The Masonic Light Group

www.masoniclight.org

Masonic Light Group

Founded: May 8, 2000

Last Update:

Freemasonry: A Global Perspective

It is probably best that I let you read about Freemasonry and the Masonic Light Group directly from a number of the members who have taken the time to share a few thoughts with you:

"Most of us Freemasons, come to the Order because of the good opinion we have formed of it. Many have heard of the heroes of the past that were Masons.  Men such as Washington , Franklin, Garibaldi and La Fayette or men of distinction such as John Glen,  Red Skelton and many more too numerous to list.

When we take the Degrees of Masonry, we, in a very brief time, are exposed to a tremendous amount of wisdom, mostly in the form of Symbol and Allegory, often with multiple meaning. How are we to "wade through" this mass of arcane wisdom? How are we to make heads or tails and gain a more complete understanding of the Royal Art of Free Masonry?

Books help. Luckily there is a wealth of literature written over the years; some good, some not so good and some down-right trash. A mentor is a wonderful thing in most any context, Masonry included. It helps to be exposed to more than one's own point of view. A view of Free Masonry with as broad a base as possible can lead to a greater understanding of the principals and tenets of our ancient art , and that to a happier more fulfilling life for ourselves and benefit all those around us making the world as a whole a  better place, this is the Great Work of the Craftsman.

The Masonic Light group quite well reflects the world in which we live with Masons from most all parts of the globe.  We are often told in diversity is strength and on ML one will come in contact with well thought out interpretations of Masonic ritual and symbol in as diverse a form as can be anywhere found. That, my friend, is invaluable."

With All Fraternal Regards
Bro:. Harold Fink, MPS
JW Konosioni Lodge #950 Grand Lodge of New York
Central City Chapter #70 Royal Arch Masons
2002 ML-AUM Award Winner

"The ML forum was recommended by one of my Co-Masonic brethren as an open-minded, all-encompassing (in all senses of the word) community. It has proven itself squarely respectful of all forum members, regardless of affinity or gender. While we must acknowledge that differences occur, and allow them to occur, we also accept them for what they are. This forum is a shining example of that duality and accomplishment. We agree, we disagree, we agree to disagree, and therefore understand how to coexist Masonically. This is the ultimate goal of all Freemasons, no matter the politics. Well done! Well served. Thank you! "

H.G.W,
Bro. Fox Cole
Pilgrim Lodge, Eastern Order of International Co-Freemasonry

"While I'm not a regular poster to the ML list, I find that it has opened up the true Universality of the craft to me. The many schools of thought reference Masonic tradition, symbology and enlightenment have provided me with many moments of reflection and knowledge of the craft. I heartily recommend this list to all brethren desiring 'more light'. 

In furtherance of 'More Light In Masonry'..."

Bro:. Dewey Bass
North Creek Lodge # 746, Grand Lodge of Alabama

"I like to discuss freemasonry with brothers and sisters around the globe. Masonic Light is for me the salt in the porridge so to speak, because all different cultures and customs from the members of Masonic Light makes, when I read the posts, every day a pleasure.

Knuffels and thank you from the bottom of my heart again for creating Masonic Light.

Sister Betty Langenberg, PM
Pythagoras Lodge, Rotterdam - NGGV
2002 ML-AUM Award Winner

"Masonic Light and its participants help me understand and explain Freemasonry "as a building the upper story of which was erected in the 19th Century; the ground floor dates from the 16th century; and a careful examination of the masonry discloses the fact that it was reconstructed from a dwelling tower of the 11th century. In the cellar we discover Roman foundation walls, and under the cellar a filled-in cave, in the floor of which stone tools are found and remnants of glacial fauna in the layers below; That would be a sort of picture of our mental structure." With these words in "Mind and the Earth:" C.G. Jung describes my reasons for joining forces with the esoteric explorers drawn to the Masonic Light. Though I doubt that such was his intentions!"

Late Bro:. Andy Boracci
Wamponamon Lodge # 437, Sag Harbor,  Grand Lodge of New York
Editor and Publisher of American Mason magazine

"One of my main reasons for subscribing to this list lies in the fact that following 'The Way' in search of the light can often be a solitary process. With the input of ML, one soon realizes that one is no longer alone. Not only that, but the stimulation of other points of view from my fellow travelers on the path of enlightenment, is a constant source of joy and inspiration."

Bro:. Tim Wallace-Murphy
Lodge Robert Burns Initiated 1781 - Grand Lodge of Scotland

"So many answers, so many questions, so many pieces of a jig saw to fit together; the pursuit of knowledge is everlasting. ML helps to fit some of the jigsaw pieces together."

Bro:. John Bourne
St. Peters Lodge # 1024, Maldon, Essex - United Grand Lodge of England

"I'm an old "stuck-in-the-mud" conservative traditionalist, and often represent the best and worst of our Fraternity. I joined this list to get an occasional "kick-in-the-pants". I don't always agree & I don't necessarily think the same way many of the Brothers & Sisters here do, but then isn't that part of what we're about? We can't learn and improve ourselves if we only meet people who think the same way we do and know the same things we do."

Bro:. Mark McTrustry
East Palestine Lodge # 417, East Palestine - Grand Lodge of Ohio

"This is a great opportunity to make further advancement in masonic knowledge. I have personally gained immensely by being a member here.

I come to know of the similarities and dissimilarities between various parts of the world as regards masonry.

This list brings together people from different parts of the world with freemasonry as a common platform. Truly a wonderful world by itself."

Bro:. Rangaswami Venkatesan
Lodge Concord # 204, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu - Grand Lodge of India

"Contact with those active and interested in Freemasonry from around the world.

An opportunity to ASK a question about Freemasonry and most likely get a faster higher quality answer than anywhere else. (Don't ask a question and just read some threads and you are bound to learn something.)

If you add together the Masonic experience on this list it has to be in the range of thousands of years. 

Except for an occasional diversion into religion or politics this is one of the most stable and respectful lists I have ever been on. (It has been tolerant and kindly corrected my mistakes and observations of ignorance when they appeared in my postings). 

Generally what is practiced here on this list/outside of the lodge is mindful of what we have learned within. 

Many are on the list and lurk, but will respond when a topic appears which is of interest or which they know the answer to. 

In my opinion, there is a general tolerance and willingness to share appropriate knowledge on the part of the members who have many degrees and are 25+ years in Freemasonry with those of us with much less. "

Bro:. Rob Robinson
Hackenburg - Mt. Moriah Lodge # 19, Philadelphia - Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania

"Why this List? - - Why Not?

After all it is well run, erudite, amusing, educational and above all international with few boundaries.

In fact it is very similar to the true tenets of Freemasonry.

V.W. Bro:. Robert T. Bashford
Moyarget Lodge # 280, Moyarget - Grand Lodge of Ireland