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The Inevitable Dossier · Chapter Two · Part 2 of 4

Freemasonry

Cathedral builders, guild secrets, and the order that rumor built into the shadow government of the world.

The Freemasons are today most likely the greatest global secret society that exists. They are separated into a countless number of lodges around the world, which not necessary have anything to-do with each others. The origins of freemasonry seem a bit uncertain. Many link their history to the Order of the Knights Templar or even longer back in time. The legend about the origins tells about King Salomon, who built the Temple of Salomon around 950 BC, as being the first freemasonry grand master. The history of constructing large buildings like Castles, Cathedrals etc of course goes back all way to the construction of impressive buildings as for example the pyramids in Egypt and as King Salomon’s Temple was the most famous and sacred place with secrets, one can understand why today’s Freemasons refer to the construction of this temple as the initiation of their society.

It is known that the best way of controlling a human mind is to place him or her in a controlled and powerful environment such as a building. Think of it. When you are in a great cathedral or a castle, one can’t ignore the fact that it affects one’s emotions. The constructors and architects of great building were seen as more than normal workers in history. They shouldn’t be misscompared with bricklayers and those who built small buildings. The Stone Masons skills made them into vise men who was thought to be able to create miracles with their hands and minds. There was a special type of Stone Masons, which was characterized by the fact that they didn’t have any specific home. They lived at their working place and when finished, they moved to the next. These Masons added the word “Free” due to their way of life which literally was the origin to the “Freemason” society. The Freemasons were hired for the most advanced and impressive works, which also made them extra wanted and recommended for new building projects. Advanced skills and knowledge during the middle ages and before was hard to reach and the Freemasons traveled all over Europe, which made them extra independent from nation-state boarders. To construct giant buildings is one thing, to handle the logistics is another and sometimes an even greater task. Specially when building castles, bastillions and fortresses.

The Guilds and Their Lodges

As these building projects could take decades to finish, the planning and stay of the Freemasons were important. The today so mythical lodges of Freemasonry in history were the place where planning, resting and living took place. The lodge was in most cases the first thing to be finished. Depending on the greatness of a project, the lodge either was given back to the owner or became a permanent Freemason institution, “the Guild”, were secrets of the building was protected and preserved. The Guilds and their lodges also served as meeting places for Freemasons were new projects found skilled workers.

The Secrets

In history killing and conflicts was a part of life. Therefore rulers and rich people built great buildings to protect themselves. To become extra secure, they also needed secret passages, hidden rooms and escape paths if the building would come under attack. A secret library with forbidden books wasn’t that uncommon either during the ages of religious suppression. Fact is that if someone knew the secrets of a building, this of course would be devastating. Especially for a building that would be standing for centuries to come, such as a castle, a fortress or likewise. This made it extra important to engage trusted constructors and architects. The Freemasons of course was the only choice as they had no local relation and had created a way to handle such guarantees.

The Rites

What have made the myth of the Freemasons so famous isn’t really that hard to understand. But conspiracy theorists like to dwell in satanistic rituals to put Freemasonry in a negative light. However, the origins of the rituals are just to ensure all involved in the building project understand the consequences of unveiling the secrets. Therefore oath and rites are used to bind members (“Brothers”) to each others. To betray the Lodge most likely mean a lot more than just being expelled from the Lodge. And here comes the grades. Of course higher secrets need higher bounds to the Lodge. And as some secrets only can be unveiled before undoubtedly trusted members the need for an advanced degree system is vital. By establishing the Lodge as an institution beside the finished project, these secrets can be preserved for generations to come. The rites and grade system then has evolved during centuries of usage.

Black and White

As the Freemasons became such a clear court for simple but vital “laws”, they also were seen as good examples on how to handle conflicts. They were often rewarded for their straightness and ability to deliver in time. History of Freemasonry speaks of the 17th century as a time of quick growth and a time when Lodges began to initiate members which were not Masons by profession. The reason may have been that their power had grown and high rank individuals and other intellectuals wanted to take part in their societies. But the other alternative, which seems more likely, is that people outside found a good hideout for ideals which was not officially allowed by the increasing power of the Holy Roman Empire.

The Freemasons ability to judge right from wrong is by many seen as the basics of law and order of modern society. This is by symbolized by the chessboard pattern of white and black squares, which are found almost everywhere in our modern society. Take a closer look at uniforms of the Police force in western countries today. A general understanding and opinion is that Freemasons always has been seeking the highest elite roles in law and order – but it can also be vise verse. Their ability to by honest, truth and straightness as humans has made them highly respected and wanted on these positions.

Possible Pre-Freemasonic History

I found an interesting path to a possible freemasonic origin during my own research as a layman. Were Dan Brown and other point out Roslyn Chapel as the cradle of Freemasonry, I would go a lot longer back in time. When the Byzantine Empires Orthodox Church became established in Russia by the Varangians in the 10th century, Russia almost immediately faced the threats of the Roman Catholic Church. Bruno of Querfort (The martyr) directed German and Polish priests to spread Christianity to Sweden. Sweden at that was not yet established as a united nation-state but royalties had great control of the northern regions of Europe. A bishop named Thurgot created the first Swedish Diocese. Thurgot managed to baptize Olof Skotkonung, first Christian King of Sweden around 1008. The king spread Christianity and made Sweden an apart of the European Church and culture.

However, internal problems grew by time as Sweden, along with the whole Baltic region, in ancient tradition had good relations with east due to the trade routes established as far away as to Constantinople. One side of the same royal family (The Erik’s) was against the Roman Catholics. However, the Sverker’s (other part of the royal family) managed to suppress them. Many bloody battles were fought. In year 1208, Erik Knutsson in a union of Swedish eastgoths, westgoths and upplanders and assisted by Norwegians auxiliaries beats Sverker Karlsson and his allied Danish military force of around 18,000 men in the so called “Battle of Lena”. Sverker escaped and returned for another battle two years later were he died. These two battles gave birth to the Swedish nation state with language and culture of today.

However as Sweden was a major territorial empire at the time, this only moved the religious frontline. Now, Varangians who had trade routes thru the east areas and also often were hired as soldiers found themselves in the middle of a religious conflict. The frontier between Orthodox- and Roman Catholic Church forces was located in the regions of “Karelia”. By time and after years of crusades, war and death – the situation became untenable. Varangians against Varangians, whom before had generations of trade experiences with each others. In the areas of Viborg in Karelia, one can find a series of interesting events in history. The below conversation in dated year 1348 between the King of Sweden, Magnus, who was a great territorial king at the time and the rulers of Novgorod (Russia).

Just a few months later King Magnus signs a “Littera libertatis kareliensium”, which gives the people of Karelia special liberties. In fact, Magnus also during these times initiated the first Swedish nationwide constitutions/laws, the so called “landslagarna” which made it possible to limit the influence of Kings and Nobles. These actions are today seen as the origin to the modern Swedish parliament. However, civil war between Magnus and his son, Erik Magnusson (Son of Magnus), took part 1356–1357. The new king of Sweden, Erik, was ally of Roman Catholicism. When he visited Viborg in the year 1357 on what today has become known as an “Erikgata” event (When the King of Sweden visits a smaller town), he instead of take away the “Littera libertatis kareliensium”, signed by Magnus, he enhanced it to become “Littera libertatis regis Erici”. These documents were held in the church of Vehkalahti (Today Fredrikshamn in Finland). The city Vehkalahti had one of the times most advanced battle fortresses.

If you doubt about the importance of Karelia in history, then if you compare coat of armour’s between the state of Finland and Karelia you most likely would understand that there is something special with Karelia. If you take a closer look at the Karelia coat you will find out that the west arm is armoured like a western knights and the East arm carry a sword of Eastern type. It’s an obvious merger of East and West that exists still today, but as king Erik was an ally of the Catholics, how did he pull this of? “Varangians” means “sworn men” which also may serve as an indicator that the ones involved in these events were men of high honor, sworn to protect their cause. However they faced a new type of intellectual problem, which demanded new strategies. Is it possible that these sworn men gave birth to modern Freemasonry as a secret society? Of course one would not pay special attention on the exact date and year of the above event, as it most likely took several years until someone dared to speak up with such controversial ideas. The so called “sworn men” with their connections over the world may have worked on this “solution” for several years before presenting it to the king.

In the Golden Room of the Swedish “State house” you can find a giant symbolic woman in a triangle. She is called “Mälardrottningen”, which also is the nickname of the Swedish capital, Stockholm. She, in her 19 million pieces of 23.5 carat gold mosaic of typical Byzantine adornment, is also known to be the symbolic balance between east and west. If you are familiar with the Nobel Prize Ceremony held annually on December 10, then you maybe have seen her on TV. The Nobel Dinner is always held in the Blue hall and later the evening dance takes place in the Golden Room, were she is located on one of the walls. The Nobel Prize itself is also stuffed with freemasonic symbolism thru history and today. Alfred Nobel himself is buried Solna, North of Stockholm and the Solna church, a stone church built in the 12th century, also is decorated with lots of freemasonic symbolism.

Back to history; later in the 14th century the areas of southern Finland, especially Viborg, became the center of correspondence with many influential and powerful individuals throughout Europe. In year 1396 Queen Margareta had been invited to be the Ruler of the Kalmar Union. Reasons behind this union were to handle the uprising threat of the Teutonic Knights who had become very active in the Baltic regions. To weld the three “United Kingdoms” of Denmark, Sweden and Norway still more closely together, Margaret summoned a congress of the three Privy Councils to Kalmar in June 1397; and on “Trinity Sunday”, on June 17, the so called “Kalmar Union” was established. The German city, “Stockholm” in Sweden was liberated to become a city/port of major European importance.

I would suggest that it was during this period Queen Margaret I aligned today’s cross based nation flags of the Scandinavian countries with the Danish flag “Dannebrog”, which is known to be the oldest known nation flag in Europe. To make this part of history even more complex, I would also suggest that this initiative was both the fruits of Queen Margaret’s diplomacy and the result of already establish relations with Knights of the Cross such as the Knights Hospitaliers. This also would explain the origins of the Danish flag, which was the one flag that established flags as the common identifier of nations of the world.

I also would make a direct relation between the Kalmar Union and the similar Polish-Lithuanian union, were I suggest that a secret hub for international correspondence was established between east and west – in a Europe that were getting more and more controlled by the Roman Catholics. Brave men such as Władysław I&II, Vytautas, Gediminas had close relations with Novgorod and eventually established the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth as a result of the threat of the Roman Catholic Church. Could the so called “Gediminas pillars” be the same symbolic pillars of modern Freemasonry? Could the Polish-Lithuanian so called “Nobles democracy” have been a part of the roots to Freemasonry?

Consider the Oxford University coat of arms: “Dominus Illuminatio Mea”, which comes from Psalm 27, may be translated as “the Lord is my light”. I will handle “the light” later, but what about the crowns. This is what the University homepage say: “The origin of the three crowns is not known exactly but may be connected with Thomas Cranley, Warden of New College from 1389 to 1396 and Chancellor of the University in 1390, who adopted them for his personal use in 1386. They were also given by Richard II to Robert de Vere, 9th Earl of Oxford, when he created him Duke of Ireland in 1386. Three crowns were also associated with King Edmund the Martyr, King Arthur and Jesus Christ.” Interesting, eh? The period seems to match quite perfect with the events mentioned above and also the three crowns.

The seal of the old Grand Lodge of York, 1705, is believed to be the first “official” English Freemason Lodge. Many professional historians point out Roslyn Chapel in Scotland as the place were Freemasonry was initiated, but I would go further back in time. In fact, I would point out the fact that the Chapel of Roslyn itself, which is a creation of great Gothic architecture, founded in 1446 by William St. Clair serves as the platform for synchronizing freemasonry in Europe. However, this also means that modern freemasonry existed before Roslyn Chapel was built.

As well as the Orkney Islands are known to have become a secret hideout when Roman Catholic Church begun it’s pursue of the Templar Knights, they are probably even more known for its ancient history and the relations with Scandinavians royalties like the old Swedish Sparre and Bååt families whose representatives had been kings of Sweden, Normandy, Gardarike (Russia), Sicily and who also had been very active in the areas of Norway, Ireland as well as they were Earls (Swedish: Jarls) of Orkney Islands.

Interesting knowledge: The English word “Boat” derives from the family name “Bååt”, which is related with their skills regarding designing and using boats. Also their coat of armour, which is a boat, shows the obvious relation. The so called “Bååtska palatset” (palace) in the city centre of Stockholm, Sweden, was built in 1662 on ground given to Seved Bååt by Queen Kristina and has officially been owned by Freemasons since 1874. This is just one of many palaces in Stockholm with similar history. For example: Between year 1776–1876 the Stockholm Freemason HQ was located at the “Schering Rosenhanes palats”.

Back to Roslyn; have in mind that William St. Clair who built the Roslyn chapel was the 3rd Prince of Orkney which of course would link him to the Swedish Jarls of Orkney and possibly Queen Margaret’s Kalmar Union. One should also have in mind that Orkney Islands with its settlements in Skara Brae have history that is dated as far back as 5000 years, which is even before the pyramids and would also serve as a indicator that the areas was of great spiritual importance even during the middle ages.

By tracing back the heraldic similarities of the “Gules Chevron or” and “Sparre af Aspenäs” coat of arms along with other things, one can make some possible implication that some of the Cross Knights gathered in southern Finland and created a new force of Knights that were involved in many important battles of Europe. Many of these Coats which seems to have their origins in time of Queen Margaret and the regions of southern Finland, or at least existed in the areas, may also serve as origin to today’s Freemasonic logo and also the grade system seen on uniforms in most western armies.

So why was Roslyn Chapel built? Well, I would draw the conclusion that Roslyn was built to work as a central administration of Freemasonry in Europe.

But this could only have been initiated when early Freemasonry had come to understand that this was needed. It’s also possible that it was in the Roslyn chapel were the “Freemasonic religion” was founded – with the “Great Architect” as God – which I will talk more about later in this dossier.

One should also know that Scandinavian Nobility has a title “Friherre”, which is similar to “Baron” in Europe. “Fri” means “Free” and “Herre” means “Master”, which also may act as a link between Scandinavian Nobility and the origins of Freemasonry.

Based on the above, I would say that it’s more than likely that Freemasonry existed a lot earlier than what official information tell. But, then that’s the nature of Freemasonry, so why be surprised?

Rumours Led to a Public Constitution

As the society became aware of Freemasonry many rumours circulated. The situation was the same in history as it is today; conspiracy theorists spread rumours just because Freemasons were involved in the highest elite of society. But, do not make this mistake yourself. Not yet.

However, to clear out rumours and misunderstanding a manifest called the “Anderson’s Constitutions” was released by the Grand Lodge in London, England in year 1723. To be known is that this little piece of manifest, written by the Swedish descendant Dr. James Andersson which became the world wide constitution of Freemasonry, was not just put together by a bright mind. The manifest actually was put together using two old documents dated between 1350 and 1390, but wasn’t identified as Masonic until April 18 year 1839 (116 year later).

“Gothic Constitutions” is the name Dr. Anderson applied to the old documents he used when writing the Constitutions of 1723. How about if I told you that these so called “Gothic Constitutions” is dated with same years as the extraordinary time of the Kalmar Union and Queen Margaret and what if I told you that the liberating documents by King Magnus (“Littera libertatis kareliensium”) and King Erik (“Littera libertatis regis Erici”), mentioned earlier, may actually be related with each others or even be the same documents?

The constitution of 1723 made it official that Freemasons was more than builders of great buildings. The ideals of Freemasonry thereby were to create a better society based on the motto “Liberty, Equality and Fraternity”. There was no secrecy in their policy to gain leading roles in the society elite and to establish a solid platform for a better society. Rumours tell stories about Freemasonic activities against the British Empire which led to foundation of USA and also activities related to the French and Russian revolutions.

The Union Split Between Sweden and Norway

The end of the 19th century had become problematic for the Swedish King Oscar II who also ruled Norway. After decades of political conflicts a change had to be made. The Norwegian people wanted their own control and the republic of Norway was seen as the path. Afraid of the Swedish reactions Norway mobilized the military. Many high rank authorities became involved while trying to find a peaceful solution. Also Alfred Nobel was highly involved, which initiated the Nobel Peace Prize, today symbolically handled by Norway.

One key factor in the solution to the state crisis was the conference in Karlstad, Sweden, in 1905. It was during this conference, against all odds, the decision was made to keep monarchy, but except using Swedish royalty, a Danish prince, Carl, was announced as the new king, Haakon VII, of Norway.

The Norwegian people got their own king and control over their own country. And of course, the conference in Karlstad was held in a Freemason Lodge.

What Does Freemasons Think of Religion?

Below text is extracted from the “Charges” part about GOD and Religion in the Freemason constitution which became official in 1723.

“A Mason is oblig’d, by his Tenure, to obey the moral Law; and if he rightly understands the Art, he will never be a stupid Atheist, nor an irreligious Libertine. But though in ancient Times Masons were charg’d in every Country to be of the Religion of that Country or Nation, whatever it was, yet ’tis now thought more expedient only to oblige them to that Religion in which all Men agree, leaving their particular Opinions to themselves; that is, to be good Men and true, or Men of Honour and Honesty, by whatever Denominations or Persuasions they may be distinguish’d; whereby Masonry becomes the Center of Union, and the Means of conciliating true Friendship among Persons that must have remain’d at a perpetual Distance.”

This tells us that religions and faiths of any kind are accepted by the Freemasons but are of subordinate importance compared to ideals of Honor, Honesty, and Friendship etc. Knowing the history, one can make parallels to the similar ideals that existed in the Byzantine Empire. These ideals did most likely follow the Orthodox Church to Russia and resulted in the events in southern Finland as mentioned before. If there is a connection in between, was it the extraordinary events in southern Finland which initiated it, which also led to Protestantism, Reformation and Enlightenment of Europe? Definitely interesting thoughts! A parallel could also be made to the fact that Sweden by time developed into a true protestant state and Freemasonry became well accepted and protected by the highest authorities. Members of the Swedish Royal Family have always and still are protectors and Grand Masters of the Grand Lodge of Sweden.

Freemasonic Example: Israel

The Jewish state of Israel was created in 1948 by the United Kingdom as a result of the vast persecution of Jews in history and especially during World War II. This negotiation was initiated in the end of the 19th century. The Jews who always have seen themselves as the aboriginals of the region, with history back to year 1200 BC, had been suppressed by many rulers in history and now, in 1948, they for once got their own state. One can wonder why Jews has been persecuted thru history. Logically it can be as simple as, their old holy text were put together to create the first real holy book (The Old Testament) and by being the first in any area, one per definition set the basic rules of the area, which in many cases cause envy and conflicts. However, it can also be because they proclaim their book as “the only path” for mankind, which causes a direct conflict with those who disagree. Of course these types of conflicts are connected with the most precious values of those involved and who else than the Freemasons, with their religious transparency and their views of humanity, can be put as center of the hub. And by time solve this religious knot. The state of Israel has more than 4000 high elite Freemasons spread over around 80 Lodges. Israel is believed to be the most active and controlled state of Freemasonry. During the negotiations for famous “Oslo Accords” declaration in August 1993 both Yitzhak Rabin, prime minister of Israel, and the Norwegian foreign minister who was the mediate, seems to have been a Freemasons.

Israel is the perfect place to solve the religious problems of the Earth, as all major religions have important interests in the area. Even the Freemasons themselves claim to have been involved when King Salomons temple was built in around year 900 BC and according to them, King Salomon was the first Grand Master of Freemasonry.

A rumor speak of an altar in the Grand Freemason Lodge of Jerusalem, on were one can find three holy books on top of each others; The Old testament, which represent Judaism, the new testament representing Christianity and the Koran representing Islam. On top of the books one can find the Square and the Compass which represents Freemasonry.

It’s an interesting rumor and it would fit logically into the great picture if one would characterize the state of Israel as a building project of Freemasonry and the Jerusalem Grand Lodge as the central administration with the aim to unite the religions in the true understanding of their own part as conflict creators in the world.

Disliked by Many

One should know that the Freemasons themselves claim to have many priests of all rangs and religions as members, without them seeing any contradiction to their own official work in the church. Freemasonry is in its origin transparent to religions and conflicts are created by opposing side.

Freemasonry has always been disliked by the Roman Catholic Church and has by many been seen as their spiritual opposite (antithesis). More than twelve Popes has condemned Freemasonry in history and the Vatican “Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith”, formerly “the Holy Office” and even earlier in history known as the “Inquisition”, again in 1981 officially warned Catholics that they risk excommunication for joining Freemasonic lodges.

Fascist leaders like Hitler, Mussolini and Franco banned Freemasonry for its ability to influence politics and made parallels to evil conspiracies and the global Jewish so called “Elders of Zion” threat.

Charity and Affinity

Looking at Freemasonry and different areas of operation, one will find that many Lodges have developed in certain directions and charity has always been one of the greatest parts of Freemasonry. By looking at the amount of charity, both economical and as a helping hand, one understands that there are both rich and powerful members involved. Impressively large amount a charity is spread into areas of needs, decided upon the local Lodge members own judgements or by centralized administration if major disasters occur in society.

The main reason for the “low grade” existence is of course affinity. Members meet, become friends and share thoughts about life in general with each others as any normal community does. However, the higher member grades may include deeper meaning and agendas that would justify the secrecy.

Secrecy Beyond Fatigue

Freemasonry has been active forever and millions of members share joy and friendship, but the negative side is that they are by oaths and rites forbidden to reveal any secrets of Freemasonry. This, of course, has become a giant problem as for the large quantity of members there aren’t much to be revealed. And as many members get so much out of being members, they very often argue for a kind of Freemasonry which is more open and official. Christopher Knight and Dr. Robert Lamas, active at the University of Bradford England, are two very known’s members who have spent many years documenting and investigating freemasonry. Their conclusion is presented in three words in the beginning of their book “The Book of Hiram”. The three words are: “Freemasonry is dying”. Their conclusion is of course related to the fact that the historical need of secrecy is playing out its role within our modern and open society. This is of course heavily discussed within Freemason lodges over the globe. One interesting thing they have created is internet site were Freemasons are able to express their view of the meaning of Freemasonry. The contributions are open to anyone to read and I must say it is interesting reading.

The meaning of Masonry URL: http://www.robertlomas.com/mom/

Is Freemasonry a Global Power?

Conspiracy theorists dwell in what they call proof of the Great Conspiracy led mainly by the Freemasons and in general consists in creating a “NEW WORLD ORDER”. The term “NEW WORLD ORDER” should not be mistaken for the Latin quote “Novus Ordo Seclorum” on the dollar bill, which actually is quote from the Greek poet Publius Vergilius Maro, year 70BC–19BC, and should be translated to “New Order of the Ages”. However, the term “NEW WORLD ORDER” has been used frequently in history and especially by the allied leaders during the Great War, World War II and post war politics.

To understand the definition of the term “NEW WORLD ORDER” one has to contrast it with the “OLD WORLD ORDER”, which by definition is the old world of Empires ruled by Emperors. It’s opposite; “NEW WORLD ORDER” is a world ruled by the citizens and the society elite. There is no doubt that Freemasons are involved in many areas of world politics in the same way as Jews, Muslims, Catholics, atheists and others are too. There is no contradiction to it at all. It’s highly inevitable. It is also very likely that the Rothschild’s, the Bildbergers and other famous groups and families that often are accused for being involved in conspiracies, actually are involved, but that does not make it and conspiracy. Some even think the “G” in “G8” is the same “G” that Freemasons use in their logo. Even if this is true, I can’t find any contradiction in it. To make a conspiracy of Freemason in a chair of world politics is as wrong as accusing the Pope for conspiring to become God.

Conclusion

During my reading about Freemasonry in history and today, I found their view of life more interesting and positive than I though I would. By reading their constitutions and by trying to understand how they have been able to succeed to such a degree world wide, I cannot draw parallels of any evil or negative kind to their work or addiction. Many moderate individuals point out the thin line were Freemason may act as a state in the state, which I fully agree on. However, to educate and involve people in important tasks of our society should not be mistaken for being a state in the state. Freemasons of course should work in under the laws of the state, which I have found no contradictions in.

I think a deeper understanding in their work, their ideals and view of life would generally serve mankind well. However, I also understand what it means to be apart of the higher elite and I definitely understand the consequences if a whole Lodge fall into corruption such as the “Propaganda due” Lodge did, which is mentioned later in this dossier.

The Freemasons would definitely be involved if there is conspiracy. However, again, I feel that those who claim them of being part of the conspiracy are the ones who fear them the most.