New book: Johann Mund's Alchemical Freemasonry

[Paul Ferguson]

From the team of Rolf Keil / Josef Wäges and Paul Ferguson

The earliest known Rosicrucian Ritual System published for the first time.

THE SECRET FREEMASONRY OF A PRIEST IN THE TEMPLE OF NATURE

The subject of this book is Johann Samuel Mund artist, alchemist and Free-mason and his own special interpretation of the Royal Art. It was in Frankfurt that Mund founded the Masonic Lodge known as the Bund der Treue und Wahrheit zu den 3 Rosenkreuzern Weiß, Roth und Gold (Union of Loyalty and Truth of the 3 Rosy Crosses, White, Red and Gold), for which he developed his own doctrine with its own rituals and teachings, which have fortunately come down to us in various manuscript archives.

In this book the authors provide the first complete overview of Munds teachings, illustrated with the unique images and diagrams that he created specially for them. The authors also explore the conditions prevailing at the time the Lodge of the Union of Loyalty and Truth was founded, the influences that shaped it, and the impact it had upon the development of the High Degrees in the mid-18th century.

What is more, the book sheds light on a fascinating chapter in Masonic history, and one that has been relatively neglected to date, namely the connection between practical and philosophical alchemy on the one hand and dogmatic Freemasonry (at that time not yet fully developed) on the other.

This meticulously researched and richly illustrated volume is a joint production of Salier Verlag, Germany, and Lewis Masonic, United Kingdom, and contains all the relevant texts in both German and English. It is aimed both at academics specialising in the Enlightenment and the general reader with an interest in the history of ideas, alchemy and esotericism, as well as Freemasons who are eager to explore a fascinating and previously neglected chapter in the development of the Brotherhood.

1st Edition 2024
Hard-cover, imitation leather, gold embossing, thread-stitching, two bookmarks, colour throughout with numerous illustrations
Bilingual edition German and English 17 × 24 cm
544 pages


https://www.lewismasonic.co.uk/the-secre...nature.htm

[Paul Ferguson]

Review:

"The significance of this work lies not only in its historical value but also in its exploration of the interplay between practical and philosophical alchemy and early Freemasonry. At a time when the dogmatic structures of Freemasonry were still in their infancy, Mund’s work represents a fascinating synthesis of esoteric traditions. The book details how Mund’s alchemical interests informed his Masonic teachings, contributing to the development of the High Degrees within Freemasonry during the mid-18th century."

https://www.thesquaremagazine.com/mag/ar...of-nature/