The Path of Freemasonry: The Craft as a Spiritual Practice

If you want to know more about, and understand the deeper aspects of, Freemasonry then you should read this book. The author is a Freemason and there are forewords, appendices and material from other Freemasons included. The book has a good introduction setting out why the book was written and who the book is intended for. The author explains the book is mainly aimed at non masons but that Freemasons might also enjoy this book.The book is well structured and begins by explaining what Freemasonry is and the background to its system. The book then brings in other aspects of Freemasonry, such as sacred geometry and architecture, alongside its history and into the modern day Freemason era. At the end of each chapter there are key points you can use for revision of the content of that chapter followed by suggested assignments for the chapter and then further suggested reading. The book is an excellent book on Freemasonry, but these extras at the end of each chapter mean that you can take your knowledge further if you want to and delve deeper into the topic on your own guided by what you are particularly interested in. These assignments can be as simple as just sitting and reflecting on something or more involved such as visiting places and altering reality with your mind. In addition to the extra material at the end of chapters there is an extensive eight page bibliography and notes for each chapter, appendices and useful index.Of course the book predominately uses male pronouns, and refers to 'brothers' and 'fraternity' throughout, but it should not be forgotten that females have always been a part of Freemasonry practice and indeed mixed lodges are on the increase while male only lodges are on a decline. Therefore, women should feel they can use the book and all the suggested activities and material.What is really good about the book is that it is approachable but still maintains a high standard of content and detail. The nature of Freemasonry is complex with a heart of simplicity, which has endured in many forms since the beginning of time. This book captures those aspects and expands into a wealth of knowledge from which you can take as much or as little as you want. It can be read as a way of simply learning more on the subject, or for learning in more depth, or using on your own spiritual path. And this is true whether or not you are a Freemason now, or ever will be a Freemason. Highly recommended.

The author is far too obsessed with his hatred for social services. It's distracting and stopped me from reading.Especially as it is based on the patent nonsense that all modern large buildings are solely for the purpose of administration of these services.I wouldn't mind. But he's American, and they don't even have any social services!

It's a excellent book, especially for the begginers in studies of freemasonry.

Great book!

Thought it was a new book, but sadly, it’s just the newest edition of Freemasonry: Rituals, Symbols & History of the Secret Society. Title has been changed, but it’s the same book (aside from a foreword to the new edition)

für mich eine schön abgerundete vorstellung der spirituellen freimaurerei mit interessanten gedanklichen tiefgängen. schön werden dabei auch punkte hervorgehoben; die punkte und thesen werden sehr häufig von zitaten (zb von mackey, pike, mc clenachan) begleitet, die den bezug zur freimaurerei nachvollziehbar machen bzw. belegen. gut gefallen haben mir auch die leseempfehlungen am ende der kapitel.für mich sehr schön zu lesen und dies eine buch tiefgehender als die vier bücher umfassende serie "The Spiritual Freemasonry series".

First I need to place my review in context. I am a 32nd degree Mason and also a person who practices ritual magick. For a long time I have been trying to blend my Masonic teachings into a workable path. My background includes The Golden Dawn, OTO and a few similar orders so I have something to reference. What this book was very good for was giving me lots of ideas to use as I formulate my practice. It is primarily a book about freemasonry and will give anyone interested in our craft lots of wonderful information, both masons and non masons. It is not a grimore, nor was it presented as one however I believe it can be... or at least it can be useful to someone looking for that. Stavish is a practicing magician and if you can read a little between the lines I do believe there is enough there to assist in creating something more than is first presented. Every Mason should own a copy and practice the exercises, but then again I like the author and have most of his writings, opinions vary.