Originally published in 1923, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry remains one of the enduring Classic texts on the esoteric nature and deep meaning of the Craft. It is all the more interesting when viewed in the light of the fact that it's author, Manly P. Hall, was not a Mason when he wrote the compelling book. Hall did join and take the Masonic degrees more than 30 years later in 1954 and was later honored with the 33rd degree. Nevertheless, the insights presented in the book reveal a profound understanding of the transmutational nature, mysticism and underlying symbolism of Masonic initiation.
Much focus is placed on the wisdom of Ancient Egypt and Hermetic Philosophy being transcribed through symbols and keywords in modern Freemasonry. However, the bulk of the text is devoted to the psychological preparation, responsibilities and devotion of faith that a Masonic initiate must undergo on their path towards true enlightenment… and their figurative resurrection as Hiram Abiff within the Temple of the Great Architect of the Universe. Manly P. Hall's reverence for Masonry is luminous: "A hundred religions... arts and sciences unnumbered have brought their gifts of wisdom to it's altar."
Divided chapters for the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason degrees offer an ascending line to enlightenment through the degrees with some of the usual meanings (youth, adulthood, old age and materialism, spiritualism, philosophy) combined with more veiled mystic teachings and ancient correlations. The epilogue contains an allegorical path from darkness to light through the Ancient Egyptian Temple of Amun Ra and a transcription of the Emerald Tablet of Hermes. This wondrous book made for a short but magical 96-page sojourn through ancient secrets, keys and lost words… which can only be truly found by way of fellowship, an open mind, spiritual thought and introspective study.
Note: The version of The Lost Keys of Freemasonry I purchased was a great deal, also including two additional Manly P. Hall works: Freemasonry of the Ancient Egyptians and Masonic Orders of Fraternity.
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Masonic Initiation
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Masonic Symbols
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Hiram Abiff and the 3 Ruffians
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Initiation
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Hand of the Mysteries
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Structure of Freemasonry
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Masonic Symbols
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Temple of Amun Ra
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Temple of Amun Ra
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Temple of Amun Ra
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Temple of Amun Ra
The Lost Keys of Freemasonry. Manly P. Hall: Enlightenment
