What is Esotericism in Masonry?

On the Lodgeroom US, a brother asked if our lodges allowed or encouraged the study of esoteric masonry. This made me think, because in my experience, the study of what is termed esoteric masonry is a rarity, and in fact, many of the members are if not disapproving of it, they are downright discouraging about it. In fact, many will argue against any kind of esoteric masonry existing at all!

Before we go any further, let’s start with a definition of what esoteric means, so we are all on the same page. From the Merriam-Webster online dictionary:

1 a: designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone (a body of esoteric legal doctrine — B. N. Cardozo)

1b: requiring or exhibiting knowledge that is restricted to a small group (esoteric terminology); broadly : difficult to understand (esoteric subjects)

2 a: limited to a small circle (engaging in esoteric pursuits)
2b: private, confidential (an esoteric purpose)
3: of special, rare, or unusual interest (esoteric building materials)

Looking at the definitions, 3: of special, rare, or unusual interest seems to be the most appropriate. However, reviewing the other definitions, it can easily be understood why object to esotericism in lodges. It is also easy to see where the elitist label comes from… 1b, 2a, and to an extent, are true, sort of. 2b alone pretty much describes freemasonry, so it could be applied to a subset of freemasonry.

Esoteric studies are not aimed at excluding anyone, but are aimed at expanding the understanding of the symbolism and teachings of freemasonry as they apply to our daily lives and our civilization. Esotericism, that is, the philosophy and study of symbology as it pertains to freemasonry should not run anyone off. The problem is that some men are very comfortable with what freemasonry is today… easy, without the need for deep contemplation and study.

The young men joining today are looking FOR the promise of freemasonry, if the fraternity does not allow those who are interested in the foundational principles of freemasonry to practice that freemasonry, then the will of those not interested is being imposed of them, by preventing them from Masonic education and philosophy in lodge. Must it be all or nothing? Fraternal association, ritual and paying the bills is just a slice, a single piece of what freemasonry is for all of us and it would be wonderful to see the brothers tolerate a few minutes of esoteric thought and discussion.

Traditional Observance/European Style/Esoterik Lodges are forming all over the United States right now. They are forming because it is often easier to start a new lodge focused on study, philosophy, discussion and so on than it is to change an existing lodge. That’s the bad news. The good news is that the men who start new Esoteric lodges are also active in their mother lodges, so everyone benefits. The better news is that, in my experience, many lodges are beginning to offer what the Grand Lodge of California is calling Masonic Formation, since the goal is not just education, but the formation of a mason.

The future of freemasonry is a blend of what the lodges are today and the esoteric, traditional observance type lodge. That is the promise we have made to the public and to our new brothers, philosophy, brotherhood, fraternity, charity, education… MORE LIGHT. Its good to see that light being turned up in the lodges.

May the blessing of heaven rest upon us and all regular masons. May brotherly love prevail, and every moral and social virtue, cement us.