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Victor Popow Freemasonry Architecture And Sacred Geometry
A stone mason was asked what he was doing and he said: “I’m laying stones.”
In similar manner another craftsman was asked what he was doing and he replied: “I’m building a great cathedral,”
Tthe two responses represent a difference in perspectives. I challenge the speculative Freemasons of today and similarly test their views.
Most are busy ‘laying stones’, that is, engaged in the labourious and necessary tasks- financial activities, dues structure, rent and per capita, others concern themselves with charitable projects, some will say that they are concerned with numbers and membership and are involved with marketing, advertising and opening Masonry’s doors and still others will find enjoyment in the fraternity’s social activities.
I am concerned that none will reply that they are ‘building the cathedral’ or seeing the forest for the trees. How many are truly committed to discovering the historical, philosophical or deep symbolic aspects of their Craft?1 The foundation of our Craft is its ritual and the information contained in it. The men of the eighteenth century who fashioned that ritual were inspired by ancient knowledge and cultures and it is this avenue we must pay particular respect to and promote interest in for therein lie the lessons of Freemasonry.
Masons must escape their late 20th century paradigm’s and realize that the seven liberal arts and sciences are not merely trite references to a secular education but reflects an innerphilosophical path, which may sponsor or inspire personal and hence social transformation.
A stone mason was asked what he was doing and he said: “I’m laying stones.”
In similar manner another craftsman was asked what he was doing and he replied: “I’m building a great cathedral,”
Tthe two responses represent a difference in perspectives. I challenge the speculative Freemasons of today and similarly test their views.
Most are busy ‘laying stones’, that is, engaged in the labourious and necessary tasks- financial activities, dues structure, rent and per capita, others concern themselves with charitable projects, some will say that they are concerned with numbers and membership and are involved with marketing, advertising and opening Masonry’s doors and still others will find enjoyment in the fraternity’s social activities.
I am concerned that none will reply that they are ‘building the cathedral’ or seeing the forest for the trees. How many are truly committed to discovering the historical, philosophical or deep symbolic aspects of their Craft?1 The foundation of our Craft is its ritual and the information contained in it. The men of the eighteenth century who fashioned that ritual were inspired by ancient knowledge and cultures and it is this avenue we must pay particular respect to and promote interest in for therein lie the lessons of Freemasonry.
Masons must escape their late 20th century paradigm’s and realize that the seven liberal arts and sciences are not merely trite references to a secular education but reflects an innerphilosophical path, which may sponsor or inspire personal and hence social transformation.