EP 94 Pagan Mysteries Theory Part 1: Did Freemasonry Come From Ancient Mystery Schools?

Did Freemasonry come from the Pagan Mysteries?In this episode of Masonic Muscle, we begin Theory #2 from the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry listed in the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia of 1877: the theory that Freemasonry derives from the ancient Pagan Mysteries.We also read an email from listener and Worshipful Master Jamey Sterrett of Temple Lodge No. 70 A.F. & A.M. in Texas.The stars shine bright, all through the night — deep in the heart of Texas.Then we get into the serious work.This episode asks:How can Masons examine the Pagan Mysteries theory without confusing symbolism, initiation, religion, mythology, and historical proof?We discuss:Theory #2 from the Royal Masonic Cyclopaediathe Pagan Mysteries theory of Masonic originsancient mystery schoolsinitiation, ceremony, silence, and symbolic teachingthe Catholic Encyclopedia definition of PaganismPick and Knight’s The Pocket History of FreemasonryW. L. Wilmshurst’s The Meaning of MasonryH. Spencer Lewis and AMORCThe Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ by LeviHoly Blood, Holy GrailThe Messianic LegacyRosicrucians, Essenes, Druids, Culdees, Comacine Masters, and alchemistsEgypt, Heliopolis, the Sphinx, Atlantis claims, and the Hall of Recordswhy Masons must separate mystery from evidenceThe word pagan needs to be handled carefully.Too many people use it as a lazy insult, a vague label, or a catch-all bucket for anything ancient, non-Christian, symbolic, or mysterious.That will not work here.If we are going to investigate the Pagan Mysteries theory, we need to define terms, compare sources, separate speculation from proof, and ask what early Masons may have borrowed, preserved, imagined, or reinterpreted.The question is not:Can we find similarities?Similarities are easy.The better question is:Do those similarities prove transmission, influence, shared symbolism, or only human beings using similar symbols to explain life, death, morality, and transformation?That is the work.If you have read about another theory concerning the origins of Freemasonry, write to me and let’s share it with the listeners so we can become more knowledgeable and establish a stronger foundation.Write to me at:[email protected] Masonic Muscle on Instagram:@masonicmuscleFollow Masonic Muscle on Facebook.Subscribe and follow Masonic Muscle on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.Let’s explore these mysteries together.