" Iamblichus, the Alexandrian philosopher, in writing of the Mysteries, says: “Using the reason alone Man can never come to any true realization of what he is in himself; that is, he can never understand by the mind alone that he is an eternal spiritual entity, a brilliant star shining by the light of its own essence.” Iamblichus makes it quite clear that “not by discursive reasoning or through philosophical thinking alone does one come into fellowship with the gods. It is through the awakening of the higher spiritual powers by means of the rites of theurgy that the consummation of the long ages is effected.”

Now “theurgy” is simply another name for magic—the magic of the Masonic ritual, let us say, the modern vehicle of the Ancient Mysteries through which the Seeker for the Light may find reality. This great purpose is beautifully stated by Bro. Wilmshurst. “The union of the personal soul with its divine principle—Masonry has no other objective than this,” says Bro. Wilmshurst. “All other matters of interest connected with it are but details subsidiary to this supreme achievement.”

Freemasonry is ceremonial magic—a mystical system established in the dim ages of the past by those spiritual teachers who were the guides of our infant humanity, and which remains today the chalice of the wisdom, unchanged in its inner potency, ever available to all who seek. The neophyte entering a Masonic lodge has this wonderful opportunity to find the ancient path, but that “door which gives upon the Infinite” will open only for the candidate whose deepest longing is for spiritual understanding."   

By The Very Ills Brother Edith F. Armour 33°

We the Brothers of Lodge Napoleon Bonaparte 100% agree with the sentiments of Bro. Armour.

The reality is that the Craft we label under the collective banner of Freemasonry consists of three very relevant cosmologies.

A.) The Philosophical and Historical Craft. There really cannot be any dispute amongst the enlightened and educated that Freemasonic philosophy has contributed tremendously to modern society. Ideals such as equality, tolerance and mutual respect are Masonic in nature. Of course, the application of these ideals has lead to a better planet, one that while still a work in progress we enjoy today. 

The history of the Craft is also a fascinating one. All one has to do is look at the "roster" of famous Freemasons. From William The Great to Annie Besant the roles of the Masonic fraternity are filled with important and Earth shaking people. The role of Freemasonry in history has a lot to do with so many being all consumed with the history of the Craft itself.

B.) The Fraternal Craft. Fraternity has more than one meaning, all of them are applicable to Freemasonry. A fraternity is a Brotherhood. Many times Brotherhood is a misunderstood term that is gender specific. This is not the case. A Brotherhood is a group of members that freely associate as equals for a mutually beneficial purpose.  This is very important but we must take care not to let this aspect become abused. A Brotherhood cannot turn into a walled off group of friends infected by the brain disease of elitism. A  Brotherhood must not also become reduce to a "hang around" club for tom foolery and childish behavior.

If the Fraternal side of Freemasonry is kept as it's core of a true Brotherhood amongst humanity the positive effects for humanity cannot be underestimated.

C.) The Operative. Here is where many Freemasons are not even aware. This side of the Craft (where the term Craft came from) is usually either ignored, passed over , or scorned.

Not by the members of this lodge. Our membership are actively trained and work tirelessly to become Master Operative Masons. This means strong and advanced study and workings of the Rite of Misraim. This also means a real education in the connected mystery schools that are all interlinked by the golden thread of a common cosmology.

Freemasonry as ceremonial magic is the core of our symbolic lodge.