Encyclopedia Masonica

The sacred cord used in the Hindustance initiation, which writers on ritualism have compared to the Masonic Apron. Between eight and fifteen years of age, every Hindu boy is imperatively required to receive the investiture of the Zenrzaar. The investiture is accompanied by many solemn ceremonies of prayer and sacrifices. After the investiture, the boy is said to have received his second birth, and from that time a Hindu is called by a name which signifies "twice born." Coleman (Mythology of the Hindus, page 155) thus describes the Zennaar: The sacred thread must be made by a Brahman. It consists of three strings, each ninety-six hands, forty-eight yards, which are twisted together: it is then folded into three, and again twisted, these are a second time folded into the same number, and tied at each end in knots. It is worn over the left shoulder, next the skin extending half-way down the right thigh, by the brahmans, Ketries, and Vaisya castes. The first are usually invested with it at eight years of age, the second at eleven, and the Vaisya at twelve. The period may, from especial causes, be deferred; but it is indispensable that it should be received, or the parties omitting it become outcasts.

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.