posted August 02, 2003 06:02 PM         

I know very little about the Order of the Eastern Star, but I know 3 ladies who are members of the order.. They don`t talk about the 'member' stuff, but I do know they make wonderful Christmas baskets for the needy. Cloths,food and toys. The contribute a nice scolarship to the school and do various volunter work. These ladies are members of the Congregational Church and stalwarts of the community. If they were doing dastardly deeds, I think ,in this village of about 600 people, they`d be sniffed out

I have always been fascinated by these ladies. They do have a piety and a mysterious air about them. When I was a little girl, I believed they must carry a pentagram in their bible. Maybe they really arn`t mysterious, I just wished they were.

I bet Ra has knowledge to share with us! Ra......?

I`m interested in what is found out!!

posted August 03, 2003 11:07 AM         

Coincidentally, I just finished reading Blavatsky's The Secret Doctrine. From information such as this, I can only say that I agree with the basics of the System. The works of Alice A. Bailey are also of this nature, and I find her work to be most enlightening, although there is something in it, some energy, that keeps me from completely giving my heart to it.

All I can say is investigate for yourself and question everything. My investigations are still very much in infancy.

posted August 03, 2003 06:12 PM         

There's a power in ritual, and in dedicating oneself to a Way or cause... wouldn't you think that esoteric/spiritual associations would acknowledge some form of disclosure, where a person could back out at certain steps, if there were aspects involved that were unacceptable?

Hmmm. An area I know nothing about, indeed!

posted August 04, 2003 09:56 PM         

Ra, that pentacle is upside down, I don't believe that's a positive sign. What does it mean? I thought, that when the pentacle is upside down, it becomes satanic?

posted August 05, 2003 05:06 AM         

here's some stuff about Freemasonry: http://www.meta-religion.com/Secret_societies/Masonry/masonry.htm

here's an interesting article about Freemasons and the facts and myths of the founding fathers of the United States: http://www.meta-religion.com/Secret_societies/Masonry/masonic_myths_of_the_founding_ fa.htm

I had a book on the sujbect but UNFORTUNATELY I sold it on eBay a year ago thinking I'd never read it. Of course, now I wish I hadn't done that because I'd like to do some reading on the subject.

posted March 02, 2004 02:10 AM         

What ever happened with this? Didja become a member of The Order of the Eastern Star?

I don't know much about the Masons other than,
*(I think every president of the US has been one.
*The like to keep secrets
and
*They freak me out somewhat.

I have read a bit on the symbol of the pentagram. In a Kabbalistic magick book I read it mentioned that the four lower points of the star symbolize all the elements of the material world (earth, air, fire, water) and then the topmost point, by pointing upwards, indicates a channelling of those elements through the form of spirit to contact the 'higher' realm of Diety.
Conversly, when the point is directed downwards, it indicates that spirit, and the the elements are channelled into 'lower' or more primative and materialistic/earthly avenues.

My impression (strictly from my own speculations.. )of the Mason's use of that symbol in that manner indicates their desire to harness the powers of the world and use it to gain power for themselves in the material world.

It would makes sense then for every President to have been a Mason. We have Mason symbols on our money in the US. Without a doubt, all the Forefathers of America were Masons. Men with great deals of power.. It makes me wonder what they did behind the scenes to garner that power.

posted March 02, 2004 02:13 AM         

Jeez.. I've come across so many things that stated that as if it were uncontested fact..

Well.. I guess I'd better get reading that link.

------------------
Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high;
Where knowledge is free;
Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls;
Where words come out from the depth of truth;
Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection:
Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way into the dreary desert sand of dead habit;
Where the mind is lead forward by thee into ever-widening thought and action--
Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country (or our world!!) awake.

posted March 02, 2004 01:09 PM         

For whatever it's worth, here's the opinion of someone who is NOT a follower or who needs to feel she is part of a group for a sense of identity::

Why would someone want to be a part of a group which continually reminds you that there's always going to be someone who is above you and has more power than you. I don't need a secondary ritual to come between me and my Source, i.e., my inner voice.

People who are into that seem to be SOOOO easily "impressed" by the (oooooh) secrecy and mystery. It's bullshhit. They'll give you just enough, and reveal just enough to make you feel like you're part of something important. In the mean time, you've given complete strangers permission to look up your azz any time they want.

I've met a couple of people who are in it and they are NOT dealing with reality. They exaggerate their self-importance and connect themselves so strongly to the group, that it becomes every bit a part of their sense of self. Keep in mind, you will not have anything of importance to these groups if you are OUTSIDE of them, meaning, they will not respect you based on what you've accomplished on your own as an individual outside of the group.

Someone may disagree with me. But I would argue til the day I die, your debate would be based on an obscure overlaying theory, not in the reality of how it truly affects one.

So - would you rather sit around and wait until someone spoon-feeds you what they think you need? Or are you the independent-thinking type who'll say "thanks, but no thanks", and go hunt down your food yourself?

Groups like that align themselves much more closely with socialism and communism, than true freedom and democracy...

What would you lose that you couldn't get from somewhere else?

posted March 02, 2004 08:39 PM         

I'm only answering to your specific request for our personal opinions as to whether YOU should join. I'm not denying the history of masonry in general. (PS: Ever see how they planned out D.C.?)

99% of present day groups are not nearly as powerful as they think they are.

I for one understand completely your strong Scorpio influences. (I've got some).

BUT, right away it occurred to me that THESE GROUPS DON'T LIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE TOO SMART FOR THEIR OWN GOOD.

In other words Tink - be curious all you want. That's what will DRAW YOU to them. But you will NEVER be respected by them for what you know, and especially, for what you are NOT WILLING TO DO.

I understand the Scorpio nature. Will any of this ultimately help you to become a more authentic person? Life is short, remember.

Look -

There's a TON of reading material out there on masonry and other such societies which may satisfy your curiousity. In fact, if you spend a year or two going through it, you'll probably know a lot more than they themselves know. (Shhhh... keep'em off your scent)...

You've said yourself you've had trouble in similar group situations!! That's because they know you know.

What have you read regarding any of this? Including any other interrelated subjects...

I too have dabbled in some exotic circumstances, and I too would get out by the hair of my chinee chin chin. But one time I was not so lucky, and the biggest lesson I learned was that I had to find creative ways of satisfying my curiousity without risking so much of myself.

You need to take that advice too.

posted March 03, 2004 07:58 PM         

I'm going to assume from your comments that you consider the organization to be a bit on the dangerous side. Otherwise, where is the risk? Just the general danger of belonging to a group - any group?

I have done some research. It's all very contradictory though.

posted March 04, 2004 12:42 AM         

I used to own alot of books on arcane groups and historical "esoteric" books. The history of Freesmasonry is steeped in lurid tales of the Knights Templar, who were supposedly the Knights of the Red Garter, a group in charge of protecting the secrets of pagan ritual and Goddess worship in a Christianized Europe.......

IN the real world- nobody knows. I don't think they get together and sacrifice kitties in order to maintain their "secret agenda" of world domination using the powers of evil, only to exchange cookie recipes once the "dancing naked covered in blood" ceremony is over.

I wasn't aware that women were even allowed in it, based on the knowledge I studied. But I was looking at historical content, not current practice.

In fact, I found this....

More traditional Masons will respond that the entire purpose of a 'fraternity' is to be a group of males and that admission of women would change the character of a three hundred year old institution beyond recognition. So what is the "correct" answer? There probably isn't one which will satisfy all parties.

I found lots of links....I assume you have been trolling the Net looking for info.

Now, I would imagine that if there was a Mason Lodge that consisted of high ranking members of society....you know, like the Cabinet, or bank trustees, or something....there would be the potential of agendas. But thats why the original purpose was to be a fraternity. Think of it as a Renaissance union, perhaps?

I would totally want to check this out Tink....but thats just me. My curiousity must be satisfied when it comes to things like this!!!!

posted March 04, 2004 12:48 PM         

I lean more towards what you say as well. Like a Renaissance group. There's a ton of really cool stuff about them more so from the past. But it's watered down now, perhaps for the better. My concern for Tink is that a group based on "information" can turn the tables on her.

posted March 04, 2004 07:29 PM         

juniperb

posted October 18, 2004 10:35 AM         

Yes, I did join up but, alas, not with the Eastern Star. Unfortunately, you've arrived just a little bit late for the Initiation Sacrifice.