The Meaning of "Veiled in Allegory"

Imagine walking into an ancient library filled with books that have no titles on their spines. Each book is a treasure trove of wisdom, but to understand its contents, you must not only open it but also be able to decipher the language and symbols within. This is akin to the phrase "veiled in allegory," especially in the context of Freemasonry.

Let's start by peeling back the veil, a term that originates from the Latin "velum," signifying something concealed. In historical texts, a veil often shrouded sacred objects or truths. It was a literal and metaphorical separation between the known and the unknown.

To 'veil' something is to cover its true form, inviting those who are curious to look beyond the surface. Oppositely, to 'unveil' would be to expose and clarify what was once hidden.

Then, we delve into 'allegory,' derived from Greek "allegoria," referring to a figurative way of presenting a story with a concealed meaning. Allegories are like coded messages; they carry truths in the form of symbols and metaphors that require interpretation. The literal narrative is secondary to the deeper, often moral, message it carries. In contrast, a literal narrative would mean taking everything at face value without searching for an underlying message.

When we combine these elements into "veiled in allegory," within a Masonic frame, we get a vivid picture of how wisdom is presented.

It's not plain or overt but rather hidden within layers of stories and symbols.

It is protected from the uninitiated, not to exclude but to preserve its sanctity and to challenge the seeker to go beyond mere observation to find the wisdom within.

This phrase encapsulates a core principle of Freemasonry: the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. It implies that true understanding requires effort and a willingness to search for the hidden meanings. The knowledge Freemasonry offers is not readily accessible—it must be sought after, contemplated, and deserved.

Freemasonry's allegories are not just wide-ranging in their meanings, appealing to a broad spectrum of interpretations; they are also deep, allowing for continuous discovery. Like an onion being peeled or a journey deeper into the ocean, the Mason is encouraged to explore and reflect, finding layers of understanding that reveal themselves over time and study.

What does this mean for Masons and the curious alike?

It means that Freemasonry is a journey of the mind and spirit that doesn't end with the revealing of one secret or the mastering of one lesson. It's a lifelong path of learning, where each step on the ladder represents a new layer of understanding, a new facet of the gem to reflect upon.

"Veiled in allegory" is not just about protection or exclusivity; it's about the value of the search and the richness that comes with discovery. It tells us that wisdom is not handed to us—we must earn it, and in doing so, we grow.

Freemasonry, in this sense, is both a guardian of ancient wisdom and a guide for personal development, challenging each Mason to look within and without, to uncover the truths veiled in allegory.

-So Mote It Be