Seeing through the fog of narratives

To the Non-Mason, the world of Masonry can seem very forbidding: the image of older men in dark suits carrying briefcases has become a stereotype with which we are all familiar. There is also historical persecution of Masons by the authorities, and the contemporary suspicions levelled at Masonry today by conspiracy theorists who associate Freemasonry with the Illuminati, the New World Order and various other fringe phenomena.

What the Non-Mason must understand is that Freemasonry is a tradition and a practice – although it has a common symbolism, it has many varieties, and many observances. Freemasonry is not a single institution, nor a single Order. The most popular obedience is that of the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) which promotes Anglo-Masonry, but there are other forms of Masonry such as the Scottish Rite, the French Rite, the Swedish Rite, and our own Memphis-Mizraim. Each of these Rites is perpetuated in its own Grand Lodge and Order, with its own members and rules of practice.

The EMO UK believes that the original Freemasonry – the ancient and primitive form – was always intended to be a spiritual and metaphysical tradition, providing an inroad to the higher mysteries of Alchemy and Hermeticism through the analogical myths and symbols of the Masonic Lodge and King Solomon’s Temple. These analogical myths and symbols were used to teach esoteric principles to the Members, who were trained as Builders of the Mystic Temple. In addition to this, the Egyptian Rite includes highly mystical and kemetic symbols in the Degrees, which unfold the tradition even further. We continue this approach to Masonry; rather than perpetuating a Masonic culture dominated by a particular demographic, or destabilised by political or economic ambitions, we are committed to creating an inclusive, progressive, harmonious and spiritual community; an Order in which the Degrees of the Rite are used to promote both individual and collective evolution.

We urge the Non-Mason to consider our perspective, and to approach us without fear. For those seeking a dining or social club, those types of Masonic Order exist. For those seeking a spiritual and esoteric Masonic Order which values community, equity, spiritual growth and potent initiation, the EMO UK is an excellent choice. 

The Gate of Initiation seldom appears in life – take the opportunity!