Freemasonry, in its Lodges and Ceremonies, makes use of a great deal of symbolism. This publication examines various documents and explains the reasons for the use of particular symbols into Masonry. The author is acknowledged as an expert in this area of the Craft and the information contained in his book will enhance the knowledge of this fascinating subject. First published in 1976 this is the 2003 reprint.
Insiders call it the Craft. Discover the fascinating true story of one of the most influential and misunderstood secret brotherhoods in modern society. Founded in London in 1717 as a way of binding men in fellowship, Freemasonry proved so addictive that within two decades it had spread across the globe. Masonic influence became pervasive. Under George Washington, the Craft became a creed for the new American nation. Masonic networks held the British empire together. Under Napoleon, the Craft became a tool of authoritarianism and then a cover for revolutionary conspiracy. Both the Mormon Church and the Sicilian mafia owe their origins to Freemasonry. Yet the Masons were as feared as they were influential. In the eyes of the Catholic Church, Freemasonry has always been a den of devil-worshippers. For Hitler, Mussolini and Franco, the Lodges spread the diseases of pacifism, socialism and Jewish influence, so had to be crushed. Freemasonry's story yokes together Winston Churchill and Walt Disney; Wolfgang Mozart and Shaquille O'Neal; Benjamin Franklin and Buzz Aldrin; Rudyard Kipling and 'Buffalo Bill' Cody; Duke Ellington and the Duke of Wellington. John Dickie's The Craft is an enthralling exploration of a the world's most famous and misunderstood secret brotherhood, a movement that not only helped to forge modern society, but has substantial contemporary influence, with 400,000 members in Britain, over a million in the USA, and around six million across the world.
"Avery Dulles's theological career has spanned one of the most creative and confusing periods in the history of the church. With the goal of integrating new information from philosophy and the sciences into a deeper understanding of the world and society, the many theological schools pursued independent agendas, with the net effect of a loss of coherence. It is Fr. Dulles's contention that theological schools have drifted so far apart that what seems false and dangerous to one school seems almost self-evident to another. Theologians lack a common language, common goals, and common norms." "Exploring the possibilities for greater consensus, The Craft of Theology illustrates how a "post-critical" theology can draw on the riches of Scripture and tradition as it reflects on the faith of the church in new contexts. Fr. Dulles discusses the freedom of theology within the university and sets forth principles for a fresh dialogue with philosophy, the sciences, and other Christian churches."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Traces the origins of Wicca and offers up a cauldron brew of spells, unusual recipes and fascinating Pagan lore. Also contains easy-to-follow rituals for the eight annual sabbats observed by Wiccans, an up-to-date listing of Pagan periodicals and sections on herbalism, tree magick and dreams. The author, a practising Witch, reveals the ancient secrets of magick and divination and offers her insights on Wiccan history, deities, tools, ethics and much more.
The traditional Pennsylvania Dutch folk practice of painting colorful, round geometric designs directly on barns was adapted to a detached disk format in the mid-twentieth century. Ivan E. Hoyt is one of the most celebrated artisans of hex sign painting, and in this detailed how-to book he shares his knowledge, providing information on tools, step-by-step instructions and photographs, design ideas, and painting tips. Projects include rosette, star, tulip, maple, and oak designs.
Book includes many full page color illustrations and explanations of the important Masonic symbols. Some of the symbols identified include Builder's tools, three columns, rose, double headed eagle and more.
The ultimate book on Freemasonry, with a rich collection of symbols and lore that illuminate the famous fraternal society. "The Craft," with an estimated four million Freemasons worldwide, remains the largest fraternal organization in the world. Written by an active Freemason, this book comprehensively explains Freemasonry through its fascinating visual culture, rich in mysterious and arcane symbols of life, death, and morality that have evolved over centuries of secrecy and that have profound philosophical meaning. Ceremonial regalia, paintings, manuscripts, tracing boards, ritual swords, furniture, prints, ephemera, and architecture: the book is copiously illustrated with many specially researched items from Freemasonry archives. This unrivaled compendium will appeal both to Freemasons wishing to learn the full story of their order and to a general audience that is intensely curious about this traditionally secretive and closed movement. The coverage includes The historical and philosophical background of the order, including the Knights Templar, the medieval stonemasons' guilds, and esoteric traditions such as Kabbalah and Hermeticism Its history from the earliest Masons to the present day, including famous members and scandals Its geographical spread from Japan to California, Sweden to South Africa
For the first time in English, Benebell Wen reveals the rich history and theoretical principles underlying the ancient practice of crafting Fu talismans, or magical sigils, in the Chinese Taoist tradition and gives detailed instructions for modern practitioners who would like to craft their own Fu. Fu talismans are ideograms and writings typically rendered on paper and empowered by means of invocations, ritual, and transferences of energy, or Qi. Talismans can be used for many purposes, such as strengthening or weakening personality characteristics, finding love, earning more money, or easing emotional tensions in the home. The Tao of Craft shows how metaphysical energy can be harnessed to amplify, strengthen, weaken, dispel, or block other metaphysical energy and to rectify perceived imbalances in the material plane. Supported by an abundance of detailed charts and images, this book serves as a step-by-step handbook that gives readers the knowledge and confidence to craft their own Fu talismans for personal empowerment. Wen, author of Holistic Tarot, delves into historic and cultural contexts of the Fu, from the neolithic period of Chinese history to contemporary practices of esoteric Taoism. Providing a solid foundation in the principles of Eastern spellcrafting, she highlights the blending of Taoist metaphysical practices with Western approaches to magic by pointing out eclectic, integrating, and harmonizing facets from other cultures and religions. Historically, Fu talismans were used by medieval Chinese for alleviating illness; averting misfortune, magical attacks, and curses; defending against assaults; and avoiding poverty. This book shows Western practitioners that the skill and knowledge to develop an interactive relationship with spirit realms are still available to them today, and serves as a practical handbook for accumulating Qi energy from sources in the environment and channeling it in concentrated form into their own Fu talismans.
Easter time has a traditional wealth of symbols representing new life and rebirth: eggs, hares, chickens and lambs, Mother Earth and the flower children, birds and butterflies.The authors show how to make Easter figures and decorations of dough, wool, felt or tissue paper, as well as different ways of decorating eggs, making egg cosies, puppets and creating a festive table.
