To Truly Understand Freemasonry, Do THIS

If you want to truly understand Freemasonry, you need to stop studying the allegories and symbolism of our ceremonies the wrong way. Many Masons build their Masonic knowledge like a Jenga tower - with each move to advance their knowledge, they end up removing the key pieces that hold it all together.

They spend years learning about intricate symbols and obscure history, but their understanding remains unstable. One wrong move, and the whole tower comes crashing down.

This approach often leads to many Masons learning things that are just plain wrong.

In this edition of Daily Masonic Progress I'll share the key lesson many Masons forget about Masonic education, how to keep your Masonic knowledge structurally sound, and give you a clear path to real Masonic wisdom, while avoiding the traps that catch many well-meaning Brothers and lead them to false ideas that can ruin their understanding of Freemasonry.

If you've been a Mason for a while now, when you attend lodge meetings, participate in the ceremonies through progressive office, and even study Masonic literature, something may seem missing. Like ,something doesn't feel right. Maybe you’ve joined the appendent orders, the deeper you go, the more confused you become. Well, you're not alone.

This confusion leads many Masons down a dangerous path. They start looking for answers in all the wrong places. Some dive into esoteric theories about Freemasonry. Others get caught up in pseudo-historical claims about Templar treasures or Egyptian mysteries. These misguided searches not only waste time but can also damage your understanding of true Masonic Light.

But, to actually receive the real light of Freemasonry the answer lies in changing how you approach Masonic education. Instead of chasing after every new theory or interpretation, start by mastering the basics. Focus on the core teachings of the First Degree. These fundamental lessons aren't just for new Masons - they're the key to understanding everything else in Freemasonry.

Perhaps you've taken the advice to focus on the basics, but you keep hearing about "more light" in other degrees and orders. Fellow Masons talk excitedly about the Scottish Rite, York Rite, or other Masonic bodies. They claim these hold the "real secrets" of Freemasonry.

This constant push towards more degrees can lead you astray. Masons often fall into the trap of "degree collecting," thinking each new title will unlock hidden wisdom.

They spend time, money, and energy chasing after these additional degrees, neglecting the rich teachings of Craft Masonry. Some even start to view the Blue Lodge as just a stepping stone, missing its profound importance.

This is not to dimish the value of the appendant orders, rather the contrary. See in order to be able to get anything valuable out of them, you really need to have a deep education on the Craft, otherewise you end up missing out on the actual wisdom and lessons those orders are there to each.

See, what if, in this this search for "more light" in endless degrees, that’s actually leading you further from true Masonic enlightenment?

Here's the key lesson many Masons forget: Always ground your Masonic learning back to the First Degree. The Entered Apprentice Degree isn't just for beginners. It's the base or foundation for all Masonic wisdom. If you don’t believe me, go and re-read the North Each Charge.

Here’s what I mean, when you follow the direction to study any of the ancient mysteries, the symbolism or the allegories of further degrees, you must always ask: "How does this adhere to the teachings of the Three Great Lights in Masonry?"

By doing this, you'll see how even complex ideas in Freemasonry connect to these basic principles which are the foundation of all masonic light.

So let’s say you've started to focus on the First Degree teachings, but now you're facing a new challenge. You may be tempeted to think and question this approach for being "stuck in the basics" and missing out on the "deeper truths" of Freemasonry.

This temptation can shake your confidence. You start to doubt yourself. Maybe I am missing something important by not exploring every esoteric theory or joining every Masonic body? The temptation to return to your old ways of studying grows stronger. You worry that by focusing on the First Degree or any of the Craft Degrees, you might be limiting your Masonic growth.

But what if staying true to the fundamentals is actually the key to unlocking the deepest Masonic wisdom?

Remember, the greatest Masonic scholars and leaders have always emphasized the importance of the Craft degrees, especially the First. Their deep understanding comes not from accumulating degrees, but from thoroughly exploring and applying the fundamental principles.

Think of it this way: A master musician doesn't become great by constantly switching instruments. They master one instrument so thoroughly that they can create beautiful music with it.

Similarly, by deeply understanding and applying the lessons of the First Degree, you gain the tools to understand all of Freemasonry.

But what if despite your efforts to focus on the First Degree and the Craft’s teachings, you still struggle to see how they connect to the more complex aspects of Freemasonry. You wonder if there's a missing piece that ties it all together.

This uncertainty can be frustrating. You've invested time and effort into studying the basics, but the grand “secret” of Freemasonry still seems out of reach. You start to worry that maybe your temptations were right - perhaps you do need to explore other avenues to gain a complete understanding.

What if the key to understanding all of Freemasonry has been right in front of you all along, hidden in plain sight within the First Degree?

Here's the crucial insight: The First Degree isn't just a set of basic teachings - it's a lens through which to view and interpret all of Freemasonry.

Every symbol, every allegory, every teaching in the higher degrees and other orders is an advancement or progression of the principles laid out in the Entered Apprentice Degree.

For example, the concept of Brotherly Love introduced in the First Degree is the foundation for understanding the lessons of unity in the higher degrees. It’s what underpins the Order of the Secret Monitor.

The importance of seeking truth, first emphasized when you were made an Entered Apprentice, is the key to interpreting even the most complex Masonic philosophies.

This discovery of grounding education on the First and subsequent Craft Degrees should transform your approach to Masonic study. Instead of seeing the First Degree as a starting point to move beyond, you now understand it as the essential framework for all Masonic knowledge. When you encounter a new Masonic concept, don't ask, "What secret does this reveal?" Instead, ask, "How does this expand on the teachings of the First Degree, how does this expand on the teachings of the preceeding degrees?"

By now, maybe you've come a long way in your Masonic journey, but you might still wonder: Is this focus on the First Degree really enough to fully understand Freemasonry in all its depth and complexity?

This final doubt can be persistent. After all, Freemasonry has centuries of history, countless symbols, and innumerable interpretations.

What if this approach to Masonic education isn't just helpful, but is actually the secret to mastering Freemasonry that the greatest Masonic thinkers have always known?

Here's the fundamental truth: The key to effective Masonic education is consistently aligning all studies and interpretations with the foundation of Masonic Light laid out in the First Degree. This principle ensures that Masonic knowledge remains coherent and true to its core teachings across all degrees.

Think of the First Degree as the root system of a great tree. The higher degrees, the appendant bodies, the countless books and interpretations - these are all branches growing from that root. Without a strong, healthy root system, the branches wither. But with deep, well-nourished roots, the tree of Masonic knowledge can grow to incredible heights.

By always grounding your studies in the First Degree, you're not limiting yourself - you're giving yourself the tools to truly understand and appreciate the full breadth of Masonic wisdom. You'll find that even the most complex Masonic concepts become clear when viewed through this lens.

Remember, Freemasonry is a progressive science, always ask yourself: "How does this relate to the fundamental principles I learned as an Entered Apprentice?"

By doing so, you'll build a Masonic understanding that is not just expansive, but also profound, practical, and true to the essence of our Craft.