The Square and the Circle: The Influences of Freemasonry on Wicca and Paganism

excellent book about the connectivity of paganism and freemasonry, Golden Dawn , Crowley and dear old Gerald

Overall it is an enjoyable read, and it added to my extensive knowledge of Wicca gathered over the last 22 years. Because of that, certain elements of the influences on Wicca by Freemasonry seemed over-lengthy, where rich ground of that influence on Gardner and the first Wiccan coven seemed less importantly covered, especially the evidence of the last remainer of the original coven - Fred Lamond, who I knew personally, and with whom I have done 3 rituals in Southern Austria where he lives, and where I resided for nearly two years teaching English in the wonderful town of Klagenfurt.

I almost gave this book a two or three star rating. That would have been pretty bad considering the author was Payam Nabarz whose work I enjoy very much. Now why would I give this book a three. Well first off it is rather short. I was hoping it would be a bit longer and packed with more details. In the end it had those details which is what earned it a 4. The book had a another problem , I read the kindle edition , and it had illustration or other pictures plastered over the text , sometimes obliterating half a paragraph. Anyone who read "Triumph of the Moon" by Roonald Hutton would be well aware that Wicca was strongly influenced by Freemasonry.It is a well known fact that Gerald Gardener, the founder of Modern Wicca, was both a Freemason and a member of Crowley's OTO. The Golden Dawn , OTO and other Ceremonial Magic lodges were founded by Masons. Crowley was a Mason. The ritual works of Wicca in many cases were forgeries or direct lift off of Golden Dawn Rituals and Masonic Rituals. Besides the lifting of ritual materials, Wicca borrows terminology and ritual movements from the Mason, albeit in moderated form. Terms like Merry Meet and Merry part were taken from Masnic works and modified. The term Cowan refers to someone who is not an initiate of Wicca or Freemasonry. Both call their practice "The Craft" Both Circe sun wise around a a circle and they both call their tool well tool. Although there tools are different . Wiccans use a black handled Athame, white handled boline, a wand ceremonial sword and pentacle. Mason use the pentacle and also a hammer and other construction tools.Masonic groups seem too be on the decline while modern pagan movement influenced by the Mason seem to be on the rise. Marry relies more on scripted ritua.s and is only open to initiates. While modern Pagan movements are less scripted, open to anyone and more open too change. Mason's believe in helping people and perfecting character while Wicca preaches do what though wilt but harm your none.The main selling point of this book is the appendix. It is in the appendix that the author does a good job explaining how Masonry influenced and interacted with the Modern Druids, Clan of Tubal Cain, Sufi mysticism etc. This is why I gave the book a 4 star rating.