FAMOUS FREEMASONS

Steve Wozniak, founder of Apple computer

Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy's

Benito Juarez, Mexico president

Kalakaua, king of Hawaii

W.E.B. DuBois, a founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

Medgar Evers, martyred civil rights activist

Leonardo DiCaprio, actor

Alex Haley, author of "Roots"

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart,

composer

John Glenn, astronaut and U.S. senator

Theodore Roosevelt, U.S. president

RELATED ORGANIZATIONS

Freemasonry is like an ancient oak tree with many branches. Here are a few of the different connected organizations.

For men:

York Rite: This system is made up of three groups that gave 10 higher degrees: the Royal Arch degrees; three Cryptic Mason degrees; and three Chivalric orders that end with the Knights Templar Order.

Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite: Some of its degrees delve into the story of building Solomon's

The front door of the Highlands Masonic Temple features an elaborate wrought-iron design. (Post / Glen Martin)
Temple that begins in the first three lodge degrees. Like the York Rite, this system is considered "continuing education" in Masonry.

For women:

Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth, White Shrine of Jerusalem: These don't offer degrees of Masonry for women but are for women connected to Masons.

For youth:

DeMolay International: For boys, it's named after Jacques DeMolay, the last grand master of the original Knights Templar. Requires belief in a supreme being.

Job's Daughters International: For girls who are direct descendants of Master Masons; belief in a supreme being is required.

TRUE OR FALSE ANSWERS

1. False. Keitel wore a Masonic ring.

2. True. Shriners are probably the most popular organization that's part of Masonry. Before a man can become a Shriner, he must be a Freemason.

3. False. It was the "Homer the Great" episode on "The Simpsons," when Homer wanted to join the lodge of "Stonecutters" so he could get perks like better parking places.

4. True. Three candles, three knocks on the door, three stages of life, three degrees, three principle numbers. That's because Aristotle and Plato taught that three symbolizes the Supreme Being since 1 + 2 = 3, and three contains the other two numbers.

5. False. It's the white leather apron, the first gift given to a Freemason, and buried with him at death. There are many portraits of George Washington wearing his Masonic apron.

6. False. Michael Richards, who played Cosmo Kramer on Seinfeld, said this when talking about his lodge. He became a Mason after discovering that his comic hero, Red Skelton, was a Mason.

7. True. Originally, it was the tool stonemasons used to square their work. Later, it became the symbol that signfied a man's honesty, fairness, and virtue.

8. False. It's been known since the late 17th century. The password for the first degree is Boaz; for the second degree, Jachin; for the third degree, Mahabyn.

9. False. But "Ivanhoe," a story of 13th-century knights written by Freemason Sir Walter Scott, was so popular in those days that it widely influenced notions of honor and chivalry. Freemason Mark Twain blamed Scott's work for leading to the war by glorifying outmoded ideals of rank and privilege.

10. True. Men of all religious are welcome, but they must believe in a supreme being.

Sources: Freemasons for Dummies by Christopher Hodapp; Forbidden Faith by Richard Smoley.

Mysteries of the Masons
THE SECRET SOCIETY RAISES $2 MILLION A DAY FOR CHARITY AND PREACHES BROTHERLY LOVE AND TOLERANCE - BUT WILL IT BE THE NEXT OPUS DEI?
By Colleen O'Connor
Denver Post Staff Writer




Secrets, codes, hidden treasures and lost religions. We just can't seem to get enough, including movies like "National Treasure" and "The Da Vinci Code," which both swirled around secrets of the Knights Templar.

Our lust for the secret knowledge is driving the much-anticipated release of two sequels in 2007: "National Treasure 2" and Dan Brown's "The Solomon Key," about the secret society of Freemasons, which legend connects to the Knights Templar.

Most of us experience these adventures second-hand on the giant screens of pop-culture entertainment, but people like John Lawton, 45, live the mystery.

He's Captain General of the Knights Templar commandery in Denver, one of the chivalric orders of Freemasonry.

"We don't go to Jerusalem and battle Saracens anymore," he says.

Mostly Freemasons organize family picnics or charitable fundraisers like the corn roast they'll hold on the 16th Street Mall on Aug. 11. They also teach moral lessons and study estoeric philosophies based on the Kabbalah.

Lawton devotes about 14 nights a month to this lifestyle. He is a member of three Masonic lodges in Denver and serves as an officer in six of Masonry's many different organizations.

"I come from a Masonic family, so I wanted to find out what the mystery was about," he says. "But I stayed for the fellowship. I meet people who are very knowledgeable, and we have fascinating discussions about history and current events."

As manager for Highlands Masonic Lodge, Lawton also answers e- mails from men interested in joining the Masons, the world's oldest and largest fraternal organization.

He believes movies like "National Treasure" and "The Da Vinci Code," which included Freemasonry in the plot, drive some of the curiosity.

"But I don't think the movies are stimulating the interest as much as they're part of a renewed interest over the past five years," he says.

"There's a desire to find out what the mystery and intrigue are about. But I think younger people are getting burned out on video games, and would rather have human contact and fraternal relations."

America's fascination with secret societies, from the Masons to Opus Dei, is evident in bookstores across

John Lawton, manager of the Highlands Masonic Temple at 3550 Federal Blvd., holds a decorative Masonic apron. Modern Masons wear plain white aprons. Skeleton in background is used for Halloween events. (Post / Glenn Asakawa)
America. Some books even reveal Masonic secrets and rituals.

And then there's Dan Brown's next novel, "The Solomon Key," about the Freemasons and the founding of America.

The book isn't expected to be published until next year, but already a cottage industry of Freemasonry exposé is springing up around it: DVDs like "Dan Bur-

stein's Secrets of Angels, Demons & Masons," and books like "Secrets of the Widow's Son: The Mysteries Surrounding the Sequel to the Da Vinci Code."

Some Masons are getting their talking points ready, in case they turn out to be the next Opus Dei.

"It could be very negative," says Stephen Munsinger, chief executive officer of the Scottish Rite Masons of Colorado, and a District Court judge in the 1st Judicial District who formerly worked in the U.S. Attorney's Office.

"We're concerned that it will say we're against traditional Christianity or established religions, or that (we're) some type of right-wing, left-wing, or off-the-wall religious sect, or that we're pushing some secret agenda for religious purposes."

The problem is that the secrecy inherent to Masonry leads outsiders to suspect the organization of countless conspiracies.

To some degree, it's something the Masons have brought upon themselves, says Steven Bullock, author of "Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order."

"In the early days of Masonry someone with a sword stood outside the door of the lodge rooms to keep people out," he says.

"The secrets of Masonry have been blown up to be this amazing thing, and the Masons themselves are responsible for mythologizing it."

Because of the secrecy, over the centuries Masons have been accused of everything from elitisim to Satanism.

Truth and myth twist into distorted reality. History is forgotten.

People who grew up in Denver's Highlands neighborhood, for example, are familiar with the large sand-colored Masonic Temple on Federal Boulevard.

Yet most are too young to remember its origins, when the cornerstone laid in 1927 was heralded by a vast procession parade of 150 Knights Templar and the El Jebel Shrine Band.

The origins of Freemasonry itself are similarly shrouded, or forgotten.

Most academics trace Freemasonry back to the medieval stonemasons who built the great cathedrals of Europe. The secret handshakes and passwords developed back then, because they frequently traveled to strange towns and needed a way to prove they were part of the mason's guild.

The formal organization of Freemasons started in 1717, however, with the Grand Lodge of England, when the work of masonry became not physical but philosophical.

Instead of building churches, they became the builders of men. Their trademark remained the square and compass of the ancient architectural craftsmen, and they created a symbolic set of instructions based on this lineage to instruct men in the moral and spiritual life.

The three Masonic degrees - entered apprentice, fellow craft and master mason - are given after rituals that include extensive memorization of texts, along with secret handshakes and passwords.

"The study of their history, philosophy, symbolism, and ritual can consume a lifetime of research and practice," writes Christopher Hodapp, past master of Knights Templar, in "Freemasons for Dummies."

In the 18th century, with its emphasis on Enlightenment values - equality, fraternity and liberty - Freemasonry became associated with social, even revolutionary, change.

Such American patriots as Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were Freemasons. Nine signed the Declaration of Independence, and 13 signed the Constitution.

This intersection of Masonry and American history triggered conspiracy theories that Freemasons seek control of the government.

But Masons say their only goal is to build good men who work behind the scenes to improve their neighborhoods.

"We're a brotherhood of men under the fatherhood of God," says Thomas Cox, grand master of the Grand Lodge of Colorado. "The Freemasons of North America give over $2 million a day, 365 days a year, to philanthropic projects."

He comes from a long line of Masons - including his father, grandfathers and uncles.

But his son, 40, is like many Gen-Xers and baby boomers: He has not joined this age-old fraternity.

Membership has declined in recent

'Debating' the Iraq War
It isn't happening – at least, not in Congress
by Justin Raimondo

The Republican offensive in support of the Iraq war should have crashed shortly after launching: unfortunately, they had some essential allies who helped fuel their shaky effort – the Democrats. As one news report about the House debate put it:

"In both the House and Senate, Democrats appear to be divided into three camps. Some want troops to leave Iraq this year. Others object to setting any kind of timetable. A number of them want the United States to start redeploying forces by year's end but don't want to set a date when all troops should be out."

But the Republicans, too, are divided. Rep. Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.) complains that the administration has unnecessarily politicized the war and the debate, as it did in November when Republicans put together a one-sentence resolution calling for withdrawal from Iraq – and turned it into a political circus during which Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) smeared Marine veteran Rep. Jack Murtha (D-Pa.) as a "coward." "It was ludicrous," Gilchrest said. "It had nothing to do with saving lives. It had nothing to do with the war. It was one-upmanship against the Democrats." The Washington Post reports:

"That sentiment spurred Gilchrest and four other Republicans to break with their leadership this spring and sign on to a Democratic petition pushing for debate. Boehner pledged to do so weeks ago."

The fulfillment of that pledge came in the form of a Republican resolution that sets a new standard for political and intellectual dishonesty. In language redolent of a Soviet-era proclamation from the Presidium, the non-binding statement starts out by declaring:

"The United States and its allies are engaged in a Global War on Terror, a long and demanding struggle against an adversary that is driven by hatred of American values and that is committed to imposing, by the use of terror, its repressive ideology throughout the world."

Yes, we are engaged in a global war, although it is not a "war on terror" – terror being a technique, rather than a specific adversary – but a war against al-Qaeda. What that war is "driven" by has nothing to do with "American values," whatever those might be, and everything to do with American foreign policy – and most especially, at the moment, resentment throughout the Muslim world of the invasion and occupation of Iraq. This nonsense that they hate us because of the Bill of Rights, or because of our increasingly sleazy cultural mores, is an article of faith with the War Party: it lets them see themselves as Western knights clad in the shining armor of democracy, rationality, and modernity. The only problem is that it just isn't true. As Michael Scheuer points out in his best-selling Imperial Hubris,

"The fundamental flaw in our thinking about Bin Laden is that 'Muslims hate and attack us for what we are and think, rather than what we do.' Muslims are bothered by our modernity, democracy, and sexuality, but they are rarely spurred to action unless American forces encroach on their lands. It's American foreign policy that enrages Osama and al-Qaeda, not American culture and society."

Bin Laden is not shy about proclaiming his war aims, and there has been no lack of pronouncements from al-Qaeda on this score. Again and again they have declared their grievances: Madonna videos and miniskirts are not among them. Instead, bin Laden and his cohorts are driven by the U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf, and America's unconditional support for Israel and its apparent indifference to the plight of the Palestinians. Add to this Washington's support for Arab tyrannies, such as Hosni Mubarak's Egypt (the second largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid), the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, and constant American pressure on client regimes in the Middle East to keep oil below the real global market price, and the litany of al-Qaeda's talking points is complete.

In light of this, the House resolution is not only wrong, but dangerously deceptive: if we don't understand the real war aims of the enemy, how can we possibly hope to win? Yet "victory" in the "global war on terror" is precisely what the resolution claims to support: ignorance, however, especially the sort of self-imposed blindness exemplified by this administration, can only lead to defeat. And that is precisely where we are headed in Iraq.

"It is essential" – the GOP resolution-writers proclaim – "to the security of the American people and to world security that the United States, together with its allies, take the battle to the terrorists and to those who provide them assistance."

But where, exactly, are the terrorists? They weren't in Iraq until we invaded: now they have carved out a niche for themselves as the most intractably violent of the various insurgent factions. That al-Qaeda has no geographical nexus, no central headquarters or territory it largely controls, is precisely the problem in combating it. The invasion of Iraq had nothing to do with al-Qaeda, and, indeed, was not aimed at al-Qaeda: we did it simply because, it the words of war architect and former DoD big shot Paul Wolfowitz, it was "doable."

The House resolution is a hodgepodge of hastily strung-together assertions, bragging, chest-beating, and ludicrous misstatements. It claims, for instance, that "the steadfast resolve of the United States and its partners since September 11, 2001, helped persuade the government of Libya to surrender its weapons of mass destruction." The reality, however, is more prosaic. Libyan despot Muammar Gadhafi had long been trying to make his peace with the West, offering on May 29, 2002, well before the invasion of Iraq, to pay compensation for the downing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The Bush administration merely took the opportunity to claim a "victory" for its crazed foreign policy by lifting sanctions long after the UN had already done so.

We are informed that the U.S. has achieved some "impressive victories," yet the only one mentioned is the killing of Zarqawi. I'm not sure, however, that we can take all the credit for that one. It looks like he was turned over to the Americans by his own people – and that Osama bin Laden and the Mad Bomber loathed each other. Whether this means a portion of the $25 million reward ought to go, by rights, to al-Qaeda – let's leave that question to the Pentagon's lawyers, and move right along to the rest of this ridiculous resolution:

"Resolved, That the House of Representatives –

"(1) honors all those Americans who have taken an active part in the Global War on Terror, whether as first responders protecting the homeland, as servicemembers overseas, as diplomats and intelligence officers, or in other roles."

The sanctimonious sappiness of our lawmakers – Republicans, in this instance – really is something to behold. Is there anyone on earth who opposes this sentiment? Of course not. So why insert it in the resolution? To create a political package deal in which they can sneak in support for the continued prosecution of an enormously unpopular and increasingly costly war.

After calling for honoring "the sacrifices of the United States Armed Forces and of partners in the Coalition, and of the Iraqis and Afghans who fight alongside them, especially those who have fallen or been wounded in the struggle," as well as "the sacrifices of their families and of others who risk their lives to help defend freedom," comes the punch line:

"(3) declares that it is not in the national security interest of the United States to set an arbitrary date for the withdrawal or redeployment of United States Armed Forces from Iraq;

"(4) declares that the United States is committed to the completion of the mission to create a sovereign, free, secure, and united Iraq."

The clear implication that all dates for withdrawal are necessarily arbitrary is indicative of the sort of intellectual solipsism and even nihilism at the core of the War Party's belief system. In that case, why not stay forever? This, of course, is precisely what these nutbars have in mind. Or else why build an American "embassy" that is more like a small city – and why delete (in committee) the provision in the military appropriations bill forbidding funds for the construction of permanent bases?

I'll spare my readers the Soviet-style onward-soldiers-of-liberation boilerplate that encrusts much of the rest of the text. Suffice to say it is suffused with phrases like "noble struggle," declares its support for "the efforts of the Iraqi and Afghan people to live in freedom," and congratulates the "prime minister" of Iraq for winning the elections, even though he represents a party that is dedicated to imposing Shariah law on the Iraqi people and has been funded for many years by the mullahs of Iran.

Never mind that a Shi'ite theocracy modeled on Iran is what's taking shape in Baghdad – that is, if the country can survive the strenuous efforts of Kurdish separatists and southern secessionists to strangle the nascent postwar Iraqi state in its cradle. Above all, don't dare ask if the alleged "nobility" of this crusade was much in evidence at Haditha. Just remember this: the majority opposes this war, thinks it was a mistake from the beginning, and wants us out as soon as possible. That is what the authors of this resolution are trying desperately to evade and obfuscate, but they won't succeed. The GOP is headed for an election-day disaster due to this war, and we are bound to see a growing number of antiwar Republicans as this becomes all too apparent to the GOP faithful.

Don't believe the hype about the supposed "debate" engendered by this spurious resolution. Our claim to be exporting "democracy" to the rest of the world is disingenuous at best, as our "representatives" in Congress flout the popular will and aid and abet the continuation of the slaughter. This phony resolution was foisted on the Congress by the Republican leadership, at the orders of the White House, and all amendments were forbidden. As Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) put it:

"This really isn't a debate. This is just sort of a political event, and it's very deceptive. It's something like what we've done numerous times, but only it's going to take longer. We've had resolutions like this before designed for political purposes.

"It does a couple things. It says that we want to fight the war on terrorism, at the same time we support the troops. Who's against that? Who could vote against this? Very few will vote against this. But the bottom line is the resolution says we support the status quo, we support the current policy, and there is no desire whatsoever to consider an alternative to this.

"So, it's a political trap that is designed to get everybody to vote for this. And to us, it is not fair. But I wanted to quote a few things here to make my point about the denial of a real debate. The first sentence of the H.Res. 861 says, 'Declaring that the United States will prevail in the global war on terror' – so this is all about terrorism, ignoring the fact that terrorism is a technique, has nothing to do with fighting a war in Iraq. Timothy McVeigh was a terrorist. So are we addressing that subject as well? That's a cop- out. That is not addressing the real problem."

The real problem, as Scheuer puts it, is that the United States is the one "indispensable ally" bin Laden and his followers have. Our foreign policy of unbridled aggression, with our strategic doctrine of "preemption" as its centerpiece, is al-Qaeda's number one recruiting tool. The entire ideology of al-Qaeda, as well as its strategy of targeting the U.S. homeland, is predicated on the idea that the Americans are out to subjugate and destroy the Muslim world. George W. Bush has done everything possible to confirm what was once a vague suspicion and is today a certainty in the minds of many millions.

There is no real debate over the most important issue now facing our nation, and there hasn't been since the administration made it clear that it was hell-bent on war no matter what the "evidence" of Iraq's WMD – and no matter what cost in troops and treasure. The Democrats are hopelessly divided and ineffective due to their extreme cowardice in facing up to the essential issue: do we go, or do we stay? Americans want out in increasing numbers, but Establishment opinion has yet to catch up to the zeitgeist. Most Democrats want to "redeploy," rather than withdraw, to somewhere "over the horizon," i.e., in neighboring Jordan, perhaps, or back to the Persian Gulf sheikdoms, such as Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, etc. They want, in short , to continue the occupation, albeit at a distance, with a "rapid reaction force" ready to race in at a moment's notice the first time the Shi'ite theocracy shows signs of tottering – or of falling completely under Iranian influence.

This won't work for a number of reasons, chief of which is the complete inability of the Iraqi military to fight off the insurgents, never mind its natural tendency to dissolve into its constituent ethno-political components. U.S. troops would no sooner leave than they would be called back forthwith, to stave off the chaos we unleashed by invading and smashing the Iraqi state to smithereens. Like Humpty Dumpty, all the king's horses and all the king's men won't put Iraq back together again. In Baghdad, and Kuwait, our troops are still sitting ducks – living reminders of American regional hegemony, and therefore the target of terrorist attacks.

The withdrawal of our troops from Iraqi soil, even if it was total and occurred tomorrow, would not erase the American footprint from the Middle East – and might even contribute to making it deeper. Those troops would simply relocate someplace nearby – if the Democrats have their way – and the conflict would merely be transferred to another environment, where the same destabilizing effects would soon be felt.

There is only one way to defeat the terrorists who dream of reenacting 9/11 on a larger scale, and that is by draining the sea of popular support in which they swim and multiply. This requires a fundamental change in U.S. foreign policy, a complete turnaround, in which the goal of global hegemony is replaced with the defense of the continental United States – the only proper policy for a constitutional republic such as our own. Defense, not domination, is the hallmark of a rational foreign policy – and until we learn, or rather relearn, that lesson, al-Qaeda will continue to outwit and elude us, while gaining stature in the Muslim world and rallying increasing numbers to its bloody banner.

The Gaza Beach Party Massacre
Israel bombs beach-goers and re-invades Gaza – because they can
by Justin Raimondo

The pretext under which the Israelis have re-invaded the Gaza Strip speaks volumes about the mentality of the settler state and those who hold it up as an exemplar of heroic virtue worthy of American support: one of their soldiers, Gilad Shalit, was kidnapped, and so, of course, this justified taking out half the Strip's electrical grid – a form of "collective punishment" that will result in the deaths of young innocents, as the water-purification facilities for many thousands are knocked out. The Israeli leadership firmly believes that the life of one of their own is worth more than hundreds of Palestinians, young or old, fighters or bystanders, guilty or innocent. This is the message they are sending to their antagonists in Hamas and Fatah, and, in an interview with Abu Abir, a leader of the "Popular Resistance Committees," it is quite clear that this message has been received:

Q: "But the murder of the hostage doesn't improve your reputation in the world, and doesn't help end the IDF incursion in Gaza."

Abu Abir: "We executed a person belonging to the category of people who are stealing Palestinian land and daily harming Palestinian civilians. What is inhumane is the execution of our women and children in cold blood. The blood of Zionists is not dearer than the blood of our children, women, and warriors."

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict isn't about land anymore. It is about who is human, and who is not: who is a lord, and who is a helot. It is about power and domination, and the Israelis, by means of their much-vaunted "unilateral withdrawal" from parts of the occupied territories, have set up a theater in which their ideology of domination can be acted out indefinitely. Of course, they need a "reason" – which can be provoked or manufactured, as the case may be – but in reality they can invade at will, for any and no reason, and this ability to dominate is the payoff, the orgasmic climax the Israeli leadership is seeking.

The buzzing of Bashar al-Assad's summer residence, the mass arrest of democratically elected Palestinian lawmakers and ministers, the targeting of infrastructure in violation of the Geneva accords and the commonly held concept of human decency – the Israelis do it simply because they can. This isn't "colonialism" – it's sadism.

Israel's amen corner is constantly reiterating two themes that supposedly justify whatever horrific tactic the IDF employs: (1) The other side targets innocent civilians, and (2) Israel has the right to defend itself. The evil suicide bombings in pizza parlors and night clubs have – rightly – turned public opinion in the West against the perpetrators and lessened support for the Palestinian cause. Yet the tables are turning: Israel is now openly targeting the civilian population of the Gaza Strip. "Retaliation" for the kidnapping of a soldier and a Jewish settler on occupied lands is clearly not at all defensive: soldiers, after all, are fair game in wartime, and the settlers are clearly involved in an act of aggression, i.e., dispossessing Palestinians of their land.

Everything the Israelis do, according to them, is "retaliation," and dutifully reported as such in our hopelessly biased media. The clear implication of much of Western coverage of the current crisis is that this is the culmination of another one of those inexplicable bursts of Palestinian rage that bubbles up to the surface, seemingly, just in time to nix other, more positive developments – such as the moderate-radical split in Hamas, or recent indications that the newly elected Palestinian leadership may be willing to recognize the Jewish state.

Professor Juan Cole, of the University of Michigan, takes the media to task for dropping the context of the escalating conflict:

"The U.S. press has, as far as I can see, been irresponsible in not broadcasting much about the prologue to the present violence, the Israeli military's bombing of civilians on a Gaza beach earlier in the month. This atrocity was on the front page of every Arabic language newspaper every day for a while earlier this month. We cannot understand the region if we cannot understand how outraged they are, and the source of the outrage."

The source he speaks about – a day at the beach.

On June 9, Israeli gunboats opened fire on beach-goers in Gaza, killing eight, including most of an entire family. The lone survivor of the Ghalia family, 10-year-old Huda, screaming in existential agony as she rolls around on the bloodstained sand and pounds it with her little fists, is bound to go down in history as an emblematic image of the Palestinian struggle for statehood – and for the full humanity of an entire people. Do you want to understand why the medievalist ideologues of Hamas have come to power in Palestine? Then just look at this video one more time, particularly the first part, and then tell me you just don't understand.

The Israeli response has been outright denial. This denialism is expressed in terms that recall the fanatic illogic of the Holocaust-deniers, who focus on weird out-of-context details (there were no gas chambers, and the gas couldn't have killed anyway, besides which the order for the Holocaust was never signed by Hitler, etc., ad nauseam). They exclude all evidence – like, say, those piles of bodies we've all seen, and the testimony of the survivors – that doesn't fit their denialist paradigm, and deride the killing of millions as a "Holo-hoax." The parallels with Israeli denialism in the face of the IDF's murderous brutality are eerily similar, as this Human Rights Watch analysis shows:

"The IDF's conclusion that it was not responsible for the deaths on the beach was based exclusively on information gathered by the IDF and excluded all evidence gathered by other sources. Its investigation centered on mathematical models said to show a 'statistical impossibility' that a shell fired by IDF artillery was responsible for killing the civilians. The reliability of such a conclusion should be evaluated by independent experts with access to the underlying data."

"An investigation that refuses to look at contradictory evidence can hardly be considered credible," says the senior military analyst at Human Rights Watch, Marc Garlasco – but not according to the mindset of nationalist fanatics, who see reality through ethnic-tinted lenses. Major-General Meir Kalifi, who oversaw the Israeli "internal investigation," avers that Palestinian witnesses are to be discounted because they "have no problem lying." Therefore, any and all evidence submitted by Palestinian officials was thrown in the trash, including "155mm shrapnel, both new and old, and dirt from the beach and crater." This interdict also includes evidence offered by Westerners who don't toe the Israeli line, including Human Rights Watch researchers who offered the general proof of Israeli culpability and were similarly rebuffed.

The IDF claims the murdered beach-goers and over 40 wounded were hit after 4:50 p.m. on June 9, when the Israeli shelling had ceased. However, independent sources document that the killings occurred well within range of the shelling period:

"Computerized hospital records that show children injured at the beach were treated by 5:12 p.m., and handwritten hospital records that show they were admitted at 5:05 p.m. In light of the 20-minute round trip drive between the hospital and the beach, this evidence suggests that the blast that caused the family's death occurred during the time of the IDF shelling."

The Israeli response to this mountain of evidence is… more classic denialist drivel. Shrapnel removed from the bodies of the murdered is dismissed by Gen. Kalifi: Anyone, he avers, can dip shrapnel in blood! The official Israeli line on the Gaza Beach Massacre is that a gigantic conspiracy was instantly created by Palestinian groups and their Western accomplices to frame the IDF and Israel for the senseless murders, and that the members of this conspiracy were instantly mobilized, moving within moments of the shelling to pull off a gigantic hoax.

Again, this limns the mindset of the Holocaust-deniers, who portray a huge, all-powerful "Zionist conspiracy" that systematically fakes evidence, suppresses the "truth," and falsifies history. Jewish critics of the "Holo-hoax" mythos rightly deride the fantastic conspiracy theories of the denialists as being so outlandish as to be laughable as well as sinister. Human Rights Watch spokesman Garlasco takes a similar approach to the Israeli denialists and their conspiracy theories:

"'If the Israeli allegations of tampered evidence are to be believed, many Palestinians would have to have engaged in a massive and immediate conspiracy to falsify the data,' said Garlasco. 'The conspirators – witnesses, victims, medical personnel, and bomb disposal staff – would have had to falsify their testimony, amend digital and handwritten records, and dip shrapnel into a victim's blood. It beggars belief that such a huge conspiracy could be orchestrated so quickly.'"

It beggars belief – unless you'll believe anything that fits your ideological preconceptions. In which case, anything goes, and it is possible to dismiss the evidence provided by your lying eyes – the shattered bodies of Palestinian children, for instance, who a moment ago were cavorting happily on a beach.

The Israeli blitz is clearly a response, not to the pinpricks of the mostly ineffective assaults on outlying Israeli suburbs, nor even to the electoral triumph of Hamas, but to the American invasion and occupation of Iraq. With the resources and attention of enemy regimes and guerrilla groups diverted away from Palestine and toward Iraq, the pressure is off the Israelis, and they are free to ride roughshod over the occupied territories, absorbing what they need (and can get away with) and discarding the useless bits. Israel is preparing to unilaterally "settle" the Palestinian question by establishing its own borders and crouching behind the "security fence" that accidentally-on-purpose annexes many acres of valuable farmland.

As John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen Walt put it in their recent Harvard University study, "The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy," the main purpose of the invasion and occupation of Iraq was to further Tel Aviv's military position and security interests. As the Israelis roll over the Palestinians in this latest series of attacks, we can see how that purpose has been very well served.

Freemasonry: Midwife to an Occult Empire

- by Terry Melanson ©, Revised, Corrected and Expanded, March 20th, 2005 (Last Update: June 4th,




“Masonry is regarded as the direct descendant, or as a survival of the mysteries... of Isis and Osiris in Egypt...”
- Robert Freke Gould, Past Senior Grand Deacon of England, Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076, Vol. 1, p. 13, History of Freemasonry; New York, 1884

“When later he [the Mason] is given Light, it means really that he is taught the principles of occultism ...”
- Arthur H. Ward, Masonic symbolism and the Mystic Way, p. 149 - 150

* Introduction
* The Hoodwinking
* The Occult Revival
o The Who's Who List of 19th & 20th Century Occultism
+ Arthur Edward Waite
+ Dr. Wynn Westcott
+ S. L. MacGregor Mathers
+ Aleister Crowley
+ Dr. Gérard Encausse
+ Dr. Theodor Reuss
+ George Pickingill
+ Annie Besant
+ C. W. Leadbeater
+ Manly P. Hall
+ Gerald B. Gardner
o Theosophy
o O.T.O.: Ordo Templi Orientis
* Conclusion
* End Notes
* Appendix: Quotations

Introduction

The article located at this URL, and earlier at Geocities, was first written 4 years ago. Since then I have learned a bit more about Freemasonry and have had many communications, good and bad, with its members. I've been put on an "anti-mason" [hit]list, along with others who dare to write anything unflattering against the brethren; I've had heated debates and arguments in public forums and message boards; and I've actually been threatened, both subtly and overtly. Curiously, many times the offended Mason claims to be a chaplain, a minister or a supposed "man of cloth" - a real surprise, at first, considering the occult nature of the organization.

The negative experiences far outweigh the positive. The members who regularly post to forums and send out emails display the traits of having been thoroughly brainwashed by a first-class cult. Some are far more clever, however, and are undoubtedly part of a concerted effort by the Brotherhood. See, Masonic Disinformation, Propaganda, Dissembling, and Hate Techniques for a concise elaboration of their techniques.

Historically, Freemasonry has been charged with corruption of public officials because of the oaths and promises they swear to keep amongst themselves, above all else. At the very least, joining a secret society, or a "society with secrets," creates a glaring conflict of interest.

The following document doesn't go into corruption or masonic favoritism. A secret society, by its very nature - and one as widespread and established as masonry - would naturally enable such intrigue. My only intention here is to outline its influence, and guiding hand on a unique phenomenon that occurred at the crossroads of the 19th and 20th century. Having learned from earlier criticism, and with all brevity aside, I hope this page is seen as one of the most comprehensive and accurate expositions in this field of study.
The Hoodwinking

“Masonry, like all the Religions, all the Mysteries, Hermeticism and Alchemy, conceals its secrets from all except the Adepts and Sages, or the Elect, and uses false explanations and misinterpretations of its symbols to mislead those who deserve only to be misled ...”

“The Blue Degrees are but the outer court or portico of the Temple. Part of the symbols are displayed there to the Initiate, but he is intentionally misled by false interpretations. It is not intended that he shall understand them; but it is intended that he shall imagine he understands them. Their true explication is reserved for the Adepts, the Princes of Masonry.” (pp. 104, 105 & 819)



General Albert Pike wrote those words in a work called Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, 1871. At the time his title was The Sovereign Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite in Washington D.C. This book is revered by occult groups across the globe, and most masons have never read it, let alone understood it. It deals with the occult origins of the symbols, initiations, and rituals of Freemasonry. Morals and Dogma is typically only giving to Master Masons. It is estimated that for every hundred Masons, ten will read it, three will finish it and only one will understand it.

The rites and rituals of Freemasonry are directly derived from ancient occult mysteries. 1 An Entered Apprentice is deceived from the beginning, as Pike has openly admitted; at the same time revealing its likeness with the "Mysteries, Hermeticism and Alchemy."

Pike said the initiate is "intentionally misled by false interpretations." Another esteemed Mason put it this way:

“FREEMASONRY is a fraternity within a fraternity — an outer organization concealing an inner brotherhood of the elect. Before it is possible to intelligently discuss the origin of the Craft, it is necessary, therefore, to establish the existence of these two separate yet interdependent orders, the one visible and the other invisible. The visible society is a splendid camaraderie of 'free and accepted' men enjoined to devote themselves to ethical, educational, fraternal, patriotic, and humanitarian concerns. The invisible society is a secret and most august fraternity whose members are dedicated to the service of a mysterious arcanum arcanorum. Those Brethren who have essayed to write the history of their Craft have not included in their disquisitions the story of that truly secret inner society which is to the body Freemasonic what the heart is to the body human.”
- Manly P. Hall 33°, Lectures on Ancient Philosophy and Introduction to the Study and Application of Rational Procedure, p. 397 [Chapter 19 - Rosicrucian and Masonic Origins]

“When a mason learns the key to the warrior on the block is the proper application of the dynamo of living power, he has learned the mystery of his craft. The seething energies of Lucifer are in his hands and before he may step upward, he must prove his ability to properly apply energy.”
- Manly P. Hall, 33°, The Lost Keys of Freemasonry, p. 48

The latter quote, in particular, may be surprising to some but occultists have a clear concept of what Manly P. Hall was conveying. To them, the true definition of occultism is the science of energy flow and energy relationships. Occult meditation is a means of consciously and purposefully directing energy from a recognized source to the creation of some specific effect. This is the task of the initiate in all Occult groups. The initiator shows the candidate his latent faculties, his dormant powers, and initiates him into their use. He explains or demonstrates how the candidate may awaken the static energy into dynamic power.

Freemasonry has always, admittedly, held deep occult secrets which it hides from the "profane" and unworthy. One person who believed this to be true was Alice Ann Bailey. Her praise and admiration - she appeared to be almost in awe of the craft - was evident throughout all her works. A typical flattery can be found on p. 511 of The Externalization of the Hierarchy: "The Masonic Movement . . . is the custodian of the law; it is the home of the Mysteries and the seat of initiation. ...It is a far more occult organization than can be realized, and is intended to be the training school for the coming advanced occultists. In its ceremonials lies hid the wielding of the forces connected with the growth and life of the kingdoms of nature and the unfoldment of the divine aspects of man."
The Occult Revival

“Satanic Ritual is a blend of Gnostic, Cabbalistic, Hermetic, and Masonic elements, incorporating nomenclature and vibratory words of power from virtually every mythos .... Masonic orders have contained the most influential men in many governments, and virtually every occult order has many Masonic roots.”
- Anton Szandor LaVey, The Satanic Rituals — Companion to the Satanic Bible, pp. 21, 78 [PDF Version here]

The occult revival of the 20th century can be directly attributed to Freemasonry and its peripheral entourage of acolytes: Theosophy, the New Age Movement, Satanism, Cabalistic Black Magic, Enochian Magic, Gerardian Wicca, Alexandrian Wicca and Sex Magic.
The Who's Who List of 19th & 20th Century Occultism



Arthur Edward Waite

Arthur Edward WaiteA. E. Waite (October 2, 1857 - May 19, 1942) was a Freemason, an English occultist and member (later Grand Master) of the magical order, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Waite is most famous as the co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, the most popular tarot deck in use today.

From Wikipedia: "Waite was a prolific author of occult texts on subjects including divination, Rosicrucianism, freemasonry, black and ceremonial magic, Kabbalism and alchemy; he also translated and reissued several important mystical and alchemical works. His works on the Holy Grail, influenced by his friendship with Arthur Machen, were particularly notable. A number of his volumes remain in print, the Book of Ceremonial Magic, The Holy Kabbalah, and New Encyclopedia of Freemasonry having seen reprints in recent years."

At least one Masonic authority had high praise and glowing approval for Waite's writings. In Builders: A Story and Study of Masonry, in a chapter entitled Secret Doctrine, Baptist minister Joseph Fort Newton, the Grand Chaplain for his lodge, said:

“Perhaps the greatest student in this field of esoteric teaching and method, certainly the greatest now living is Arthur Edward Waite, to whom it is a plesure[sic] to pay tribute. ...Much learning and many kinds of wisdom are in his pages, and withal an air of serenity, of tolerance; and if he is of those who turn down another street when miracles are preformed in the neighborhood, it is because, having found the inner truth, he asks for no sign.” (p. 57)





Dr. Wynn Westcott

Dr. Wynn WestcottWilliam Wynn Westcott (December 17, 1848 - July, 1925), East London coroner, a Freemason, Theosophist, Qabalist, Supreme Magus of the Societas Rosicruciana and founding member (and organizing genius) behind the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. Westcott, along with MacGregor Mathers, initiated Golden Dawn students into the study of the Qabalah, Alchemy, Astrology, Geomantic and Tarot Divination, Tattwa Vision and the Pentagram Ritual.

Before the Golden Dawn had its own Lodge, its rituals (the Isis-Urania) were performed, covertly, in a Masonic Lodge Hall:

“From the beginning, the ceremonies of Isis-Urania were conducted at Mark Masons’ Hall in Great Queen Street (now demolished) but members were careful not to embarrass the Masonic authorities, being told that they ‘must not enter Mark Masons’ Hall by the front door, but go under archway and down passage, entering by a door on the right”
- A. Gilbert, Golden Dawn Companion, p.31.

The mention of Golden Dawn rituals being performed at "Mark Masons' Hall" is also repeated in other places recounting the history of the magical order: A Short Treatise on the History, Culture and Practices of The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, A Detailed History of the Golden Dawn and The Magicians of the Golden Dawn: A Documentary History of a Magical Order, 1887-1923, by Ellic Howe. It seems to be generally accepted as fact.

Wynn Westcott is also famous for his translation of the legendary Kabbalah treatise, Sepher Yetzirah "Book of the Brilliant (Light)", into English.


S. L. MacGregor Mathers

S. L. MacGregor MathersSamuel Liddel "MacGregor" Mathers (January 1854 – November 1918) a Freemason, a Rosicrucian and an adept occult magician. Mathers was one of the most influential occultists in modern times. Along with Dr. Wynn Westcott, he founded the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn. On the Golden Dawn, Wikipedia has this to say: "The 'Golden Dawn,' as it is commonly referred to, was probably the single greatest influence on 20th century western occultism. While it existed, it was the focal point of the development and redevelopment of magical thinking in Europe. In it, most concepts of magic and ritual that have since become core elements of Wicca, Thelema, western mystery schools and other forms of magical spirituality were first formulated."

Mathers was instrumental in formulating instructions on the occult meanings of the Tarot. From the Golden Dawn website: "Much of what we know of the Tarot comes from Mathers and his wife. Today, we take the Tarot for granted, but without the ground breaking work of Mathers and the Golden Dawn, our Tarot symbolism might be basic and trite."

Aleister Crowley

Aleister CrowleyAleister Crowley (12 October 1875 – 1 December 1947), the most controversial occultist in modern times, dubbed the "wickedest man alive." There's much dispute as to his official status as a mason. The Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, however, admits to his initiation into Craft Freemasonry in Anglo-Saxon Lodge No. 343. Crowley was also conferred the degrees 33°, 90° and 96° of the Antient and Primitive Rite of Masonry, Disciples of Memphis by John Yarker. Throughout his career, Crowley was as much influenced by Freemasons as he in turn had influence on them.

Crowley has generated an intense following since his death. He has influenced countless disciples and gave birth to Satanism. Proclaiming to be the magus (and great Beast 666) of the "new age of Horus," he saw himself as the usher, or prophet, of a "new Aeon" of illuminism.

Because of his total disregard for imposed social values and his legendary rebellion toward authority, Crowley became a hero for young people - especially rock musicians of the 60s and 70s and through to the Heavy Metal acts of the 80s and 90s.
Dr. Gérard Encausse

Dr. Gérard EncausseDocteur Gérard (Anaclet Vincent) Encausse (1865 - 1916), a Parisian spiritualist; Theosophist; Qabalist; chief of the Kabbalistic Order of the Rose-Croix; founder of the Order of the Martinists, based on two extinct Masonic Rites; an OTO initiate; a Golden Dawn occultist; and an adherent of Esoteric Christianity of the Gnostic Church.

Encausse organized an "International Masonic Conference" in Paris on June 24, 1908. Later, Theodor Reuss gave him a patent to form a "Supreme Grand Council General of the Unified Rites of Antient and Primitive Masonry for the Grand Orient of France and its Dependencies at Paris." [source: The Invisible Basilica: Gerard Encausse (Papus)]
Dr. Theodor Reuss

Doctor (Albert Karl) Theodor ReussDoctor (Albert Karl) Theodor Reuss (1855 - 1923) joined Masonry in 1876. Reuss was a tantric occultist and utopian socialist. William Wynn Westcott, in 1901, provided a charter to Reuss for the Swedenborgian Rite of Masonry. Westcott also provided authorization for Reuss to found a High Council in Germania of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia. Theodor Reuss, also in 1901, was designated Special Inspector for the Martinist Order in Germany, by Gérard Encausse. [source: The Invisible Basilica: Theodor Reuss]

Reuss is most famous as the Outer Head of the Ordo Templi Orientis. The O.T.O. is a revival of the Order of the Illuminati with practical magickal rituals and initiations. Ordo Templi Orientis is still in existence today, and has thrived in recent years as its members have embraced the internet.
George Pickingill

'Old George' Pickingill"Old George" Pickingill (1816-1909) is perhaps the most intriguing figure of the bunch. George Pickingill was a legend in his own time and was much feared by the villagers of Canewdon as a "Master of the Witches" and a black magician. "Old George" was a hereditary witch of a continuous, and genuine tradition dating back centuries. Pickingill claimed to be the direct ancestor of "Julia – The Witch of Brandon," burned at the stake in 1071; "since that time each generation of the Pickingill family has served as priests in the Old Religion." Occultists from all over Europe and the United States revered him and sought after his teachings.

During the course of his long life, Pickingill established nine hereditary covens in Norfolk, Essex, Hertfordshire, Sussex, and Hampshire. Each coven worshiped the "Horned God" and practiced sex magick in its rituals. According to the legend both Allan Bennett and Aleister Crowley (around 1899) were initiates.

Some quotes:

“Lefebure claims that Pickingill was believed to have sold his soul to the Devil and he was alleged to hold nocturnal orgies in the graveyard of St. Nicholas' church attended by his Romany kin. These midnight rites were allegedly ignored by the aged incumbent vicar who was terrified of George Pickingill's powers.”

“The O.T.O. claimed that sex magic was the key which opens up all Masonic and Hermetic secrets. If Kellner did receive this knowledge via P.B Randolph then Pickingill's influence on the O.T.O. can be demonstrated. The Pickingill Nine employed texts from the Classical Mysteries in conjunction with sexual techniques to contact ancient Divine Forces. P.B Randolph visited London in 1858 and discussed sex magic techniques with Hargrave Jennings, who was one of George Pickingill's pupils.”

“...His reputation preceded him and landowners and influential ‘Rosicrucians’ were impressed with his magical powers. He was granted access to the archives of several ‘cunning lodges’ and Masonic temples in London....”

“...It was not long before Pickingill was exhibiting his gifts at Masonic temples and private houses. He conducted the bulk of his demonstrations at a country house in Hertfordshire. John Symonds (1973) states in his biography of Crowley that the famous French magician Eliphas Levi visited Knebworth, the country house in Hertfordshire where Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton held his ‘magical club’. It is certainly possible that Bulwer-Lytton’s house was ‘the country house in Hertfordshire’. Many Masons and Rosicrucians are known to have observed the magical experiments at Knebworth.”

Sources:

* In Defence of The Pickingill Papers
* Old George Pickingill
* General Editorial for Antiquities of the Illuminati: The Second-Hand Book-Stall. Version Four, Part One

Annie Besant

Annie BesantAnnie Besant (October 1, 1847 - September 20, 1933) was responsible for founding the British Federation of the International Order of Co-Freemasonry. Besant was intimately involved with Fabian socialism and was a member of the Fabian Society. Having been converted to the teachings of the Theosophical Society after a review of Madame Blavatsky's The Secret Doctrine, she joined the organization, rose in the ranks, becoming its European, and finally, worldwide head.
C. W. Leadbeater

C. W. LeadbeaterBishop Charles W. Leadbeater (1847 - 1934) 2; a Freemason; a prolific author and teacher on occult subjects and Masonic history; an adept Theosophist and prelate in the Liberal Catholic Church.

Leadbeater was a mystic and clairvoyant widely regarded by both his masonic brothers and other occultists of his time. His works on the occult origins of the Craft are still widely read, and printed: Freemasonry and Its Ancient Mystic Rites and Hidden Life of Freemasonry being the most sought after.

His greatest contributions to the world of the occult were by association with the Theosophical Society. He joined Theosophy in 1883 and traveled with its founder, Madame Helena Blavatsky, to India in 1884. He helped spread the teachings of Theosophy to a wide audience through "his ability to write and speak in a direct, convincing, simple popular style." Obscure concepts such as the "aura, akashic records, reincarnation, vegetarianism, long hair, bare feet, the spiritual life as practised in India, [and] the bioenergetic field surrounding the human body" were easily grasped through his accessible exposition of the material. 3

After Blavatsky's death, Leadbeater had a hand, along with Annie Besant, in the promulgation of a new "World Teacher":

“In 1909 at Adyar, India, Leadbeater discovered a boy whose aura he judged to be completely free of selfishness. This was Jiddu Krishnamurti, who was 13 years old. Adopted by Besant and Leadbeater, he received intensive training, then 10 years of schooling in England. People in many countries were informed of his future role. At the age of 27, Krishnamurti had a personal vision which convinced him that the consciousness of Maitreya was beginning to overshadow him. Theosophists throughout the world had been waiting for this development.”

“But when he was 34, Krishnamurti renounced his association with the Theosophical Society, declaring: 'I do not want followers. My only concern is to set men absolutely, unconditionally free.' He spent the rest of his years teaching humanity how to achieve that freedom.”
- The pathless journey of Jiddu Krishnamurti

Manly P. Hall

Manly P. HallManly P. Hall (1901 - 1990) is unequaled, he is the most prolific occult philosopher of all-time. No one in history has even come close to matching his literary output on the subject. "Hall authored over two hundred books on occult subjects ranging from works on astrology, the Bible, Tarot, dreams, mysticism, Eastern and Western philosophy, religion, psychology, symbology, and reincarnation, plus hundreds of essays and a monthly magazine published called the PRS Journal. Over the course of six decades he delivered eight thousand lectures. He spoke for up to two hours extemporaneously, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of wisdom." 4

Born in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada in 1901, the Hall family moved to the United States in 1904. In 1919, Manly settled in Los Angeles. From an early age he was interested in occult matters and subsequently joined a number of societies: Theosophy, Freemasonry, the Societas Rosecruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis, and the American Federation of Astrologers.

After writing his first book, The Initiates of the Flame, in 1922, Hall began collecting rare books on the mystery schools and esoteric philosophy to begin assembling the text for a magnum opus of occult history. During this time he also travelled extensively in Europe, Asia and Egypt. In the search for "ancient wisdom" texts, Manly Hall's favorite place was the British Museum in London:

“The great center of learning in England is the British Museum, with its miles of bookcases, which caused De Quincy to sit and weep because he could not read all the volumes. In order to gain access to the two principal departments of the museum—one of rare books, and the other of manuscripts—it was necessary to be appropriately sponsored. I had the good fortune of becoming acquainted with General Sir Francis Younghusband, the man who led the British expedition into Tibet in 1903-1904, and camped his army at the foot of the Potola at Lhasa. While dining one day at the Officer’s Club, Sir Francis confided to me that he was known as the conqueror of Tibet, but he regarded this as a dubious honor. The real fact, he said, was that Tibetan religion and philosophy had conquered him. A note from Sir Francis immediately gave me admission to the most valuable parts of the British Museum, and I was able to examine the originals of many of the world’s most priceless books and manuscripts.” 5

In 1923, Hall was ordained a minister by the Los Angeles-based Church of the People, an occult/metaphysical congregation. As the leader of the Church of the People, Hall started a magazine titled " The All Seeing Eye."

By 1928, after 6 years of work and raising $100,000 for the first edition, Manly Hall finally published what has become a valuable classic for those who want to learn about the history of the occult and the "Ancient Wisdom" mystery schools: The Secret Teachings of All Ages. A quarter of a century later, the sheer breadth and scope of the work remains impressive: "pythagorean mathematics; alchemical formulae; Hermetic doctrine; the workings of the Kabala; the geometry of Ancient Egypt; the Native American myths; the uses of cryptograms; an analysis of the Tarot; the symbols of Rosacrucianism; the esotericism of the Shakespearean dramas – these are just a few of Hall’s topics." 6

In 1934, Hall founded the Philosophical Research Society, a research institute modeled on the ancient school of Pythagoras. It was here that he made his home, he held weekly lectures and continued to publish an incredible body of work. In the year of his death, Manly P. Hall was bestowed with the honorary 33º of Scottish Rite Masonry.
Gerald B. Gardner

Gerald B. Gardner Gerald Brosseau Gardner (June 13, 1884 - February 12, 1964) was a Freemason, an English hereditary Witch and largely responsible for reviving Witchcraft in the modern Western world. Gardner claimed to trace his roots to a Witch named Grissell Gardner who had been burned at the stake in 1610 at Newburgh.

Gardner suffered severely with asthma from an early age and required a nurse to attend to his needs. Nurse Josephine "Com" McCombie brought along young Gardner on her various trips to Europe and Ceylon, where he worked on a tea plantation. Gerald later worked and travelled to Borneo and Malaysia. In Ceylon between 1905 - 1908, Gardner became a Freemason, Sphinx Lodge 113, I.C., Colombo.

Between 1920 and 1923 Gardner studies native lore, magic, and weaponry in Malaysia. In 1926 through to 1932 Gardner takes up amateur Archaeology; proves the existence of a Malaysian civilization predating the coming of the Portuguese in 1687; returns to England and marries Donna Rosedale, a nurse; frequents the British Museum to research Welsh and Basque folklore; encounters a whole host of Spiritualist mediums; and visits an archaeological dig at Gaza in Egypt, prehistoric caves in France, and England.

In England before the Second World War, Gerald was involved with the Fellowship of Crotona - an occult group of Co-Masons - and met people who introduced him into Witchcraft. The Fellowship of Crotona was a secret society within a secret society; the inner circle claimed to be hereditary Witches. In 1939, Gardner was initiated into the New Forest coven by high priestess Old Dorothy Clutterbuck.

It was in 1940 at a large gathering of many covens that a legendary event was to take place:

“In June 1940 when England faced invasion from the Nazis, Gardner claims that the high priestess of his coven called a huge gathering of witches in the New Forest where the Great Circle was erected. This was a magical ritual only performed in cases of extreme emergency. Previously it had only been raised twice, in 1588 to combat the Spanish Armada, which was defeated not only by Drake and his ships but with the help of a great storm, and in the 1800s when it looked as if Napoleon would cross the Channel. The ritual in the forest involved raising a cone of psychic power and directing it towards the French coast with the command, ‘You cannot cross the sea. You cannot cross the sea. You cannot come.’ According to Gardner this ritual involved the use of the life force of the gathered covens and as a result several elderly witches died. The ritual was repeated four times and then the Elders said ‘We must stop. We must not kill too many of our people.’”
- The Occult Conspiracy : Secret Societies—Their Influence and Power in World History, p. 139

By 1951 the last of the English laws against witchcraft were repealed and throughout the 50s into the 60s Gardner published some widely read books on the rituals and traditions of the New Forest covens. This laid out the seeds of what would eventually be known as "Gardnerian Wicca." The resurgence of the "Old Religion" spread like wildfire and continues unabated.

Gardnerian Wicca borrows very heavily from Freemasonry, Tantric Hinduism and a touch of ceremonial magick. Gardnerian covens are always headed by a High Priestess and have three degrees of initiation closely paralleling the Masonic degrees. Worship is centered on The Goddess and The Horned God. Eight seasonal Sabbats are observed, and the Wiccan Rede is the guiding principle.

Sources:

* the MYSTICA.ORG, Gardner, Gerald B. (1884-1964), an excerpt from The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft.
* Roger Dearnaley, An Annotated Chronology and Bibliography of the Early Gardnerian Craft
* George Knowles, Gerald Brosseau Gardner (1884-1964)
* Michael Howard, The Occult Conspiracy: Secret Societies — Their Influence and Power in World History, Destiny Books, 1989
* Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon, Gerald Brosseau Gardner

Theosophy

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (1831-1891) heralded the dawn of the New Age Movement. Her writings are the foundation for many occult fraternities. After publishing monumental works such as Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine, the Theosophical Society (1875) was formed to spread her teachings worldwide. She claimed to receive her revelations from Secret Chiefs, or disembodied Ascended Masters; who claimed to be aiding humanity evolve into a race of supermen. Freemasonry took notice and many soon proclaimed her an occult genius:

"The Secret Doctrine and Isis Unveiled are Madame Blavatsky's gifts to humanity, and to those whose vision can pierce the menacing clouds of imminent disaster it is no exaggeration to affirm that these writings are the most vital literary contribution to the modern world. No more can they be compared with other books than can the light of the sun be compared with the lamp of the glowworm. The Secret Doctrine assumes the dignity of a scripture, . . ."
- Manly P. Hall 33°, The Phoenix: An Illustrated Review of Occultism and Philosophy, 1960, The Philosophical Research Society, p. 122

Blavatsky soon had a great host of admirers. The Theosophical Society had freemasons Henry Steel Olcott, George H. Felt appointed president and vice-president respectfully. Among the early members were high ranking masons Charles Sothern and Albert Pike.

In 1907 Annie Besant became president of the Theosophical Society. The beginnings of the modern New Age Movement began with search for their "own" messiah, as it were. Along with 33rd degree mason C.W. Leadbeater, Annie Besant promoted a young adept as the messiah: Jiddu Krishnamurti.

Alice Bailey and husband Foster (32° degree mason) continued to interlock the workings of Theosophy with the aims of Freemasonry. Bailey, as founder of Lucis (Lucifer) Trust, worked laboriously to fulfill the plan toward a New World Religion, which her master Djwhal Khul had said was the ultimate aim of Freemasonry. The Hierarchy had blessed both their beginnings, her master said.
O.T.O.: Ordo Templi Orientis

The O.T.O. founded at the beginning of the 20th century represents a reunification attempt to incorporate the traditions of the Freemasonic, Rosicrucian and Illuminist movements of the 18th and 19th centuries, the crusading Knights Templars of the middle ages and early Christian Gnosticism and the Pagan Mystery Schools.

The spiritual father of the OTO was Karl Kellner a wealthy Austrian paper chemist. Kellner was a student of Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism and Eastern mysticism. He developed adhesive to form an Academia Masonica which would enable all Freemasons to become familiar with all existing Masonic degrees and systems.

In 1895, Kellner decided that the Academia Masonica should be called the 'Oriental Templar Order'. The occult inner circle of this Order (OTO) would be organized parallel to the highest degrees of the Memphis and Mizraim Rites of Masonry, and would teach the esoteric Rosicrucian doctrines of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Light, and Kellner's 'Key' to Masonic symbolism. Possession of the various degrees of Craft and High-Grade Freemasonry would be a prerequisite for admission to the Inner Circle of OTO.

Theodor Reuss, Kellner's partner, was granted the charter to perform three systems of high-grade Freemasonry known as the Antient and Primitive Rite of Memphis of 97°, the Ancient Oriental Rite of Mizraim of 90°, and the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of 33°. With the incorporation of these rites, the Order was enabled to operate as a completely independent Masonic system.

John Symonds, the official biographer of Aleister Crowley, tells us that "the letters of O.T.O. stand for Ordo Templi Orientis or Order of the Templars, an occult society which was founded in Germany at the beginning of this century. Its leaders were well-known Grand Masters of Masonry, such as Franz Hartmann, Heinrich Klein, and Karl Kellner. They had decided to found the O.T.O. after the Viennese Karl Kellner had returned from an extensive tour in the East (where he had been initiated by the Arab fakir, Soliman ben Aifa, and the Indian yogis, Bhima Sen Pratap and Sri Mahatma Agamya Guru Paramahamsa) and had expounded the mysteries of yoga and the left-hand path which he called 'sexual magic'. Thus, in 1902, the Ordo Templi Orientis was constituted for an inner circle of adepts who, in the light of this new and exciting knowledge, found the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of masonry rather tame, and the ninety-seven degrees of the tiresome Rite of Memphis quite unnecessary." (The Great Beast: The Life and Magick of Aleister Crowley, Granada Publishing, 1973, p. 179)

The O.T.O. has also claimed, "Our Order possesses the KEY which opens up all Masonic and Hermetic secrets, namely, the teaching of sexual magic, and this teaching explains, without exception, all the secrets of nature, all the symbolism of FREEMASONRY and all systems of religion." (Ibid. p. 181)
Conclusion

I've tried to keep my biases in check for the entirety of the text. I am a Christian, but hopefully the explication of the facts have spoken for themselves; without resorting to preaching or any appearance of a smear campaign. Maybe that goal was accomplished, maybe not.

Many Freemasons throughout history have contributed immensely to our society, I would be remiss having not mentioned it. However, for all the good that has been done there is still only one occult revival that has occurred on such a grand scale (taken together as a phenomenon) which I thoroughly believe warrants the appellation of an empire. Historians will record this unique event, and its repercussions. It should also be put on the record that many Freemasons of the period had more than a passing influence on its birth.
End Notes

1.

Freemason Chevalier Andrew Ramsay, as far back as 1736, during a gathering of French Masons, revealed that Masonry was the heir of the secrets of the Templars who in turn were the inheritors of the ancient wisdom of the pagan Mysteries. (The Occult Conspiracy, p. 57; Murdered Magicians: The Templars and Their Myths)

Mystery Schools - of all stripes, whether ancient or modern - are based on a staged series of initiations or degrees; conferred ceremonially through allegory and symbol.

“Many Freemasons shudder at the word occult which comes from the Latin, meaning to cover, to conceal from public scrutiny and the profane. But anyone studying Freemasonry cannot avoid classifying Freemasonry among occult teachings.”
- George H. Steinmetz, The Royal Arch Its Hidden Meaning, Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co., Inc. 1946, p. 147.

2.

"Official records place his birth at February 16, 1854, while official Theosophy publications approved by him place his birth at February 17, 1847 (Source: Charles Webster Leadbeater Biography 1854-1934)." The Liberal Catholic Church, as well as Theosophy, places his birth in 1847.
3.

Ibid.
4.

Manly P. Hall: Portrait of An American Sage, The Philosophical Research Society
5.

Ibid.
6.

The Inscrutable Manly P. Hall: The Author of The Secret Teachings of All Ages Remains an Enigma

Appendix: Quotations

“[Freemasonry] makes no profession of Christianity, and wars not against sectarian creeds or doctrines, but looks forward to the time when the labor of our ancient brethren shall be symbolized by the erection of a spiritual temple whose moral grandeur shall be commensurate with civilization; a temple in which there shall be but one altar and but one worship; one common altar of Masonry on which the Veda, Shastras, Sade, Zend-Avesta, Koran, and Holy Bible shall lie untouched by sacrilegious hands, and at whose shrine the Hindoo, the Persian, the Assyrian, the Chaldean, the Egyptian, the Chinese, the Muhammadan, the Jew, and the Christian may kneel with one united voice celebrate the praises of the Supreme Architect of the Universe.”
- The Kentucky Monitor, p. 95, Grand Lodge of Kentucky (source)

“Masonry, successor of the Mysteries, still follows the ancient manner of teaching.”
- Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 2nd Degree, II - THE FELLOW-CRAFT, p. 22

“Though Masonry is identical with the ancient Mysteries, it is so only in this qualified sense: that it presents but an imperfect image of their brilliancy, the ruins only of their grandeur . . .”
- Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 2nd Degree, II - THE FELLOW-CRAFT, p. 23

“The doctrines of the Bible are often not clothed in the language of strict truth, but in that which was fittest to convey to a rude and ignorant people the practical essentials of the doctrine.”
- Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 14th Degree, XIV - GRAND ELECT, PERFECT, AND SUBLIME MASON, p. 224

“The true name of Satan, the Kabalists say, is that of Yahveh reversed; for Satan is not a black god, but the negation of God. The Devil is the personification of Atheism or Idolatry.

For the Initiates, this is not a Person, but a Force, created for good, but which may serve for evil. It is the instrument of Liberty or Free Will. They represent this Force, which presides over the physical generation, under the mythologic and horned form of the God PAN; thence came the he-goat of the Sabbat, brother of the Ancient Serpent, and the Light-bearer or Phosphor, of which the poets have made the false Lucifer of the legend.”
- Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 3rd Degree, III - THE MASTER, p. 102

“Masonry is a search after Light. That search leads us directly back, as you see, to the Kabalah. In that ancient and little understood medley of absurdity and philosophy, the Initiate will find the source of many doctrines; and may in time come to understand the Hermetic philosophers, the Alchemists, all the Anti-papal Thinkers of the Middle Ages, and Emanuel Swedenborg.”
- Albert Pike, Morals and Dogma, 28th Degree, XXVIII - KNIGHT OF THE SUN, OR PRINCE ADEPT, p. 741

“All truly dogmatic religions have issued from the Kabalah and return to it: everything scientific and grand in the religious dreams of all the illuminati, Jacob Bœhme, Swedenborg, Saint-Martin, and others, is borrowed from the Kabalah; all the Masonic associations owe to it their Secrets and their Symbols.”
- Albert Pike, 28th Degree, XXVIII - KNIGHT OF THE SUN, OR PRINCE ADEPT, p. 744

“[Albert Pike] was an honorary member of almost every Supreme Council in the world, personally receiving 130 Masonic degrees.

Pike also was one of the most physically and morally repulsive individuals in American history. Weighing well over three hundred pounds, his sexual proclivity was to sit naked astride a phallic throne in the woods, accompanied by a gang of prostitutes. To these orgies he would bring one or more wagon loads of food and liquor, most of which he would consume over a period of two days until he passed into a stupor.

In his adopted state of Arkansas, Pike was well known as a practitioner of Satanism, Portraits of his later years show him wearing a symbol of the Baphomet around his neck.”
- John Daniel, Scarlet and the Beast, Vol 2, Page 37

“It is generally agreed that the biggest single influence in the modern expansion of ritual magic, and the occult explosion in general, in the Western world, was the Golden Dawn. This magical fraternity, founded by Freemasons at the end of the 19th century, developed a complex ritual system with ten degrees of initiation relating to the Cabalistic Sephiroth.”
- Janet and Stewart Farrar, The Life and Times of A Modern Witch, Phoenix Publishing Company, p. 121

Worshipful Master: “What makes you a Mason?”

Senior Warden: “My Obligation.”
- question and answer, The Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, Grand Lodge of Nevada

“... binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my throat cut across, my tongue torn out, and with my body buried in the sands of the sea at low-water mark, where the tide ebbs and flows twice in twenty-four hours, should I ever knowingly or willfully violate this, my solemn Obligation of an Entered Apprentice.”
- from the oath of obligation, The Entered Apprentice Degree Ritual, Grand Lodge of Nevada

“... binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my left breast torn open, my heart and vitals taken thence, and with my body given as a prey to the vultures of the air, should I ever knowingly, or willfully, violate this, my solemn Obligation of a Fellow Craft.”
- from the oath of obligation, The Fellow Craft Degree Ritual, Grand Lodge of Nevada

“... binding myself under no less a penalty than that of having my body severed in twain, my bowels taken thence, and with my body burned to ashes, and the ashes thereof scattered to the four winds of Heaven, that there might remain neither track, trace nor remembrance among man or Masons of so vile and perjured a wretch as I should be, should I ever knowingly or willfully violate this, my solemn Obligation of a Master Mason.”
- from the oath of obligation, The Master Mason Degree Ritual, Grand Lodge of Nevada

"In willful violation whereof may I incur the fearful penalty of having my eyeballs pierced to the centre with a three-edged blade, my feet flayed, and I be forced to walk the hot sands upon the sterile shores of the Red Sea until the flaming sun shall strike me with livid plague, and may Allah, the god of Arab, Moslem and Mohammedan, the god of our fathers ..."
- from the oath of obligation, Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine ( source)

If a Mason is a defendant in court, Masonic partiality extends to the witness stand. In the Masonic Hand Book we read:

“You must conceal all the crimes of your brother Masons, except murder and treason, and these only at your own option, and should you be summoned as a witness against a brother Mason, be always sure to shield him. Prevaricate, don’t tell the whole truth in this case, keep his secrets, forget the most important points. It may be perjury to do this, it is true, but you’re keeping your obligations, and remember if you live up to your obligations strictly, you’ll be free from sin.”

Masonic partiality extends to the jury box. The Blue Lodge degrees read:

“Whenever you see any of our signs made by a brother Mason, and especially the grand hailing sign of distress, you must always be sure to obey them, even at the risk of your life. If you’re on a jury, and the defendant is a Mason, and makes the grand hailing sign, you must obey it; you must disagree with your brother jurors, if necessary, but you must be sure not to bring the Mason guilty, for that would bring disgrace upon our order. It may be perjury, to be sure, to do this, but then you’re fulfilling your obligation, and you know if you live up to your obligations you’ll be free from sin.”

Once a Mason reaches Royal Arch degree, he is to conceal all crimes of brother Masons, including murder and treason. Royal Arch Masons swear:

“I will aid and assist a companion Royal Arch Mason, when engaged in any difficulty, and espouse his cause, so far as to extricate him from the same, if in my power, whether he be right or wrong…. A companion Royal Arch Mason’s secrets, given me in charge as such, and I knowing him to be such, shall remain as secure and inviolable, in my breast as in his own, murder and treason not excepted.”

- The 9/11 Masonic Capture & Subsequent Terrorist Murder of Capt. William Morgan in the year 1826

Bohemian Grove intruder says he feared human sacrifices

January 22, 2002 - By RANDI ROSSMANN and LORI A. CARTER, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT




National Press Club
was established in Washington DC in 1908, soon after elites and journalists on the West Coast established the Bohemian Club. Membership includes "news makers" in addition to news reporters, including 17 consecutive Presidents of the United States. Most have lectured in the Club's restaurant, and both Carter and Reagan announced their candidacies for president. Mystical symbolism in NPC's logo reveal influence from Bohemian Grove's Owl Shrine and Illuminati's illuminated rays of sunlight.
Bohemian Grove Dirt

In jailhouse interview, suspect says he sneaked into exclusive Monte Rio club prepared to kill

Richard McCaslin planned a heavily armed assault on the exclusive Bohemian Grove men's club for more than a year, believing "it would take something dramatic" to draw attention to human sacrifices he feared were being held there.

In a jailhouse interview Monday night, the well-spoken, lucid and clean-shaven man said he "wanted to make a point" and was prepared to kill people at the Monte Rio resort if necessary.

McCaslin, 37, is being held in the mental health ward of the Sonoma County Jail, facing several felony charges stemming from his commando-like entry into the grove this weekend.

McCaslin, who calls himself the "Phantom Patriot," said he doesn't belong to any militia, the National Rifle Association or any religious group, fearing he'd be immediately pigeon-holed and not taken seriously.

McCaslin said he thinks he is sane.

"They might beg to differ," he said with a laugh, pointing his thumb behind him into the mental health ward.

On Saturday night, McCaslin went to the grove armed with a semiautomatic rifle/shotgun hybrid, a .45-caliber handgun, a crossbow, a 2-foot-long sword, a knife and a hand-made bomb launcher. Wearing a skeleton mask and carrying several of the weapons, he sneaked past guard houses into the grove near the Russian River.

Each summer, the grove is home to a private men-only gathering that attracts former Republican presidents, powerful business leaders and other influential figures.

Though he knew the annual grove gathering was months before, he thought there still would be people there.

"I expected heavy resistance," he said. But he got none.

He also carried a camouflage-colored Bible, poems he'd written and pamphlets about his motives and concerns. One pamphlet included a reference to an Old Testament verse from Leviticus above a crossed-out Bohemian Club insignia. He said he left the papers at the base of a huge owl "idol."

After his arrest, he told detectives that he had come to the Bohemian Grove to kill child molesters and those performing human sacrifices.

"He planned on killing people," Sonoma County Sheriff's Sgt. Steve Brown said. "He planned on confronting people doing these weird things."

His fears of the alleged events were based on a videotape put out a few years ago by radio host Alex Jones, who claims on his Web site that "bizarre, Luciferian ceremonies" occur there.

Jones could not be reached for comment Monday.

McCaslin said the tape was fuzzy and didn't show any faces. It appeared to have been taken surreptitiously by Jones from as far as 200 yards from the owl idol during the grove's annual and highly secret "Cremation of Care" ceremony. But he said he could make out the form of a wrapped infant, which he believed was real and alive, being sacrificed.

He also heard more on Jones' radio show a few months ago about legendary and secret goings-on at the private 2,000-acre Bohemian Grove that solidified his desire to take action.

A Marine in the early 1980s and a former stunt man at Six Flags amusement park in Texas, McCaslin isn't married and has no children. Otherwise, he said, he couldn't have taken on the act.

"That wouldn't be responsible," he said.

He said he legally bought the weapons over time. He said he considered the legal and personal consequences if he was caught, and what his prison time could be depending on the whether he killed someone.

Last July, he made a reconnaissance mission to the grove. He wanted to make sure it really existed and how to get there.

In late December, McCaslin said he moved to Carson City, NV., from Austin, Texas.

He got an apartment and spent a few weeks "blending in," finalizing his plans. "If I chickened out, I liked Nevada - I could live there," he said.

On Saturday, he drove his pickup to Sonoma County and parked in the dark near the grove.

After sneaking inside the grounds, McCaslin said he heard only a couple of voices and realized there was no one there but security.

After about an hour, his flashlight died. It was pitch black under the redwoods and his efforts to sneak around were hampered.

He couldn't find the tall owl statue and eventually slept on a mattress in a cabin, waiting for dawn. With the early light, he found the owl quickly and left his marks and papers.

Not wanting the trip to have been in vain, he said he went into a dining hall, and using de greaser and some flammable materials, set an admittedly "poorly made fire."

"I'm not an arsonist," he said.

The fire was doused by a sprinkler system, but the fire alarm alerted security. McCaslin knew he'd been spotted and began walking out of the grove.

Sheriff's deputies and CHP officers, called by grove security officers, arrived and confronted McCaslin, who was wearing the skeleton mask and carrying the MK-1 assault rifle-shotgun, loaded with 70mm shotgun slugs and a full 30-shell magazine of .223-caliber bullets.

He also was wearing a bulletproof vest and a blue uniform similar to what police SWAT team members wear. On opposite shoulders, he wore patches of the Democrats' donkey and the Republican elephant, each within crossed-out red circles.

McCaslin said he waited behind a tree, wondering whether the officers were "legitimate" or part of the "Bohemian conspiracy" and planned to kill him to cover up his efforts.

When the officers did not shoot, McCaslin said he knew they were legitimate and then "took the hard way out," putting down his weapons and giving up peacefully.

Brown said the officers showed great restraint during the confrontation and were relieved when McCaslin put his gun down.

Detectives describe McCaslin as an intelligent, well-read man who is a fan of American history and government actions. He has no criminal record.

Although some of beliefs may seem bizarre, Brown said, McCaslin did not appear to be mentally unstable.

"He thinks (Timothy) McVeigh was programmed by the government to blow up Oklahoma City," he said. "And that (Osama) bin Laden has a company that George Bush is a partner in. But he's not dumb. His beliefs are just a little different," Brown said.

McCaslin will be arraigned Wednesday on six felony charges.
Bohemian Club conducting own probe of break-in
- By CECILIA M. VEGA, THE PRESS DEMOCRAT, February 1, 2002

Police say ex-Secret Service agent working at Grove misrepresented himself at jail

The Bohemian Club is quietly conducting its own investigation into how a heavily armed man managed to sneak past security into the club's Russian River camp.

Bohemian Grove, a 2,700-acre camp near Monte Rio, is the site of an annual encampment attended by entertainers and corporate and political leaders.

Richard McCaslin, a self-styled commando who was arrested after a brief standoff with sheriff's deputies, says he went to the grove looking for pagan ceremonies and human sacrifices that he heard about on a talk radio program.

Since his arrest, McCaslin has been questioned in jail twice by a former Secret Service agent who is part of the security detail at the grove.

Bohemian Club officials say they are simply trying to ensure the safety of their members and guests, a group that often includes presidents and Cabinet secretaries during the two-week summer encampment.

The questioning prompted a complaint from McCaslin's public defender, and sheriff's officials said the grove security man, identified as Martin Allen, misrepresented himself to gain privileged access to McCaslin in the county jail.

Assistant Sheriff Mike Costa said Allen identified himself as an active Secret Service agent to obtain visits without time constraints, a right typically granted to lawyers and law enforcement.

Costa said Allen "took advantage of all the resources available to him in order to accomplish his mission, which was to see Mr. McCaslin for longer than the 30 minutes granted to him as a civilian."

A spokesman for the Bohemian Club confirmed that Allen visited McCaslin twice last week to obtain information for an internal investigation of the break-in.

As for Costa's statement that Allen misrepresented himself, spokesman Mike Oggero said: "I think he told them who he is and gave them his background."

McCaslin's attorney, Deputy Public Defender Jeff Mitchell, said he was concerned that some of the information his client shared could be subpoenaed by prosecutors and used against him in court.

"It presents some difficult legal issues," he said. "He's been asked everything by this person ... Given all this conspiracy stuff that's floating around, it's very interesting."

Oggero said the club doesn't intend to share any information obtained by Allen with other agencies.

"We have an ongoing commitment to do everything we can to provide a safe environment for our members, guests and staff," he said. "This is simply ... a little research to make sure we're doing what we can to make the grove safe."

Jail officials say Allen flashed a Secret Service badge and whispered he was an agent before his visits to McCaslin.

His visiting privileges have been revoked, Costa said.

"His ID credentials should have 'retired' stamped across them," he said. "He is not a peace officer. He's more or less like a private investigator."

Allen didn't return telephone calls seeking comment.

McCaslin is being held without bail on a variety of state and federal criminal charges including arson and possession of an assault weapon.

He was dressed in a skeleton mask and a hooded costume with the words "phantom patriot" on his chest when he was arrested at the grove Jan. 20. He was carrying several weapons, including a crossbow, an assault rifle and a homemade bomb launcher.

McCaslin said he expected to find people sacrificing children in rituals performed before an owl statue in the camp. Only the security detail was present, however, and he was arrested after allegedly setting a fire in the grove's mess hall.

McCaslin said Allen came prepared with a list of questions and spent about four hours interviewing him.

In a jailhouse interview Thursday, McCaslin said Allen questioned him about how he entered the grove and what he saw once he was inside.

"He asked, 'Were you disappointed with security?'" he said. "I figured they would have chain-link fences up by now. No guard dogs. No microcameras. Yeah, it's off-season, but still...

"They don't want people going in there, but from what I saw they weren't too worried about people sneaking in."

Once inside, McCaslin said he didn't see much because his flashlight died.

A Texas native and former Marine, McCaslin said he once pursued a career in acting and auditioned for a role as an FBI agent in the 1999 movie "Miss Congeniality." He also said he portrayed "Batman" at an amusement park.

McCaslin said he is the only child of deceased parents and was unemployed and living off an inheritance when he was arrested.
More Info on the Bohemian Grove

John DeCamp's book, The Franklin Cover-Up, includes Paul Bonacci's testimony about a snuff film of a child being murdered on July 26, 1984 in California in "an area that had big trees." At a meeting in Santa Rosa, DeCamp told a group that he had edited out Bonacci's references to an enormous, moss-covered owl and men in hooded red robes because he not know then about the owl at the Grove and thought it "too far fetched for people to believe." In the fall of 1992, Paul Bonacci was shown a black and white photo of the moss-covered owl at the Grove and quickly identified it as the site of the July 1984 snuff film described in DeCamp's book. Although this testimony has been available to law enforcement officials since mid-October 1992, no official investigation has been made.

The ceremony . . . involves the burning of an effigy named Dull Care, who symbolizes the burdens and responsibilities these harried Bohemians now wish to shed temporarily. More than 100 Bohemians take part in the ceremony as priests, acolytes, torch bearers, brazier bearers, boatmen, and woodland voices, but despite many flowery speeches, they can't get the fire started. . . the perplexed Bohemians must turn to the mighty Owl for advice: "O thou, great symbol of all mortal wisdom, Owl of Bohemia, we do beseech thee, grant us thy counsel," intones the High Priest. An aura of light creates a glow around the Owl's head, and then the big bird reveals its wisdom. The High Priest must light the pyre with the flame from the Lamp of Fellowship, located conveniently enough on the "Altar of Bohemia" at the base of the Shrine . . . Bohemian Bigwigs Perpetuate Canaanite Cult
William Domhoff, The Progressive, January 1981

Antony C. Sutton, editor of an excellent monthly newsletter, Phoenix Letter, stated in the October, 1996 edition:

"Up to a few months ago, our knowledge of Bohemian Grove [was that it is] the exclusive elitist hideaway of supposedly adult wheeler dealers, a.k.a. Washington statesman and prominent people (all male)."

"We dismissed the behavior as immature, even pitiful, by emotionally disturbed juveniles and not worth attention. This is where Kissinger, Ford, Nixon, Bechtel, Bush, Cheney, Hoover and their friends (2600 members) hang out and 'relax.' And if they want to behave as little boys that is their privilege, it is private property."

"Recent information may radically change this perception of Bohemian Grove. Not merely drunkenness, unbounded use of alcohol and drugs with vague homosexual tones (confirmed by our sources) but reported activities much more serious - kidnapping, rape, pedophilia, sodomy, ritual murder. Investigation is blocked under the 1947 National Security Act.(!) and like the Omaha child abuse case, includes illegal detention of children."

"For decades, there have been vague rumors of weird goings on in Bohemian Grove in more remote parts of its 2200 acres. Reliable reports claim Druidic like rituals - druids in red hooded robes marching in procession and chanting to the Great Owl (Moloch) - a funeral pyre with 'corpses.' (Scores of men work in the Bohemian Grove as servants so this party is fairly well established.)"

"The chief feature of Moloch's worship among the Jews seems to have been the sacrifice of children, and the usual expression for describing that sacrifice was 'to pass through the fire', a rite carried out after the victims had been put to death."

MOLECH - Moloch, or Milcom, a god of the Ammonites Le 18:21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD. 2Ki 23:10 And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech. Jer 32:35 And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. Am 5:26 But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves. Ac 7:43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

* World Leaders Engage in Symbolic Pagan Worship of Molech - the 'god' of Child Sacrifice
* Index of Bohemian Grove Reportage
* Bohemian Club Bohemian Grove & Global Elite
* The Significance Of Bohemian Grove Owl Worship