Travis Simpkins: "Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol" by W. Kirk MacNulty

Thursday, October 1, 2015

"Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol" by W. Kirk MacNulty

"Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol"

by W. Kirk MacNulty

Thames and Hudson, 1991

Brief Review by Travis Simpkins

Academic yet accessible, Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol by W. Kirk MacNulty examines the inner psychology of Freemasonry as it is experienced in the first three degree ceremonies. Firmly based on a foundation of deep thought, MacNulty approaches the subject in a unique way… finding truth and meaning behind every element and symbol presented to the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason. Though self-examination, the initiate will discover a hidden truth within their own psyche. Likening the structure of the human mind and body to King Solomon's temple, the well-crafted essay opens doors to constructive thought and experience.

The book itself is beautiful, consisting of 32 pages of text and 133 illustrations (many of them in full color). The artwork presented is wide-ranging, from tracing boards to aprons, from tools to satirical broadsides. Well worth the cover price, MacNulty's book is suggested reading for any serious student of Freemasonry, as well as anyone curious about the esoteric values of Masonic ritual and symbols.