Albert Pike Ponders on Lucifer in Morals and Dogma: Tells Us to Seek the Light of Knowledge

In Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (1871), Episcopalian-Freemason of the Scottish Rite, Albert Pike writes exaggeratedly and ponderously in question, “LUCIFER, the Light-bearer! Strange and mysterious name to give to the Spirit of Darkness! Lucifer, the Son of the Morning! Is it he who bears the Light, and with its splendors intolerable blinds feeble, for traditions are full of sensual or selfish Souls? Doubt it not!” (Pike, Morals and Dogma, p. 321, see Ch. XIX: Grand Pontiff). In this same passage, Albert Pike disproves his slanderers when he writes, that the Apocalypse, or Book of Revelation is the apotheosis (i.e., the exaltation or glorification) of that sublime faith that aspires to “God alone,” and “despises all the pomps and works of Lucifer.” Pike’s belief in the sublimity of a Faith, which aspires Godward and despises sensual depravity, human selfishness and egotism identifies his Christian Platonism and echoes the Theosophical teachings.

So, that line above has been the quote misused for decades to support a conspiracy against Pike, and insinuate that the esotericism and purpose of Freemasonry is rooted in a supernatural evil. To this I say: When a supposed Christian is constantly peddling slander, conspiracy and falsehood, I have to call you by the names that you are. Lying to many people whose perspective and spiritual knowledge could have been otherwise enhanced by your time-wasting is devilish. Surely, the vice is ignorance, and so we must ask the accuser who inspires them to lie.

THE MORALS OF PIKE IN MORALS AND DOGMA

Here in full context, Pike states he despises Lucifer’s pride. He speaks insignificantly of the angel of legend in this Chapter XIX: Grand Pontiff, rather than praise the character, which he equates with sensual depravity, human selfishness and egotism. The strong-minded and extraordinarily learned Albert Pike, eager to share his knowledge, as many of us do, valued education, and encouraged his fellows to further their education (liberal arts) — to seek the ‘light of knowledge.’ For Pike, this ‘light of knowledge’ he tells us in Morals and Dogma is God, the Bible, the liberal arts, and arcane knowledge, i.e., ancient philosophy, history and the meaning of the expressions and symbolism in traditions and old religion.

In this case, it is also important to understand what Helena P. Blavatsky writes about LUCIFER, and also others when we aren’t getting imaginatively carried away into semi-mystical expression.

This is Helena Blavatsky’s The Secret Doctrine Index on Lucifer: LUCIFER—is the Adversary (relative to Nemesis – ancient Greek god) in its lowest aspect and Logos in its highest aspect; both Holy Ghost and Satan; is referred to as AETHER, astral light by Levi, and Harbinger of Light; confers spiritual immortality in the legend; is the essence of the “Universal Mind” (Sk. MAHAT) and is the spirit of intellect; the first archangel from CHAOS; is an older, or higher god than Jehovah — a minor god; the name of a Pontiff and Christian sect; is (or in) the mind; was called Venus by Christians; and the Verbum are one.

The index is full of keywords, that are simple to decipher with a little learning of the meanings. Lucifer is described as the spirit of the intellect. Lucifer is, or is in the mind. There is no anthropomorphic structure to Lucifer. This is a primarily metaphysical and psycho-spiritual explanation. It gives the meaning to the mythology and symbolism of the initiate, hero or warrior, who conquers or vanquishes the lower nature in themselves. Theosophy resolves the dual nature in man, as wisdom teaches, that the dualism is an illusion; although a reality and struggle from the position of one who does not perceive it. Furthermore, this occult teaching is entirely connected to positions on the nature of matter and consciousness.

In her work, H.P.B. attempted to give a philosophical view, which corrects and rids the philosophical and theological issues created from the Biblical concepts of Hell, Satan and Lucifer. This was done to revive the true philosophical meanings and what the legends relate to in the Mysteries. The idea, that H.P.B. was reinterpreting the Book of GENESIS for the diabolical nefarious purpose of spreading so-called “luciferianism” is rooted in incompetence and dishonesty of the character or accuser. Both Helena P. Blavatsky and Albert Pike were the people they were precisely because of their strong-mindedness. It must be said also, that while Pike was Christian-oriented, despite the opinions of others who would deny him this, Blavatsky, a Buddhist was not.

PIKE ON REVOLUTIONARY REPUBLICANISM, DUTY, VIRTUE

In the same Morals and Dogma as shown, Albert Pike, besides encouraging Masons to seek the light of knowledge and the liberal arts, encourages us to be protectors of the people, and to help them. There are Americans, that are too often ignorant of (or even in protestation, reject) the ideas and movements, that lay behind their nation’s foundational ideas.

Manly P. Hall says in one of his lectures, that Pike was physically and intellectually, a tall towering giant, and a Platonist, with an encyclopedic knowledge. His words are a great encouragement to all those sincere in this cause that binds many of us together in spirit, despite the repeated attempts in history to obstruct this learning from properly reaching, instructing and enlightening the public a little more:

“Masonry will do all in its power, by direct exertion and co-operation, to improve and inform as well as to protect the people; to better their physical condition, relieve their miseries, supply their wants, and minister to their necessities. Let every Mason in this, good work do all that may be in his power. (…) Above all things let us never forget that mankind constitutes one great brotherhood; all born to encounter suffering and sorrow, and therefore bound to sympathize with each other. For no tower of Pride was ever yet high enough to lift its possessor above the trials and fears and frailties of humanity.” (Pike, Ch. XI : Sublime Elect of the Twelve, or Prince Ameth, p. 180)

“LIBERTY, EQUALITY, FRATERNITY”—MOVEMENT OF DEITY IN HISTORY OR PROCESS THEOLOGY

Albert Pike explains the REPUBLICAN PHILOSOPHY of the Enlightenment and Revolution plainly to his readers (also see Albert Pike on the Republican Ideal), which are counter to the radical conservatism of subversive political Right forces in our times. Pike was a political idealist, but not as false conspiracies portray him, which began with the Taxil letters hoax.

Pike further expresses the slogan and philosophy of REPUBLICANISM in his magnum opus when he wrote, that:

From the political point of view there is but a single principle,— the sovereignty of man over himself. This sovereignty of one’s self over one’s self is called Liberty. Where two or several of these sovereignties associate, the State begins. But in this association there is no abdication. Each sovereignty parts with a certain portion of itself to form the common right. That portion is the same for all. There is equal contribution by all to the joint sovereignty. This identity of concession which each makes to all, is Equality. The common right is nothing more or less than the protection of all, pouring its rays on each. This protection of each by all, is Fraternity. Liberty is the summit, Equality the base. Equality is not all vegetation on a level, a society of big spears of grass and stunted oaks, a neighborhood of jealousies, emasculating each other. It is, civilly, all aptitudes having equal opportunity; politically, all votes having equal weight; religiously, all consciences having equal rights.” (Pike, Ch. II : The Fellow-Craft, p. 44)

Regarding education, speaking of intellect and the soul of the People, he says with power!

“Intellect is to the people and the people’s Force, what the slender needle of the compass is to the ship — its soul, always counselling the huge mass of wood and iron, and always pointing to the north. To attack the citadels built up on all sides against the human race by superstitions, despotisms, and prejudices, the Force must have a brain and a law. Then its deeds of daring produce permanent results, and there is real progress. Then there are sublime conquests. Thought is a force, and philosophy should be an energy, finding its aim and its effects in the amelioration of mankind. The two great motors are Truth and Love. When all these Forces are combined, and guided by the Intellect, and regulated by the Rule of Right, and Justice, and of combined and systematic movement and effort, the great revolution prepared for by the ages will begin to march. The Power of the Deity Himself is in equilibrium with His Wisdom. Hence only results HARMONY.” (Pike, Morals and Dogma – Ch. I : Apprentice, The Twelve-Inch Rule and Common Gavel, p. 1)