MEANING OF MASONRY 2: Freemasonry as Path to Enlightenment - Part 2 - W. L. WILMSHURST (1922)

THE MEANING OF MASONRY: Freemasonry as a Path to Enlightenment - Part 2 - by W. L. WILMSHURST (1922) - HQ Full Book.

The Meaning of Masonry by W. L. Wilmshurst – Part 2
W. L. Wilmshurst’s The Meaning of Masonry is one of the most profound esoteric works on Freemasonry, delving into its inner meaning, spiritual significance, and its relationship to ancient traditions. Part 2 of this seminal work explores two key aspects of Masonic philosophy and practice: the Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem and Freemasonry’s connection to the Ancient Mysteries. Through these discussions, Wilmshurst illuminates the spiritual path within Freemasonry and its role in the evolution of human consciousness.

Chapter 4: The Holy Royal Arch of Jerusalem
This chapter is dedicated to one of the most significant degrees in Freemasonry—the Holy Royal Arch. Wilmshurst presents it as the culmination of the Masonic journey, where the initiate rediscovers the lost word, representing spiritual enlightenment and the ultimate truth about existence. Wilmshurst argues that the Holy Royal Arch is more than just another degree; it is the apex of the Craft’s symbolic teachings. He interprets the degree as a representation of the journey back to the divine source, aligning with mystical traditions throughout history. The imagery of the Holy Royal Arch—particularly the rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon—is examined in-depth, revealing its deeper implications for the soul’s journey towards unity with the Divine. The lost word, a key theme of the chapter, is depicted as the forgotten aspect of man’s divine nature. Wilmshurst suggests that Freemasonry is not just a system of morality, but a transformative spiritual discipline that guides initiates toward self-discovery. The journey to recover the lost word mirrors the spiritual quest found in many mystical traditions, such as the Hermetic and Kabbalistic teachings. Wilmshurst also emphasizes the role of the three Grand Masters—Solomon, Hiram, and Hiram Abiff—in the Royal Arch degree. He sees them as archetypal figures representing different facets of the human psyche and spiritual evolution. Solomon symbolizes wisdom and divine knowledge, Hiram Abiff represents sacrifice and initiation, while Hiram, King of Tyre, signifies the material aspects of life that must be transcended. By analyzing the rich symbolism of the Holy Royal Arch, Wilmshurst conveys that the degree is an allegory for spiritual regeneration. It is in the depths of our own inner being—the crypt—that we find the sacred name, the divine essence that has been hidden but never truly lost.

Chapter 5: Freemasonry in Relation to the Ancient Mysteries
In this chapter, Wilmshurst explores the connection between Freemasonry and the Ancient Mysteries, demonstrating that modern Masonry is a continuation of the initiatory systems that have existed since antiquity. He draws parallels between Masonic teachings and the esoteric traditions of Egypt, Greece, and the Near East, arguing that Freemasonry is the modern successor to these ancient wisdom schools. Wilmshurst delves into the similarities between the Masonic initiation process and the rites of Eleusis, the Egyptian Mysteries of Osiris, and the Mithraic Mysteries of Persia. He points out that these ancient traditions, like Freemasonry, aimed to lead initiates through a process of death and rebirth—symbolic of spiritual transformation and enlightenment. A key focus of this chapter is the idea that Masonic rituals encode a perennial philosophy, an ancient wisdom that has been passed down through generations. Wilmshurst posits that the purpose of these mysteries was not merely to teach moral precepts but to initiate candidates into a higher state of consciousness, guiding them towards divine truth. He suggests that the Masonic legend of Hiram Abiff mirrors the Osirian and Dionysian myths, where a divine figure undergoes a sacrificial de