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Morals & Dogma of Freemasonry - 2. FELLOW-CRAFT - Unlocking Secrets of Freemasonry - Albert Pike (1871) - HQ Full Book
Albert Pike - Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry: Unlocking the Secrets of Freemasonry - HQ Full Book.
Chapter 2. THE FELLOW-CRAFT:
Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (1871) is one of the most significant and widely studied texts in Masonic philosophy. This work, written by one of the most influential figures in the history of Freemasonry, serves as a guidebook for members of the Scottish Rite and a deep philosophical exploration of the moral, ethical, and esoteric teachings of the fraternity.
Albert Pike (1809–1891) was a prominent American attorney, soldier, writer, and Freemason, best known for his profound influence on Masonic philosophy and literature. A towering intellectual figure of his time, Pike served as the Sovereign Grand Commander of the Scottish Rite's Southern Jurisdiction in the United States for over three decades. "Morals and Dogma" emerged from his desire to provide a comprehensive guide for Masonic brethren, offering a deeper understanding of the principles, ethics, and spiritual dimensions embedded in the rituals.
In Chapter 2 of Morals and Dogma, titled Fellow-Craft, Albert Pike delves into the symbolic meaning and philosophical depth of the second degree in Freemasonry. The Fellow-Craft is a transitional stage between the Entered Apprentice and the Master Mason, and it represents a progression in both intellectual and spiritual development. Pike’s interpretation is richly layered with allegory, ancient references, and esoteric wisdom, aiming not merely to instruct the initiate but to awaken the latent faculties of understanding.
The Journey from Apprentice to Craftsman
Pike begins by emphasizing the importance of advancement in knowledge. The Fellow-Craft symbolizes the individual who has passed beyond the rudimentary understanding of Masonry and now engages with the working tools of intellect and experience. This degree is not just a ceremonial step but an allegorical ascent into the realm of reason, science, and philosophy. The tools of the Fellow-Craft—particularly the square, level, and plumb—represent moral rectitude, equality, and upright conduct. They are both literal and symbolic, urging the initiate to cultivate not only practical skills but also virtue.
Symbolism of the Liberal Arts and Sciences
A core feature of the Fellow-Craft degree is its association with the seven liberal arts and sciences: Grammar, Rhetoric, Logic, Arithmetic, Geometry, Music, and Astronomy. Pike interprets these disciplines as pathways to greater truth, each offering insight into the harmony and structure of the universe. For Pike, Geometry is especially sacred, as it represents the divine order inherent in creation. He aligns Geometry with sacred architecture, reflecting how the divine manifests in the measurable and the rational. This emphasis reflects the Enlightenment ideals embedded in Freemasonry—reason, knowledge, and the power of human intellect to decode the mysteries of the world. Pike urges the Fellow-Craft to be more than a passive receiver of knowledge; instead, he must be a seeker, using intellect and inquiry to move closer to truth.
The Winding Stair and the Ascent of Knowledge
One of the most iconic images in this degree is the winding staircase, which Pike explains as a metaphor for the ascent of the soul and intellect toward enlightenment. The stairs are not straight but spiral, symbolizing that the path to wisdom is not linear. It requires effort, patience, and perseverance. The steps themselves represent the gradual progression through different levels of understanding. Pike draws a parallel between this ascent and the initiatory journeys of ancient mystery schools, such as those in Egypt and Greece. The number of steps—commonly described as three, five, and seven—holds s
Published on 2 years, 4 months ago