A glance at Freemasonry during the Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions.
Kamel Oussayef’s annotated translation from a 1761 French manuscript no only describes the rituals that were used at the conception of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, but it also includes a groundbreaking ritual in three degrees for a female Masonic Lodge and takes the reader on a journey through the history, philosophy, religion, and social politics of the Enlightenment, presaging revolutions to come.
The manuscript is dated 1761, which may pique the interest of masonic scholars.
Though sources attest to Scottish Rite rituals being practiced in Paris and Bordeaux as early as 1743, it wasn’t until August 27, 1761, that the higher French Masonic authorities granted Brother Stephen Morin—an intercontinental merchant—a patent naming him Grand Inspector General and “authorizing and empowering him to establish perfect and sublime Masonry in all parts of the world.”
In 1762, Morin first traveled to the West Indies, an important French colony at the time, taking with him these advanced degrees to disseminate their teachings.
Soon after, in 1767, Brother Henry Francken, a trusted Deputy, was authorized by Morin to create in Albany, New York, the first Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection in continental America.
A few decades later, this institution, intended to be international in scope, firmly established itself throughout much of the Masonic world.
In the introduction to the book, the author places the manuscript’s translation in historical context with an overview of the French and Indian War, the publication of the first encyclopedias, and the declaration of the rights of the man and of the citizen.
We also learn about General Washington’s victory at Yorktown that ended the American War of Independence against the British, and the slave revolt in San Domingo (modern Haiti) with Toussaint Louverture.
We end our historic synopsis with the end of The French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte’s “coup-d’état and his accession to the imperial throne after his orchestrated election as Emperor of the French.”
Accompanying the reader on this journey are Steven Morin, General George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Voltaire, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, John Locke, and Sir Isaac Newton, to name only a few.
Finally, the document includes a regrettably brief, but interesting ritual for a Lodge of Adoption or women’s lodge.
At the time of the creation of these Lodges in the 1760s, they were all under the control of Masonic Brothers, who had to be members of regular lodges.
These Brothers presided over their meetings, assisted by Grand Mistresses and other female Officers.
These men were like responsible legal guardians watching over minors.
After years of trials, trepidations, and tribulations, these lodges would, in the 20th century, metamorphose into the present day exclusively female or mixed lodges. Similarly, these loges eventually found themselves under the authority of female or mixed Masonic Grand Lodges.
This only stands true in a few of the most advanced and progressive countries in the world.
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library in Lexington, Massachusetts, commissioned Kamel’s book.
It is available in a printed version as well as electronically on Amazon/kindle.
Article by: Julian Rees
Julian Rees was initiated into Freemasonry in 1968 in Kirby Lodge No. 2818, London and was Master in 1976/77 and again at the centenary of the Lodge in 1999/2000. He joined many other UGLE Lodges.
He has been a regular contributor to Freemasonry Today since its founding in 1997 and from 2003 to 2007 he was Deputy and News Editor.
He was appointed active Junior Grand Deacon in the United Grand Lodge of England in 2007. In 2011 he left UGLE and joined the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain. He remains a well-published and respected Masonic author.
web site: www.julianrees.com
Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind: Sketches from an Esoteric Notebook
By: Julian Rees (Author)
Julian Rees has been writing about Freemasonry for many years, promoting the deeper, esoteric aspects of the Freemason’s craft.
He has written articles for several publications worldwide and has lectured and given presentations in several countries.
His speculative writing on the symbolism, allegory and ritual aspects has become for many the touchstone of masonic education and information.
Recent Articles: by Julian Rees
The Plumb Rule
The infallible Plumb Rule, which, like Jacob’s Ladder, connects Heaven and Earth, is the criterion of rectitude and Truth. It teaches us to walk justly and uprightly …
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The word ‘Brother’ among Freemasons is more than a name
Are we to be forever crushed by evil and allow it to distort our lives ? Or maybe we can learn a lesson of understanding, tolerance and reconciliation.
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Hail Holy Light!
Light symbolises knowledge, and darkness symbolises ignorance
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Routine or Ritual ?
Ritual. Why are we doing this repeatedly, over and over again. We all know the words. What is the point?
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Sanctifying with Grace
Feelings, instincts, can be our best defence against mistake or attack.
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The Place of Brotherhood in Freemasonry
To what extent are the fraternal relations between my fellow Freemasons and myself different to those which I hold with my neighbours and friends?
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Kindle with Celestial Fire
The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled
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Seeing in a Different Light
Further in site into The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain
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Introduction to Co-Freemasonry
A brief introduction to universal Co-Freemasonry - Le Droit Humain, Freemasonry for both Men and Women
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Recent Articles: book reviews
Book Review - A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program
Masonic Education has regrettably been reduced to teaching protocol, traditions, and catechism while ignoring the esoteric essence of the ritual. By Shaun Bradshaw (Author), Ben Wallace (Author), Flynn Ryan (Cover Art)
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Book Review - A Glossary Of The Craft And Holy Royal Arch Ritual Terms
This handy little book describes the origins and original meanings of the sometimes obscure words used in our ritual by Brigadier A.C.F. Jackson
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Book Review - Making A Daily Advancement
In this work the author brings together a whole range of Masonic facts including the origins of our customs, our rituals and our practices, by Michael Lawrence
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Book Review - Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar
The Templars were an unusual Order in that they lived both an active and contemplative life; making them effectively the first warrior-monks in the western world. by Stephen Dafoe
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Book Review - A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Freemasonry
Like several of America’s founding fathers, George Washington was a Freemason. In 'A Deserving Brother', Mark Tabbert presents a complete story of Washington’s known association with Freemasonry.
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Book Review - Taken by Surprise
Never again will a Freemason be caught out by a last-minute request to make a response. - Taken by Surprise by Yasha Beresiner
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book review - Whence Come You
The message of the book is essentially one of Freemasonry being unequivocally esoteric – spiritual – and that is something that many Masons may balk at but it is a topic that needs discussing rationally.
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Book Review - The Other Brotherhood: When Freemasonry Crossed the English Channel
An excellent book, being perfect for Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike who want to explore the origins of Freemasonry and to examine how it influenced French thought in the eighteenth century
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Book review - The Tracing Boards of the First Degree
The Tracing Board is a picture that encloses the quintessence of the ritual of the Degree and transmits it through symbols and images. By Enrico Marcia
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Book Review - Becoming a Craftsman -The Masonic Tutor's Handbooks: Volume 3
Becoming a Craftsman -The Masonic Tutor's Handbooks: Volume 3 - The relationship between a Fellowcraft and their Master is how the traditional wisdom of our Craft is passed on.
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Book Review - Freemasonry in London from 1785
This book is a well-researched study by a competent masonic scholar who has welded links from the changing scenes that arose in an era in which the most important step forward in organised Freemasonry was taken…
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Book Review - Meditations of a Flawed Ashlar
Many readers will probably be familiar with Bill Hosler – he is a much-respected and veteran American Freemason and a regular contributor to the Midnight Freemasons blog.
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Book Review - The Masonry of the «Moderns»: History and Rituality
The Masonic ritual world dates back to the 18th century, both from England and from France, which is still our most valuable reference.
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Book Review - Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality - Angel Millar
Angel Millar is a well-known lecturer on Freemasonry, initiation, and esotericism as well as an artist and student of the martial arts. The author of several books.
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Book Review - The Rite of Seven Degrees
This book examines the deeply esoteric eighteenth-century Rite of Seven Degrees.
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Book Review - The Green Book of the Elus Coens
The Green Book of the Élus Coëns is the most fascinating insight yet into the secrets and mysteries of the eighteenth century’s most esoteric of masonic societies – The Order of Knight-Mason Elect-Cohens of the Universe.
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Book Review - Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind
Freemasonry for the Heart and Mind: A glance at Freemasonry during the Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions.
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Book Review - The Masonic Pageant
The Masonic Pageant is published by Cornerstone Book Publishers and features a nice foreword by Chris Hodapp, 33°.
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Book Review - Invisibles
It is reasonable to suggest that when published, Invisibles was the most comprehensive, comparative study, to date, of the Rosicrucian mega-meme.
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Book Review - Mnemonic Methods
Within this book 'Mnemonic Methods by Robert Fludd', translator Paul Ferguson introduces us to the English translation of two of Fludd's short treatises on memory
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Book Review - English Illuminati
This book gives us a deep look into the European occult revival of the late nineteenth century and some of its key figures…
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Book Review - Emulation: A Ritual to Remember
How does one begin to review a masonic classic which has faithfully served generations? Perhaps starting with the title Emulation: A Ritual to Remember.
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Book Review - The Rosslyn Hoax
Robert Cooper asks, would you like to know the truth about Rosslyn Chapel ?
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Book Review - Mastering Masonic Ritual
Mastering Masonic Ritual is focused on preparing for a successful and fulfilling journey around the floor to the Chair.
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Book Review - Companions of Christian Rosenkreutz
A review of Companions of Christian Rosenkreutz - Collected Papers 2008-2016
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Book Review - Freemasonry: Material Moral and Mystical
A review of Freemasonry: Material, Moral, and Mystical by Tony Baker
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Book Review - Three Distinct Knocks - John Meeks
"Why don't these new guys come back?" This is the question I often hear; and it is this same question that pushed me to write this book. - John Meek
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Book Review - Soldier and Mason
Soldier and Mason: The Life of Charles Warren Napier-Clavering
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Book Review - Bohemian Masonic Glass
A completely unique narrative publication mapping the phenomenon of glass production for the needs of Masonic lodges
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Book Review - This Chequered Existence
Gerald Reilly reviews this new book covering the near-modern history of Freemasonry in England and Wales during the 20th-century.
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Book Review - The EA, FC, MM Handbooks
Essential reading for every Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason - these seminal books by J.S.M Ward are what every Mason needs!
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Book Review - The Freemasons who won America's War for Independence
Find out who were the Freemasons who won America's War for Independence
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Book Review - Black Freemasonry: From Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz
A book review of Black Freemasonry: From Prince Hall to the Giants of Jazz by Cécile Révauger
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Book Review - Cagliostro the Unknown Master
The book review of the Cagliostro the Unknown Master, by the Editor of the book
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Book Review - Crime and the Craft
Crime and the Craft reveals that the Freemasons have been involved in treason, murder, conspiracy, fraud, and scandal from the time of the English Civil War to the 1980s.
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Book Review - Focus on Ric Berman
Focus on Ric Berman a British historian who writes about the intersection of freemasonry, politics and society.
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Book Review - The Temple That Never Sleeps
Freemasons and E-Masonry Toward a New Paradigm
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Book Review - The Secret School of Wisdom
The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati is a pioneering text
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Book Review - Charles Warren: Royal Engineer in the Age of Empire
Sir Charles Warren, the Police Commissioner who failed to catch 'Jack the Ripper'
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Book Review - Freemasonry and the Press in the Twentieth Century
During the latter part of the twentieth century, the Press and Freemasonry had a tense relationship.
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Book Review - Who was Hiram Abiff?
Every Freemason must have at some point asked himself the above question.
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The Masonic Book Club (MBC)
The new MBC will have a different business model than the old.
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Book Review - Jesse James and the Lost Templar Treasure
Lost Templar Treasure: Secret Diaries, Coded Maps, and the Knights of the Golden Circle
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Book Review - The Enigma of the Royal Arch
Holy Royal Arch What's it all about
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Book Review - The Craft
Review of the new book The Craft by John Dickie, Professor of Italian Studies at University College London
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Book Review - For Hills and Valleys
For Hills and Valleys, Mobile Schools and Republicanism in the Zêzere Valley By Aires Henriques
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33 and Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry
33 & Beyond: The Royal Art of Freemasonry, is perhaps the most fascinating and important documentary ever made on the on the subject matter of Freemasonry.
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Book Review - History of Freemasonry in Bessarabia
Book review by guest reviewer Gheorghe Bichicean on the History of Freemasonry in Bessarabia by Alexandru Rufanda
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Game Review - On The Square
A new board game based on The Freemasons
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dvd review
A MIGHTY GOOD MAN / THE TRUE STORY OF THE ROSICRUCIANS (double dvd)
A drama-documentary of the life of Elias Ashmole including a reconstruction of the first personally recorded Free Masonic Initiation into a Lodge anywhere in the world.
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Prestonian Lecture 2020/21
This year's Prestonian Lecture - ‘A System of Morality – Aristotle and the Making of the Ritual’ - is authored, and presented by Professor G.R. Boys-Stones PAGDC.
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The Lost Keys of Freemasonry
Introduction to The Lost Keys of Freemasonry by Manly P. Hall
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Book Review - History of the Grand Orient of Italy
In depth book review in to the History of the Grand Orient of Italy by the author
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Book Review – Freemasonry It's Hidden Meaning
Youtube Book review by Baruti KMT-Sisouvong
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