Customer Reviews

Freemasonry of the Ancient Egyptians

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This is a great book, but not an easy read. There is much here to be read several times and pondered upon.

The author states his purpose in writing the book is: "To suggest an interpretation of Egyptian metaphysical tradition in harmony with with the teachings set forth in what we call the mysteries."

In the introduction, the author lodges a valid criticism of some academics in the fields of Egyptology and archaeology. He makes a distinction between two types of academics. The first are those who are too close to the to see the trees. They are "materialistic minded men" bent on maintaining their reputations and place in the academic community. Terrified of controversy and change. Unwilling to accept conclusions and new theories based on the latest scientific methods. The second group are those bold enough to speculate on new ideas based to modern exploration and research. These people are unafraid to reveal their conclusions to public scrutiny.

This work will be of interest to hard-core students of Freemasonry, especially those who are open-minded and inclined to search for the roots of Freemasonry among the ancient Egyptians.

To the Master Mason interested in the origins of the Craft, the section dealing with the "Crata Repoa" will be quite interesting. To avoid forming the misconception that he is reading the narrative of a modern ritual The reader must keep in mind the author is dealing with a ritual that could only have originated in ancient Egypt and passed down through the ages. Ultimately, the reader must make up his own mind about the information presented by the author.

In chapter Four, "The Secret Doctrine of Egypt", Freemasons will be fascinated by the author's treatment of the "Widow's Son".

Those who are not members of the Masonic fraternity may have difficulty grasping some of the concepts relating to Freemasonry presented by the author.

Manly P. Hall was raised on November 22, 1954 in Jewel Lodge No. 374. In 1990 Mr Hall was elevated to the 33d degree, the highest honor and degree in Freemasonry.

The author has written other books on Freemasonry: "The Lost Keys of Freemasonry"; Masonic Orders of the Fraternity"; and "The Secret Destiny of America".

An extremely interesting section of the book presents the author's perspective concerning the "Curse of Tutankhamen's Tomb".

In my opinion, this book will not be well received by Christian Fundamentalists and the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church, based on the author'frank and historically correct criticism of these two groups.

While I enjoyed this book, I think its title is misleading. The connections between the Egyptian Mysteries and anything resembling Freemasonry, at least that of the last several centuries, is very tenuous. Furthermore, it is not clear to me that the details of the Egyptian ceremonies described are more than speculation. If you would enjoy such speculation, as I did, that's fine. Otherwise, beware.

As an introduction to the Crata Repoa (which is an interesting document that used to circulate in masonic and paramasonic circles) this is a good book. It is however, highly speculative that the Ancient Egyptians practiced these rituals, so the title is somewhat misleading.