The Lost Key: An Explanation of Masonic Symbols

Chapter IX. 93will find yourself coming to accept that statement as true and,when the time comes for action, the subjective mind will send upto the conscious mind or to the nervous system, some messagewhose nature will be based upon the suggestions which you haveindustriously been sending down into it. Thus repeated suggestionsof stealing will, in time, crystallize into some sudden, actualdeed of theft. Repeated suggestions of doing an act of kindness willalso crystallize into the actual deed.272. That is why the nursing of a “grouch” is so very harmful. Ittinges the whole atmosphere of the subjective mind with the bad,grouchy vibrations. We use the word “vibrations” because therereally is not another word which describes the condition. Whetherwhat we call “vibrations” are really vibrations or not does not reallymatter so long as the meaning is grasped. Now these repeatedsuggestions, of whatever nature they may be, act upon the subjectivemind and seem to increase the vibrations in it which are oftheir own nature until, finally, those vibrations grow so strong thatthey flash into action before the conscious will can take control ofthe situation.273. The Masonic Rituals of the Three Degrees were designed tohave this exact effect. The silent lessons of the Lodge Room andthe platforms and the steps, the dramatic teaching of the clothingand all the other symbolisms produce suggestive effects upon thesubjective mind when that mind has once come to understand themeaning of the symbols. Of course, when the meaning of theclothing, for instance, is not known, the suggestion which shouldbe made upon the subjective mind is lost. So it is with all the otherlessons of the Masonic symbology. Unless the meaning is firstexplained and made clear, there can be no suggestion handeddown into the subjective mind for the latter to work on andincorporate into itself. That is why the clear understanding of theRituals is of such extreme importance to Masonry, for, when the