All good things must come to an end.
March 28, 2012My dear subscribers,
it’s been an honor to have people like you who are subscribing here in my blog. The purpose of this blog is to open up the mind and to address different thoughts, beliefs, studies and knowledge of each of us.
I have come to you with a very sincere and thankful emotion which really makes me sadden as i have to shut down this Blog. I would like to propose a simple goodbye. I will; no longer be writing any documents and searches.
All Good things must come to an end. Maintaining it as a free service has become unsustainable and are unable to devote the resources neccessary to keep it going.
I have 2 months to transfer my content to another blog, because on May 21 all i.ph blogs and files will be deleted from their servers. Within the next couple of weeks, They will provide me with a way of transferring my blog posts easily. In the meantime, they will lock the blogs so that no additional content can be put on them.
A monkey?
March 26, 2012his strange monkey decently frightened inhabitants of one village in China. They took her by the alien.
The animal part no hair, big eyes and small body. Monkey stealing food from a house until it was caught by the mistress. Now scientists find out what species of monkeys, it applies.
ILLUMINATI MEMBERS
March 3, 2012ILLUMINATI MEMBERS
THE BRITISH MONARCHY AND THE COMMITTEE OF 300
(AS OF SEPTEMBER 2010)
*CURRENT MONARCH AND SUPREME LEADER OF THE NWO: Queen Elizabeth II
Freemason Symbols
February 28, 2012Letter G
Masonic G…..
for God and Geometry
The Masonic letter G reminds us that our every act is done in the sight of the Great Architect of the Universe.
“By letters four and science five, this “G” aright doth stand, in due Art and Proportion; you have your answer, friend.”
What are the “letters four”? It is believed that they stand for “YHWH”, the name of the Great Architect of the Universe (pronounced “Yahway”. (sometimes pronounced Jehovah) in the ancient Hebrew language, from which the Bible was translated:
Which is the 5th science? Geometry.
The Letter G stands for “Geometry”, which is the mathematical science upon which Architecture and Masonry were founded.
When did the letter G become part of the Square and Compass? No one knows exactly, but it is believed to be somewhere between 1730 and 1768, here in the United States. The “G” is not used in the center of the square and compasses in all jurisdictions around the world.
Letter G
In Hebrew, the language our Bible was originally written in, it is called Gheemel (or Gimel) and has a numerical value of 3.
Throughout history, we see reference to the number 3 when we speak of the Supreme Architect of the Universe…no matter which language we speak!
Gimel (in slightly different forms) is the 3rd letter of many Semitic languages including Phoenician, Greek, Aramaic, Hebrew, and Syriac.
Phonecian: Gimel (11th century BCE)
Greek: Gamma (9th century BCE)
Aramaic: Gamal (800 BCE to 600 CE) (800 years Before Common Era
to 600 years after Common Era)
Hebrew: Gimel (3rd century BCE)
Syriac: Gomal / Gamal (2nd century BCE)
G Throughout the Centuries
B.C.E. means “Before Common Era”. The Common Era (C.E.), also known as the Christian Era and sometimes as the Current Era, is the period beginning with the year 1 onwards.
The term is used for a system of reckoning years that is chronologically equivalent to the Anno Domini (A.D.), which is Latin for “In the year of our Lord”.
Therefore, the 3rd letter of the Phonecian alphabet, “gimel”, was in use 11 centuries Before the Common Era, which is 8 centuries before the Hebrew language…give or take a few hundred years.
Why give or take a few hundred years? While scholars who study languages are very thorough; we have to remember that they have very little from which to study.
Much of our knowledge of ancient languages comes from the study of hieroglyphics carved into stone and the subsequent attempt to determine which time frame they were carved; from mummies and their accompanying sarcophagi (carved wooden coffins), etc.
Note, however that while the letter G is the 7th letter in the English, Latin and Romanic alphabets, in Russian, and some others, it is 4th; in the Arabic the 5th, and in the Ethiopian language, the 20th.
These languages are much “younger” than the “ancient” languages and most, therefore, are propagations (changes that occurred) to the ancient languages throughout the centuries due to many factors.
The letter G in Freemasonry stands for both the Great Architect of the Universe and Geometry….or, to be more technically correct, it stands for Geometry under the Great Architect of the Universe.
Just as the Supreme Architect of the Universe watches the revolutions of the planets and stars in the sky, so does HE, who placed each of us here, watch each of our movements, hears not only our words, but our thoughts, as well …and it is to HIM that we are ultimately responsible.
Masonic Altar
Why Is There An Altar in the Lodge Room?
Today, the Masonic altar, within the Masonic Lodge, upon which resides the Holy Book(s), is a symbol of our place of communion with the Supreme Architect of the Universe.
However, in ancient times, they were a place of sacrifice,…atonement,…and communion with the Supreme Architect.
Today, as then, …each of us must sacrifice ourselves up to the Great Architect, atone for our sins and only then, may we commune with Him.
Altars are usually found in sacred places such as shrines, temples and churches. All major religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Shinto, Taoism, etc. have altars. Even the pagans built altars to their gods.
Historically, an altar is an elevated place, pedestal or structure before which religious ceremonies may be enacted or upon which sacrifices may be offered.
Both the Altar and its utensils were considered to be sacred, and the priests had to vest and wash their hands before touching them…even when removing the ashes from it.
The Masonic altar within the Masonic Lodge represents the sanctity of the Altar of Incense within the Holy of Holies (Sanctum Sanctorum) in King Solomon’s temple.
The scriptures in the Holy books tell us that each of the men, below, erected an altar to God. God commanded that each of them build an altar unto Him and in many places in the scripture, He specified the exact material, size and even the material which the tools were made of that they should or should not use in its creation.
Their quest to commune with our Creator, even though they did not possess a Masonic altar, is the same quest which Freemasons are in search of…that of being pleasing in our Creator’s eye and therefore, to receive His blessings.
While Masonic ritual is different from Church dogmas, (just as each Church/Temple’s dogmas are different from one another), the desire to “reap the plenty” of God’s blessings is universal.
Like each of our ancient forefathers before us, our Masonic altar is symbolic of our quest to commune with our Creator.
_____________________
Altars Within The Scriptures
In the scriptures, an altar was erected by each of these men:
Noah (Genesis 8:20) Unknown construction
Abraham (Genesis 12:7, 13:4, 22:9) Unknown construction, but most
probably of stone
Isaac (Genesis 26:25) Unknown construction, but most probably of stone
Jacob (Genesis 33:20; 35:1-3) Made of stone
Moses (Exodus 17:15) Made of brass.
Moses (Exodus 20:24) Made of earth
Moses (Exodus 20:25) Made of unhewn stone.
Moses (Exodus 27:1-8) Made of shittim (acacia) wood.
King Solomon (2Chronicles 4) Made of brass.
IN THE TABERNACLE
(Pre-Solomon’s Temple)
The altar which Moses and the Children of Israel moved with them as they wandered through the wilderness after leaving Egypt was made of shittim (acacia) wood, overlaid with brass.
Except for a mesh grate which was placed inside half way down, on which the wood sat for the burning of the sacrifices, it was hollow.
The area under the grate was filled with earth. There were rings set on the two opposite sides of it, through which poles could be placed for carrying it. These poles were also made of shittim wood, covered with brass. Its construction is described in (Exodus 27:1-8).
IN SOLOMON’S TEMPLE
Later, after Solomon’s Temple was built, there were actually two altars…They were the Altar of Burnt Offering, (outdoors) and the Altar of Incense, (indoors).
Three Fires
Three separate piles of wood burned upon the Altar of Burnt Offerings.
1. The first and largest of these was the Altar of Burnt Offerings, where
all the portions of the sacrifices were burned.
2. The second fire provided the coals for the Altar of Incense within the
sanctuary.
3. The third fire was the Perpetual Fire, which constantly burned on the
altar. Nothing was ever placed on it, and no coals were taken from it.
Its sole purpose was to fulfill the commandment that there be a
perpetual fire.
Altar of Burnt Offering:
The Altar of Burnt Offering, was used outdoors. As its name implies, it was where the children of Israel offered animal and bird sacrifices to God.
“And the fire upon the altar shall be burning in it; it shall not be put out: and the priest shall burn wood on it every morning, and lay the burnt offering in order upon it; and he shall burn, thereon the fat of the peace offerings.“…(Leviticus 6:12).
“The fire shall ever be burning upon the altar; it shall never go out.“…(Leviticus 6:13)
Altar of Incense:
The second altar was the Altar of Incense, which was used indoors, upon which the priests offered prayers.
The choicest branches of fig were used for the second fire, …the coals from which were taken for the Altar of Incense which stood within the Holy Place, before the Veil, by the Ark of the Covenant, (the Mercy Seat).
The burning of the incense symbolized the prayers of the people rising up to God …(Psalm 141:2); (Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4).
The offering of incense had to take place after the sacrifice, because only after their atonement could communion with God take place. After the offering of incense, the priests pronounced the Priestly Blessing upon the people.
Masonic Altar
All altars, including the Masonic Altar are “Tables of the Lord”.
Today, religious altars are a place whereupon we offer our sacrifice, atonement and our reverent communion before the Supreme Architect of the Universe.
The Masonic Altar is a symbol of our reverent communion before the Supreme Architect of the Universe’s All Seeing Eye.
The Pot of Incense is a symbol of our prayers of communion which are lifted up to the Supreme Architect.
(Leviticus 16:13)
“And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:”
Square and Compasses
Freemasonry’s Universal Logo
he Square and Compasses (or, more definitively,…a Square and a set of Compasses which are joined together…each leg of the compass pointing in opposite directions) is the single most universally identifiable symbol of Freemasonry.
Due to slight Masonic jurisdictional differences around the world, this symbol does not always look exactly the same to all Freemasons.
Some jurisdictions call this symbol the Square and Compass, (non-plural) and a few jurisdictions omit the “G” at its center.
But, no matter its slightly different look, all Freemasons are in unison as to what this symbol means to them within the fraternity.
Speculative Masonic Symbolism of the Square and Compasses
In speculative Freemasonry, this emblematic symbol is used in Masonic ritual.
The Square is an emblem of virtue in which we must “square our actions by the square of virtue with all mankind”.
The Compasses exemplify our wisdom of conduct,… the strength to “circumscribe our desires and keep our passions within due bounds”.
When these 2 Masonic tools are placed together with God (the Creator) as our central focal point… (just as King Solomon built God’s Temple, first… and then built his house around it), peace and harmony is the result.
The Information below may be found in Mackey’s Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Volume 2, Page 963, 1929.
A Short History About the Square and Compasses
THE SQUARE…Morality
THE COMPASS…Boundaries
Trying Square: In the operative stone mason era, the 90 degree angle of the square was a necessary tool used to test the accuracy of the sides of a stone to ascertain that the stone’s angles matched the square’s “true” right angle.
Morality: In speculative Freemasonry, the square is a symbol of morality.
Official Masonic Usage:
1. It is one of the 3 Great Lights (the Square, the Compass and the Holy Book).
2. It is the working tool of a Fellowcraft.
3. It is the official emblem of the Master of the lodge.
In each of its above roles, it inculcates (teaches) the repeated lesson of morality, truthfulness and honesty.
Common Usage: The square is so universally accepted that it has found its way into colloquial language with which we communicate on a daily basis. We have all heard the sayings: “Getting a square deal; Are you on the square? and Squaring off”.
While the specific date with which the Masonic square became an official Masonic symbol is not known, it was one of the primary tools which an operative mason used in his craft.
In France, one leg is longer than the other due to the nature of its original construction (see Euclid’s 47th Proposition).
The American Freemason square has equal length “legs”, however it has been unnecessarily marked off in increments of inches, as if to measure length and breadth, which is not its true purpose.
An Antique Square: In 1830, an architect who was rebuilding an ancient bridge called Baal Bridge near Limerick, Ireland removed the foundation stone of the bridge and found a much eaten away old brass square. On the surfaces of its 2 legs, was the following inscription:
“I will strive to live - with love and care - upon the level - by the square.” It was dated 1517.
1725: In one of the very earliest catechisms (rituals) we find these words:
Q: “How many make a lodge?
A: God and the Squares, with 5 or 7 right or perfect Masons.”
1880: Excerpt from a speech delivered by Brother Herbert A. Geles, Worshipful Master of Ionic Lodge No. 1781, at Amoy, entitled “Freemasonry in China”
“From time immemorial, we find the Square and Compasses used by Chinese writers to symbolize precisely the same phases of moral conduct as in our system of Freemasonry.
The earliest passage known to me (Albert Mackey) which bears upon the subject is to be found in the Book of History, embracing the period reaching from the 24th to the 7th century before Christ. It is there, in an account of a military expedition, that we read:
“Ye officers of government, apply the Compasses!”
In another part of the same records, a Magistrate (judge) is spoken of as:
“A man of the level, or the level man.”
481 B.C.: The public discourses of Confucius provide us with several Masonic allusions of a more or less definite character. When recounting his own degrees of moral progress in life, the Master tells us that only at 75 years of age could he venture to follow the inclinations of his heart, without fear of transgressing the limits of the Square.”
Circa 281 B.C.: In the works of Mencius, a follower of Confucius, is a fuller and more impressive Masonic phraseology:
Book vi: ”The Master mason in teaching his apprentices, makes use of the Square and the Compasses. Ye who are engaged in the pursuit of wisdom must also make use of the Square and the Compasses.”
300-400 Years Before Christ: In the Great Learning, Chapter 10, believed to have been written circa 300-400 B.C., we read that a man should abstain from doing unto others what he would not they should do unto him; “this,” adds the writer, “is called the principle of acting on the Square.”
Of course, we are familiar with this statement today, as the Golden Rule, as also found in the Bible.
Possibly most interesting of all is the fact that the symbolism recorded of the Square permeates equally so many languages across the world, (sic: over nearly 2400 years) and, in each of them, the Square has preserved it original symbolism…as the symbol of morality.”
End of Albert Mackey’s dissertation on the Square and Compasses.
Tools of the Craft:
Historically, both the square and compasses are architect’s tools to create true and perfect lines and angles. Operative stone masons used them as the tools of their trade. Like most tradesmen throughout history, operative stone masons began their career as an entered apprentice under the supervision of a Master mason.
From Entered Apprentice to Master Mason: After several years, if their work was pleasing to the Master stone mason, the entered apprentice was elevated to the title of a Fellowcraft.
More years passed and if the Fellowcraft’s work was deemed acceptable to the Master, he was allowed to begin work upon his Master’s piece (the word “Masterpiece” is another colloquialism we now commonly use in our everyday speech).
Upon the Fellowcraft’s passing this final test, he was raised to the degree of Master mason of the craft.
Wisdom: Like men, buildings are not erected overnight and the knowledge of any craft takes time to hone. Each building must have a sturdy foundation with which to build upon.
Wisdom is the learned ability to utilize the accumulated knowledge of enlightenment, experience and intuitive understanding coupled with the capacity to apply them with good judgment toward achieving a prudent course of action.
Strength and Beauty: Operatively, the Square and Compasses were tools used to build strong foundations and to craft geometrically and precision cut stones, one atop another in symmetrical form to create a useful edifice (large and imposing building) which was both sturdy, durable and rock-solid against the elements (strength) as well as visually pleasing (beauty) to those who beheld it.
Square and Compasses…Masonic Symbols
Not only is the symbol of the Square and Compasses seen on Masonic Regalia in the lodge, but Master Masons proudly wear it on Masonic clothing such as Masonic shirts and Masonic jackets.
Among pieces of Masonic jewelry at the lodge level such as Masonic rings and Masonic lapel pins, the Square and Compasses is the most often seen Masonic symbol.
Masonic rings display the Square and Compasses in a vast array of metals and jewels…with both Gold Masonic rings and Silver Masonic rings being equally popular.
You will also find the Square and Compasses on such items as Masonic money clips,, Masonic hats, cool Masonic ball caps, Masonic tie clips, Masonic lapel pins and even Masonic brass door knockers….
If you have ever walked through the parking lot at Grand Lodge when members of the brotherhood attend their Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication each year; you will also see the depth of loyalty that Freemasons so willingly accord their fraternity.
There are more vehicles with Masonic auto emblems…comprised mostly of this Masonic logo than those without them.
Square and Compasses Copyright
The Square and Compasses image is copyrighted. Brethren are free to use the square and compasses for the promotion of Freemasonry, however, commercial or business usage is prohibited.
Commercial or business use means that you may not start a company and use the Square and Compasses image as your logo.
The square and compasses, Freemasonry’s logo, such as you see on the Masonic cufflinks below, is worn by Freemasons across the world.
Masonic symbols and their meanings
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Acacia
Acacia Tree in Thailand
Photo Courtesy of Josef Sontheimer
All Rights Reserved
Acacia sprigs were planted by the Hebrew people at the head of a grave for 2 purposes:
1. To mark the location of the grave.
2. To show their belief in immortality.
Immortality: Both the Hebrews and the Egyptians believed that because of its hardness, durability and evergreen nature, that this tree was a symbol of both innocence and immortality.
Shittim: In the Bible, it is called “shittim”. Chosen above all others, shittim was the wood which God commanded Moses to use to create the Ark of the Covenant into which Moses placed the 2 stone tablets upon which The 10 Commandments were carved.
Ark of the Covenant: The entire chapter of Exodus 37 is devoted to the creation of the Ark of the Covenant. The Ark was first constructed of shittim wood and then overlaid with gold before being placed into the Holy of Holies (Sanctum Sanctorum) in Solomon’s Temple.
Hardwood: The wood is a beautiful hardwood with dark and light coloring. Due to this intermingled coloring, furniture and flooring made from its wood is both very durable, as well as exceptionally beautiful.
The tree is a thorny, and many times multi stemmed tree or bush which many would call a “scrub” tree because it never grows large and tall like an oak, walnut or many other hardwood trees. Depending on the species, the seeds grow into either trees or shrubs, which are hardy in many climates, but they are not long-lived trees. Their typical lifespan is between 30 to 40 years.
Deep Roots: In order for it to survive in very dry, arid lands such as parts of Israel, Iran, Iraq, Australia, Africa, etc., it has very deep roots from which to absorb more water in arid lands. Some species have roots which are 40-60 meters (approximately 120-180 feet deep).
Genus: The genus Acacia belongs to the family Mimosaceae and is related to both the Locust and the Mimosa trees. There are approximately 1350 species of Acacia found throughout the world and close to 1000 of these are found in Australia.
Its most common name, world-wide is known as “Wattle”. which is Australia’s national floral emblem is Acacia pycnantha, the Golden Wattle. Australians celebrate Wattle Day on the 1st of September each year.
Varieties: Different varieties are common in many countries such as Australia, Africa, Madagascar, throughout Asia, Israel, Iran, Iraq, South America, southern parts of the United States as well as in the Pacific. They are found in a wide range of differing habitats from coastal, wet and tropical to sub-alpine (just below treeline), but are most prevalent in the arid and semi-arid areas.
Unlike most other plants, they will even grow on beaches and in rocky areas… near the ocean taking their moisture from the saltwater!
Acacia Flower The Acacia Flower: Each year the tree flowers. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be yellow, white, cream-colored, or a reddish-pink). Afterward, seed pods which are about three inches long, containing from five to six brownish-black seeds, ripen and turn from green to brown. When fully ripe, the pods split to release the seeds. Seeds: Interestingly, unlike most plants, its seeds have a hard coating which, in most cases, is nearly impervious to water, therefore, germination does not usually occur unless some sort of pretreatment is first carried out. In nature, fire is the most common means of getting the seed pods to split open and reseed themselves. As a human food source, it has been a subject of increasing interest and research in recent years. Much of this work is based on understanding the traditional Aboriginal use of many of these species. 
Photo Courtesy of Josef Sontheimer
All Rights Reserved As a Human Food Source
Anchor and the Ark
The Anchor and the Ark are emblems of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life.
Wattle: While the seed from most of the wattle varieties are generally thought of as being poisonous or generally inedible, there are a few exceptions. Forty-seven species of wattle trees growing in southern Australia produce seeds which are suitable for human food. Some species of it are also used as stock food, for example, the pods of A. farnesiana (prickly Moses) and A. cambagei (gidyea) are eaten by sheep. In both Australia and Africa, there are several species of the seed which are edible. Seed is eaten and prepared in different ways by indigenous (originating and living naturally, usually off the land) Aboriginal Australians and is beginning to be marketed to other countries.
The Anchor is an emblem of hope, peculiarly a Christian, and thence a Masonic symbol.
The following and foregoing information may be found in Mackey’s Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Volume 1, 1929.
It is first found inscribed on the tombs in the catacombs in Rome, and the idea of using it is probably derived from the language of Saint Paul.
(Hebrews 6:19): “Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.”
Primitive Christians looked upon life as a stormy voyage, and glad were the voyagers when it was done, and they had arrived safe in port. Of this, the anchor was a symbol and when their brethren carved it over the tomb, it was to them an expression of confidence that he who slept beneath it had reached the haven of eternal rest. …Kip, Catacombs of Rome, page 112.
Sacred and Legendary Art, I, page 34, Mrs. Jameson: “The anchor is the Christian symbol of immovable firmness, hope and patience; and we find it very frequently in the catacombs and on the ancient Christian gems.”
This representation of the anchor is the peculiar attribute of Saint Clement, and is often inscribed on churches dedicated to him.
The ark, (or ship) has been adopted as a symbol of the voyage of life; but, unlike the anchor, it was not confined to Christians, but was with the heathens also a favorite emblem of the close of life.
Kip thinks the idea may have been derived from them by the Christian Fathers, who gave it a more elevated meaning.
In Freemasonry, the ship has been substituted by the ark.
Mrs. James says in the above work that “the Ark of Noah floating safe amid the deluge, in which all things else were overwhelmed, was an obvious symbol of the Church of Christ…The bark of St. Peter tossed in the storm and by the Redeemer guided safe to land, was considered as symbolical.”
In the Third Degree, whose teachings all relate to life and death, “The anchor and the ark are emblems of a well-grounded hope and a well-spent life.
They are emblematical of that Divine ark which safely wafts us over this tempestuous sea of troubles, and that anchor which shall safely moor us in a peaceful harbor where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary shall find rest.”
Such is the language of the lecture of the Third Degree, and it gives all the information that is required on the more mysterious (esoteric) meaning of these symbols.
The Anchor, as a symbol of hope, does not appear to have belonged to the ancient and classic system of symbolism.
End Albert Mackey. Credit and full acknowledgment for information about the anchor and the ark is given to Albert Mackey, Mackey’s Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Volume 1, 1929.
Ark of the Covenant
The Ark of the Covenant… or of the Testimony, was a sacred chest, constructed by Moses at God’s Command. (see Exodus 25:10) Onto its lid were placed 2 cherubim (angels) representing God’s glory.
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The Ark contained:
- A Golden Pot filled with Manna. The Lord commanded Moses to fill a gold vessel (pot) with Manna and keep it as a memorial to future generations of how God fed them in the wilderness (Exodus 16:32-33). The Golden Pot of Manna signifies eternal life.
- Aaron’s Rod that had budded as a sign of God’s continued choice of Aaron as priest. (Numbers 17:5)
- The Ten Commandments…the 2 stone tablets onto which Moses engraved the Ten Commandments that God spoke to him. (Exodus 20:1-17)
It was at first deposited in the most sacred place of the tabernacle and afterward placed by Solomon in the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple.The Ark of the Covenant was lost upon the destruction of the first Temple by the Chaldeans. It was carried to Babylon among the other sacred utensils which became the spoil of the conquerors. Its subsequent fate is unknown, as all traces have been lost.
From the writings of the Talmudists, it is believed certain that it was not brought back to Jerusalem by King Zerubbabel.
The Talmudists say that there were 5 things which were the glory of the first Temple that were wanting in the second:
1. The Ark of the Covenant
2. The Shikinah (or Divine Presence)
3. The Urim and Thummim (the holy fire upon the altar)
4. The Spirit of Prophecy.
5. UnknownSimon-Sez: For more information about the holy fire, see Masonic Altar.
Josephus and the Rabbis, as well as Hebrew scholars allege that in the second Temple, the Holy of Holies was empty,…or contained only the Stone of Foundation, which marked the place which the Ark of the Covenant should have occupied.
Material of Construction: The Ark of the Covenant was made of shittim wood, which is a species of acacia, overlaid, within and without, with pure gold, and was about 3 feet, 9 inches long, 2 feet, 3 inches wide, and of the same extent in depth.
It had on each side, 2 rings of gold, through which were placed staves of shittim wood, by which, when necessary, the Ark of the Covenant was borne (moved) by the Levites.
Its covering was of pure gold, over which was placed 2 figures called cherubim, an order of exalted angelic beings, with expanded wings.
In Hebrew, the covering of the Ark of the Covenant was called kaw-far, meaning to blot out or pardon, and hence, its English name of Mercy Seat, as being the place where the intercession for sin was made.
An Ark Before THE Ark? Archaeologists’ research have thrown much light on the Egyptian mysteries. Among the ceremonies of that ancient people was one called the Procession of Shrines, which is mentioned in the Rosetta stone, and depicted on the Temple walls. One of these shrines was an ark, which was carried in procession by the priests, who supported it on their shoulders by staves passing through metal rings.
This ark was brought into the Temple and deposited on a stand or altar, that the ceremonies prescribed in the ritual might be performed before it.
The contents of these arks were varied, but always of a mystical character.
Sometimes the ark would contain symbols of Life and Stability; sometimes the sacred beetle, the symbol of the Sun; and there was always a representation of 2 figures of the goddess Theme or Truth and Justice, which overshadowed the ark with their wings.
It is believed that these coincidences of the Egyptian and Hebrew arks are more than accidental.
Credit for the above information is given to Albert Mackey, Mackey’s Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Volume 1, Page 103, 1929.
Simon-Sez: The Ark of the Covenant is said to be God’s Footstool, whereupon he symbolically rested his feet when he was in attendance within the Holy of Holies.
The Ark of the Covenant was carried through the desert by the Israelites during their many years of wandering after their exodus from Egypt, as well as through battles. When transported, it was enveloped in a blue cloth veil. (See Exodus 25:21)
After Solomon’s Temple was built, the original Tabernacle (tent and its furnishings) was dismantled. Many rabbis and authorities in Jerusalem believe that it may have been stored in a room under the Temple Mount, where it is possible that it is still there to this day.
Up through King David (Solomon’s father’s) time, the tabernacle traveled with the Israelites and was housed in a tent, due to the fact that after leaving Egypt, the Israelites were a nomadic tribe of people without a real place to call home.
Solomon built a holy inner sanctum within the temple and the Holy of Holies (Sanctum Sanctorum) was housed within this Tabernacle until King Nebuchadnezzar’s armies removed it and carried it away to Babylon, where some believe it to have been destroyed. (See 2Kings 25:13-16).
Q: Why is the Ark of the Covenant so important to both Mankind
and Freemasonry?A: It reveals God’s Promise to David…and it is through this promise
that we receive God’s continued mercy for our transgressions,
today.Q: Isn’t it just another of Freemasonry’s many symbols?
A: No. It is the reason that King Solomon’s Temple was built.
We spend an enormous amount of time, ritualistically, physically and symbolically learning about King Solomon’s Temple…and have grown to symbolically treat the symbol of the Ark of the Covenant as equally as we treat the Mosaic Pavement, denoting good and evil, on the floor of the Temple!
The Lodge Room emulates King Solomon’s Temple.
We bow to King Solomon’s wisdom.
But, we circumambulate around God’s word.
So, to fully feel and absorb the “light” we must not forget WHY Solomon’s Temple was built. King David had a perfectly good home. Why? He was a good and strong man, but it was God who had stood with him throughout each of his battles and made him victorious over his enemies, just as it is God who walks with each of us, today.
Within the craft of Freemasonry, we must not forget that while Freemasonry makes good men, better, …this comes from learning and living God’s commandments which are contained within the Ark of the Covenant.
It is vital to understand that the light which emanates from the Ark of the Covenant WITHIN Solomon’s Temple is central to Freemasonry’s foundations…not the Temple, itself. Just as man’s spirit is the light housed within his body, so is the Ark of the Covenant the “light” within Solomon’s Temple.
The following comes from 2Samuel 7:1-29:
God’s Testimony (Promise) to David
1 After the king was settled in his palace and the LORD had given him rest from all his enemies around him,
2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a palace of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”
3 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the LORD is with you.”
4 That night the word of the LORD came to Nathan, saying:
5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?
6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.
7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?” ‘
8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the LORD Almighty says: I took you from the pasture and from following the flock to be ruler over my people Israel.
9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men of the earth.
10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning
11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.
” ‘The LORD declares to you that the LORD himself will establish a house for you:
12 When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom.
13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men, with floggings inflicted by men.
15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you.
16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’ “
17 Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.
King David’s Prayer
18 Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said:
“Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?
19 And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Sovereign LORD, you have also spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man, O Sovereign LORD ?
20 “What more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Sovereign LORD.
21 For the sake of your word and according to your will, you have done this great thing and made it known to your servant.
22 “How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
23 And who is like your people Israel—the one nation on earth that God went out to redeem as a people for himself, and to make a name for himself, and to perform great and awesome wonders by driving out nations and their gods from before your people, whom you redeemed from Egypt?
24 You have established your people Israel as your very own forever, and you, O LORD, have become their God.
25 “And now, LORD God, keep forever the promise you have made concerning your servant and his house. Do as you promised,
26 so that your name will be great forever. Then men will say, ‘The LORD Almighty is God over Israel!’ And the house of your servant David will be established before you.
27 “O LORD Almighty, God of Israel, you have revealed this to your servant, saying, ‘I will build a house for you.’ So your servant has found courage to offer you this prayer.
28 O Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant.
29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign LORD, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”
*******
The above information came from the New International Version of the Bible, copyright 1984. It was used because its wording is not as archaic as in the King James version.
*******Therefore, the reason Solomon’s Temple was built was to house the Ark of the Covenant…the symbol of our Creator’s everlasting promise of mercy for our transgressions.
*******
Simon-Sez: One last thing. The image of the Ark of the Covenant at the top of this page doesn’t even begin to fully do justice to what the Ark of the Covenant actually looked like.To truly “feel” its glory, to understand its sacred importance and its devastatingly monumental loss to many nations and many religions throughout the world over the centuries since the loss of King Solomon’s temple, here are a few pictures of recreation of the Ark of the Covenant from the exact specifications given by God to Moses within the Holy Books.
Please note that some of the size details set forth in the Holy Books, are still questioned by scholars, today, such as the true length of the biblical “cubit” and, therefore, there are slightly different artistic renderings, however this is the closest that artists, goldsmiths and other craftsmen of today, could best represent what it actually looked like.
Of especial note…please take an extra moment to look inside the Ark of the Covenant, where you will find the detailed representations of the 10 Commandments on the 2 stone tablets, the Golden Pot of Manna and Aaron’s rod.
Within Freemasonry, it is sometimes easy to get so caught up in memorizing our many symbols, that we actually forget what they symbolize. We learn that the 3 columns represent Wisdom, Strength and Beauty…and believe that once we have learned it as such, it ends there.
Does it?
It is my hope that you will now be able to see with the “light” of true understanding,… the Wisdom, the Strength and the Beauty of God’s “Footstool”.
… Brought to you by the best modern-day operative artisans of their crafts, spanning both the Science of Geometry and the Arts
……”Behold, the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord of all the earth”; (Joshua 3:11)
Master Mason Apron
Why do Freemasons Wear a Masonic Apron?
The lambskin Master Mason apron derives from the working apron of the ancient stone masons.
It is an Emblem of Innocence and the badge of a Freemason.
Thus, the apron is proudly compared with the noblest decorations of ancient Rome and of both ancient and modern Europe.
The Order of the Golden Fleece was of high repute as an Order of Knighthood. It was established in Flanders, France in 1429 by the Duke of Burgundy, a member of the then royal family, who selected the fleece for its badge because wool was the staple production of the country. Since that time, it has been considered as one of the most illustrious Orders of Europe.
The Roman Eagle was to Romans the ensign of imperial power. Made of silver or bronze, the Roman Eagle was placed atop the pole of the military standards (flags). (circa 104 B.C.)
The Order of the Garter, was and is, still considered the highest decoration that can be bestowed upon a subject by a sovereign of Great Britain. It is an order of chivalry or knighthood originating in medieval England. It is the pinnacle of honor in the United Kingdom to have the Order of the Garter bestowed upon you.
(From Mackey’s Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, 1929, Volume I, The New Kentucky Monitor, arranged by Brother Henry Pirtle, 1918, for the Grand Lodge of that State)
The Master Mason Apron
“….Lambskin or white leathern apron. It is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason: more ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, and when worthily worn, more honorable than the Star and Garter, or any other Order that can be conferred upon you at this or any future period by king, prince, potentate, or any other person, except he be a Mason and within the Body of a just and legally constituted Lodge of such.“
“It may be that, in the years to come, upon your head shall rest the laurel wreaths of victory; pendant from your breast may hang jewels fit to grace the diadem of an eastern potentate; yea, more than these:
…for with the coming light your ambitious feet may tread round after round the ladder that leads to fame in our mystic circle, and even the purple of our Fraternity may rest upon your honored shoulders;
…but never again by mortal hands, never again until your enfranchised spirit shall have passed upward and inward through the gates of pearl, shall any honor so distinguished, so emblematic of purity and all perfection, be bestowed upon you as this, which I now confer.
It is yours; yours to wear through an honorable life, and at your death to be placed upon the coffin which contains your earthly remains, and with them laid beneath the silent clods of the valley.“
“Let its pure and spotless surface be to you an ever-present reminder of purity of life, of rectitude of conduct, a never-ending argument for higher thoughts, for nobler deeds, for greater achievements; and when at last your weary fee shall have reached the end of their toilsome journey,
…and from your nerveless grasp forever drop the working tools of a busy life, may the record of your life and conduct be as pure and spotless as this fair emblem which I place within your hands tonight;
…and when your trembling soul shall stand naked and alone before the great white throne, there to receive judgment for the deeds done while here in the body, may it be your portion to hear from Him who sitteth as Judge Supreme these welcome words:
’Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.‘”
“I charge you-take it, wear it with pleasure to yourself and honor to the Fraternity.“
(From Mackey’s Revised Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, 1929, Volume I)
Innocence of Conduct and Purity of Heart
The Master Mason apron teaches the aspiring Mason that none are admitted to that honor but such as were cleansed of all impurities of both body and mind.
Purity of life and rectitude of conduct is essential and necessary to gain admittance into that Celestial Lodge on High where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever presides.
In primitive times, it was an ecclesiastical (religious) decoration more than a civil decoration.
The earliest mention of the apron was when Melchizedek, with Abraham, started the priesthood. (circa 2100 B.C.) Melchizedek was the Most High Priest and the first to wear the apron as the badge of religious authority. The apron is a high honor and is the symbol of a holy man.
(From Signs and Symbols of Freemasonry, Dr. Oliver, Lexture X, Page 196)
Ancient Badge of Distinction
The apron appears to have been, in ancient times, an honorary badge of distinction. None but the superior orders of the priesthood were permitted to adorn themselves with ornamented girdles made of blue, purple and crimson, decorated with gold upon a background of fine white linen.
Historic Ceremonies of Investiture have been common to all nations of the Earth from the earliest periods.
The Indian, the Persian, the Jewish, the Ethiopian and the Egyptian aprons, though equally superb, all bore a character distinct from each other. Some were plain white.
Others were striped with blue, purple and crimson. Some were of wrought gold…others were adorned and decorated with superb tassels and fringes.
Israelites: Historically, among the Israelites, the girdle formed a part of the investiture of the priesthood.
Persia: The candidate was invested with a white apron.
Hindostan: A sash was used called the sacred zennar, which was substituted for the apron.
Essenes: The Jewish sect of the Essenes clothed their novices with a white robe.
Japanese: The Japanese practice certain rites of initiation, invest their candidates with a white apron, bound round the loins with a zone or girdle.
Scandanavia: The military genius of the people caused them to substitute a white shield, but its presentation was accompanied by an emblematic instruction not unlike that which is connected with the Freemason’s apron.
Roman Priests: Roman priests wore white garments when they sacrificed.
Druids: The Druids changed the color of the garment presented to their initiates with each degree; white, however was the color appropriated to the last, or degree of perfection. It was, according to their ritual, intended to teach the aspirant that none were admitted to that honor but such as were cleansed from all impurities both of body and mind.
Formation of the Grand Lodge of England
At the time of the formation of the Grand Lodge of England, the Master Mason apron was white - no ornaments at first, and full size, similar in every respect to that of the Operative Mason’s apron.
Color of a Master Mason Apron:
Due to the preservation of its symbolic character - its color and its material:
The color of a Master Mason apron should be pure unspotted white, which is esteemed as an emblem of innocence and purity.
Material of a Master Mason Apron:
A Master Mason apron must be made of lambskin. No other substance, such as linen, silk or satin, could be substituted without entirely destroying the emblematic character of the apron, for the material of the Master Mason’s apron constitutes one of the most important symbols of his profession
….The lamb having always been considered as an appropriate emblem of innocence.
Drill Apron: Your drill apron is symbolic of your lambskin Master Mason apron.
Why, then, do Freemasons wear their lambskin Master Mason apron with such pride?Honor: The reason the Master Mason apron is more honorable than the Star and Garter is that all it teaches is exemplified by its wearer.
Spiritual Knighthood: The Master Mason apron is a reminder to the Master Mason to do no moral evil to any person. It speaks to the charitable forgiveness of his brethren when they purposely or non-purposely do him evil.
It is the emblem of his dedication to a spiritual knighthood with which man virtuously rises above the crudeness and the ignorance of men.
Dignity and Virtue: The Master Mason apron should be worn with dignity and honor as it exemplifies man’s virtues upon which during his manhood, he may wear it both with pleasure to himself while honoring the fraternity.
End of Albert Mackey’s Discourse
Most American Freemasons wear a Master Mason Apron which are 14 inches by 16 inches and is made of white, synthetic leather with Masonic symbols embroidered onto them in blue thread.
Some members wear an apron which has ties in the back, however most prefer the belted version. To keep them clean before and after lodge work, many Master Masons place them in zippered apron cases which have handles.
