Among Non-Masons, especially the sensationalist type, and even among many Freemasons, there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings of the original objectives, so much so that much of the meaning of Freemasonic ritual has become blurred and confused. The original creators of this system of character building, harmonising with humanity, and of creating a better understanding of the individual's relationship to God - whatever he deems his God to be - were very intelligent individuals. They possessed a deliberate intent regarding the most suitable method of encouraging others to achieve these ideals. By this system of progression, it was hoped that man's understanding of himself and his God would lead eventually to a peaceful harmony throughout life. So great was its aims and construction that it received many imitators, some not quite achieving the ideals envisaged by the original creators. This book is an attempt to 'get back to basics', and will hopefully bring some additional light upon what the author considers the greatest method of self-improvement ever devised by man.
Ray Hudson is an active member or has been an active member of every recognised Freemasonic order governed by the United Grand Lodge of England or governed by Mark Masons Hall, or that demands, at the very least, that you are a Master Mason under the United Grand Lodge of England. Hudson does not belong to any Co-Masonic Order, or Freemasonic Order that does not subscribe to the principles, tenets and landmarks of the United Grand Lodge of England, whether direct or indirect. Hudson has taken or experienced over 250 different Masonic degrees, some current, some no longer formally practiced. He is a practising member of three Masonic Study Groups. One simply discusses on a question and answer basis all aspects of Craft Ritual. Another deals entirely with Esoteric and Spiritual matters that are to be found within Masonic ritual. The last is one that has a collection of extremely old and possibly defunct rituals and ceremonies that are studied and the merits contained in them discussed. Hudson recognises that many words used centuries ago held a completely different meaning to what we might hold their definition to be today. In acknowledgement of this, Hudson has studied for the past 25 years every aspect of Freemasonry visiting UGLE Library, the Library of the Rosicrucians at Hampstead, The British Library, various Masonic Museums around the country and in Scotland.
