Secrets and Practices of the Freemasons: Sacred Mysteries, Rituals and Symbols Revealed - Jean-Louis de Biasi 2011

Glossary

Note: All entries from Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol are followed by an asterisk. The others (without an asterisk) are from this book only.

Abramelin*

The Book of Abramelin (Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage) is a fifteenth-century grimoire written by Rabbi Yaakov Moelin, a German Jewish Talmudist. The text describes an initiatic journey from Germany to Egypt. A magician and Qabalistic Master, Abramelin teaches his secrets to his son Lamech. This volume is composed of four books: (1) the initiatic journey, (2) materials from the practical Qabalah, (3) magical practices, and (4) more magical practices.

The text describes an “Invocation to Visible Appearance of the Holy Guardian Angel.” A long preparation is required (between six and eighteen months). This angelic manifestation is supposed to give high magical secrets to the magician. This book (translated by Mathers) became a central mystery in the Order of the Golden Dawn.

In this book, Abramelin provides an oil recipe, which was referenced by Dan Brown. The formula reads as follows: “Take one part of the best myrrh, half a part of cinnamon, one part of cassia, one part calamus (Acorus calamus), and a quarter of the combined total weight of good, fresh olive oil.”

Alchemy*

Alchemy can be seen as the origin of modern chemistry. However, the purpose of the alchemists was (and is) not just a study of chemical reactions. For them, everything in the universe is connected. The human body is a representation of the cosmos. Many people believe that the main purpose of alchemy is to make gold. In fact, the long process of working with plants and stones is meant to simultaneously accomplish an inner spiritual work. If you are inwardly pure, you will achieve a connection between the inner life and the outer world that enables you to obtain such results as the alchemical elixir. Further, all of the external work is just a representation of the ascension of the soul. Alchemy cannot be understood or practiced independently of the spiritual alchemy that is the real transformation of the soul.

Alexandria*

Alexandria is the famous city founded by Alexander the Great in the Nile Delta in Egypt. The first famous library of Alexandria was built there. It was the central hub of a great cultural network involving all the religions and cultures of that time. It was the place where the Bible was translated from Hebrew to Greek. When Christianity emerged and became a political power, the philosophical schools were shut down and the initiatic traditions went into hiding.

Alexandria, Virginia is a city in the United States that is located very near Washington DC. It was named in honor of John Alexander. This is the site where the Masonic Memorial to President George Washington was built in the shape of the lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt.

All-Seeing Eye*

The all-seeing eye is also known as the eye of providence. One of the first uses of this ancient symbol was found in the writings of ancient Egypt. The eye of Ra is drawn on the walls of many ancient Egyptian buildings. It represents the divine presence and power among all the peoples of the world and all living creatures. The eye of Ra was ultimately connected with the Christian god, but was not depicted as having any relationship to Christianity prior to the medieval era. The Christian Trinity was eventually symbolized by a triangle with the divine eye at the center, resulting in this specific symbol. It has been used in many documents: political, Masonic, religious, etc. as a primary symbol of divine providence. In 1782, it was engraved into the top of the reverse of the Great Seal of the United States.

Altar*

At the time of the earliest beginnings of many religious traditions, the central altar was very often a piece of stone that was employed for offerings and sacrifices. Depending on the religion (or philosophical mystery teaching), the altar was placed variously, including at the center of the temple, in the east, or in front of the eastern wall. There is no set rule for the shape of these altars. They may be circular, cubic, rectangular, etc. However, despite the variations, it is quite impossible to imagine a temple, or a church, without such an altar.

Apocalypse*

This is the name of the last book of the Christian Bible. The original text was in Greek, and the word apocalypse means “revelation.” These visions were received by the Apostle John on the island of Patmos, Greece. Even if the text can be explained by an analysis of the political and religious issues of the time, these writings are deeply symbolic and can be interpreted in many ways. The text predicts an important development at the “end of the age” and was (is) used as a basis for the apocalyptic groups that crop up around the millennium, which are extant even today.

Apotheosis*

This word means “to become divine,” or “to ascend to a divine level.” The origins of this concept are found in the historical writings of many ancient religious and theurgic traditions. In ancient civilizations like Sumer, Greece and Egypt, the king was divinized and considered as the earthly manifestation of a god. The French monarchy also used this same principle. In theurgy, the apotheosis occurs when, as a result of the soul’s contemplation, it is raised to the highest level of consciousness. Theurgic rituals are performed in order to ascend to this divine world.

Christian theology attempted to associate this concept of “becoming God” with the absolute distinction between the unique God and its creatures. The resulting use of the term apotheosis by that group is closer to an act of “partaking of the divine nature,” rather than a real revelation of one’s own divinity.

The Apotheosis of Washington*

In works of art, the term apotheosis is used to indicate a specific genre that depicts the subject of the work of art in an exalted manner. The purpose of this godlike representation is to glorify the ideal that the artist is trying to represent. You can find this sort of glorification in many sculptures and paintings. The painting on the canopy of the Capitol in Washington DC is an example of this kind of idealization. It deifies one of the Founding Fathers of the new nation, by surrounding him with Olympian deities. George Washington becomes Zeus himself, in order to govern well, and so that he can direct the power of the divine onto the people of the nation.

Ashlar*

An ashlar is a large stone rectangular block, larger than eleven inches. It has square edges. In Freemasonry, the term ashlar has two primary meanings. The stones, which represent Masons themselves at various stages of their development, are described as either “rough ashlars” or “smooth ashlars.” These two blocks are part of the decor in every Masonic temple. They represent the two states of the inner work of every Mason: the entered apprentice and the master mason. This stone is also a symbol of the philosopher’s stone, which is hidden. The philosopher’s stone is used to transform basic materials into precious metals. This alchemy is a symbol of an inner transformation (see the entry for alchemy for further information).

Aura

According to the main spiritual traditions of both the East and West, our physical body is surrounded by a subtle energy field that is usually invisible. This energy is a manifestation of the life force in all living things, and can be found in every living being (plants, humans, etc.). This energy, called prana in India, constantly surrounds us and is continually being absorbed by our energetic centers. Special spiritual states of consciousness reveal this aura as an intense light surrounding the head or entire body. (This is the origin of the halo depicted by artists around the heads of saints, and the penumbral light around some saints’ bodies.) The aura is seen by clairvoyants as a colored light that is egg shaped, which surrounds the physical body. These colors may reveal interesting information about the person.

Breathable Liquid*

This is an oxygen-rich liquid, which could be used in the treatment of patients with pulmonary and cardiac trauma. It is expected to be used in deep sea diving and space travel too. In both of these instances, the goal is to balance the extreme external pressure of deep sea and space conditions that would break the ribcage of an unprotected human being. The pressure of the liquid in the lungs prevents this problem. However, the completely successful application of a breathable liquid has not yet been established. In Dan Brown’s novel, this breathable liquid was used in conjunction with an isolation chamber, so that the person could forget about his or her physical body and achieve a higher (more spiritual) state of consciousness.

Capstone*

A capstone is a stone with a very specific shape. The capstone completes a structure and is placed at the top of a building, wall, etc. When it is used to complete an obelisk, the shape of the capstone is generally pyramidal. Its symbolism is important, and it generally symbolizes the highest level of consciousness.

Chamber of Reflection*

This is a special room that is often used in European Freemasonry to isolate the uninitiated person prior to his initiation. The profane person (that is, someone who has not yet been initiated) is locked in this chamber to meditate on his intention, purpose, and reasons for undertaking the initiatic path. This chamber is very dark (lit with just a single candle). Its walls are painted black with symbolic representations of death. Alchemical mottos and symbols (mercury, salt, sulphur, and bread) are provided to the person as support during this meditation. The origins of this place can be found in the ancient Mediterranean Mysteries.

Cipher*

A cipher is a type of code that may be used to encrypt or decrypt a text. It substitutes characters, words, or phrases in the body of a text in order to preserve its meaning, while keeping that meaning hidden from those the author did not intend to understand it. In a cipher, the encoded text contains all of the original information. The Masonic cipher is such a code, and there are many different Masonic ciphers.

Codes were often used in esoteric texts and teachings. The reason is not well known. In some cases it was to keep the texts secret, and in other cases it was to use the symbols for magical or talismanic purposes. Magical squares are a good example of that use of codes.

Circumpunct*

The circumpunct is an ancient solar symbol of the Egyptian god Ra. The image consists of an encircled dot or a circle with a point at its center. This symbol is also a Neoplatonic representation of the soul in the spiritual world, and its relationship to the One (to beauty, justice, and truth).

However, this ancient symbol has even more to offer us. There is an important topic represented in the paintings of the Christian Tradition: the two Saints John, or the Holy Saint John. Generally these are depicted as being on each side of the Virgin Mary with her baby. Freemasonry chose Saint John the Apostle and Saint John the Baptist as their patron saints. Gradually over the years, Freemasons began using the circumpunct (composed of a circle with a central point and two vertical lines touching each side) as a symbol of the two saints, and also the Sun and the solstices. The circumpunct’s center dot represents the Sun, and the lines on either side represent the solstices. Furthermore, the dates of the solstices are close to the dates of the celebrations related to the two sainted Johns.

Aleister Crowley*

Aleister Crowley (1875—1947), born Edward Alexander Crowley, was an English occultist. He was a very complex person: a writer, poet, mountaineer, etc. He was an initiate in the main Western initiatic traditions. What really set him apart from other magicians of his day was that he was a very active initiate who actually practiced the rituals he received. (The reality is that most of the people who talk about rituals are not really practitioners; they are just “intellectual magicians.”) Crowley was a real magus and theurgist. He developed his own method from the materials of the Golden Dawn and other fraternities to which he belonged. Many of his studies and writings are interesting, but most of his writing is only useful within the context of his own system. Unfortunately, many people try to repeat what he did, when it was only good for Crowley himself. His practices and teachings are difficult and may even be dangerous to his followers, and must be read and studied with a prudent spirit.

Cube*

In Dan Brown’s novel, a two-dimensional cross is folded to make a three-dimensional cube. For more information on this aspect, see the ashlar entry of this glossary.

Dollar Bill*

The first dollar bill in its present design came off the presses in 1957. According to the U.S. Treasury Department, that is when the motto “In God We Trust” started being used on paper money. The two circles present on the front side represent the two sides of the Great Seal of the United States: the unfinished pyramid and the eagle. Both representations are allegories for the intended development of the new nation. As archetypal symbols, they have been interpreted as having various meanings by different groups of people, including political, ideological, Masonic, satanic, etc. Of course, it is only accurate to connect these symbols to the first three interpretations. The “satanic” interpretation seems immaterial.

Albrecht Dürer*

Albrecht Dürer (1471—1528) was a German painter, printmaker, and theorist. His work follows the Renaissance philosophy and many of his paintings and writings contain interesting Hermetic symbols, which can be considered as esoterical keys. In relationship to The Lost Symbol, it is relevant to highlight his study and comments about Vitruvius, his painting titled Melancholia, and his graphic interpretations of the Tarot of Mantegna.

Eastern Star*

This is an initiatic group that has a direct relationship to Freemasonry. Its rituals were written by a Freemason who was eager to start an initiatic tradition that would be open to women. Consequently, the Order of the Eastern Star is a part of what are called the Allied Masonic Organizations.

Elohim*

Elohim is one of the holy names of God in the Torah. In Hebrew, the suffix “im” indicates that the word is plural. For this reason, some esotericists believe that this word indicates the plural nature of God. Of course, this suffix can also be seen as a plural that is intended to emphasize respect and reverence. In this case, the unique nature of the God of the Bible (as the One indivisible) remains undisputed.

Eukharistos*

This Greek noun (in English, “Eucharist”) means “good, grateful” or “thanksgiving, grace.” It is found in the major texts of the Bible that describe the Lord’s Supper. In the Catholic faith, the pronunciation by a priest of Christ’s words at the Last Supper act as magical words. By the power of these words, the essence of the bread and wine are really transubstantiated into Christ’s blood and flesh. The appearance of the bread and wine remains the same, but their essences are changed by this action. When Catholic followers consume the transubstantiated bread and wine, they actually absorb the real Christ’s blood and flesh. This idea also existed in some pre-Christian groups and is sometimes used in magick.

Exotericism

This word is opposite in meaning to esotericism. The phrase “esoteric teachings” means “teachings from the inside,” or “knowledge that is hidden from the public.” In the mystery school of Pythagoras, students were divided into noninitiates and initiates. From this separation came the idea of an inner circle and an outer circle. Thus, exotericism provides the outer (mundane) explanations of private knowledge.

Eight Franklin Square*

The early American scientist Benjamin Franklin (1706—1790) created bent-diagonal magic squares. In his lifetime he published several magic squares: one to the order of 8 and the other to the order of 16, as well as a magic circle. These squares are combinations of numbers in a geometric figure, by which one may obtain the same sum horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. In the Western Tradition, such squares were considered magical according to their numerological connection to the planets: Moon = 9, Mercury = 8, etc. Magical squares are also used with sacred alphabets such as Hebrew, Greek, and Enochian, which provide an opportunity to link oneself to the invisible power that is associated with these planets or spiritual powers. For further reading, I suggest the following article: Paul C. Pasles, “The Lost Squares of Dr. Franklin: Ben Franklin’s Missing Squares and the Secret of the Magic Circle,” The American Mathematical Monthly, 108:6, June—July, 2001.

Geobiology

Geobiology can be seen as an interdisciplinary field that explores interactions between the earth and the heavens. I might say that geobiology is the Western version of feng shui. Even if the word seems new, this knowledge is ancient and was used by Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architects. They used their knowledge of cosmo-telluric radiations and geobiology to determine the location of their cities, homes, rooms within the rooms, etc. They also utilized the services of waterwitches, or dowsers.

This knowledge still exists in the writings of the ancient masters of the Western Tradition.

Grand Architect of the Universe*

This is the name given by Freemasonry to the supreme being. Any male may join Freemasonry without confessing membership in any religious denomination. This allows the believers of every religion in the world to be initiated in the famous brotherhood.

Great Seal of the United States*

The Great Seal was created in 1782, between the creation of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It can be found on many official documents. See the dollar bill entry of this glossary for more explanations. For further reading: http://www.greatseal.com.

Great Work*

In alchemy, the Great Work is the realization of the philosopher’s stone, which allows the alchemist to have a long (eternal?) and healthy life. At the same time, the realization of this stone accomplishes the manifestation of the ascent of the soul to a higher level of consciousness.

Hand of the Mysteries*

The emblematic hand of the mysteries is a representation from Montfaucon’s Antiquities. This hand, covered with numerous symbols, was shown to the neophytes when they entered into the Temple of Wisdom. As Manly P. Hall wrote in The Secret Teachings of All Ages: “An understanding of the symbols embossed upon the surface of the hand brought with it Divine power and regeneration. Therefore, by means of these symbolic hands the candidate was said to be raised from the dead.”

Heredom*

The Masonic rite called Heredom (of Kilwinning) has many Hermetic and Rose-Cross influences. This mysterious name “Heredom” was first connected to the medieval Latin word hoeredum, signifying “heritage.” As Edward L. Hawkins noted in the Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, the most plausible derivation is the one given in 1858. Heredom is a word composed by two Greek words: holy and house. Consequently Heredom means (symbolically) that Masonry is the holy house or the temple. As Hawkins noted, the title of “Rose-Croix of Heredom” would signify the “Rosy Cross of the Holy House of Masonry.”

Hermes Trismegistus

It is possible that Hermes Trismegistus was the fictional representation of a Master. Many teachings and writings (probably by several other authors) were attributed to him. These teachings and writings were developed in Egypt during the Ptolemaic period and expanded over the first few centuries of that period. Later, the god Hermes was linked by the Hermetists to the divine figure of the Egyptian god Thoth. The Corpus Hermeticum (his remaining collected teachings) is considered to be a sacred book by all Hermetic initiates. If we compare this book with the books of other religions, we find that this text is one of the very rare sacred books that contains no violent writings and no exhortation to intolerance.

Hermeticism and Hermetism*

This is one of the most ancient Western traditions from Chaldea and Egypt. The teachings and mysteries of Hermes were assembled in a book called the Corpus Hermeticum. It provides philosophical, spiritual, religious, and theurgic teachings that have been used by Hermetic initiates for centuries. One of the main elements of this tradition is an open mind. It is very close in spirit to Freemasonry because it allows everyone to work cooperatively with its sacred knowledge, so that all can make progress in their search for the divine. Today, those who inherited these initiatic and theurgic teachings are referred to as ogdoadic orders (ogdoadic means “of, or related to, the number 8”) or Hermetic orders. Anyone interested in more information may contact the Ordo Aurum Solis or write the author.

House of the Temple*

The famous Masonic temple, which is called the House of the Temple, is located at 1733 Sixteenth Street NW, in the District of Columbia. This monumental building has been the national headquarters of the Supreme Council 33rd Degree, Scottish Rite in America, since 1915. Its architecture is an adaptation of the famous Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Illumination*

The meaning of this word is different in the Eastern and Western traditions. In the Mediterranean, pre-Christian, and Western Hermetic traditions, the term illumination is used to mean “a contemplation of the divine.” In this spiritual contemplation, the soul partakes of divine beauty, wisdom, and truth. However, this process does not entail the dissolution of the soul. Rather, the soul’s own essence is preserved. The Western Tradition provides a variety of practices intended to facilitate the ascent to this level, including prayer, meditation, ritual, theurgy, etc.

Kryptos*

Kryptos is the name of the sculpture by American artist Jim Sanborn located on the grounds of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Langley, Virginia, USA. This sculpture is composed of four encrypted panels. Today, only three are partially decrypted.

Magic Square*

See Eight Franklin Square.

Magic, Magick, Theurgy*

A belief in the existence of inner human abilities and invisible powers in the universe that gave rise to numerous esoteric methods that enable the practitioner to develop and use these abilities. Magic, sometimes spelled magick, is the occult use of the invisible powers present in the human being and the universe. High magic and theurgy use the same principles, however, the purpose of this work is the obligation to use the knowledge to ascend to the divine. This practice is always connected with high moral development.

Magnetism

Magnetism is an invisible energy present everywhere in the universe. One might describe this energy as electricity, terrestrial magnetism, or as a flux of particles moving throughout the cosmos. According to spiritualists (and those with psychic vision), this astral energy is a fluid that gives life to human cells, providing health by causing a good balance and circulation at the different levels of our being. Initiates from every period in human history, living on every continent, have written about these “bodies of light.” (See the entry aura in this glossary.)

Masterpiece*

In the Masonic Tradition, the “masterpiece” is the physical and visible realization of mastery. In creating this masterpiece, the Mason must master the tools of the craft, and also must manifest his abilities in the fellow-craft. In Freemasonry, this realization may also be seen as an inner process. One becomes a masterpiece when all of one’s unbalanced desires are integrated into a balanced life, which is manifested as the Masonic ideal of a good man. Naturally, this inner work is associated with a balanced spiritual life as well.

Meditation

Meditation is an inner process that allows us to create a more balanced life and helps us to develop the spiritual dimension of our lives. The Eastern and Western traditions have evolved different methods for meditating. There are some similarities and some marked differences in the two systems. The fundamental differences in these two systems are the result of the differences in the unique cultural heritages and archetypal subconscious of these two groups of people. As explained earlier, Freemasonry has its own tradition, which provides its adherents a very interesting and original system for learning to meditate.

Mithraism

Mithraism is an initiatic tradition that originated in Persia. Its mysteries and rituals were developed around the first century CE and were spread by the Roman Legion throughout the Roman Empire. This tradition is still known today by the unique style of architecture of its buildings, and is very close to Freemasonry in many aspects, such as male initiation only, architecture of the temples, and symbolism of different degrees.

Mysteries and Mystery Schools*

In ancient Greece (approximately 2000 BCE), there were several groups of highly developed initiates. These groups were generally created around their interest in a particular divine story, such as Orpheus, Demeter, Mithra, Isis, etc. These myths emphasized teachings about the afterlife and personal destiny. Special rituals and initiations allowed the candidates to directly experiment with these teachings, in order to achieve an inner knowledge of these “truths.” After these ceremonies, personal fears regarding destiny and death were resolved (being no longer traumatic) and the initiates were able to prepare for the end of their physical lives and rebirth through reincarnation (metempsychosis).

Myth

A myth is a story that describes the life of and background surrounding a god or goddess (or gods or goddesses). Even though some myths may have certain historical events as part of their storyline, the fundamental characteristic of myths is that they utilize potent archetypal (universal) symbols to evoke certain states and to teach. Myths are the foundation of the sacred books or teachings of every religion, including Christianity, Hinduism, etc. Other myths gave birth to the various mystery schools. The myth of Demeter in the Eleusinian Mysteries is one such example.

Newton Scale*

In The Lost Symbol, the novel’s hero used the Newton scale in order to find the correct temperature of water that would be required so that the code would be revealed once the stone had been plunged into the pan containing the water. This is a reference to the scale Newton created and used for a while. The two primary scale markers Newton used were 0º, when ice melts (at standard pressure), and 33º, when water boils (at standard pressure). This scale was a precursor of the Celsius scale, which uses the same temperature references.

Noetic Science*

The word noetic comes from the Greek word noetikos (“mental”), which is itself a combination of the words noein (“to think”) and noûs (for which there is no exact equivalent in English). The original noetics was only concerned with a philosophical study of the mind and a study of intuition (a philosophy of the mind). Noetic science, in general terms, is the combination of new models in neuroscience and quantum physics, with a refined definition of parapsychology.

Numerology*

In several ancient alphabets (Greek, Hebrew, Latin, etc.), the letters were also used to represent numbers. For example 1 = A = Aleph = Alpha, 2 = B, etc. Thus, a sequence of letters that formed a word might also have a numerical value that would yield further meaning about the word, by comparing it to other words that had the same value. This comparison offered valuable information that would otherwise be hidden. Numerology evolved from this characteristic of ancient alphabets. Numerologists attempt to extract hidden meanings from words by comparing words with equivalent numerical value. Numerologists also (conversely) use words to find the hidden meaning in numbers that occurs in sacred works and other important documents. The main problem with numerology is that it does not have a consistent table of correspondences that can reliably be used to relate the various ancient alphabets. This problem is due to the fact that ancient alphabets do not have an equal number of letters, and Hebrew (and some other ancient languages) has only consonants. Thus, modern numerology has invented correspondences that are not always perfectly logical.

Obelisk*

The obelisks of the Egyptian Tradition stood at either side of the entrance to their temples. These pairs of stone columns also stood at the entrance to many oriental sanctuaries, such as the ones at Khorsabad, Tyre, and Hieropolis. The obelisk is a symbolic of resurrection. The first obelisks were built in the center of a large open space, in front of the temples of the Sun god Ra.

The shape of the obelisk indicates that its primary functions include dispersing negative forces, piercing the night sky, and attracting higher order energies into this symbol of petrified light.

Ouroboros*

The ouroboros is a symbol depicting a serpent (also sometimes a dragon) with its tail in its mouth. The word ouroboros comes from the ancient Greek, and literally means “one who bites his own tail.” The serpent biting its own tail symbolizes a self-enclosed cycle of evolution. The term also conveys the ideas of movement, continuity, self-generation, and, consequently, eternal rebirth. Lastly, the circle is a potent symbol of the sacred, and of unity.

Pagan*

In the year 356 CE, Constance II, successor to Constantine, forbade the celebration of traditional rituals and ordered that all temples be closed. Christians were looking for a name for the traditional believers in the immortal divinities, and they called them “pagans” (meaning “peasants”). However, the essence of one religion cannot be legitimately classified by another religion. No belief system is superior or inferior to another. Consequently, the immortal divinities continued to be immortal and their believers continue to exist today. They may be called Wiccans, Hermetists, etc. The essence of this religious tradition is tolerance. Pagans consider all nonviolent religions to be respectable ways of searching for the divine.

Parapsychology*

The use of the scientific method to classify various aspects of traditional knowledge and to measure the attempts to extend human abilities. Using experiments, we can measure and record valid instances of telepathy, clairvoyance, psychometry, etc.

Philosopher’s Stone*

See the entry Great Work in this glossary.

Phoenix*

An Egyptian mythological bird with gorgeous plumage, which is sacred to the Sun. The phoenix is reborn from the ashes of the funeral pyre that it makes for itself, whenever it completes its life span of five hundred years. It has become a universal symbol of rebirth. The phoenix does not eat grains (it is not grain fed, as other birds). It lives on frankincense and the sap from plants.

Potomac Lodge*

Potomac Lodge No. 5 is the oldest Masonic lodge in the District of Columbia. First chartered as Lodge No. 9 of Maryland on April 21, 1789, it was renamed as Potomac No. 5 in 1811, when the Grand Lodge, F.A.A.M. of the District of Columbia was consecrated. It has been well authenticated that President George Washington, President Thomas Jefferson, Marquis de La Fayette, and Pierre Charles L’Enfant visited this lodge, whose members met at Suter’s Fountain Inn for several years after it was chartered.

Psychometry (Token-Object Reading)

Every creature on Earth, and every single object as well, has what has been termed an invisible internal memory storage, a kind of invisible mark that can be read by those who are sensitive to it. Some human beings have an ability called token-object reading, also known as psychometry. This extrasensory perception allows a person who is sensitive to contact the invisible part of an object in order to obtain information about its past and/or present owner(s). Generally speaking, simple contact with the object is enough to initiate this process and receive the desired information. The sensitive person accomplishes this by having a conscious or unconscious exchange with the object or creature.

Qabalah

The Qabalah is a set of esoteric teachings about the Torah. This tradition has several aspects. Some are focused on a kind of spiritual meditation, others on magical practices. However, all of them are founded on texts, such as the Sepher Yetzirah and the Zohar. The use of gematria with the Hebrew alphabet allows its students to achieve a deeper understanding than is available from the meaning of the literal text. They study the texts in order to understand the occult or hidden sayings within the body of the work, which not visible to the untrained.

Just as this system uses the gematria of the Hebrew letters and numbers, other forms of the Qabalah exist that use other alphabets and the gematria related to that alphabet. These systems include the Hermetic Qabalah, the Greek Qabalah, etc.

Radiesthesia

Radiesthesia (also called dowsing) is the study of the distribution of energy at and around various locations. The word dowsing was invented in 1890 by an abbot named Father Bouly; radius and aisthêsis are close in meaning to the word sensitivity. Radiesthesia is the modern development of several very ancient dowsing practices called pallomancy (dowsing with a pendulum) and rhabdomancy (dowsing with a rod or stick). There is evidence of the use of radiesthesia from the earliest historical records of humanity, right up until today.

Various esoteric and initiatic groups are still using this knowledge in order to divine the best location for rituals that are held outdoors.

Radionics

The field known as radionics became prominent in the nineteenth century. The practitioners in this field believe that every shape has a specific effect on the environment. This effect may be psychological, physical, or other. A cube, a pyramid, and an octagon, for example each have a specific energy according to this system of beliefs, and the subtle shape of the aura of each of these shapes is unique. Whether we are conscious of these effects or not, we may be sensitive to these energies. Different systems have been developed in order to focus these energies and then use them to cure people or make other uses of the special effects that are related to that particular shape.

Revelation*

See the entry for apocalypse in this glossary.

Rose-Cross*

This term refers to certain esoteric groups that came into being after the publication in Germany (1614—1616) of the fundamental writings of the Rose Cross by John Valentin Andreae and his circle of friends. After these publications, the Rose Cross was developed along two main lines: one was Masonic, the other one Hermetic. In the twentieth century, several other initiatic Rose-Cross orders were created (see Chapter Five of this book).

Sanctum Sanctorum*

The term Sanctum Sanctorum literally means “Holy of Holies.” This expression was used to describe the most holy place in the Temple of Solomon. It is used universally in both religious and occult orders. The Sanctum Sanctorum is generally used in a religious context, to describe the place where the divine powers are manifested. This same term is used similarly in temples that practice magick and Hermetism.

Scottish Rite*

The complete name of what is referred to as the Scottish Rite is, in fact, the Supreme Council, Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, USA (commonly known as the Mother Supreme Council of the World). It was the first Supreme Council of Scottish Rite Freemasonry. The Scottish Rite is a set of thiry degrees. The number thirty does not mean that there are not thirty-three degrees. The first three degrees in the Blue Lodge are 1st Entered Apprentice, 2nd Fellowcraft, and 3rd Master Mason. After that there are thirty degrees, beginning with the 4th Degree (Secret Master) and ending with the highest degree—the 33rd (Sovereign Grand Inspector General).

The Scottish Rite is also the name of a specific rite performed in Blue Lodges.

Shriner*

Despite its name, the Shrine (Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine) is in no way connected to Islam. The Shriners International is a fraternity managed by Master Freemasons that supports the Shriners Hospitals for Children. This is an international health care system of twenty-two hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing special needs pediatric care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs.

Symbol*

A visual image, which may help the practitioner of Hermetism, or other systems to understand the meaning of very arcane concepts that are part of texts, myths, or rituals.

Talisman*

A pictorial representation composed of geometric symbols, sacred characters, or magical squares, etc. It is possible for this drawing, engraving, or painting to have an effect on the invisible plane.

33rd Degree*

This is the last and highest degree of the Scottish Rite: Sovereign Grand Inspector General. Several symbolic interpretations are connected with this number.

Thought-forms

Theosophical expression invented by Helena P. Blavatsky. As an archetype, a thought-form is the result of a conjunction of wills, thoughts, and ritual actions. Over many years, this sort of archetype can sometimes become autonomous (see also egregore).

Vesta*

In ancient Rome, the vestal virgins were the virgin priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. Their main duty was to maintain the sacred fire of Vesta. This fire was the real heart of the city, the light of its life. It had to be preserved with care and dignity.

Visualization

An ancient esoteric practice for controlling and focusing the mind. It allows the practitioner to conduct effective rituals and meditations. Effective visualization requires a precise process, which is outlined and described in Chapter Six of this book.

Zohar*

The Zohar is the Hebrew name for a collection of writings titled the Book of the Splendor (or Radiance). It contains esoteric and mystical commentaries on the Torah (the five books of Moses). It also contains a discussion on the nature of God, the universe, human souls, etc. This is one of the main corpuses of the Hebrew Qabalah.

Mottos and Meanings

Laus Deo*: “Praise be to God” (written on the east side at the peak of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC).

Annuit coeptis*: “He approves (or has approved) our undertakings.”

Tempus fugit*: “Time flies.”

Ordo ab chaos*: “Order out of chaos.”

Jeova Sanctus Unus*: “One true God.”

Vitriol*: “Visita Interiora Terrae, Rectificandoque, Invenies Occultum Lapidem” (Visit the interior of the earth, and rectifying it, you will find the hidden stone).

E pluribus unum*: “From many, comes one.” (Usually translated “Out of many, is one.” This is the motto of the United States of America.)

Novus Ordo Seclorum: “New Order of the Ages.”