Hermetics

I would like to recommend Franz Bardon's Initiation into Hermetics to all the brethren reading this blog. No, I'm not advocating everyone becoming magicians, but I believe certain parts of this book are of special interest to Masons, especially in connection with the practical purpose and effects resulting from our use of certain signs and grips. He speaks of "gestures and finger positions which are commonly known as ritual."

I'm largely materialistic in my religion, but this book spoke to me on the subject in a way that made me open my mind to the possibility of some unseen force at work and simultaneously reinforcing to me the importance of upholding our ancient customs.

I may post in more detail on this at some later date, but I find the assertion that gestures and finger positions constitute ritual, or rather, that ritual and gestures are one and the same thing, to be a key that can unlock some of the mysticism of Freemasonry.