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Jeremy P. Tarcher 2006 ISBN #978-1-58542-510-5 "The Lost Keys of Freemasonry" is a reset and redesigned version of Hall's 1923 volume by the same name. This edition has been combined with two of his other works: "Freemasonry of the Ancient Egyptians" (1937), and "Masonic Orders of Fraternity" (1950). This three-in-one volume features the original illustrations from each book, recreating Masonic scenes and rites. This book is an incredible resource for those that wish to know more about the culture and history of the Freemasons. An interesting note is that Hall wrote and published all three of the books included in this volume before he actually became a Freemason himself. In his introduction to the "Lost Keys of Masonry", Hall indicates that Masonry is a structure based on individual experience. He equates the true Masonic Lodge with a Mystery School, with its philosophy based on truth, rather than any particular religious creed. Hall sees Freemasonry as a science of the soul, a universal expression of Divine Wisdom. In "The Lost Keys of Freemasonry", Hall takes us through the path that an aspirant to the world of Freemasonry would follow: that of being a Candidate, an Entered Apprentice, and a Master Mason. He discusses the qualifications of a true Mason, continues with a description of a ceremony by the Priest of Ra, at the great temple Ammon Ra, and finishes with a discussion of the Emerald Tablet. In "Freemasonry of the Ancient Egyptians", Hall explores the roots of Freemasonry through the initiatory temple rites of Egypt. In writing this book, Hall's expressed purpose was to suggest an interpretation of the Egyptian metaphysical tradition that would be in harmony with the teachings of the Mysteries. Hall discusses Egyptian magic, and such Gods and Goddesses as Isis (patron of magical arts). He notes that gifted Egyptologist Lenormant acknowledged Egyptian magic as an essential part of Egyptian religious philosophy. The Osirian Cycle is presented as the use to which magic was to be put. Hall does an outstanding job of describing the Egyptian pantheon of Gods, and the story of the death and dismemberment of Osirus, followed by his rebirth through the efforts of his wife, Isis. In his chapter on the Secret Doctrine in Egypt, Hall presents a summary of Plutarch's interpretation of the Osirian Cycle (the cycle of birth-death-rebirth, or alchemical death, followed by a rebirth). Included as part of the "Freemasonry of the Ancient Egyptians" is the "Crata Repoa", or initiations to the ancient mysteries of the priests of Egypt. Hall takes the reader through Seven grades, followed by commentary on each grade, and the "Initiation of Plato" - a mock up of the experience that Plato might have had during his initiation into the Egyptian Mysteries. In "Masonic Orders of Fraternity", Hall presents a short history that shoes Freemasonry as it reemerges in Europe in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. It covers the lives of the modern architects of Freemasonry, as well as the organizations that immediately preceded the brotherhood. One of the most interesting aspects of the descent of information from the Esoteric schools was that it was put in the hands of individuals that were already prepared for the work - the guilds, trade unions, benevolent/protective societies. Individuals, such as Elias Ashmole, Lord Bacon, St. Alban, the Comte de St. Germain, Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin, Adam Weishaupt, and the Count di Cagliostro also have their place in the history of Freemasonry. Hall writes with a sense of his audience - in a manner that they would understand. Through his commentary, and the valuable inclusion of the illustrations from the original works, the reader is able to come away with a clear view of the history of Freemasonry, traced back to Egyptian times, and what is required of its members. Readers of all levels will find this an excellent resource.
Bonnie Cehovet
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