What is Esoterika Albert Pike Pdf 39 and Why You Should Read It
Esoterika: The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry by Albert Pike
If you are a Freemason or interested in Freemasonry, you may have heard of Albert Pike and his famous book Morals and Dogma. But did you know that he also wrote another book called Esoterika, which is considered by many to be his magnum opus and the ultimate guide to the symbolism of the blue degrees of Freemasonry? In this article, we will explore who Albert Pike was, what Esoterika is, why it is important for Freemasons, and what are some of the key symbols and meanings of the first three degrees of Masonry.
esoterika albert pike pdf 39
Introduction
Who was Albert Pike?
Albert Pike was a 19th century American lawyer, soldier, poet, scholar, and Freemason. He was born in Boston in 1809 and died in Washington D.C. in 1891. He was a prolific writer and a leading figure in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, becoming its Sovereign Grand Commander in 1859. He revised and expanded the rituals and teachings of the Scottish Rite, and wrote Morals and Dogma, a book that contains his interpretations of the 33 degrees of the Rite. He was also a student of various esoteric traditions, such as Kabbalah, Hermeticism, Gnosticism, and Hinduism.
What is Esoterika?
Esoterika is a book that Albert Pike wrote in 1888, but it was not published until 1916, after his death. It is a commentary on the symbolism and philosophy of the first three degrees of Freemasonry, also known as the blue degrees or the craft degrees. These are the degrees that every Mason must go through before advancing to higher degrees. Esoterika reveals the hidden meanings and secrets behind the rituals, symbols, and allegories of these degrees, drawing from various sources of ancient wisdom and occult knowledge. It is considered by many to be Pike's masterpiece and the most authoritative work on Masonic symbolism ever written.
Why is Esoterika important for Freemasons?
Esoterika is important for Freemasons because it helps them understand and appreciate the deeper aspects of their craft. Freemasonry is not just a social club or a charitable organization; it is also a system of moral education and spiritual enlightenment. By studying Esoterika, Freemasons can learn more about themselves, their history, their purpose, and their connection to the divine. Esoterika also challenges Freemasons to think critically and independently, to seek more light and knowledge, and to apply the lessons of Masonry to their daily lives.
The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees
The First Degree: Entered Apprentice
The Working Tools
The working tools of an Entered Apprentice are the 24-inch gauge and the common gavel. These tools are used by operative masons to measure and shape stones for building. However, for speculative masons, they have a symbolic meaning. The 24-inch gauge represents the 24 hours of the day, which are divided into three parts: eight hours for the service of God and a distressed worthy brother, eight hours for our usual vocations, and eight hours for refreshment and sleep. The common gavel represents the force of conscience, which enables us to break off the vices and superfluities of our character, and to fit ourselves as living stones for the spiritual building.
The Lodge and the Temple
The lodge is the place where Freemasons meet to conduct their work. It is also a symbol of the world and the universe. The lodge is said to be supported by three great pillars, representing wisdom, strength, and beauty. These are the attributes of the Creator, who is also called the Grand Architect of the Universe. The lodge is also said to be a representation of King Solomon's Temple, which was built by King Solomon, King Hiram of Tyre, and Hiram Abiff, the chief architect. The temple was a magnificent structure that housed the Ark of the Covenant, and was a symbol of God's presence and favor.
The Light and the Darkness
The Entered Apprentice is initiated in a state of darkness, which represents his ignorance and blindness to the truths of Masonry. He is then brought to light, which represents his enlightenment and initiation into the mysteries of the craft. The light is also a symbol of God, who is the source of all light and life. The Entered Apprentice is taught to seek more light, and to avoid the darkness of ignorance, superstition, and vice.
The Second Degree: Fellow Craft
The Winding Staircase
The Fellow Craft is introduced to the winding staircase, which leads to the middle chamber of King Solomon's Temple. The staircase consists of three, five, and seven steps, each with a symbolic meaning. The three steps represent the three stages of human life: youth, manhood, and old age. They also represent the three degrees of Masonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The five steps represent the five orders of architecture: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. They also represent the five human senses: hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling, and tasting. The seven steps represent the seven liberal arts and sciences: grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. They also represent the seven planets: Saturn, Jupiter, Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, and Sun.
The Five Orders of Architecture
The Fellow Craft is instructed in the five orders of architecture, which are the styles of classical architecture that have influenced the design of buildings throughout history. The orders are distinguished by their proportions, columns, capitals, entablatures, and ornaments. The Tuscan order is the simplest and most solid of the orders. The Doric order is the oldest and most austere of the orders. The Ionic order is more elegant and graceful than the Doric order. The Corinthian order is the most ornate and elaborate of the orders. The Composite order is a combination of the Ionic and Corinthian orders.
The Two Pillars
The Fellow Craft is shown the two pillars that stood at the entrance of King Solomon's Temple. They were named Jachin and Boaz, and they were made of bronze and decorated with pomegranates, lilies, and network. They were 18 cubits high and 12 cubits in circumference. They had capitals that were 5 cubits high and adorned with globes and chains. The pillars were symbols of strength and stability, and they also represented the duality of nature, such as light and darkness, life and death, good and evil, etc.
The Third Degree: Master Mason
The Hiramic Legend
The Master Mason is presented with the Hiramic Legend, which is a dramatic story that illustrates the principles of fidelity, integrity, and immortality. The legend tells of how Hiram Abiff, the chief architect of King Solomon's Temple, was murdered by three ruffians who wanted to extort the secrets of a Master Mason from him. Hiram refused to betray his trust, and was killed with a blow to his head. His body was buried in a shallow grave, marked by a sprig of acacia. He was later discovered and raised by King Solomon, who gave him the highest honors and buried him in a more worthy place.
The Lost Word
The Master Mason learns that the secrets of a Master Mason were lost with the death The Lost Word
The Master Mason learns that the secrets of a Master Mason were lost with the death of Hiram Abiff, and that no one knows the true word that was supposed to be communicated to him at his initiation. The word was a name of God, and it had a powerful and sacred meaning. The Master Mason is given a substitute word, which is also a name of God, but not the original one. He is told to search for the lost word, which can only be found by studying the ancient mysteries and the hidden wisdom of Masonry.
The Sprig of Acacia
The Master Mason is also taught the symbol of the sprig of acacia, which is a type of evergreen plant that grows in the Middle East. The sprig of acacia was used to mark the grave of Hiram Abiff, and it was also a sign of his innocence and virtue. The sprig of acacia represents the immortality of the soul, and the hope of resurrection. It also reminds the Master Mason of his obligation to be faithful to his vows, and to live a pure and upright life.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points
In this article, we have explored the book Esoterika by Albert Pike, which is a commentary on the symbolism and philosophy of the blue degrees of Freemasonry. We have learned who Albert Pike was, what Esoterika is, why it is important for Freemasons, and what are some of the key symbols and meanings of the first three degrees of Masonry. We have seen that Esoterika reveals the hidden wisdom and secrets behind the rituals, symbols, and allegories of these degrees, and that it challenges Freemasons to seek more light and knowledge, and to apply the lessons of Masonry to their daily lives.
Call to action for further study
If you are interested in learning more about Esoterika and the symbolism of Freemasonry, we recommend that you read the book yourself, or find a reliable source that can explain it to you in more detail. You can also join a Masonic lodge or a study group that can help you understand and appreciate the deeper aspects of your craft. You can also visit some websites or blogs that offer valuable insights and resources on Masonic symbolism and history.
Closing remarks
We hope that you have enjoyed this article and that you have gained some new perspectives and insights on Esoterika and the symbolism of Freemasonry. We hope that this article has inspired you to explore more of the mysteries and secrets of your craft, and to apply them to your personal and professional growth. Thank you for reading this article, and may you always walk in light.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Esoterika and the symbolism of Freemasonry:
What is the difference between Esoterika and Morals and Dogma?
Esoterika and Morals and Dogma are both books written by Albert Pike that contain his interpretations of Masonic symbolism and philosophy. However, Esoterika focuses on the first three degrees of Freemasonry, while Morals and Dogma covers all 33 degrees of the Scottish Rite. Esoterika is also more concise and accessible than Morals and Dogma, which is longer and more complex.
Where can I find a copy of Esoterika?
Esoterika is not widely available in print, but you can find some copies online or in some Masonic libraries or bookstores. You can also download a PDF version of Esoterika from this link: https://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/esot/index.htm
Is Esoterika compatible with other religions or beliefs?
Esoterika is not a dogmatic or sectarian book, but rather a collection of symbolic interpretations and philosophical reflections. It does not claim to have the absolute truth or to contradict other religions or beliefs. It respects the freedom of conscience and opinion of every individual, and encourages them to seek their own understanding of God and reality. Esoterika is compatible with any religion or belief that promotes love, tolerance, and harmony among all people.
Is Esoterika relevant for modern Freemasons?
Esoterika is relevant for modern Freemasons because it offers a deeper and richer understanding of the symbolism and philosophy of their craft. It also helps them connect with the ancient traditions and wisdom that have influenced and shaped Freemasonry throughout history. Esoterika also provides practical and moral guidance for Freemasons to live a better and more meaningful life in the modern world.
What are some of the benefits of studying Esoterika?
Some of the benefits of studying Esoterika are: - It enhances your knowledge and appreciation of Freemasonry and its history, culture, and values. - It improves your critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as your creativity and imagination. - It enriches your spiritual and intellectual development, and your personal and professional growth. - It inspires you to seek more light and knowledge, and to share it with others. - It strengthens your bond and fellowship with your Masonic brothers and sisters, and with all humanity.
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