The Lost Key: An Explanation of Masonic Symbols

94The Lost Keysymbolism is understood, then each initiation repeats and renewsthe impressions and suggestions made upon the subjective minduntil these crystallize into character.274. As we have stated and as you will find it confirmed by anycompetent text book on Psychology, the subjective mind is affectedby suggestion and the depth and power of the effect is measured bythe frequency and force of the suggestion. In other words, the twogreat agents in building up the subjective mind are Suggestion andRepetition. The Masonic Rituals afford constant repetition of themost beautiful and dramatic lessons in Moral Science—provided—and this must be understood well, provided the Mason watchingthem knows what the symbolism means. If he does not know hegets no lessons. This would seem to be so self-evident that it needsno more than the mere statement. But it follows from this thatwhere the meaning of the symbolism is not known the great workthat Masonry could do and ought to do is wasted. Think this overcarefully and see if it is not correct. Where the meaning of thesymbolism is not known Masonry is but little more than a merefraternal organization and her transcendently beautiful, dramaticlessons, are almost if not entirely wasted.MASONIC WORK275. But, when the meanings of the symbols and the Rituals areknown then the repetition of the moral lessons involved takesplace in the subjective minds of all those who understand themeanings of the symbols and this constitutes “Masonic Work,” thisconstant training and building up of the subjective mind by anUNDERSTANDING CONTEMPLATION OF THE RITUAL. Note that themere contemplafon of the Rituals is not enough. The contemplationmust be an Understanding one. The Mason on the side linesmust understand what he sees or it cannot produce any impressionwhich could sink down into his subjective mind there to add itself