Travis Simpkins: "Albert Pike's Esoterika" Transcribed and Annotated by Arturo de Hoyos

Albert Pike's Esoterika

The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry

Transcribed and Annotated by

Arturo de Hoyos

The Scottish Rite Research Society, 2005

Notes by Travis Simpkins

There are a handful of truly essential Masonic texts, and Albert Pike's Esoterika: The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry is one of them. Transcribed and annotated by Arturo de Hoyos, Grand Archivist and Grand Historian of the Supreme Council 33°, the book contains copious endnotes that both compliment and enhance Albert Pike's previously unpublished original manuscript.

Born out of Albert Pike's frustration with the lack of explanation he received upon initiation in regard to many of Freemasonry's most prominent symbols, Esoterika offers illumination that expands upon the core teachings contained within Masonic ritual. Interpretations of such symbols as the square and compasses, the weapons and blows of the assassins, the three grips, the 47th Problem of Euclid and the substitute for the Master's Word comprise the center of Pike's focus. Asides regarding the cable-tow, corner stones, Jacob's Ladder, Tubal Cain, Shibboleth, Solomon and Hiram provide further pause for thought. Appendices containing several 18th Century early Masonic exposes provide the reader with context as to some of Pike's sources. I won't go into further detail regarding the symbolic content and explanations here.

I purchased the book as part of the Master Craftsman program offered by the House of the Temple in Washington, D.C. and it was worth every penny. Anyone looking for education beyond the Lodge room would be well-advised to look into the program here: scottishrite.org/members/masonic-education