Freemasonry: Simpson's "Stone Cutters" joke, good-willed organization, or weird fucking organization (and possibly evil, too)?

Imagine my surprise when I discovered http://www.thefreemason.org which not only has various regalia and ritual tools that mirror the various occult tools and regalia I've learned about over the years researching "real" magick and occult, but also an online library where anyone can search the names of Aleister Crowley, Eliphas Levi and Franz Bardon with fruitful results as well as an "esoteric" book shop, which allows one to order what can only be considered by any sensible person "Magick Books of The Supposed Highest Degree" and, also are regarded as such by the very organization itself.

Before I get into the weirdness of the recommended book I discovered, let me just point you to the website and then you can explore it and come to your own conclusions. I urge you to click on the online Library link and search for the wildest rumors you've ever heard about Freemasonry, but doubted were true. They're true, surprisingly enough, and Freemason's aren't afraid to put it right up for all to see. That is somewhat surprising to me. For instance, Aleister Crowley is regarded as an "irregular Mason", but a Mason nonetheless, and with conviction of search methods, one can also discover that an "irregular Mason" is just a superficial term used to provide distance between Eastern and Western Freemasons at a point in time when Western Freemasons did not want the bad publicity that their Eastern Counterparts were receiving.

Also, thefreemason.com has an esoteric book collection, which is basically just a bunch of occult lterature you can buy at Amazon.com. However, there is one particular book they recommend above all others and actually say, "If you buy one book about magic, this should be it".

So, at least now we know for certain that it's not just the "irregulars" who are interested in magick.

Here is what this book is about (remember, this is FIRST AND FOREMOST on the Freemason's "magic books to buy list". How "normal" is this content?

Outline of Bardon's Magickal Curriculum

Although Bardon divides his praxis into ten steps, these are somewhat arbitrary. Here is a summary of his main points:

1. Self-Analysis & Basic Exercises
As mentioned above, the student must work diligently on understanding and harmonizing the four Elements within his own being before doing any further occult work. Bardon prescribes several weeks of minute, mercilessly honest self-observation and recording of one's faults and failings. The student classifies each under the four Elemental categories to see which Elements are out of balance in his Self. A similar exercise classifies his virtues and strengths. Since the magician is to have control over all the Elemental worlds, he must not be unbalanced or have any obsessions that would impede his effectiveness, or allow weak spots that could cause his undoing.

2. Intermediate Concentration & Breathing
In the next step, the student strengthens his ability to concentrate and performs breathing exercises and the techniques of autosuggestion. Bardon regards these as the secret key to the subconscious.
Bardon distinguishes carefully between two kinds of breathing: Pulmonary (normal) and through the skin. This second type of breathing takes practice. The body can respire automatically, but the student needs to learn to control it, combine it with voluntary pulmonary breathing and selectively inspire the various Elements and Akasha.

3. Advanced Visualization Exercises & Element Manipulation
This step entails intense concentration on and visualization of increasingly more complex objects, and "inhaling" the Elements into the body. The student also learns the "loading," or charging, of talismans, rooms, or objects for protection, healing, or other purposes.

4. Accumulation of Elements & Rituals
In this part of the training the student, works to perfect the balancing and concentrating of Elementary energies in the students own and other persons's bodies. In Bardon's system, "rituals" are mot what we normally think of as such, but rather mnemonics based on hand gestures, verbal formulas or visual keys. He claims that once you understand the energies properly, can recall an energy or situation with merely a surreptitious hand gesture, a silent formula or a combination thereof.

5. Transplanting Consciousness & Levitation
This step consists of a graduated series of exercises to prepare the student for physical and astral levitation and astral travel, as a prelude to communication with astral beings. Communication with the astral world can either be active or passive. Passive techniques are simpler and safer, thus Bardon presents them first.

6. Introduction to Astral Beings & Astral Travel
Besides astral beings and travel, this chapter deals with the creation of non-physical beings for the magician's use. Bardon also discusses the perils of accidentally creating them. This inadvertent creation of phantasms which can attach to and parasitize the operator is a great danger for the dabbler in occultism. At this point, Bardon again insists that the student not skip any step in his development, in order to avoid this serious problem.

7. Development of Clairvoyance, Clairaudience & Other Abilities:
Creation of Elementaries
Bardon gives formulas for accessories such as special eye-baths and ear-plugs to aid in development of supersensory perception. He also discusses magick animation of pictures and statues.

8. "Fluid Condensers"
These are special tools which the magician creates to concentrate, store, and manipulate the electric and magnetic fluids. He gives fairly detailed instructions for making, charging and using these "condensers."
First, Bardon teaches that even minute quantities gold can add enormously to the accumulative power of any condenser. Thus, he recommends preparing a gold tincture to "charge" any condensers the student makes. The easiest way is to dissolve a gram of soluble gold chloride in 20 grams of distilled water. (Gold chloride is fairly expensive - about $50 per gram.)
Here is an interesting example of Bardon's condensers: Put a handful of fresh or dry chamomile flowers into a pot. Pour enough cold water over them to cover them completely. Let the chamomile flowers boil for about 20 minutes. Cool them, but leave the lid on the pot and strain the decoction. Put this on the fire again and allow it to evaporate slowly until it weighs about 50 grams. A few drops more or less do not matter at all. Let the extract cool and, for better preservation, mix it with the same quantity (in this case 50 grams) of spirit or alcohol. (Remember to never use methyl or wood alcohol in any preparation meant to be used in or on the body.) To this mixture add about 10 drops of the gold tincture prepared above.
Bardon continues:
If you wish to use the condenser for your own purposes, you may still strengthen it, by adding a drop of your blood or sperm, if possible both together, on a swab of cotton wool, throw this afterwards without any scruples into the condenser and shake the lot well. Then, pour all, in a funnel, through filter paper or linen into a small bottle and keep it well corked in a cool and dark place, ready to use.
The magician can use these condensers in many ways: mixing them with liquids to drink, for anointing, mixing them with incense compounds, or pouring them in small bowls to collect and concentrate certain energies.
Any fluid condenser which has been prepared in this manner does not lose its efficiency even after many years. The condenser must be well shaken each time you are going to use it, the bottle is to be corked again after withdrawing some out of it. In the same way you can prepare several universal condensers from Russian or genuine Chinese tea, from lily-blossoms-best are the white ones-popular leaves, alraune roots or mandragora roots, arnica montana, acacia flowers. Any simple fluid condenser, prepared from one plant is sufficient for normal use such as influencing through the elements, or developing the astral senses by means of the fluid condensers.
9. Magick Mirrors for Astral Travel & Healing
The magick mirror (of which the crystal ball is a species) is valuable for many experiments in clairvoyance, clairaudience and the like. After a brief description, Bardon lists many ways the magician can use it. He describes treatment of the sick using electro-magnetic fluids and the magickal loading of talismans, amulets and gems.

10. Elevation of the Spirit to Higher Levels
This chapter discusses the various ways the student should improve his spiritual qualities. Bardon wraps up with a discussion of several occult topics such as exteriorization, levitation, production of natural phenomena, suggestion, hypnosis, psychometry and long distance impregnation of rooms.

More about Franz Bardon's books here:
http://www.geocities.com/franzbardon/timscott.html

Now, without getting into the typical trappings of an internet "exposé" of this nature, I will simply give the URL to one thing (out of MANY interesting things) I found while perusing thefreemason.com's online library simply by typing in the words "Aleister Crowley" which effectively communicates a few things:

"INTRODUCTION

To all whom it may concern--

LET IT BE KNOWN that there exists, unknown to the great crowd, a very ancient Order of sages, whose object is the amelioration and spiritual elevation of mankind by means of conquering error and aiding men and women in their efforts of attaining the power of recognising the truth.

This Order has existed already in the most remote times, and it has manifested its activity secretly and openly in the world under different names and in various forms; it has caused social and political revolutions and proved to be the rock of salvation in times of danger and misfortune. It has always upheld the banner of freedom against tyranny in whatever shape this has appeared, whether as clerical or political or social despotism, or oppression of any kind.

To this ``secret order'' every wise and spiritually enlightened person belongs by right of his or her nature; because they all, even if they are personally unknown to each other, are one in their purpose and object, and they all work under the guidance of the one light of truth.

Into this Sacred Society no one can be admitted by another, unless he has the power to enter it himself by virtue of his own interior illumination, neither can any one, after he has once entered, be expelled, unless he should expel himself by becoming unfaithful to his principles, and forget again the truths which he has learned by his own experience.

All this is known to every enlightened person. But it is known only to a few that there exists also an external visible organization of such men and women, who having themselves found the path to real self-knowledge, and who, having travelled the burning sands, are willing to give the benefit of their experience, and to act as spiritual guides to those who are willing to be guided.

While numberless societies, associations, orders, groups etc. have been founded during the last thirty years in all parts of the civilised world, all following some line of occult study, yet there is but ONE ancient organization of genuine Mystics which shows the seeker after truth a Royal Road to discover The Lost Mysteries of Antiquity, and to the Unveiling of the One Hermetic Truth. This organization is known at the present time as the: Ancient Order of Oriental Templars. Ordo Templi Orientis. Otherwise:

The Hermetic Brotherhood of Light. It is a Modern School of Magic. And, like the ancient schools of magic, it derived its knowledge from the East. This Knowledge was never revealed to the profane, for it gave immense power for either good or evil to its possessors. It was recorded in symbol, parable and allegory, requiring a Key for its interpretation.

For the symbols and glyphs of Freemasonry were originally also derived from more ancient mysteries. These symbols of ancient Masonry, of the Rosicrucians, the sacred art of the ancient Chemi (Egyptians), of Homer's Golden Chain, like those of modern Freemasonry etc. are however but different aspects of the One Great Mystery. They all require a key to disclose the real underlying meaning.

There exists however but One Right Key, and moreover this one right key must be used the Right Way. This key can be placed within the reach of all those who are prepared unselfishly to study and work for its possession, if they apply for membership to the Order of Oriental Templars (O.T.O.)

The O.T.O. (Ordo Templi Orientis) is a body of Initiates in whose hands are concentrated the secret knowledge of all Oriental Orders and of all existing Masonic Degrees. Its Chiefs are Initiates of the highest rank and are recognised as such by all capable of such recognition in every country in the world.

Every man or woman who becomes a member of the O.T.O. has an indefeasible right to the first three degrees of Masonry. The O.T.O., although an Academia Masonica, is not a Masonic Body, so far as the Craft degrees are concerned in the sense in which that expression is usually understood in England, and therefore in no way conflicts or infringes the just privileges of the United Lodge of England. English Master Masons in good standing, by arrangement, on affiliation, are admitted at reduced charges.

Members of the IX degree become part-proprietors of the Estates and Goods of the Order. For further information see the publications of the O.T.O., and the synopsis of the degrees of the O.T.O.

ANCIENT ORDER OF ORIENTAL TEMPLARS

Constitution

ARTICLE I

UNDER THE STYLE AND TITLE: ANCIENT ORDER OF ORIENTAL TEMPLARS, an organization, formerly known as: ``The Hermetic Brotherhood of Light'', has been reorganized and reconstituted. This reconstituted association is an international organization, and is hereinafter referred to as the O.T.O.

ARTICLE II

1. The O.T.O. declares that Brotherhood of All Things Created is a fact in Nature.

2. The principle purpose of the O.T.O. is to teach True Brotherhood, and to make it a living power in the life of humanity.

3. The subsidiary aims of the O.T.O. are:

(a) to spread the doctrines of Hermetic Science, and to initiate its members in the Secret Doctrines of Hermetic Science, for which purpose its members are as a preparatory measure initiated, passed and raised in Masonry:

(b) to establish and administer schools, lodges, etc. where Hermetic Science is taught:

(c) to build, establish, found, manage and administer Homes, Colonies, Settlements, etc. where initiated members may live according to the tenets of the O.T.O.

ARTICLE III

1. The O.T.O. is part of that great and universal hermetic movement which has been active in all ages.

2. Organizations throughout the world adopting this Constitution become integral parts of the O.T.O. upon receipt of official notification of their acceptance as such. All such joining organizations to be subject to whatever conditions the authorities of the O.T.O. may impose.

3. The Central Office of the O.T.O. is at present in Switzerland, but may be removed to any country.

ARTICLE IV

1. There shall be One Supreme Office in which shall be vested paramount authority regarding all matters which concern the welfare and administration of the O.T.O.

2. The title of the person filling this office shall be ``Frater Superior and Outer Head of the Order'', hereinafter referred to as the O.H.O.

3. The person (male or female) filling this office shall serve for life, or until his or her resignation.

4. The person filling this office shall appoint his or her successor.

ARTICLE V

1. The Frater Superior and Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.) shall be the Sole Executive Officer of the Order O.T.O.

2. The Frater Superior and Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.) shall have the Sole power of filling all general offices by appointing persons to occupy the same, and shall have the power of removing any general officer at will.

3. The Frater Superior and Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.) shall have power to declare the policy of the O.T.O., and to direct and manage the affairs of the O.T.O.

4. The Frater Superior and Outer Head of the Order (O.H.O.) shall have the right to cancel or suspend the Charter of any subordinate organization (lodge, chapter, senate, temple, home, school, etc.) and shall also have the right to suspend or dissolve the membership of any person whenever such action is, in his or her opinion, for the interest of the O.T.O.

ARTICLE VI

1. There shall be an Advisory Council (Cabinet) consisting of twelve members, inclusive of the O.H.O., who is the ex-officio Chairman of the Cabinet.

2. The duties of the Members of the Cabinet shall be to aid the O.H.O. in promulgating and establishing the measures emanating from that office.

3. The Chairman of the Cabinet together with two members thereof shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

ARTICLE VII

1. There shall be an Executive Committee of Three (Supreme Council), whose duty shall be to administer the affairs of the O.T.O. under the general supervision of the O.H.O.

2. The Treasurer General, the Secretary General, and the O.H.O. are the three ex-officio members of the Supreme Council and the Executive Committee.

3. All official acts of the Executive Committee (Supreme Council) are void and of no effect when disapproved by the O.H.O.

ARTICLE VIII

1. Should any vacancy occur in the office of the O.H.O., the Cabinet shall have power to perform the duties of that office until the successor to that office takes possession of the same.

ARTICLE IX

1. The O.H.O. shall be the Custodian of the Archives and Library of the O.T.O.

2. The O.H.O. may appoint agents for any purpose and endow them with whatever powers he or she may elect to delegate under his or her hand and seal.

ARTICLE X

1. There shall be a Finance Committee of Three, whose duty shall be to raise money and direct the disbursement of same. The Treasurer General is the ex-officio Chairman of this Committee.

2. The official acts of this Finance Committee are subject to the approval of the O.H.O. and are void and of no effect when disapproved by the O.H.O.

3. Every member is expected to contribute to the funds of the O.T.O. according to his or her means, but the following Dues or Fees, to be paid in advance by the members of the O.T.O. are fixed as minimum contributions (as per Manifesto M.M.M. 1912). Entrance fee. Eight guineas, forty dollars, or 200 francs.

Subscriptions:

(a) Probationers: 2 sh.; 50 cents; 2 francs a month.

(b) Students 5 sh.; 1 dollars; or 6 francs a month.

(c) Initiates; 10 sh.; 2 dollars or 12 francs a month.

The O.H.O. has power to reduce these fees and dues in special cases.

For diplomas are charged:

(a) Students class; 50 sh.; 15 dollars; or 65 francs.

(b) Initiates Class: Five guineas; 30 dollars; or 130 francs each. Charters for Lodges of more than 10 members cost 25 guineas each Charter or 100 dollars or 650 francs. No money paid into the Treasury of the O.T.O. can be reclaimed by either individual members or lodges etc. under any pretext whatsoever.

ARTICLE XI

1. Any person of full age (male or female) who has signed the preliminary pledge form, and has been approved by the O.H.O. may become a member of the O.T.O.

2. Every application for admission must be sent in writing to the Central Office, whether the office be in Switzerland or elsewhere, or to one of the authorized local organizations.

3. The members of the O.T.O. are classified as:

(a) Probationers (embracing Theosophists etc.)

(b) Students or Lay Brothers (Masonic Members)

(c) Initiates or O.T.O. members proper.

For further particulars see synopsis of degrees of the O.T.O. 4. Applications for diplomas and charters must be accompanied by a remittance covering the statutory fees and dues. All diplomas and charters must be issued under the hand and seal of the O.H.O. 5. Three or more members may apply for a Charter to form a subordinate lodge or organization.

6. No person may be a member of two lodges at the same time.

ARTICLE XII

1. Every subordinate lodge or organization shall have the right to conduct its own affairs according to its own wishes and bye-laws, provided that its acts and bye-laws are not contrary to the letter or the spirit of this Constitution.

2. The Bye-Laws of subordinate organizations, lodges etc. must be submitted for approval to the O.H.O., and are null and void if disapproved by the O.H.O.

ARTICLE XIII

1. A Congress of the O.T.O. may be called by the O.H.O. to assemble at such place and time as that officer may designate.

2. Each subordinate organization, lodge, etc. shall be entitled to ONE vote in the Congress for its first three members, and one additional vote for each succeeding two members.

3. The O.H.O. shall have power to prevent the discussion of, or action on, any subject which in the judgement of that officer is against the welfare of the O.T.O.

ARTICLE XIV

1. It shall be the duty of the Cabinet to provide Bye-Laws for the O.T.O., and its subordinate organizations.

2. No Bye-Laws shall become operative until approved by the O.H.O.

ARTICLE XV

1. There shall be a Literary and Masonic Association connected with the O.T.O. to be known as: The Esoteric Rosicrucians. All its official publications shall be issued with the hermetic cypher: I. N. R. I. There are at present two official organs: The Oriflamme and The Equinox.

2. There shall be a department of the O.T.O. for the purpose of teaching Hermetic Science, to be known as the ``Hermetic Science College.''

3. There shall be a department of the O.T.O. for the purpose of doing practical humanitarian work in specially appointed profess-houses to be known as the ``Homes of the O.T.O.''

ARTICLE XVI

1. There exist 4 different seals which are used by the O.T.O. The respective symbolic meanings of these various seals will be made known to the members in the course of their studies. One of these seals is for the general use of the O.T.O.; and one, to be used exclusively by the O.H.O., is called the Secret Seal (S.S.).

ARTICLE XVII

1. The Constitution may be amended by a three-fourth vote of a Congress. But no amendment shall take effect and become law until approved by the O.H.O. In cases of emergency the O.H.O. has supreme power to amend this Constitution by ``Edict'' under his hand and seal, which is to be recorded in the Golden Book of the O.T.O.

ARTICLE XVIII

Initiates of at least ten years good standing may apply for a six months' free residence in one of the established Homes. Applications will be dealt with by rotation. The final decision for granting a free residence to any applicant rests with the O.H.O.

ARTICLE XIX

This Constitution was first proclaimed, published and issued under the hand and seal of the O.H.O. in London (England) on January 22nd, A.D. 1906, Anno Ordinis 788, Anno V.L. 0,000,000,000.

This revised edition of the Constitution has been approved by me, and is now issued under my hand and seal this twenty second day of January A.D. 1917, Anno Ordinis 799, on Monte Verita, in the Republic of Ticino (Switzerland). Merlin, 33ø 96ø Xø Fra Superior and Outer Head of the O.T.O. Argosinus 33ø 95ø IXø Qaestor Parcevale 33ø 95ø IXø Cancellarius"

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Also of interest are the Writings of Manly P. Hall, particularly "The Secret Teachings", which I own and which *illuminates* every corporate logo on the face of the earth worth a damn.

So, where do we all stand in relation to Freemasonry? Crazy conspiracy theorist's wet dream or a very weird and fucking creepy reality?

If you're not sure yet, be sure to do some dilligent research using the Mason's own suggested reading materials and articles written BY the Brethren. Do not make the mistake of reading so-called "Anti-Masonic" literature. By researching such "crap" one could easily fall under the categorization of "Crackpot".

 
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