The Path of Freemasonry

The Craft as a Spiritual Practice

By: Mark Stavish, Arturo de Hoyos - foreword, Lon Milo DuQuette - foreword

Narrated by: Nick McDougal

Length: 7 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

• Shares the history and meaning of Freemasonry and its symbols
• Offers thoughtful explorations of different areas of Masonic experience, drawing on esoteric doctrines and paralleling them with experiences found in daily life
• Provides simple exercises and practices to help internalize and personalize the lessons presented, including dreamwork, journaling, meditation, and prayer

In this practical guide, Mark Stavish details the spiritual lessons and rituals of Freemasonry as a step-by-step path of spiritual development and self-improvement for both Masons and non-Masons, men and women alike. He explores the history and meaning of Freemasonry and its symbols - from its origins in the Temple of Solomon to the Medieval craft guilds to the Renaissance - and explains how the Craft promotes personal growth through the symbolic building of self and an inner Temple of Wisdom in much the same way that Masonry’s rituals symbolize the building of Solomon’s Temple in accordance with the mystical architectural instructions of Hiram.

Drawing on esoteric doctrines, including the Qabala, alchemy, sacred geometry, John Dee’s angelic magic, and the secrets of the Gothic cathedral builders, each chapter addresses an area of the Masonic experience, paralleling them with experiences each of us finds in our own lives. The author provides simple practices to help internalize and personalize the lessons presented, including dreamwork, journaling, meditation, prayer, and understanding sacred architecture. The author also examines the crafting and use of the spiritual and symbolic tools of Freemasonry, such as the trestle or tracing board and the Chamber of Reflection.

Providing the tools to make the Craft an initiatic experience of self-improvement, the author shows that, ultimately, the Masonic experience is the human quest for self-realization and self-expression, so that we each may find our place in the Temple of Wisdom.

©2007, 2021 Mark Stavish. All Rights Reserved. (P)2021 Inner Traditions Audio. All Rights Reserved.

Critic reviews

“Like a drowsy lion, Freemasonry arouses in the outsider both curiosity and mistrust. This landmark book anatomizes the creature without apology or mystification. At the same time, it summons insiders to revive their moribund craft in all the grandeur of its original mission to humanity. Mark Stavish, whose work is informed by a profound knowledge of esoteric traditions, has earned gratitude from both sides.” (Joscelyn Godwin, professor of music emeritus, Colgate University, and coauthor of Symbols in the Wild)

“An ideal guide for those beginning their Masonic journey or who have already begun their journey to the East. If you want to build a better life for yourself, to become a ‘Renaissance’ person, then this book will help get you on your way.” (TJ Bell, 32°, guitarist for Escape the Fate and founder of Black Earth Spagyrics)

“Mark Stavish’s The Path of Freemasonry provides a comprehensive introduction to the Craft - its history, inner structure, beliefs, objectives, rites, and even its symbolically rich language. Unusually, however, it goes far beyond this brief to encompass the broader social and cultural issues surrounding the tradition; and in particular its relationship with, and profound connections to, the occult societies and esoteric currents toward which some of its most respected members have contributed their energy and organizational and ritual know-how. Indeed but for the disciplinary bedrock provided by Freemasonry it is arguable whether there would be a Western esoteric tradition worth talking of. This commendable work provides the reader with an accessible and engaging overview of this subject.” (Peter Mark Adams, author of The Game of Saturn, Mystai, and The Power of the Healing Field)

Marvelous For An Introductory!

For a beginner audible listener, this book is perfect to listen to as you wind down at night, and want to envision the historical path towards an enlightened journey.

A rare coherent history

Of how the Masonic, mystical, biblical, and western occult streams of thought intertwine (or don’t).
Enlightening

review

this book is amazing whether you're a studying Freemason a want to be Freemason or just want to better yourself as a man or as a human I would recommend this book to everybody the teachings that it gives you and the homework that it has you do are phenomenal I give this two thumbs up and an A+

As an Entered Apprentice I found this very useful.

Started listening before I entered Freemasonry, but it prepared me well and gave me much to look forward to. Hope there's more esoteric information like this as I get more involved.

amazing

a true spiritual study of masonry that enriches the craft from a personal standpoint that can give more meaning to the mason who isn't finding spiritual fulfillment in lodge. it is my belief that most lodges have strayed from esoteric and spiritual masonry and it will be on us alone to find that out for ourselves.

Impressive Detail and Background

I found Mr. Stavish's work to be detailed and insightful, inspiring me to continue with more research. I was particularly pleased with the number of additional reading materials recommended at the end of each chapter. I appreciate the narrators commitment to being precise, but found I really needed to increase the speed dramatically in order to keep my attention. In all fairness, I did listen to the audio book while also reading the kindle version. I discovered having the kindle version improved my ability to digest the symbols which is paramount to understanding this work.

Thank you Mr. Stavish, I am indebted to you.

Very enjoyable

I found this book easy to listen to. It was very informative and greatly increased my knowledge in the subject.

good for thought

Great insight if you are curious about masonry. it was a good listen and very informative

Slade M. (TX)

Great Book. I'm currently not a Mason, but I will be sending in my petition within a month.

I stumbled upon this book while I was researching Masonry in regards to my best friend's interest in joining.

As a man that enjoys research, Thank You. At the end of this book the author gives more book suggestions for a variety of subjects within Masonry.

For those interested in joining, if you can't get in contact with your local lodge via email/phone, don't be discouraged. Figure out when they meet & show up about an hour beforehand. They'll greet you Warmly. Feel the vibe. If you like it keep showing up. If not, find another lodge & keep feeling it out.

Try to find an "AF & AM" or "F & AM" lodge. As those are the recognized Masons.

Magnificent writing

The writing and book overall was very knowledgeable and wee thought out. I'd give it 5 stars, however the narration was very text book like. robotic. wlWriting is 5/5