Freemasonry and Its Ancient Mystic Rites (ISBN 0517202670)

Seership and Science:
The original title to this classic work was "Glimpses of Masonic History." This showed the author's purpose to demonstrate a direct connection between modern masonry and the ancient mystery religions. How well he made this case is up to the reader to decide. Personally, it is obvious to me that there is a golden thread connecting the traditions. This is most obvious at the level of the Occult School (as opposed to the "Authentic", Anthropological", and "Mystical" Schools.) Leadbeater showed a remarkable knowledge of the Egyptian, Cretan, Jewish, Greek, and Mithraic mysteries. This is knowledge based not merely on a deep familiarity with ancient written source works and archeological finds, but on the unconventional knowing of the clairvoyant. Leadbeater was considered one of the most distinguished clairvoyants of his day. You will find much here that is not included in more "scholarly" works. Needless to say, such knowledge is not varifiable to the satisfaction of most of the scientific establishment. Yet, this is not to say that it is in error. The second half of the book covers the operative masonry of Medieval Times, and then the more traditional history of speculative masonry in the early 17th century. It ends with an examination of the Co-Masonic Order (a more metaphysical branch of masonry closely associated with the Theosophical Society, and which accepts both men and women.) Transmutemini, Transmutemini De Lapidibus Mortuis In Lapides Vivos Philosophicos.

Useless!:
I bought the book because of its price, and now I know why it sells at that price. It is useless. Leadbeater didn't seem to know who he was writing for: Masons or public. It couldn't have been for Masons, because it is too inaccurate, incomplete and superficial. It couldn't have been for the public either, because his starting point assumes certain basic knowledge of Masonic terminology and abbreviations. So in my opinion the book serves no purpose. What's more, is that this is obviously some cheap reprint of another title, because there are quite a number of references to nonexistent colour plates, and yet the book is full of spelling mistakes and other typos. My advice would be to stay away from this sad book, as there really is absolutely no reason for it to exist, never mind for you to waste money on. Even a little. Now, if you do want to get under the skin, I suggest Masonry: Beyond the Light by William Schnoebelen, who has been a senior Mason and satanist for many years, and whose information isn't as outdated as that of Leadbeater.

Truth and fiction.:
There is a lot of information in this book.The nature of Freemasonry makes proving or disproving the authors ideas impossible.I am not a Freemason.My interest in the subject relates to the "Jewish Mysteries" and ties to King Solomon and other Hebrew people.Afer reading this book I feel that King Solomon was influential on Freemasonry. I strongly disagree that Yehusha(Christ)participated in these secret societies.Some of the rites do mimic the crucifixion and resurrection.Which I find interesting. Mr.Leadbetter puts forth an interesting theory of who Hiram Abiff was.Was he in the Bible?He states that the death of Hiram Abiff was not as portrayed in masonic legend.He was a decorator rather than an architect. The masonic concept of the "trinity" of Osiris,Isis,and Horus parallels other sun worship cults. I disagree with the author's opinion on the Four Beasts found in Revelation and Ezekiel.He felt that those beasts correlate to four elements/four brothers of Horus.The problem with that is that there is no ape listed in the Four Biblical Beasts.I personally am convinced that the four beasts are related directly to the four brigade emblems of the Israelite tribes. Mr.Leadbetter discussed the double meaning of words,especially regarding "The Book of the Dead". The date of the "mourning the death of Osiris" in winter or the "slaying of the sun" by dark forces are close to those of Christmas celebrations today. Some of the most surprising ideas in this book are: *King Solomon built a temple for Astarte. *In Red Masonry there was a search for a hidden vault buried deep in the Earth in which was hidden the Name of God. *Festivals of two well-known patron saints-St.John the Baptist and St.John the Evangelist were celebrated. *Mention of Jachin and Boaz,the two pillars from Solomon's Temple. *The history and origin of the Knights Templar and their role as financiers. *Mr.Leadbetter wrote about some of the beliefs of early church fathers that if true,are disturbing.This is the second book I have read that makes similar claims of participation in the hidden mysteries. *His theory on the loss of the pronunciation of the sacred Name was wrong in my opinion.He believes that loss was accidental due to memory loss as a result of captivity.I don't believe that the scribes or High Priests ever lost memory of the Name.They hid it. While I don't agree with some of C.W.Leadbetter's theories,this book really does have a lot of history and general information on Freemasonry and related societies.This book provided me with some potential answers that I was looking for.I give it 4 stars for relevant content and readability.

Freemasonry and Its Ancient Mystic Rites:
This was purchased as a Christmas present and was very well received. He's enjoying it enormously.

Free would not be a good enough price:
This book was not only a waste of money, but a waste of my time to read it. This writer is out there, on a mystical scale at 10+++. It belongs in a refuse container, I wouldn't even donate it as I didn't want to make society dumber.