In reality it is a cipher that was used by forces in during the civil war in the united states. It includes the three basic degrees of the ancient york rite, and four additional advanced degrees. Bruno zechel, 1874, by gotthard oswald marbach and freemasons. The grand lodge office provides several titles of masonic publications. M district of columbia 1994 mirror site illustrations of masonry, by capt. This week well discuss the pros and cons of cipher books and how different jurisdictions use them. Masonic cipher usage to decode mason secrets, page 1. Both the ciphers on this page use the classic masonic cipher, which is also known as the pigpen cipher, as the alphabet is written into a series of grids, with some passing resemblance to pigpens.
A squared version is used for the capitals and a rounded one for the lowercases, extra symbols incluse only punctuation, being comma, exclamation, question, period, collon and semicollon. The following exposures of masonic ritual are provided in a cooperative effort between exmasons for jesus and ephesians 5. It includes the three basic degrees of the ancient york rite, and four additional advanced. The author has isolated them and provided evidence of these. Jul 19, 2009 what it sounds like to me is that you have found an old masonic ritual, and your looking to learn what is in it and how to read it. Plain black hardcover book with no dust jacket no publisher or date of publication light wear to covers, with a little fraying to edges and several light creases large split along spine some inner pages with stains or light soilinga few with dogeared corners or creases front endpaper and a rare inner page with written notations. Published by the grand lodge of maine masonic temple, portland 2010 original publication 1948 revisions 1952, 1955, 1959, 1963, 1972, 1982, 2000. It is easy enough to read if youve progressed through the degrees because it uses the same cypher as ea, fc, and mm cyphers. These ritual books served as mnemonic aids for freemasons who had to learn. I cant imagine a lodge having its ritual written in plain english so i hope that isnt happening. I found a book from a masonic lodge that is in code, page 1. What it sounds like to me is that you have found an old masonic ritual, and your looking to learn what is in it and how to read it. Duncans ritual is careful to note known variations where they exist. Ritual cipher my freemasonry freemason information and.
Item does not have any stains or tears of the pages. Loge balduin zur linde page images at hathitrust agenda j. Endpapers plain, foreedge has cloth flap marbled on the inside with some losses to close and protect the book but without any closure device. The books are full text and readable online free of charge. As a result, early masons would draw the symbols which were spoken of in the ritual on the lodge floor in chalk. Ive really tried hard to start learning the ritual, but gosh is it hard, especially when the instructions are as clear as a black balled vote. Find great deals on ebay for masonic cipher and masonic books. Rare secret code masonic cipher few things are more controversial than masonic symbology and how they should be interpreted. The title of this book is king solomon and his followers.
There are some revisions in trial procedures, including the addition of a burden of proof. Masonic ritual has appeared in a number of contexts within literature including in the man who would be king, by rudyard kipling, and war and peace, by. This cipher is very close to, but not actually the true blue lodge or york rite cipher. The code is sometimes referred to as the pigpen cipher because the grid shape resembles an animal pen. The current edition is dated 1992 and is published by the gl of massachusetts.
Still i think it should be required for every mason both new and old. Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do, yeah, they were all yellow. Front page artwork antiques apparel name badges emblems lapel pins masonic rings jewelry supply shopping cart faq sales my account favorites design your own custom masonic rings back to masonic ritual ritual books the ashlar company does not carry any ritual books. New listing kjv holy bible master reference red letter edition masonic heirloom 1964. The copiale cipher is a beautifully bound green and gold book consisting of 105 pages and approximately 75,000 characters. Solomons temple is a substantial part of the rituals and symbolism found within freemasonry.
Use a different keyword for every message, because this will still be a substitution cipher, even though the specific substitutions change. The standard ritual of scottish freemasonry hardback there is no such thing as a standard scottish ritual. According to an email message to me, the california grand lodge adopted a cipher ritual at its 1989 annual communication. Brothers, the wonderful and enchanting land of ohio features a grand lodge with a ritual in code, provided to brothers who purchase a book. Extended cipher, includes ciphered work plus monitorial work in the degrees together in one book. By this, i dont just mean getting the words wrong i mean ritual that is drab and uninspiring, which fails to actually teach a candidate. The pigpen cipher sometimes called the masonic cipher or freemasons cipher is a simple substitution cipher exchanging letters for symbols based on a grid. The head of this chaptercastle in 1860s baltimore was also the grand master of the maryland freemasons. A ritual of the first three degrees of freemasonry. Beginning about 1797 thomas smith webb, author of the freemasons monitor, taught a unique form of masonic ritual to his students, who transcribed the ritual in private books, in a onetothree lettered cipher.
The example key shows one way the letters can be assigned to the grid. There are many distinctive ciphers used by the freemasons in times past. This book presents details of masonic initiation rituals, along with grips, passwords and regalia. Duncan 1866 this book presents details of masonic initiation rituals, along with grips, passwords and regalia. The senior deacon and the junior deacon will meet at west side of altar, facing west, after purging lodge. Every mason interested in doing ritual work either gets one or buys one if their jurisdiction permits the use of them. Mar 04, 2017 a geometric simple substitution cipher, which exchanges letters for symbols which are fragments of a grid. In most masonic lodges, the bible, the quran, talmud, and vedas are prominently displayed, which gives each member a holy text to reference and utilize during rites and rituals. Duncans masonic ritual and monitor chapter 1 part 7 the. Nov 24, 2016 the freemasons cipher from a book on codes and ciphers by careercommons, via flickr stay safe and healthy.
Freemasonry was formed when there was little written material. For the 21st century masonic officer tools for the 21st century mason volume 2. Platos philosophy is at the core of modern freemasonry. Ritual books are what a mason uses to learn his part. The scheme was developed and used by the freemasons in the early 1700s for recordkeeping and correspondence. Nov 03, 2015 ciphers, cryptography, secret codes, modes of recognition. It is borrowed from the aik bekar, a kabbalistic cipher. Educational tools, or a shortcut to doing the work of memorization. New book out, knights gold, explains how 5,000 gold coins discovered in 1934 baltimore were actually the property of the knights of the golden circle. Some only allow you to learn ritual from mouth to ear. Apr 19, 2008 this particular cipher was found in a new york best seller william poundstones book of big secrets, in the chapter on how to crash the freemasons. Masonic ciphers, or books of coded ritual work, have been available to masons in america for some time. If you closely compare this cipher with that of the york rite or blue lodge, you will see the subtle differences but know that they are different.
Freemasons are part of an ancient tradition with rituals and symbols all their own. Official masonic rituals are usually not printed as complete english text by the grand lodges. So, here masonic collection presents you a wide range of ritual books for all orders including aldersgate, book of constitutions ugle, emulation books, passing cards. Ciphers are code books which usually contain one or more letters for each word in the ritual. This book will be of interest to beginning masons who want a roadmap of the craft, as well as experienced masons who need a. Mystery masonic ritual book written in typical shorthand. Indeed, much information and misinformation surrounding our fraternity has stemmed from our use of a cipher to communicate and keep record of our ritual. The 10 digit isbn is 0880532599 and the digit isbn is 9780880532594. Texas code book my freemasonry freemason information and.
Last i heard, it was a masonic crime to even possess a cipher ritual in the state of texas. M district of columbia 1994 wikileaks masonic cipher book grand lodge f. This is a little confusing, as cypher or cipher usually has a. The security afforded by this cipher is enhanced somewhat by combining it with a simple, separately communicated keyword, as follows. Only those who have proven themselves to be masons and those who are being initiated into the degrees of freemasonry are allowed entrance. Holy bible masonic edition 1957 freemasons bethlehem lodge no.
Here is a copy of the masonic cipher used to decode masonic messages. Who can decipher these two pages from a freemason mnemonic. Inside the front cover, it says to be returned to the lodge incase of loss or the death of the person it was loaned to. Some states have a cipher that will teach you what these shorthand words are, other states still use wordofmouth to teach other masons, mostly officers, how to read and understand this masonic shorthand. Ritual is often mediocre, and it doesnt have to be. Written in the 19th century, duncans ritual, as it is known, has been republished numerous times. Ritual, developed in france in the mid 1700s, included elements of the book of. There were some versions of the ritual that were released under different names so that they could be passed off without scrutiny.
There was no discussion about allowing it or any other book to be used or even possessed in lodge or on lodge property. The freemasons have long used ciphers to encrypt their ceremonies and messages. May 27, 2017 the masonic cipher is a simple substitution code once used to keep masonic records hidden from prying eyes. Later in the lost symbol, robert langdon comes across an unfinished black stone pyramid, with a masonic cipher on it. May 08, 2011 this book appears to be a guide for the ceremonies of freemasonry. Please practice handwashing and social distancing, and check out our resources for adapting to these times. Mark master mason new ritual book secret code freemason. Masonic ritual is always performed behind closed doors, with a guard called a tyler, standing on the outside of the lodge room. Morgan 1827 murdered by the masons in pdf duncans masonic ritual and monitor, by malcolm c. Although some online retailers do sell them, we are of the opinion that there is no good reason.
It contains the complete mark mason ritual, which is the fourth degree in york rite masonry, after the first three degrees of entered apprentice, fellow craft, and master mason. Masonic books online library of all articles masonic blogs what is new this site is not an official site of any recognized masonic body in the united states or elsewhere. Masonic symbolism is that which is used to illustrate the principles which freemasonry espouses. Has a plain text ritual, with only essential secrets omitted. The only official ritual cipher book allowed by the grand lodge of texas a. Texas cipher king solomons lone star macoy publishing. It is a masonic ritual cipher, the pages you posted deal with the fellow craft degree. By knowing this cipher you will not be able to decode a real masonic cipher.
Ive been able to translate some of the book, it is very interesting, but it was accompanied by another book that says almost the same things, but not in code. In the masonic cipher, letters are arranged in two grids. Ritual cipher grand lodge of the most ancient and honorable society of free and accepted masons for the state of new jersey published by grand. They say a good book is a mans best friend, and it can teach you what nobody can. Some omit words from ritual, substituting asterisks in order to avoid revealing too much. A few utilize cipher for a very few portions of the ritual for the same purpose. Our ritual book in california is also written in cypher for the same reasons. The pigpen cipher was used in the eighteenth century to keep masonic rituals secret. There are some ciphers used in some of the york rite degrees they are only ceremonial.
A workbook to learn masonic ritual in 100 days and prepare for the worshipful masters chair. Masonic cipher book the point of a sharp instrument. Another primary authoritative masonic teaching method is through small books which are given to men when they are raised to the degree of master mason. In or we have a code book that is like our code of ethics and actions. Jan 21, 2009 originally posted by hawk123 masons are always using encrypted messages. Masonic ritual is the scripted words and actions that are spoken or performed during the degree. Masonic ritual from having read their descriptions in books and on the internet would still not be initiated in any wayfor the personal, meaningful influence inherent in those sacred and properly conducted rites would in no way have been transmitted to him. This is part 7 of chapter 1, of the entered apprentice degree to the world famous malcolm c. I doubt that such a proposal would ever be approved. A ritual of the first three degrees of freemasonry lester, ralph. Despite appearances, these ciphers are all simple substitution.
It is completely meaningless to anyone outside masonry and thus is a true code book. Texas code book my freemasonry freemason information. The cypher of the rose croix used in tricky masonic cipher 1 is one of these old sets of symbols. The content of masonic monitors consists essentially of a set of core elements from ritual plus optional elements which vary from grand lodge to grand lodge. Freemasons have used ciphers since at least the 18th century. However, there was a time when this was forbidden, even if printed in coded cipher. The freemasons cipher from a book on codes and ciphers by. By code book do you mean a cipher or the masonic code. There are many themes that are adopted in emulation ritual from platos writings. Mar 24, 20 the secret of the 33rd degree of freemasonry illuminati bloodlines lucifer i recommend the plan of world war iii war planned for 2027 attack to start at 3 am european time eastern storm illuminati. The secret ritual book 33rd degree freemasonry youtube. During opening ceremonies of all degrees, when called to order by the senior warden, brethren shall look to the west and give ps in unison with the senior warden. This organization is an unincorporated association which shall be known as the most worshipful grand lodge of free and accepted masons of the state of california. California masonic cipher ritual book cover in faux.
Jan 08, 2016 new book out, knights gold, explains how 5,000 gold coins discovered in 1934 baltimore were actually the property of the knights of the golden circle. The freemasons cipher is sometimes called the pigpen cipher, because the alphabet is written into a grid of lines, which may look like pigpens, and a cross shape from two diagonal lines. The ritual book usually has 3 letter ciphers for each word. We believe that the result of our efforts is a draft code which is easier to read, addresses more. This takes you through the second part of the entered apprentice. The standard ritual of scottish freemasonry the grand. Why therefore is the grand lodge of scotland selling a standard ritual. This book is brand new, with beautiful black leatherlike hard cover with gold embossing. The pigpen cipher alternately referred to as the masonic cipher, freemasons cipher, napoleon cipher, and tictactoe cipher is a geometric simple substitution cipher, which exchanges letters for symbols which are fragments of a grid. The trap, a 2009 nominee for lancashire childrens book of the year, uses a variation of the pigpen cipher. A keyword is written into the top of the pigpen grid, with two letters per box. Select a keyword of any length, for example masons. The local blue lodge is the place where you and your freemason neighbors begin your masonic careers.
This book is indispensable to any texas mason who needs to catch up or keep fresh. Jan 25, 20 this is a rendering of the now widely known masonic cipher, an alphabet used largely used by freemasons in the 18th century. Exmasons for jesus is a fellowship organization of men and women who have left the masonic lodge and appendant bodies, such as the order of the eastern star, jobs daughters, the order of rainbow for girls and the order of. Heres an example of how you might be able to read a similar kind of cipher to a text you. I havent heard anything about the publishing of a new cypher book by g,l, but i doubt it since it can be had from masonic publishing houses. The answer is that this ritual contains many of the common but by no means all elements in scottish masonic ritual. Masonic ritual is the scripted words and actions that are spoken or performed during the degree work in a masonic lodge. Due to translation errors, the press missed an opportunity to arouse public interest with another mysterious topic that often grabs headlines. Jan 12, 2011 the pigpen cipher has been used in several works of popular culture including dan browns 2009 novel the lost symbol, both in the book itself, and also to provide a puzzle in the artwork of the u. I understood that the code books are not to be used in the building or in front of a candidate. As a mason, you can earn degrees, join esoteric and social organizations, and become privy to the language and abbreviations specific to freemasonry.