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54 of 58 people found the following review helpful:
Wonderful Pictures, Trestle Boards and "Tools of the trade", July 27, 2000
If you are a Freemason, or are even remotely interested in the subject, you should own this book....if, for no other reason than the fact that this book contains many, many full-color, full-page pictures & other graphics, such as Craft Symbolism, the "Tools" of the Craft, Trestle Boards, etc. This book also contains an overview of Freemasonry, including some of the esoteric aspects of The Craft--even mentioning the Hermetic axiom: "As Above, So Below." I honestly believe all Masons should own books like this--esp., since so many still believe in the outdated concept of not talking about Masonry....even to their own sons and daughters...or, Wives. Leave this book lying around your den or on the coffee table. I keep my copy on the top shelf of my Masonic Research Bookshelf, beside "Duncans Ritual" (collectors edition), The Holy Bible and my Masonic antique items. It really sets-off my little shrine to Masonry! This book has more pictures than you can shake a level at....so, stop twirling your compass and get out your credit card!
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
Not All-Encompassing, but Illuminating to a Degree, September 27, 2006
First of all, the 133 illustrations in this thin little volume are excellent, resplendent with Masonic symbolism and indicative of Freemasonry's multifaceted history. True, a few of the pictures are just a bit tangential to the subject at hand, though these do serve the function of showing the larger context of Freemasonry, that which has influenced it and that which has been influenced by it. But by far the majority give the reader a very well-rounded and fascinating visual crash-course in Freemasonry itself. Still, it is a crash-course, a starting point for the uninitiated but interested outsider like me and perhaps a lavish but cursory review for those who have gone deeper into the subject.
The text of the book comes in two parts, an extended introductory essay and brief captions accompanying the many illustrations. The former is a bit eccentric, interpreting the three degrees of Freemasonry in the light of Jungian psychology and briefly explaining the diagrams depicting each along those lines. In general this seemed persuasive for the most part and worked well in making the rituals and images intelligible, but as the author makes clear at the beginning this is by no mean the official interpretation or even necessarily a common one. I can't help but feel that addressing the standard Masonic understanding and then adding the Jungian spin might have made this book a little more helpful. As for the latter, the captions do a pretty good job in placing the illustrations, but very little of the rich symbolism is explained in any depth, and much flies by with no comment. I tended to find this just a bit frustrating, though perhaps the short format of the book makes it inevitable. That being so, it might have made sense to enlarge the spotty bibliography at the end into a "suggested reading" page for those whose curiosity was thus aroused. And with such a wealth of intriguing images, this fine little book can scarcely fail to have that effect.
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29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
The best explanation of the higher meaning behind the ritual, June 16, 2002
If you read this book you will have more understanding of the original MEANING of Freemasonry and Masonic ritual than 90% of actual modern Freemasons.
It is well explained in this short, well written, and beautifully illustrated book what all the symbolism of the First, Second, and Third degrees were actually intended to mean. This is because the author is as well versed in the mystery religions and sacred architecture of classical times as were the founders of the Craft. Indeed you come to realise that there is a comprehensive and satisfying overview of universal spiritual wisdom in these rituals, of the self, soul, and spirit (the three Principle Officers.) This is not trivial stuff. Indeed, it is pointed out that the ultimate goal of the Third Degree is to actually die to one's self and be reborn. This was also the end goal of the old Mystery Religions- and of any spiritual path worthy of the name.
There are no "secrets" revealed here. The only secrets are those found in your own soul after deep introspection. But these rituals do point the way, and this booklet does prepare your mind on the proper path.
If you would contemplate profound, mind-expanding truths that will move you closer to the universal architect and his creation, then this is your book. If you are primarily interested in fancy rings, funny hats, and go-carts, then perhaps you should look elsewhere.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
A Worthy Addition to the Library of Any Freemason or Masonic Scholar. , February 14, 2006
Though not a book of great length, it's only 96 pages, "Freemasonry: A Journey through Ritual and Symbol" offers the reader a glimpse into the Craft of Freemasonry through its 133 illustrations and the secrets hidden in its text.
Freemasonry has been defined in many ways, but herein W. Kirk MacNulty gives us a workable definition in a single sentence when he writes `Freemasonry is a very old, secular, fraternal society which requires the belief in a Supreme Being as its principle qualification for membership and which is dedicated to the practice of tolerance, respect and understanding of others; the encouragement of high standards of morality among its members; and the performance of charitable works.
We see the history of Freemasonry from its ancient past, to the formation of the Grand Lodge in London, England in 1717, followed quickly by Grand Lodges being established in Ireland in 1725, in Scotland in 1736, in Germany in 1737, in Denmark in 1745 and in the Netherlands in 1756. We also see Lodges established under the Grand Lodge of England being formed in America, in Boston in 1733, and in Charleston in 1735.
We are then introduced to the three degrees of Freemasonry: The First Degree Entered Apprentice, The Second Degree Fellowcraft, and The Third Degree Master Mason. While W. Kirk MacNulty tries to explain the significance of each of these degrees, he does not seek to reveal the arts, parts and points of the hidden mysteries of Ancient Freemasonry. We are offered insight into the psychology of each Degree without, as is too often the case, simply reprinting the candidate's manual for these Degrees.
"Freemasonry A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol" has numerous illustrations showing the beauty of the operative Mason's Craft. We are shown the 16th Century stone-carvings from the flying buttresses at the Cathedral of St. John at S'Hertogenbosch, Holland; we see illustrations of the Masonic Tracing Boards, and we see illustrations which conceal or reveal many of the secrets of Freemasonry. Each of these many illustrations is interesting in its own right as examples of the artist's skill, but more so when one studies each illustration seeking the hidden mysteries it may contain.
I enjoyed "Freemasonry A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol" and consider it a worthy addition to the library of any Freemason or Masonic Scholar.
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8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Absolutely fantastic!, October 20, 2003
This is a very short book but it is correspondingly deep. Out of ninety-five pages there are only thirty-two pages of text, the rest of the book is composed of pictures of various Masonic artifacts, paintings and prints. This section of pictures is used to illustrate the first thirty-two-page section. The theories about the teachings of Freemasonry that MacNulty expresses in this book are of a very deep, psychological and metaphysical nature. He ties Masonry to "the mysteries", a set of practices that sought to penetrate the mystery of human nature and give the practitioners a greater insight into themselves, all with an orientation toward the Deity. This system can be traced throughout the history of western civilization and seems to have developed in some way or another into modern Freemasonry. As the author explains himself and the meaning of various Masonic rituals and symbols in connection with these "mysteries" it all begins to make sense. I have been an active Freemason for almost twenty years and I learned a great deal from this book. Things I never really thought about were explained to me for the first time and after reading this book I feel like a much more knowledgeable member of the Craft. I really don't know if any of this book will make sense to the non-Mason, unless one has a tremendous background in psychology. Most Masons will have some problems following everything MacNulty is saying but they will pick up enough to say, "I never thought about it that way." I know it worked that way with me and even though I'm sure I missed some things, I learned a lot. Definitely a book for what the author refers to as Masons of a philosophical bent.
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28 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol, April 30, 2000
The illustrations and pictures in the book are wonderful....if nothing else, people interested in Freemasonry should get this book for the pictures. The illustrations helped make the stories and principles behind Freemasonry easier to understand and visualize. The pictures and illustrations, by the way, are not MacNulty's creation, rather they are a collection of pictures and illustrations taken from various museums and Lodges from around the world. Unfortunately, much of the text is infused with Freudian/Jungian dribble and psychobable which diminishes the book by giving it a junk science/pseudoscientific flavor. MacNulty tries to do what some psychologists tried to do with Beatle music many years ago. Most people back then listened to the music because it sounded different and made them feel good. However, some psychologists tried to psychoanalyze the lyrics and the musicians (John, Paul, Ringo, and George) by equating the whole thing with the Id which really represents the ego who is undergoing a catharsis because the superego is in denial. All this because the ego wanted to murder the father and marry the mother.... Well, you get the idea. It's so grating, like listening to someone scratch the blackboard with their fingernails. To sum up: If you get the book and are turned off by psychobable, then look at the pictures and cover the main text up with your hands. It's okay to peek at the captions though.
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43 of 68 people found the following review helpful:
Beautifully illustrated, easy/enjoyable read, BUT, BEWARE, March 17, 2002
Summary:MacNulty has put together a beautifully illustrated "collectors" quality book, that has some interesting information on the symbolism of Freemasonry's first 3 degrees, along with its early and recent history. It has 130 illustrations (including 17 color glossies). Review: MacNulty has reviewed Freemasonry's most accessible secrets (first three degrees) and its related symbolism. He begins with the speculative ancient history (Hiram Abiff, Solomon's Chief Architect) through to the age of the medieval guilds when Freemasonry has valid records, to modern times. MacNulty discusses Freemasonry's outward tenets of brotherhood, spiritual fulfilment, cosmic enlightenment (to the ancient mysteries and secrets) and social responsibility. He further discusses the Christian Biblical origin of U.K. as well as American Freemasonry - ceremonies and oaths using the Judeo-Christian bible; but notes the oriental (middle eastern) and far eastern development of Freemasonry - using non-Christian holy books (Koran, etc.) occurred just before and around the time of the American Revolution. MacNulty somewhat dispels the concept that America's Founding Fathers - if they were in fact Freemasons - developed the US separation of church and state to mean separation of the State from ALL churches and religions, but a separation of a Christian state from any specific Christian church. American Freemasonry was solidly "Christian" - the Christian (i.e. not Catholic, not Protestant, not Lutheran) bible was specifically used and referred to in all official rites and ....actions. MacNulty further specifies that atheists were not accepted under any condition, therefore atheists who use the separation of the church from state to force their religious beliefs on the remaining 97% of the U.S. have no historical (freemason) basis for their argument for banning "God" from public offices, buildings and ceremony. MacNulty gives explains the Jungian psychological principles in his explanation of the Blue Lodge degrees , and discusses the "mysteries learned from mystical Freemasonry. Deep mysticism or self searching. He explains that the Masonic Rituals illustrate stories, symbolism is show through acting out the rites, and are for each member to interpret - until these truths can be revealed to higher degree initiates (see BEWARE below). MacNulty shows the symbolism of "Mysteries" and "Mystery Schools" in Freemasonry, (first three degrees) but, does not show what these "mysteries" are, what "God" they surround, and what creed they support. Rather, MacNulty surmises that it is up to the individual to find their own truths to the ancient mysteries - a relativistic argument that I do not agree with, but others accept. This debate is beyond the scope of MacNulty's book which only reviews the symbolism of the first Three Degrees (out of 33 degrees). These higher mysteries are committed to by initiates in order to attain the first Three Degrees, but are not known until they attain much higher levels. Even then, these mysteries are only gradually revealed as brothers become initiates of various higher degrees. I point this out because so many other authors (and 33 degree masons) demonstrate that each of the Templar spin-off brotherhood societies (including freemasonry) eventually lead to Satanism, or a type of Satanism. This is virtually opposite the promoted Third Degree presentations. Negatives: The information was so well written, informative, interesting, and easily read that I found myself wanting more. Conversely, if MacNulty wrote in more depth, or breadth it would probably have been too much information and might have broken the pace and enjoyment of the read because the text is well matched to the illustrations.. BUT, BEWARE! Also, McNulty should have touched upon the openly communicated Satanic beliefs of the 33rd degree Masonic Leaders like Albert Pike who explains Masonry (in his well-known book 'Morals And Dogma'), "Masonry, like all the Religions, all the Mysteries conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect, and uses false explainations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be mislead..."page 104-105 "The Blue Degrees are but the outer court or portico of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to Initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them, but it is intended he shall imagine he understands them." page 819 Also, "That which we must say to a crowd is - We worship a God, but it is the God that one adores without superstition. To you, Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, we say this, that you may repeat it to the Brethren of the 32nd, 31st, and 30th degrees - The Masonic Religion should be, by all of us initates of the high degrees, maintained in the purity of the Luciferian Doctrine." "If Lucifer were not God, would Adonay whose deeds prove his cruelty, perdify and hatred of man, barbarism and repulsion for science, would Adonay and his priests, calumniate him? Yes, Lucifer is God, and unfortunately Adonay is also god. For the eternal law is that there is no light without shade, no beauty without ugliness, no white without black, for the absolute can only exist as two gods: darkness being necessary to the statue, and the brake to the locomotive." "Thus, the doctrine of Satanism is a heresy; and the true and pure philosophical religion is the belief in Lucifer, the equal of Adonay; but Lucifer, God of Light and God of Good, is struggling for humanity against Adonay, the God of Darkness and Evil." (Instructions to the 23 Supreme Councils of the World, July 14, 1889. Recorded by A.C. De La Rive in La Femme et l'Enfant dans la FrancMaconnerie Universelle on page 588) And, "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 it's splendors intolerable blinds feeble, sensual or selfish Souls? Doubt it not!" Morals and Dogma page 321 These statements by Freemasonry's foremost leader speak for themselves.
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11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
Lots to offer. Take what you will., February 11, 2000
Freemasonry describes itself as "a science of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols". This book is a clear example of that definition. All Masons, and even non-Masons, are free to make as much or as little of Freemasonry as they wish. MacNulty's Jungian approach is an interesting new expression of mystical Freemasonry. Deep mysticism or self searching, however, has never been of interest to the majority of Masons, who get a lot out of their Masonry in other ways. Even if you have no taste for the "woo-woo", this book is worth it just for the pictures.
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