Duncan's Ritual of Freemasonry

An good read for anyone interested in Freemasonry. Inspired me to visit a local lodge after reading it. Also, never lend to a Freemason if you're a Non-Mason because you will not get it back from them, had to buy a second copy.

This book is an absolute must have for anyone that wishes to gain deep insight into the rituals and rites of the Masonic Order. A very long read for a paperback book made even longer considering the print is medium-small sized, but don't let that deter you from reading this great compilation. Definitely worth buying

This compilation of rituals is basically intended for those duly initiated into the so-called "York" or US free-masonic rite. This rite much resembles the "Standard Rite of Scotland" (not to be confused with the so-called "Scottish Rite"!). Given the purpose of the book, this reviewer does not find it appropriate to criticise the US Rite as such in this context.

Of course the reader should be aware that there are several rites and variants thereof practised in Freemasonry, some, e.g. the Emulation Rite practised in England and the French Rite, more "adogmatic"; others, e.g. the Scandinavian and Rectified Scottish Rites, on the other hand even more closely frameworked to the Christian Tradition than the "York" Rite.

Those who are adherents to others religious Traditions than Christianity will find that this Ritual leaves out pre-Abrahamic references contained in some other rituals, for example to the "Morning Star", and in footnotes e.g. on page 147 often "bends" the explanations to make them conform to exoteric Christian theology. It thus simply misses a vital point that Hiram Abiff was a "pagan", honoured beyond any Israelite by final burial nearest to the Sanctum Sanctorum.

The size, quality, typeface, paper, binding, etc. of the book are simply excellent for the stated purpose. The explanations and comments are very useful and well balanced.

Problematic may well be the availability of this book to the general public. It is not a substitute for proper initiation and cannot, as can no book, convey the real essentials of Freemasonry.

This is the one Masonic ritual every Mason should own and every Masonic lodge should at least recommend for study, if not for ceremony. On the surface, Duncan's rendition may not appear much dissimilar from other rituals, but it may contain subtle and cryptic clues to Freemasonry's origins and true nature where others don't. (Maybe that's not something to imply here. But it's something for Freemasons to consider.) In my empirical opinion: if earnestly contemplated, Duncan's ritual will help the diligent Freemason unlock the "secrets within the secret." Of course, there is ultimately much more to Masonic practice and ritual than what meets the blindfolded eye.

The book's illustrations, rendered quite generously throughout, often gives lay readers an invalid impression that they finally know all about the goings-on in Freemasonry. Therefore, for non-masons who are simply curious about Freemasonry (as they so often are), there is a lot here to entertain the eye and bedazzle the mind. But nothing here is a substitute for actual lodge experience. My advice for non-masons: Don't try this stuff at home! And I doubt if most Freemasons realize that the parade of illustrations, while for the most part do accurately depict some Freemasonic lodge activity, may also be the author's cleverly placed distractions-- for the profane (non-masons)-- from what he is really putting down in the book. For instance, not only do I find clever clues and key words with cryptic connotation in the text, I also discern inscrutable configurations in the illustrations.

Am I a loon? Maybe. But then, Freemasons are accused of discerning Masonic symbols in the layout of Washington, D.C.. Now I'm not suggesting anyone enter a matrix and swallow a red or blue pill before doing so, but for Freemasons who want to know how deep the rabbit hole really goes, this could be a place to start digging. This book is a real gem, almost more of a reference resource than a ritual, and that is perhaps why it's still around.

How can an organization be a secret society when everything that happens in a Lodge is in this book (with illustrations)! Each jurisdiction promulgates its own ritual, but this one's pretty close to the way a Lodge and Chapter operate in New York. So, what's the secret?

Just because you know what's in this book and can forge a dues card doesn't make you a Mason. And when you get into the Lodge, you're going to probably be disappointed. It's what's inside the individual that makes him a Mason. I once had a Past Grand Master of Japan tell me that the true secrets of Masonry aren't the grips, words and modes of recognition. There are only two true secrets of Masonry:

First: how an organization that's almost 300 years old can bring men of different colors, religions and opinions together in a neutral place and call each other "brother" and really mean it? It's the original centipede's dilemma.

Second: the one thing that cannot be bought, sold, reported, written, or told to anyone inside or outside the Lodge. In fact, it's a masonic offense to do so. It's how you vote on a candidate. it takes a unanimous vote of the lodge for a candidate to be elected. One "no" vote and he doesn't get in. This is done at the ballot box. How you vote is between you and G-d.

This book is a good reference, and anyone who really wants to know just what goes on inside a Lodge during the degrees will get a good idea. Conspiracy theorists and religious zealots will never believe anything other than their own version of what they consider truth. However, if you're a good man and true and believe in the existence of a Supreme Being, then the best way to understand how this all works is to ask at the door; it shall be opened to you.

Excellent if dated paraphrase. I emphasize this is not a word-perfect expose` of Masonic text but a "dynamic equivalent", which implies things stated explicitly in the real ritual: and desribes things merely implied in the real rites. A good memory prompt for a real Mason and helpful to the curious or the critical.

This book is a classic, and a treasure. Reading about the rituals of Freemasonry is fascinating, but to see illustrations of the gestures that are described is to take the study up to the next level. Many Masonic symbols are illustrated and codes for reading certain Masonic texts are revealed. This is a handbook for Masons, but those who study without the lodge will gain some insight, from previous reading. This book will not give you a free pass into the lodge...but, it may inspire you to petition one! I keep the Hardback version on-display, beside The Holy Bible and "Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol," by W. Kirk MacNulty. The Paper-back, I keep for actual reading purposes. (The Hard-Back version is Splendid!)

Beautifully done artwork and cover design. At a time when most Masonic publishers are going to paperback, this hardcover edition is not only pleasing to the eye and a welcome addition to any Masonic library, it is useful to those who are seeking more light and who might need a little extra help in memorizing the lectures and degree work. The only caveat is that the clue to the sanctum sanctorum is purposely witheld and some of the work for the Sublime Degree appears misleading. What is to be expected? The work is not an expose. Not for those seeking to infiltrate the Lodge but a boon to Masons and others who seek to understand or want to be somewhat prepared for their initiations. It can also be of some benefit to the curious. This book is a prized possession on my bookshelf.

This is the one Masonic ritual every Mason should own and every Masonic lodge should at least recommend for study, if not for ceremony. On the surface, Duncan's rendition may not appear much dissimilar from other rituals, but it may contain subtle and cryptic clues to Freemasonry's origins and true nature where others don't. (Maybe that's not something to imply here. But it's something for Freemasons to consider.) In my empirical opinion: if earnestly contemplated, Duncan's ritual will help the diligent Freemason unlock the "secrets within the secret." Of course, there is ultimately much more to Masonic practice and ritual than what meets the blindfolded eye.

The book's illustrations, rendered quite generously throughout, often gives lay readers an invalid impression that they finally know all about the goings-on in Freemasonry. Therefore, for non-masons who are simply curious about Freemasonry (as they so often are), there is a lot here to entertain the eye and bedazzle the mind. But nothing here is a substitute for actual lodge experience. My advice for non-masons: Don't try this stuff at home! And I doubt if most Freemasons realize that the parade of illustrations, while for the most part do accurately depict some Freemasonic lodge activity, may also be the author's cleverly placed distractions-- for the profane (non-masons)-- from what he is really putting down in the book. For instance, not only do I find clever clues and key words with cryptic connotation in the text, I also discern inscrutable configurations in the illustrations.

Am I a loon? Maybe. But then, Freemasons are accused of discerning Masonic symbols in the layout of Washington, D.C.. Now I'm not suggesting anyone enter a matrix and swallow a red or blue pill before doing so, but for Freemasons who want to know how deep the rabbit hole really goes, this could be a place to start digging. This book is a real gem, almost more of a reference resource than a ritual, and that is perhaps why it's still around.

How can an organization be a secret society when everything that happens in a Lodge is in this book (with illustrations)! Each jurisdiction promulgates its own ritual, but this one's pretty close to the way a Lodge and Chapter operate in New York. So, what's the secret?

Just because you know what's in this book and can forge a dues card doesn't make you a Mason. And when you get into the Lodge, you're going to probably be disappointed. It's what's inside the individual that makes him a Mason. I once had a Past Grand Master of Japan tell me that the true secrets of Masonry aren't the grips, words and modes of recognition. There are only two true secrets of Masonry:

First: how an organization that's almost 300 years old can bring men of different colors, religions and opinions together in a neutral place and call each other "brother" and really mean it? It's the original centipede's dilemma.

Second: the one thing that cannot be bought, sold, reported, written, or told to anyone inside or outside the Lodge. In fact, it's a masonic offense to do so. It's how you vote on a candidate. it takes a unanimous vote of the lodge for a candidate to be elected. One "no" vote and he doesn't get in. This is done at the ballot box. How you vote is between you and G-d.

This book is a good reference, and anyone who really wants to know just what goes on inside a Lodge during the degrees will get a good idea. Conspiracy theorists and religious zealots will never believe anything other than their own version of what they consider truth. However, if you're a good man and true and believe in the existence of a Supreme Being, then the best way to understand how this all works is to ask at the door; it shall be opened to you.

Excellent if dated paraphrase. I emphasize this is not a word-perfect expose` of Masonic text but a "dynamic equivalent", which implies things stated explicitly in the real ritual: and desribes things merely implied in the real rites. A good memory prompt for a real Mason and helpful to the curious or the critical.

This book is a classic, and a treasure. Reading about the rituals of Freemasonry is fascinating, but to see illustrations of the gestures that are described is to take the study up to the next level. Many Masonic symbols are illustrated and codes for reading certain Masonic texts are revealed. This is a handbook for Masons, but those who study without the lodge will gain some insight, from previous reading. This book will not give you a free pass into the lodge...but, it may inspire you to petition one! I keep the Hardback version on-display, beside The Holy Bible and "Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol," by W. Kirk MacNulty. This Paper-back version is just as impressive as the Hard-back, the other one is simply prettier to look at on the shelf. Either way, you can't lose!

Beautifully done artwork and cover design. At a time when most Masonic publishers are going to paperback, this hardcover edition is not only pleasing to the eye and a welcome addition to any Masonic library, it is useful to those who are seeking more light and who might need a little extra help in memorizing the lectures and degree work. The only caveat is that the clue to the sanctum sanctorum is purposely witheld and some of the work for the Sublime Degree appears misleading. What is to be expected? The work is not an expose. Not for those seeking to infiltrate the Lodge but a boon to Masons and others who seek to understand or want to be somewhat prepared for their initiations. It can also be of some benefit to the curious. This book is a prized possession on my bookshelf.

Interesting read to get an insight of what ritual work was like during the period the book was written. I would not use it as a guide for today's ritual work due to the differences in certain words and actions.

This book is a classic, and a treasure. Reading about the rituals of Freemasonry is fascinating, but to see illustrations of the gestures that are described is to take the study up to the next level. Many Masonic symbols are illustrated and codes for reading certain Masonic texts are revealed. This is a handbook for Masons, but those who study without the lodge will gain some insight, from previous reading. This book will not give you a free pass into the lodge...but, it may inspire you to petition one! I keep the Hardback version on-display, beside The Holy Bible and "Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol," by W. Kirk MacNulty. This Paper-back version is just as impressive as the Hard-back, the other one is simply prettier to look at on the shelf. Either way, you can't lose!

This is mildly interesting from a Masonic researchers point of view because the ritual is only somewhat dated. Today's ritual differs by jurisdiction. Most researchers are interested in very old ritual which was never written. This text represents somebody's rendering of some recent past interpretation. Masonically, it is of limited value. The secret of Freemasonry is ineffable. The ritual is designed to make a man think and find the meaning for himself. Read this and know nothing, but have it cause you to seek further light, then you will have something. This is the purpose of the ritual. Do not get hung up in "discovering" Masonry's secret. After all, you can find out everything thing there is to know about it, if you want. The question is: will you do anything with what you learn?

I can neither validate, nor deny the voracity of this monitor in good faith. I can tell you as a Mason that I use Duncan's Ritual and I highly recommend Duncan's Ritual. Moreover, when I meet someone who shows an interest in or proclivity for The Craft I always leave them with Duncan's Ritual.

I can also tell any non-Mason in good faith that Duncan's Ritual does not misrepresent Freemasonry.

The only thing that Duncan's monitor fails to do is inculcate the deeper meaning and ultimately the value of Masonry, to the individual and society. That can only come from participating in the search for "light," and through the ministration of Brotherly Love.

Every Mason should have a copy of this pocket sized volume for his own reference and enjoyment. Covers the degrees through the Royal Arch. Gestures, symbols, tools and terms are all well illustrated as appropriate, and the book proceeds logically by degree. Masons will find this an indispensible tool to bone up on their degree work, and non-Masons will find it simple, informative, and may even inspire them to petition a lodge and experience the real thing.

If you are thinking about joining the fraternity, DONT BUY THIS BOOK!! It will spoil the experience for you. With that said, the book is about half right, due to the variances in Grand Lodges and even between lodges, the information in this book is just a baseline. If you are not planning to become a member of the fraternity, it is a solid foundation for research, but again their are tremendous variances in every lodge so if you think you will be able to pass yourself of as a Mason after reading this, trust me, won't happen.

An excellent reference manual for the Brothers. This is more of a textbook of Masonic Practice, than anything. This is not a read for those who are not Mason's, but more of a general textbook for the Fraternity. Non-Mason's will not get much out of it, but the Order will enjoy this as a culmination of Monitors.

"Duncan's Ritual" is perfect. Needs no improvement. Written to help expose the secrets of Freemasonry. And now suggested reading of Masons everywhere. Easy to read (for Masonic ritual). And now available in a size small enough to fit into a large pocket! Great for those Freemasons and wannabe Freemasons on the go!

This book gives the entire initiation for the first three degrees and the stories pertaining to each degree. It also includes all the signs and gestures relating to each degree. It is most fascinating and of enormous help to those studying the rituals. I believe this book belongs in every Mason's library.

the book is from 1866, remember that.
I explains very detailed, incl passwords and so, all seven degrees. Including interpretations and meaning. Some very excellent footnotes and commens I don't find other places. Ceremonies have changed since then but the main points exists. If you read the forst three degrees in this book you have a good understanding what the three degrees today is about. That way you might understand more of freemasonry than many real third degree masons today :-) Todays books or often high-flying and not so down to target as this book.
Nice and small pocket book. OK to buy, even though it's available for free on internet.

For us coming from Emulation Rite in Europe, this book shows that we share 99% of the rituals described! It is really amazing to discover how close we are to the wordings and procedures from a century ago and another Rite. I am extremely satisfied to have chosen this book through the store, probably the only easy way I had to purchase it from Spain.

This is the first book I ever bought about Freemasonry, and gave me a peek into the ritual before I was a member. I petitioned as a direct result of this book, and used it to study for my proficiencies. Not only a beautiful book with wonderful illustration, but a fine source for Freemasons new and old!

I bought this book because I finally decided to pettion a Lodge after considering and putting it off for several years. The ritual information is detailed, and while it may be a spoiler for some, it only enhanced my interest. I bought the gift edition which is a very nice hardcover with copper lettering.

This book is fasinating,it is a true classic. For anyone who is contemplating more light in the craft, this book is a must. No detail is omitted and it is straight forward from the very beginning. My compliments to the author. Enjoy...