Encyclopedia Masonica

From the Greek Theos, meaning God and Ergon, work. The ancients thus called the whole art of magic—magic being understood here as the powers, influences or practices of supposed or pretended supernatural or occult art—because they believed its operations to be the result of an intercourse with the gods. But the moderns have appropriated it to that species of magic which operate by celestial means as opposed to natural magic, which is effected by a knowledge of the occult powers of nature, and necromancy or magic effected by the aid of evil spirits. Attempts have been made by some speculative authors to apply this high medics as it is also called, to an interpretation of Masonic symbolism. A most prolific writer is Alphonse Louis Constant, who, under the name of Eliphaz Levi, has given to the world numerous works on the dogma and ritual, the history and the interpretation, of this theurgic Freemasonry.

The Encyclopedia Masonica exists to preserve the wealth of information that has been generated over the centuries by numerous Masonic authors. As Freemasonry is now Speculative and not Operative, the work of a Mason is now conducted in the quarries of symbolism, literature, history and scholasticism. Freemasonry encourages intellectual exploration and academic achievement in its members and many Masons over the years have taken up this calling. The result has been that an incredible amount of philosophy, symbolic speculation and academic insights have been created. However, as Freemasonry teaches, human knowledge is frail and fragile. It is easily lost in the turnings of the ages and unforeseen catastrophes can result in great setbacks to human knowledge.

For too long these great works have sat on forgotten shelves, gathering dust and concealing the light that could be shed on the darkness of our ignorance. The Encyclopedia Masonica has been created to act as an ark, sailing through time, to ensure that future generations of Freemasons have access to the same knowledge that inspired the Brethren that came before them. It will contain the works of such Masonic Luminaries as Albert G. Mackey, Manly Palmer Hall, G.S.M. Ward, Albert Pike and many others. The Encyclopedia Masonica is a living work and the volunteers of Universal Co-Masonry will continue to labor until the most comprehensive Masonic reference work the world has ever seen has been created. The Encyclopedia Masonica is open to any who wish to use it and will remain open so that the treasures contained within may increase the wealth of all those who seek its wisdom.