders).
• Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. (Same as listed previously).
• You cannot serve both God and money. (Just like one God is one ruler, Freemasonry instructs such a rule).

Life:

• Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. (Freemasonry instructs men not to fear life, but to love and enjoy it).
• Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? (Same as previously mentioned).
• Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. (Freemasonry teaches that God has a plan).
• Are you not much more valuable than they? (Based on Biblical and Masonic teaches, all God’s creations are important; however, man, being made in God’s image, is more important than his other creations).
• Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (It is well understood within the Craft, especially Scottish Rite’s esoteric teachings, that negative behavior shortens ones life span).

Do Not Worry About Materiel Things:

• And why do you worry about clothes? (Freemasonry instructs its initiates that God is firmly in control of your status in life).
• See how the flowers of the field grow. (Same as previously mentioned).
• They do not labor or spin. (Same as previously mentioned).
• Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. (Freemasonry uses King Solomon as a metaphor for various instructions).
• If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? (Freemasonry teaches men to have faith in God).
• So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ (Freemasonry teaches men to have faith in God and his plan for each man).
• For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. (Freemasons are taught that when useful knowledge is given, not all will listen).
• But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Freemasonry teaches men to have faith in God and his plan for each man).
• Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Freemasonry teaches men to have faith in God and his plan for each man).

Judging Others:

• Do not judge, or you too will be judged. (A clearly taught lesson within the Craft).
• For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. (A clearly taught lesson within the Craft).
• Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (A metaphor for the previous lesson).
• How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? (A metaphor for the previous lesson).
• You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. (A metaphor for the previous lesson).

Sacred Knowledge:

• Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. (Freemasonry instructs its followers not to reveal the mysteries to the profane).

Ask, Seek and Knock:

• Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Knocking is apart of Masonic tradition when asking for entrance into an activity).
• For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (A lesson within the Blue Lodge).

How to Treat Others:

• Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? (A Masonic lesson: seek God’s blessing, not man’s favor).
• Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? (A Masonic lesson: seek God’s blessing, not man’s favor).
• If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (A Masonic lesson: seek God’s blessing, not man’s favor).
• So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (A Masonic lesson: seek God’s blessing, not man’s favor).

The Narrow Path:

• Enter through the narrow gate. (A Masonic lesson: follow God’s way; not man’s).
• For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. (A Masonic lesson: follow God’s way; not man’s).
• But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. (A Masonic lesson: follow God’s way; not man’s).

False Prophets (Teachers):

• Watch out for false prophets. (Masonic lesson: based on the teaching Faith, Hope and Charity; Faith in God, Hope in Immorality and Charity towards all; and the Masonic lesson: eye to see and ears to hear).
• They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. (Masonic lesson: eye to see and ears to hear).
• By their fruit you will recognize them. (Masonic lesson: eye to see and ears to hear).
• Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? (Masonic lesson: eye to see and ears to hear).
• Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. (Masonic lesson: eye to see and ears to hear).
• A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. (Masonic lesson: eye to see and ears to hear).
• Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (Masonic lesson: eye to see and ears to hear).
• Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. (Masonic lesson: eye to see and ears to hear).

True and False Followers:

• Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Masonic lesson: based on the teaching Faith, Hope and Charity; Faith in God, Hope in Immorality and Charity towards all; in particular Faith in God).
• Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ (A Masonic lesson: Faith in God).
• Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (A Masonic lesson: Faith in God).

The Rock (Stone):

• Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (The Masonic lessons based on the Rock or Stone; a rough ashlar turned into a smooth ashlar).
• The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (The Masonic lessons based on the Rock or Stone; a rough ashlar turned into a smooth ashlar).
• But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. (The Masonic lessons based on the Rock or Stone; a rough ashlar turned into a smooth ashlar).
• The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash. (The Masonic lessons based on the Rock or Stone; a rough ashlar turned into a smooth ashlar).

Conclusion:

• When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

Therefore, I certainly hope this exercise helped put the issue of Christian influence on the Craft into a better perspective. Thanks for reading!

So Mote It Be!

Hank Kraychir

Rhetorical Debate is Unbecoming of a Freemason

I am often confronted with the Masonic pundit who enjoys demonstrating his endowed intelligence through the use of Rhetorical Debate. To be honest, I am still puzzled with this contemporary phenomenon. They perhaps learn it through television shows and news broadcasts, which love to use intelligent pundits to throw trash back and forth for the entertainment and enjoyment of its viewers. This may be akin to the Roman gladiators fighting to the death for the joy of the spectators in the Coliseum; sadly, little have we changed as a people. I think in some little way, many people enjoy watching others have their character destroyed; perhaps it makes them feel better about themselves and the lack of standing in society? Who knows for sure?

Yet still, many Freemasons reading this writing may be thinking to themselves that such behavior is OK. Well, I hope to persuade some of them at least that such behavior is unbecoming of a Freemason; and especially the Mason who desires the attainment of Immortality.

So what does Rhetorical mean? Here are but just a few definitions:

• language that is intended to influence people and that may not be honest or reasonable.
• a type or mode of language or speech; also : insincere or grandiloquent language.

Definition of grandiloquence:

• a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style, manner, or quality especially in language.

Definition of pompous:

• having or showing an attitude of someone who thinks he or she is better than other people.

Definition of bombastic:

• marked by or given to speech or writing that is given exaggerated importance by artificial or empty means.

Furthermore, the word debate can be defined as:

• to argue about.
• the subject was hotly debated.

As such, we can see that the two words “rhetorical” and “debate,” especially when put together, can have a negative effect, particularly when one refers to spiritual influences.  It has been said that we are the sum total of our experiences, and that they are often demonstrated through our expressions.

Indeed, God has endowed man with the skills to debate issues of importance. However, ask yourself, is such an instance a fight or flight circumstance? You see, we have been built with the abilities to defend ourselves both physically, as well as intellectually. Honestly, if one’s personal safety, either physically and or morally were at stake, I could see a person using his rhetorical skills in defense; but other than such an instance, I sense such an exercise is a futile effort.

Pike confirmed the inflammatory nature of rhetoric, when he wrote:

Speech, also, is grossly abused in Republics; and if the use of speech be glorious, its abuse is the most villainous of vices. Rhetoric, Plato says, is the art of ruling the minds of men. But in democracies it is too common to hide thought in words, to overlay it, to babble nonsense. The gleams and glitter of intellectual soap-and-water bubbles are mistaken for the rainbow-glories of genius. The worthless pyrites is continually mistaken for gold. Even intellect condescends to intellectual jugglery, balancing thoughts as a juggler balances pipes on his chin. In all Congresses we have the inexhaustible flow of babble, and Faction’s clamorous knavery in discussion, until the divine power of speech, that privilege of man and great gift of God, is no better than the screech of parrots or the mimicry of monkeys. The mere talker, however fluent, is barren of deeds in the day of trial (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 35).

And with regard to how we should act,

Your debates should be but friendly conversations. You need concord, union, and peace. Why then do you retain among you men who excite rivalries and jealousies; why permit great and violent controversy and ambitious pretensions? How do your own words and acts agree? If your Masonry is a nullity, how can you exercise any influence on others (Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 1872, p. 137).

Stephen Dafoe wrote,

Every Fellowcraft Mason learns of the importance of the liberal arts and sciences, of which he is instructed they are seven; namely, Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music and Astronomy. Unfortunately few Freemasons today take this instruction with any degree of seriousness and make no further effort to examine the nature of these arts.

Like much of Freemasonry, the liberal arts and sciences come to us from the Medieval period, when they were believed to be the sum total of all knowledge that was worth while to a complete education. They were known as “artes liberales” from the Latin “liber” meaning Free. In this sense they were the subjects available to free men and were a contrast from the “artes illiberales”, which were taught for purely economic reasons that a man may earn a living. These arts were the operative arts of the workmen and were considered less desirable educational pursuits. While we have adopted the seven liberal arts and sciences from the Medieval era, they were known in the Pythagorean and Platonic eras.

The seven liberal arts and sciences were broken into two groups. One concerning language and the other concerning mathematics.

The first was the “Trivium” or road of three paths and included grammar, rhetoric and logic. Grammar is that portion of language that allows us to fine tune our speech like the ashlars and remove all barbarous expressions. Rhetoric is the art, which allows us to persuade and have an effect upon the listener. The last and perhaps most important art of the Trivium is logic, which permits us the gift of reasoning. In a purely Masonic sense it allows us to understand our duties to God and towards each other.

The second was the “Quadrivium” or path of four roads and included arithmetic, geometry, music and astronomy. Arithmetic is the process by which we are able to calculate all weights and measures, but in a speculative and philosophical sense can be best summed up by the following quotation:

“For the Freemason, the application of this science is that he is continually to add to his knowledge, never to subtract anything from the character of his neighbor, to multiply his benevolence to his fellow-creatures, and to divide his means with those in need.” From Mackey’s Masonic Encyclopedia.

Yes my friends, if you are seeking a higher spiritual realm, my recommendation is to run from such activity whenever it presents itself; for “the mere talker, however fluent, is barren of deeds in the day of trial.”

So Mote It Be!

Hank Kraychir

 

 

Be Careful What You Ask For!

I have read it repeatedly, when dealing with spiritual forces, be careful what you ask for. Not only have I seen it, but I have also experienced this incredible phenomena. I know, some pundits will dismiss any idea that spiritual forces, or even God, exist. One only needs to read the Holy Bible to understand that spiritual forces, other than God, do in fact exist. Therefore, this writing is not intended for non-believers.

As a rule, I only ask God and his son Jesus for aid in my prayers. Nevertheless, I also understand that prayer is nothing but Magic; and that there are two forms of Magic, white and black. White being good and Black being evil. God being good and any spirit or god that is not good would be evil. Yet, with that said, it is also understood that other spirits, with powers, do intercede from time to time; and making a distinction between good and evil gets murky sometimes. Even Jesus himself warned us, when he said,

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!.’ Matthew 7:21-28 New International Version (NIV).

The above quote illustrates my point – that even if we think we are doing the work of Jesus, or God, we may in fact not be doing so. It is a well-known fact, within the ancient mysteries, that spirit forces imitate the forces of good in order to deceive mankind. One might actually be bringing into one’s life an evil force and not know it.

Case in point, I now believe that the Catholic Church knew this, and as a result went to great lengths to keep its followers from being lured by these forces of deception. Think about it, why did it maintain rules that forced their followers to go to a priest in order to communicate with God. I am certain that there were several reasons for conducting such a practice; the most important being people being lured by evil spirits.

Yet, notwithstanding these other significant points, the issue of eliciting forces and powers that influence people cannot be dismissed. Nevertheless, the Church did not stop with this practice; no, it went even to the point of inquisitions, which resulted in the burning of those people who were suspected of aligning with forces other than God. The reason for burning being obvious, as fire is the most assured way of purifying a soul of evil demons.

Moreover, there is also the power of suggestion, positive thinking and affirmations. These points can be brought under the umbrella of your own power. It is well understood that your own words and thoughts are powerful creators. Therefore, when you think of something, it affects you and your outlook; and when you say something, it affects your environment, including people, objects and spirits.

I have heard it said, when one says something, it will look for a home, and if it cannot be found, it will return to you. Think about that for just a second, if you said something bad and it could not find a home, that evil will return and affect you. Yet still, if you said something negative, it may also find a home within someone else, thereby aiding that person in feeding their negative lifestyle. And the same can be said of positive thoughts and words.

As such, I am reminded of Jesus when he said, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39, New International Version).

There are, of course, differing views on the meaning of this verse; but for me, I relate it to the view of purity of heart and intention. Evil can never defeat goodness, or godliness. In fact, look closely at the words “good” and “god.” The difference between these two words is one “o,” which to me meant nothing or zero. It is no accident that the word good has a similar connotation with god, or God. As such, be good in your intentions, like God; this alone will guide what you ask for and will help keep you faithful, and out of harm’s way.

Yet, what about Immortality?

Again, be careful what you ask for. The process of Immortality is not an easy one; you must be willing to give up or adjust your lifestyle and many of the things you have been accustomed to, including food, spiritual ideas, sleep, relationships and even luxuries.

There are many reasons why the ancients went to great lengths to hide the truth. This knowledge must be earned in order to be appreciated and accepted for it to work. One must be willing to give up certain accepted norms to be granted this incredible gift from God.

I have seen the changes in my body and my spirit force, which I do not want to reveal in length. Let me just say, once one decides to take on this path, it will not be as easy as it first seems. You will have to allow your body and spirit to guide you away from generally accepted practices; and when you ask for a result, do not be surprised when these results appear; literally and or figuratively. Sometimes they come like a roar of thunder and other times like a soft rain. And even on a few occasions, it maybe painful and scary, but more on that in another writing.

My final words again, be careful what you ask for, you just might get it!

So Mote It Be!

 

Does Freemasonry Endorse the Ideals Behind Immortality?

This topic is often brought up in many of my private conversations. The simple answer is No and YES. On the surface, the simple answer is NO. You see, the ideals that support the teachings of Immortality are clearly not immediately visible. In fact, finding Immortal teachings requires a key. The general teachings or understandings that most people have regarding this topic often misguide even the most diligent researchers. I can comfortably say this, because even my own research was misguided, that was until I understood the key.

You see, I went into studying the ancient mysteries from a pure Christian perspective regarding Immortality; that being, the soul separated from the body upon death led to Immortality of the soul. This singular perspective perverted my research for years. In truth, it was not until my third reading of Albert Pike’s Morals and Dogma (1872) did I even understand that he was writing about different types of Immortality. Yes, you read that correctly, there is more than one type of Immortality. There is, of course, the commonly taught type of Immortality; that being, upon death the soul separates into an Immortal state. Nevertheless, there is also the idea of an eternal physical state, as well as other varying degrees of Immortality.

The former being that the body can live much longer than originally thought. The human body is designed to regenerate. However, most people are taught the principles of death, which guides their subconscious conditioning; leading to an inevitable early death.

Nevertheless, there is a YES equation to the question as well. Freemasonry does in fact teach many Immortal principles. Case in point: when Pike writes about Immortality of the soul, he may in fact be writing about the division of the soul upon death; however, there is also the ancient belief that the soul is only of effective use while the body is alive. Therefore, there is a dual meaning to the Immortality of the soul. Moreover, when he writes about Immortality as a stand-alone topic, he may be writing about three different meanings; and perhaps even more levels.

The first being what I like to call Life Extension; i.e. Immortality. A little history lesson is in order for this idea to make sense. In our historical past, say the Middle Ages, the average life span was about 30 and 40 years old. Therefore, when one generation witnessed someone much older living multiple generations, they simply referred to him as an Immortal. As such, an Immortal was a person who simply lived two to three times longer than the average person did. As well, we have accounts of others living hundreds and even thousands of years.

The second type of Immortality, as mentioned previously, is the nurturing the soul of a living human. The soul is to be nurtured while the person is alive in order to reach a higher level of enlightenment. The purer the soul, the higher that person reaches in his understanding of, not only God, but also his position in this world. This purity enables him to live a longer and more fulfilled life than say a person who lives a negative life.

Interestingly, my Scottish Rite Valley (Chapter) reads a list of brothers who passed away at the end of each year. While reading, I pay close attention to the ages of these departed brothers. Inevitably, most of the ages range between 90 and 105. I find this this most fascinating. These men simply lived good Masonic lives and as a result lived much longer than the average man does. How is this possible?  Simply stated, one lives longer when he is good, does good deeds and spreads love upon this earth. Yet, if they only studied the mysteries deeper, they may have in fact lived even longer.

Moreover, the third type of Immortality is what I was taught when I was a young man. In essence, the soul is to be purified before death in order to have an afterlife. Otherwise, your soul will not ascend to heaven.

Now, I am not dismissing any of these. The first two are very similar. The idea that one must purify his soul in order to extend his life (Life Extension) aligns well with simply living a good life. As well, I have no problem with the idea that if Life Extension is not attained, the alternative is an everlasting life in Heaven. I really do not think it is an all or nothing equation.

In support of my argument, we will now turn to Manley P. Hall, who probably said it best when he wrote, “But as the way for the redemption of the soul is concealed by the mysteries, so the secrets for the redemption of metals are also concealed, that they may not fall into the hands of the profane and thereby be perverted” (Hall, Manley, P. Secret Teachings of All Ages, 1928, p. 154). In short, the concepts surrounding the soul are not fully understood by most people; that there are most certainly mysteries yet to unfold; and that they are hidden for a reason, which is to keep them from the profane.

It should also be understood, there is the theory that one must also purify his body in order to attain an Immortal state. This is where the principles of Alchemy comes in; but that subject will be discussed at a later time period.

So Mote It Be!

Hank Kraychir