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Article THE PENTALPHA AND HEXAPLA. ← Page 2 of 2 Article GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Page 1 of 1 Article PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF ENGLAND AND WALES, &c. Page 1 of 1 Article MASONIC LIBRARIES. Page 1 of 1
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Pentalpha And Hexapla.
tokens and talismans , it may still be seen , sometimes with the three mystic letters , or points , sometimes with the Tetragrammaton inserted , and sometimes with the word Adonai . It is to be lound all over the East , and is no doubt also Egyptian and Hindoo , as well as Hebraic and Phoenician . It is found in , I believe , in all Oriental countries , and certainly on many architectural remains . It can be seen engraved in on a funeral
tablet to a Greek sculptor at Rome between the third and fourth centuries , it may be beheld in the Cave of Elephanta , and as a Mason's mark on the stones of many buildings before the Christian Era , especially in the East . Such an unusually employed and mystic emblem has a meaning and a use , and it represents the well-known and mystic Solomon ' s seal , and is still so called , alike in Morocco , and Turkey , and E g 3 'pt , and Tripoli , and Tunis , and Algeria . Indeed , in the East there is no question of the fact .
The Pentalpha is not , and never can be , correctly termed Solomon's seal ; it is altogether an error , though at one time some writers , assisted by a very shift } ' archaeology , hastily confounded it with the Hexapla . The Hexapla itself early became a Christian symbol to represent the Trinity . It has been said it represented the two Natures ; but that is a late
idea . The early and consequent symbolical meaning in our Christian churches was assuredly the Trinity . It is a favoured symbol of Hermeticism and the higher magic . It is thus called "Scutum Salomonis , " the shield of Solomon , and also " Signaculum , " the sign or seal , and many other appellations . It is always treated as an emblem of the highest mystical meaning and power .
My old friend , Bro . Shaw , and myself worked it fully out many years ago , and later studies have shown how , that though it has sometimes been confounded with the Pentalpha , it stands by itself as emphatically and distinctly Solomon's seal , and is still found as such on charms , and amulets , and talismans . The Pentalpha is undoubtedly a very old form of symbolism .
It was in use in the East early , and was adopted by Pythagoras , and became a Pythagoric emblem of high import , with the letters of the word Ugeia at each corner . It was used by the Hebrews as a form of Cabbala , and may be seen still on many Hebraic remains . It had generally Adonai or Elohim within the angles , and it is possible that the Tetragrammaton may be found inscribed , but that is rare . As the Pentaculum Salomonis , it is
well known to all students of Hermeticism , and , as may be seen in the " Petit Albert , " but it no where claims to be Solomon ' s seal . It is one form , and that an inferior form of mystic symbolism . There may be some connection between the Pentalpha and the five-pointed star of Isis , of Eyptian use , but that is a little uncertain . Among the early Christians and in rr . edkeval times it pointed to the five wounds of our Saviour , and many representations of it
exist in Hermetic MSS . and books , in this form . Our five-pointed star may either be derived from it , or the Egyptian star , which was itself an adopted use , and may be seen also on innumerable gems and talismans . It is very important to keep the distinction between the Hexapla and the Pentalpha , between the Signaculum Salomonis and the Pentaculum Salomonis clear and decided . The Pentalpha is , I may observe , also called the Pentangle .
I am quite aware that some modern writers lean to the idea that the Pentalpha represents Solomon's seal , but it is only necessary carefully to study the still existing evidence of gems , and talismans , and the like , to •realize the mistake that exists on this subject , in so confounding the Pentalpha , which from its name , was undoubtedly mostly of Greek use , with the greater Solomon ' s seal .
Grand Lodge Of South Australia.
GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA .
The " Constitutions of Free and Accepted Masons of South Australia " has just been issued from the press by authority of the Board of General Purposes , and signed by the indefatigable Grand Secretary , Bro . Cunningham . In many respects , the neat volume reads as our Revise of 1884 , the chief clauses being adopted by the new Grand Lodge of South Australia , formed on April 16 th , 1884 . I am glad to note that the fees for initiation are so
high , amounting at least to seven guineas in the Adelaide district and five beyond . Fees are 15 and ten respectively for warrants , the annual dues payable to Grand Lodge for each member being two shillings for the " Fund of Benevolence , " and four shillings to the " Funds of General Purposes" ( a total of 6 s . annually ) .
The Grand Lodge recognises the first three Degrees , and the Royal Arch , as i n England ; but the Mark Degree is also acknowledged , as in Scotland . The members of Grand Lodge include the Grand Patron , Grand Inspector of Lodges and Grand Lecturers , else the Grand Officers are as ours . The Grand Festival is held at the April Communication , there being three other assemblies during the year , viz ., January , July , and
October . Fines are inflicted for non-attendance , and certificates are granted to Past Masters , as in Ireland , a fee being exigible . Twelve Grand Stewards are selected annually from brethren nominated , each Iodge having the privilege to nominate one of its members . The Grand Officers are all subject to election , and all lodge officers take an obligation to discharge their duties faithfully and zealously . Every brother is required to be supplied with a copy of the Constitutions and the bye - laws of the on
lodg ^ e becoming a member . The " Board of General Purposes " consist of the Grand Master to the Grand Secretary and fifteen olher members ( elected by the Grand Lodge ) , five of whom retire annually , but are eli gible for re-election . The Board has control also of the " Fund of Benevolence . " The clothing is as with us , save that any lodge existing prior to the formation of the Grand Lodge may be granted permission by the Grand Master to wear the regalia that may have been adopted from its origin .
The "Old Charges" are exactly as ours , then follows the " Antient Landmarks , " consisting of 25 clauses . The index is well edited , and the laws generally are well adopted , some fro m Scotland and Ireland being included . lhe prosperity of the Grand Lodge continues , and it'is now recognised by the Grand Lodges of England , Scotland , and Ireland , its members on the roll amounting 10 over 2000 .
Uuder such continuous able management a bright future is before the Grand Lodge of South Australia , and it has been established on a most Masonic foundation . W . J . HUGHAN .
Proceedings Of The Grand Lodge Of Mark Master Masons Of England And Wales, &C.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF ENGLAND AND WALES , & c .
The record of the past year in respect of the Mark Grand Lodge is satisfactory in all particulars save one—the bankers of the Order came to grief , and the Grand Lodge in consequence is a loser to the extent of close on £ ? ' 9- This is a misfortune we must all deeply regret , but there is a remarkable amount of vitality in Masonry and its several branches , and the loss of some hundreds of pounds , though an appreciable one , will have no
effect on the general prosperity of the Mark Degree . In fact , this is a case in which we may religiously observe the dictum of that antique personage , the proverbial philosopher— " least said , soonest mended . " The Executive slipped through no fault of their own , but they have recovered themselves already , and are moving forward with a steady , resolute pace , which is indicative of inherent strength .
Having dismissed thus summarily the one drawback from the generally excellent account of the Degree during the past year , we note in the first place its increasing popularity , as shown by the fact that during the six months ending 31 st March Fast , 809 certificates were issued , raising the total of registered advancements 1020 , 196 ; the Degree of Ark Mariner , which is associated with the Mark , showing 127 elevations for the same
period , and raising the general total to close on 1800 . As regards lodges , eight new warrants were granted during the half-year to 30 th September , 18 S 4 , and 10 during that ending 31 st March last , making a total of iS for the whole 12 months ; two additional Provincial Grand Lodges having been erected during the same period , namely , Gibraltar , under R . W . Bro . Sir H . J . B . Hancock , and Worcestershire , under R . W . Bro . A . F . Godson .
In the matter of finance , the statements of account are equally satisfactory , in spite of the heavy loss already noted . The receipts for the year , including a balance brought forward of ^ 543 2 s . gd ., amounted to £ 2224 5 s . 4 d ., and the expenditure was . £ 1907 6 s . 6 d ., of which £ 1181 16 s . 6 d . was for ordinary purposes , and the rest , including ^ 306 15 s . purchase of £ 300
South Australian Stock , for extraordinary purposes . As regards the remainder , £ Sj 14 s . represents cash at the late bankers , which , subject to any dividend that may hereafter become payable , must be written off , so that the balance in hand at bankers ( the London and Westminster Bank , Limited—Bloomsbury Branch ) amounted to ^ 229 4 s . iod .
If to this record of the past year we add that the Benevolent Festival , under Bro . Lord Egerton of Tatton , D . G . M . M . M ., with a board of 8 7 Stewards , held at the Crystal Palace , on the 22 nd July , realised £ 1721 16 s . 6 d ., or considerably more than double the product of the 18 S 4 Festival , under Bro . Major Woodall , P . G . M . M . M . North and East Yorkshire , when the Stewards numbered 47 , and the total was £ 832 19 s . ; and that the invested funds with which the current year commenced were :
General Fund , £ 2900 ; Benevolent Fund , £ 2000 ; Educational Fund , ^ 1400 ; that there are some 17 boys and girls being educated out of the last-named fund ; and that it is in contemplation to establish a Widows ' Fund , we shall have enumerated the leading circumstances of the Mark Degree now , and our readers will see for themselves that our statement as to the great prosperity of this popular branch of Masonry is by no means exaggerated .
Masonic Libraries.
MASONIC LIBRARIES .
It will probably have been noticed in the report we furnished last week of the Annual Communication in April last of the newly-organised Grand Lodge of South Australia that , in his address to the brethren , M . W . Bro . Chief Justice Way , Grand Master , laid very great stress on two projects he was desirous of seeing carried out at as early a period as possible . These projects were —( 1 ) the establishment of a fund , in addition to , and
yet independent of , the regular Benevolent Fund , "for charitable and educational purposes ; " and ( 2 ) the creation of a Grand Lodge librarythere being already the nucleus of one— " that would be accessible to the brethren , and contain all Masonic works of value for reference and study . " It is on the latter of these two projects that wc propose to offer a few observations to-day , and we do so because the question of establishing Masonic
libraries , though it has been written about so much and so often , does not seem to be even yet sufficiently appreciated in this country . It is true that in the report of the Board of General Purposes , which was submitted for the approval of Grand Lodge at its meeting on the and instant , the record of the several balances to its credit included one of £ 11 , being "balance of annual allowance for
library ; so that here , at all events , we have it in evidence that our Grand Lodge is not wholly unmindful of its duty in respect of this question . But the said allowance amounts to no more than £ 25 per annum , and the smallness of this sum can only be justified on the ground that very few brethren concern themselves about tha existence of our library , while fewer still think it worth their while to enter and consult its records .
In fact , the Craft as a body appears to be supremely indifferent whether a library exists or not , the few English brethren who ever think of referring to a Masonic work of value being men of the class which includes Bros . Hughan , Gould , Woodford , and some others . This is not as it should be , and we trust the time is not far distant when it will be a reproach to Masons of any standing that they have not made themselves acquainted with , at
least , the outlines of Masonic history and literature . Do they need encouragement in the endeavour to free themselves from the lethargy in which they are at present sunk in respect of everything that relates to the higher class of Masonic labour , namely , the study nnd comprehension of the inner life and progress of our Society ? Then let them turn their attention to the advice of Bro . Chief Justice Way , Grand Master of
the youngest of our Grand Lodges , who , though the body he presides over has existed only a few months , makes it his business to impress on the members of his jurisdiction that a library , containing •' all Masonic works of value for reference and study , " is among the first necessities which they , as a newly organised Grand Lodge , are bound to provide for . Nor let it be forgotten by our readers in the old country that
the zeal exhibited for Masonic literature in South Australia furnishes by its very marked contrast with the indifferentism displayed by English brethren , the gravest possible rebuke to which any body of men who pride themselves on the antiquity of lheir Institutions and the moral value of their system of philosophy can render themselves liable . Let it no longer be said of our Craftsmen that they are the only people in the world who give no thought to the history and literature of the system whose princi ples they are so proud to profess .
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
The Pentalpha And Hexapla.
tokens and talismans , it may still be seen , sometimes with the three mystic letters , or points , sometimes with the Tetragrammaton inserted , and sometimes with the word Adonai . It is to be lound all over the East , and is no doubt also Egyptian and Hindoo , as well as Hebraic and Phoenician . It is found in , I believe , in all Oriental countries , and certainly on many architectural remains . It can be seen engraved in on a funeral
tablet to a Greek sculptor at Rome between the third and fourth centuries , it may be beheld in the Cave of Elephanta , and as a Mason's mark on the stones of many buildings before the Christian Era , especially in the East . Such an unusually employed and mystic emblem has a meaning and a use , and it represents the well-known and mystic Solomon ' s seal , and is still so called , alike in Morocco , and Turkey , and E g 3 'pt , and Tripoli , and Tunis , and Algeria . Indeed , in the East there is no question of the fact .
The Pentalpha is not , and never can be , correctly termed Solomon's seal ; it is altogether an error , though at one time some writers , assisted by a very shift } ' archaeology , hastily confounded it with the Hexapla . The Hexapla itself early became a Christian symbol to represent the Trinity . It has been said it represented the two Natures ; but that is a late
idea . The early and consequent symbolical meaning in our Christian churches was assuredly the Trinity . It is a favoured symbol of Hermeticism and the higher magic . It is thus called "Scutum Salomonis , " the shield of Solomon , and also " Signaculum , " the sign or seal , and many other appellations . It is always treated as an emblem of the highest mystical meaning and power .
My old friend , Bro . Shaw , and myself worked it fully out many years ago , and later studies have shown how , that though it has sometimes been confounded with the Pentalpha , it stands by itself as emphatically and distinctly Solomon's seal , and is still found as such on charms , and amulets , and talismans . The Pentalpha is undoubtedly a very old form of symbolism .
It was in use in the East early , and was adopted by Pythagoras , and became a Pythagoric emblem of high import , with the letters of the word Ugeia at each corner . It was used by the Hebrews as a form of Cabbala , and may be seen still on many Hebraic remains . It had generally Adonai or Elohim within the angles , and it is possible that the Tetragrammaton may be found inscribed , but that is rare . As the Pentaculum Salomonis , it is
well known to all students of Hermeticism , and , as may be seen in the " Petit Albert , " but it no where claims to be Solomon ' s seal . It is one form , and that an inferior form of mystic symbolism . There may be some connection between the Pentalpha and the five-pointed star of Isis , of Eyptian use , but that is a little uncertain . Among the early Christians and in rr . edkeval times it pointed to the five wounds of our Saviour , and many representations of it
exist in Hermetic MSS . and books , in this form . Our five-pointed star may either be derived from it , or the Egyptian star , which was itself an adopted use , and may be seen also on innumerable gems and talismans . It is very important to keep the distinction between the Hexapla and the Pentalpha , between the Signaculum Salomonis and the Pentaculum Salomonis clear and decided . The Pentalpha is , I may observe , also called the Pentangle .
I am quite aware that some modern writers lean to the idea that the Pentalpha represents Solomon's seal , but it is only necessary carefully to study the still existing evidence of gems , and talismans , and the like , to •realize the mistake that exists on this subject , in so confounding the Pentalpha , which from its name , was undoubtedly mostly of Greek use , with the greater Solomon ' s seal .
Grand Lodge Of South Australia.
GRAND LODGE OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA .
The " Constitutions of Free and Accepted Masons of South Australia " has just been issued from the press by authority of the Board of General Purposes , and signed by the indefatigable Grand Secretary , Bro . Cunningham . In many respects , the neat volume reads as our Revise of 1884 , the chief clauses being adopted by the new Grand Lodge of South Australia , formed on April 16 th , 1884 . I am glad to note that the fees for initiation are so
high , amounting at least to seven guineas in the Adelaide district and five beyond . Fees are 15 and ten respectively for warrants , the annual dues payable to Grand Lodge for each member being two shillings for the " Fund of Benevolence , " and four shillings to the " Funds of General Purposes" ( a total of 6 s . annually ) .
The Grand Lodge recognises the first three Degrees , and the Royal Arch , as i n England ; but the Mark Degree is also acknowledged , as in Scotland . The members of Grand Lodge include the Grand Patron , Grand Inspector of Lodges and Grand Lecturers , else the Grand Officers are as ours . The Grand Festival is held at the April Communication , there being three other assemblies during the year , viz ., January , July , and
October . Fines are inflicted for non-attendance , and certificates are granted to Past Masters , as in Ireland , a fee being exigible . Twelve Grand Stewards are selected annually from brethren nominated , each Iodge having the privilege to nominate one of its members . The Grand Officers are all subject to election , and all lodge officers take an obligation to discharge their duties faithfully and zealously . Every brother is required to be supplied with a copy of the Constitutions and the bye - laws of the on
lodg ^ e becoming a member . The " Board of General Purposes " consist of the Grand Master to the Grand Secretary and fifteen olher members ( elected by the Grand Lodge ) , five of whom retire annually , but are eli gible for re-election . The Board has control also of the " Fund of Benevolence . " The clothing is as with us , save that any lodge existing prior to the formation of the Grand Lodge may be granted permission by the Grand Master to wear the regalia that may have been adopted from its origin .
The "Old Charges" are exactly as ours , then follows the " Antient Landmarks , " consisting of 25 clauses . The index is well edited , and the laws generally are well adopted , some fro m Scotland and Ireland being included . lhe prosperity of the Grand Lodge continues , and it'is now recognised by the Grand Lodges of England , Scotland , and Ireland , its members on the roll amounting 10 over 2000 .
Uuder such continuous able management a bright future is before the Grand Lodge of South Australia , and it has been established on a most Masonic foundation . W . J . HUGHAN .
Proceedings Of The Grand Lodge Of Mark Master Masons Of England And Wales, &C.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND LODGE OF MARK MASTER MASONS OF ENGLAND AND WALES , & c .
The record of the past year in respect of the Mark Grand Lodge is satisfactory in all particulars save one—the bankers of the Order came to grief , and the Grand Lodge in consequence is a loser to the extent of close on £ ? ' 9- This is a misfortune we must all deeply regret , but there is a remarkable amount of vitality in Masonry and its several branches , and the loss of some hundreds of pounds , though an appreciable one , will have no
effect on the general prosperity of the Mark Degree . In fact , this is a case in which we may religiously observe the dictum of that antique personage , the proverbial philosopher— " least said , soonest mended . " The Executive slipped through no fault of their own , but they have recovered themselves already , and are moving forward with a steady , resolute pace , which is indicative of inherent strength .
Having dismissed thus summarily the one drawback from the generally excellent account of the Degree during the past year , we note in the first place its increasing popularity , as shown by the fact that during the six months ending 31 st March Fast , 809 certificates were issued , raising the total of registered advancements 1020 , 196 ; the Degree of Ark Mariner , which is associated with the Mark , showing 127 elevations for the same
period , and raising the general total to close on 1800 . As regards lodges , eight new warrants were granted during the half-year to 30 th September , 18 S 4 , and 10 during that ending 31 st March last , making a total of iS for the whole 12 months ; two additional Provincial Grand Lodges having been erected during the same period , namely , Gibraltar , under R . W . Bro . Sir H . J . B . Hancock , and Worcestershire , under R . W . Bro . A . F . Godson .
In the matter of finance , the statements of account are equally satisfactory , in spite of the heavy loss already noted . The receipts for the year , including a balance brought forward of ^ 543 2 s . gd ., amounted to £ 2224 5 s . 4 d ., and the expenditure was . £ 1907 6 s . 6 d ., of which £ 1181 16 s . 6 d . was for ordinary purposes , and the rest , including ^ 306 15 s . purchase of £ 300
South Australian Stock , for extraordinary purposes . As regards the remainder , £ Sj 14 s . represents cash at the late bankers , which , subject to any dividend that may hereafter become payable , must be written off , so that the balance in hand at bankers ( the London and Westminster Bank , Limited—Bloomsbury Branch ) amounted to ^ 229 4 s . iod .
If to this record of the past year we add that the Benevolent Festival , under Bro . Lord Egerton of Tatton , D . G . M . M . M ., with a board of 8 7 Stewards , held at the Crystal Palace , on the 22 nd July , realised £ 1721 16 s . 6 d ., or considerably more than double the product of the 18 S 4 Festival , under Bro . Major Woodall , P . G . M . M . M . North and East Yorkshire , when the Stewards numbered 47 , and the total was £ 832 19 s . ; and that the invested funds with which the current year commenced were :
General Fund , £ 2900 ; Benevolent Fund , £ 2000 ; Educational Fund , ^ 1400 ; that there are some 17 boys and girls being educated out of the last-named fund ; and that it is in contemplation to establish a Widows ' Fund , we shall have enumerated the leading circumstances of the Mark Degree now , and our readers will see for themselves that our statement as to the great prosperity of this popular branch of Masonry is by no means exaggerated .
Masonic Libraries.
MASONIC LIBRARIES .
It will probably have been noticed in the report we furnished last week of the Annual Communication in April last of the newly-organised Grand Lodge of South Australia that , in his address to the brethren , M . W . Bro . Chief Justice Way , Grand Master , laid very great stress on two projects he was desirous of seeing carried out at as early a period as possible . These projects were —( 1 ) the establishment of a fund , in addition to , and
yet independent of , the regular Benevolent Fund , "for charitable and educational purposes ; " and ( 2 ) the creation of a Grand Lodge librarythere being already the nucleus of one— " that would be accessible to the brethren , and contain all Masonic works of value for reference and study . " It is on the latter of these two projects that wc propose to offer a few observations to-day , and we do so because the question of establishing Masonic
libraries , though it has been written about so much and so often , does not seem to be even yet sufficiently appreciated in this country . It is true that in the report of the Board of General Purposes , which was submitted for the approval of Grand Lodge at its meeting on the and instant , the record of the several balances to its credit included one of £ 11 , being "balance of annual allowance for
library ; so that here , at all events , we have it in evidence that our Grand Lodge is not wholly unmindful of its duty in respect of this question . But the said allowance amounts to no more than £ 25 per annum , and the smallness of this sum can only be justified on the ground that very few brethren concern themselves about tha existence of our library , while fewer still think it worth their while to enter and consult its records .
In fact , the Craft as a body appears to be supremely indifferent whether a library exists or not , the few English brethren who ever think of referring to a Masonic work of value being men of the class which includes Bros . Hughan , Gould , Woodford , and some others . This is not as it should be , and we trust the time is not far distant when it will be a reproach to Masons of any standing that they have not made themselves acquainted with , at
least , the outlines of Masonic history and literature . Do they need encouragement in the endeavour to free themselves from the lethargy in which they are at present sunk in respect of everything that relates to the higher class of Masonic labour , namely , the study nnd comprehension of the inner life and progress of our Society ? Then let them turn their attention to the advice of Bro . Chief Justice Way , Grand Master of
the youngest of our Grand Lodges , who , though the body he presides over has existed only a few months , makes it his business to impress on the members of his jurisdiction that a library , containing •' all Masonic works of value for reference and study , " is among the first necessities which they , as a newly organised Grand Lodge , are bound to provide for . Nor let it be forgotten by our readers in the old country that
the zeal exhibited for Masonic literature in South Australia furnishes by its very marked contrast with the indifferentism displayed by English brethren , the gravest possible rebuke to which any body of men who pride themselves on the antiquity of lheir Institutions and the moral value of their system of philosophy can render themselves liable . Let it no longer be said of our Craftsmen that they are the only people in the world who give no thought to the history and literature of the system whose princi ples they are so proud to profess .