Camilo A. Andrade, 32°
P.O. Box 1011, Hanalei, Hawaii 96714-1011

The ceremony of initiation is the beginning of that inner quest, which should be the primary motive in seeking the enlightenment Masonry has to offer.

First Degree, Hall of Regalia painting
Artist: Bro. Robert H. White, 32°

The Candidate's first entrance into Freemasonry is rightfully called Initiation. This means a new beginning, a breakaway from the way we have lived previously, and an en-trance into a new path of self-knowledge. "Know thyself" was inscribed in most temples of initiation and schools of philosophy throughout the ancient world. The ceremony of initiation is the beginning of that inner quest, which should be the primary motive in seeking the enlightenment Freemasonry has to offer.

Self-knowledge is not something to be attained in a short period of time. It means traveling a long and difficult road, discarding the old, and seeking, with an open mind, the inner guidance where the true "secrets" of Freemasonry reside. The rituals and ceremonies of the Craft are intended to awaken that spiritual aspect of our being that is always ready to do good for goodness sake, to know rather than just believe, and to contribute to the progress of the human race rather than only to the advancement of self.

The following quotations from Albert Pike eloquently express the meaning and purpose of our Fraternity: "It is for each individual Mason to discover the secrets of Masonry, by reflection upon its symbols and a wise consideration and analysis of what is said and done in the work. Masonry does not inculcate her truths. She states them, once and briefly, or hints them, perhaps darkly.... Seek and ye shall find, knowledge and truth...." (Morals and Dogma, p. 218) Also, "To sow, that others may reap, to work and plant for those who are to occupy the earth when we are dead,...to bless with the glorious gifts of Truth and Light and Liberty those who will never know the name of the giver, is the true office of a Mason." ( p. 317)

All Masons of all Degrees should know that the rituals and ceremonies are but an allegorical representation of truths that, if properly understood, lead us to that spiritual house within ourselves and ultimately enable us to help humanity with our thoughts, words, and actions.

Camilo A. Andrade is Senior Warden of Kauai Lodge and a member of the Valley of Honolulu. He is a member of Aloha Temple of Honolulu, Kauai Shrine Club, and the Scottish Rite Research Society. He is a pro-fessional Land Court Surveyor, State of Hawaii.