Alchemy, Masonry and the Hermetic Traditions

By Ralph Metzner

There is an esoteric tradition in the West that existed prior to Jung that "rediscovered" much of the esoteric hermetic tradition. A creature of the Enlightenment, Speculative Masonry used the metaphors of the medieval stone mason guilds to teach the work of self transformation. This "modern" version of psycho spiritual transformation also found itself at odds with the dominance of the Catholic Church in Europe. Wary of both Church and State it remains somewhat concealed even to this day though still a living intellectual school.

Through its oral tradition and ritual, Masonry continues to incorporate the teachings of Western Alchemy and, though cloaked in new symbols and "veiled" in architectural metaphors, it is arguably the modern heir of the hermetic tradition. Now, after more than 300 years of development, modern speculative masonry is in a period of decline and contraction in terms of membership. My question is what do you think the hermetic traditions must do to reinvent themselves for the 21st century?

          Vance Thomas Langford
          Benicia, CA

Mr Langford makes a valid point in pointing out that the tradition of Masonry, is one of the heirs of the medieval esoteric tradition concerned with the transformation of human consciousness. I did say, in my essay on the quest for the philosopher's stone, that:

"The crafts of masonry, which uses mineral stones in building, and medicine, which uses mineral and botanical extracts in healing (as well as metal tools in surgery), were parallel and associated secret societies. All three movements developed an esoteric or inner component, concerned with practices of psychic and spiritual self-transformation."

All three traditions – alchemy, masonry, medicine – had components that were secret, esoteric, and thus "hermetically" sealed from outsiders, for both political reasons (to avoid persecution) and psychological reasons (to avoid misunderstanding and misuse). Actually, astrology should be included in this list of esoteric sciences, as the symbolism of the planets and the zodiac are woven throughout alchemical texts; for example, Paracelsus' prescriptions often involved consulting the horoscope for favorable indications for the timing of treatment.

I don't agree however, that Masonry is "the modern heir of the hermetic tradition," as Mr. Langford states. It is one of the residual strands of these esoteric, hermetic sciences, which like the other strands has been largely emptied of the core meanings of pscho-spiritual transformations. Modern chemistry and modern astronomy are also heirs of these traditions, focussing on the material component only. C. G. Jung, as a psychotherapist and healer, was able to translate alchemical texts and imagery into the language of depth psychology, and thus did uncover the psychic or psychological aspect of the transformative opus. My own work, in alchemical divination, builds on the work of Jung, and also incorporates elements of the Asian yogic and indigenous shamanic traditions.

In Masonry, as far as I can tell, the aspect of psychic or psychological transformation is implicit, rather than explicit: the use of carpenter's and builder's tools could be seen as metaphors for the use of inner energy-tools, used, like yogic meditation practices, to heighten the functioning of the human energy-system (referred to symbolically as the "house" or the "temple" of the soul.) In the Masonic tradition, it is taught that the design of King Solomon's temple encoded very high spiritual teachings, as a kind of ideal for a new humanity; which is probably also why that temple (or the ruins of it) became the object of such determined searching by the Templar knights who accompanied the early medieval crusades to Jerusalem.

As to whether the hermetic traditions can or should reinvent themselves in the 21st century, I cannot say. The secrecy associated with these traditions in former times, may no longer be necessary or appropriate. Jesus said, "do not pour new wine into old bottles". Perhaps sometimes the old bottles and containers can still be used, if they are infused with a fresh understanding, based empirically on results obtained. There are alchemical practicioners who prepare medicines for psyche and body, according to the traditional spagyric methods; just as there are homeopathic practicioners, herbalists and flower essence specialists, who use spiritual, meditative practices in the preparation of their remedies. Some builders pay attention not only to the structural and energetic aspects of their building, but also how it affects the psyche of people inside of it, and the collective psyche of the community in which the building stands. I would see such efforts also as carrying forward the best of ancient teachings of transformation.

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