Unveiling the Mystery: The Truth Behind Freemasonry's Masonic Goat
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Curious Belief: Riding upon the Goat
- Perpetuating a Ridicule of Freemasonry
- The Goat in Mythology and Religion
4.1 The Russian Bear, British Lion, and American Eagle
4.2 The Symbolism of the Lamb in Christianity and Freemasonry
4.3 The Sacredness of the Bull in India and the Cat in Egypt
4.4 The Importance of Lions, Lambs, and Beasts in Freemasonry
- The Evolution of Pan: From Gentle Deity to Satan
- The Scapegoat and the Transfer of Sins
- The Devil, Witches, and Goat-Riding
- Mockeries and Ridicules: Gourmegons and Schooled Miserables
- The Goat and the Devil in Popular Culture
9.1 The Devil Riding a Goat in Hogarth's "The Mystery of Masonry"
9.2 The Misconception of Masons Raising the Devil
- Debunking the Goat Myth: Freemasonry Today
10.1 The Importance of Education and Knowledge
10.2 The Sublime Symbolism of Freemasonry
- Conclusion
🐐 The Curious Belief: Riding upon the Goat
In the world of Freemasonry, there has always been a curious belief that candidates must ride upon the goat during their initiation. This belief has persisted over time, fueled by well-intentioned but unthinking Freemasons who perpetuate the joke. However, the origins and truth behind this belief are far more intriguing and complex than it may seem.
The idea of riding upon the goat has been perpetuated through jokes and warnings given by Freemasons to their friends prior to initiation. This light-hearted tradition, although harmless in intent, has unwittingly perpetuated a long-standing ridicule of Freemasonry. It also harkens back to an old accusation of blasphemy against the organization, which has always held the utmost reverence for the Great Architect and the values of charity and brotherly love.
Perpetuating a Ridicule of Freemasonry
Freemasonry, like many other organizations, has its share of historical associations with animals. National emblems such as the Russian bear, the British lion, and the American eagle are well-known examples. Even within religious and mythological contexts, animals have played curious roles. In Christianity and Freemasonry, the lamb holds significant symbolism, while in India, the bull is considered sacred. Ancient mythologies are replete with half-human, half-animal figures like Pan, who was half goat and half man.
However, despite the prevalence of animal symbolism, there is no mention of the goat in Freemasonry rituals, except in the minds of those who ridicule the brotherhood. The association between Freemasonry and goats is rooted in popular beliefs and mythologies from different lands and cultures. For instance, in the folklore of northern Europe, there is a wood spirit called Olgeshi who is depicted wearing goat's horns, ears, and legs. Similarly, the African Bijagos worshipped the goat as a principal deity.
The Evolution of Pan: From Gentle Deity to Satan
One of the most intriguing references to the goat is found in the ancient mythologies of Pan, the Greek god of shepherds, hunters, and country people. Pan is often portrayed as horned, long-eared, and with the lower half of his body being that of a goat. He is known for playing a pipe made of reeds, called the pan pipes. Despite his terrifying appearance and the panic he was said to inspire, Pan is mostly depicted as mischievous rather than dangerous.
In the early days of Christianity, the task of uprooting pagan beliefs that had permeated society for thousands of years was not an easy one. It was simpler to assimilate some of these ancient myths and give them a Christian significance. For example, Christmas and harvest festivals, which were once pagan celebrations, were made Christian and incorporated into the church calendar. Mythology could not be eradicated, but it could be repurposed.
Gradually, the gentle figure of Pan transformed into Satan in Christian folklore. The association with goats intensified, and Satan came to be portrayed with horns and a tail, evoking the image of the half-goat Pan. This metamorphosis occurred over time and laid the foundation for the belief that the devil rode upon a goat on Earth when he wished to work his wicked will.
The Scapegoat and the Transfer of Sins
Another critical aspect of the goat's symbolism is found in the concept of the scapegoat. In the Book of Leviticus, it is written that the sins of the people could be transferred to a goat. During the Day of Atonement, two goats were presented, and lots were cast to determine their fates. One goat was chosen as a sin offering and sacrificed, while the other, known as the scapegoat, was presented alive before the Lord. The scapegoat was then set free into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the moral trespasses of the people.
This ancient ritual, where sins were placed upon a goat and then sent away, likely contributed to the transformation of the goat's character from a gentle and inoffensive creature to one associated with terrifying propensities. The idea that the sins of humanity could be transferred to an animal and then removed from society had a profound impact on the goat's symbolism in various cultures.
The Devil, Witches, and Goat-Riding
As superstitions and witchcraft trials gripped Europe during the Middle Ages, the devil and his associations with goats became intertwined with fear and accusations. Stories circulated of witches appearing in secret gatherings, riding on goats, and engaging in blasphemous ceremonies. These witch orgies, which were believed to involve the devil himself, sowed fear and fueled paranoia, contributing to the negative perception of goats and their association with the occult.
Within this historical context, it is not surprising that the belief that Freemasons raised the devil and rode upon goats in their secret meetings took root. The notion that masons engaged in mysterious activities aligned with the popular depiction of witches' gatherings, giving rise to rumors and speculation. However, it is important to note that Freemasonry and witchcraft are entirely separate entities, and any connection between the two is a product of misunderstanding and misinformation.
Mockeries and Ridicules: Gourmegons and Schooled Miserables
Throughout history, there have been attempts to bring ridicule upon Freemasonry and mock its rituals. Two such organizations, the Gourmegons and the Schooled Miserables, emerged in the 18th century with the explicit purpose of disparaging the fraternity. The Gourmegons, founded in 1724, and the Schooled Miserables, established in 1741, aimed to undermine and ridicule Freemasonry through their own mock masonic processions.
The Gourmegons, with their intentional pretentiousness and claims of ancient origins in China, sought to mock the fraternity. On the other hand, the Schooled Miserables paraded in mockery of the early masonic processions, attempting to satirize the order. However, these efforts were ultimately met with disdain from the better classes who respected Freemasonry, and both organizations faded away after a short existence.
The Goat and the Devil in Popular Culture
The association between Freemasonry and goats persisted as a recurring theme in popular culture. In 19th-century England, a print by William Hogarth titled "The Mystery of Masonry" depicted a curious goat-like figure participating in a procession. This print, although satirical in nature, played upon the existing belief that Freemasons raised the devil and rode upon goats, further perpetuating the misconception.
Even in more modern times, as late as 1927, there were instances of newspapers publishing allegations that Masonic lodges in France stole hosts from Catholic churches for blasphemous ceremonies, including the celebration of the black mass and the raising of the devil. These sensational claims, fueled by ignorance and prejudice, aimed to vilify Freemasonry while appealing to people's worst fears and beliefs.
Debunking the Goat Myth: Freemasonry Today
It is crucial to dismiss the belief that Freemasons ride upon goats or engage in devil worship during their rituals. Freemasonry is an ancient fraternity that promotes values such as brotherly love, charity, and the pursuit of knowledge. Its teachings and ceremonies are steeped in symbolism and aim to uplift and inspire its members.
Freemasonry does not have any connection to goats or any practice that involves riding them during initiations or meetings. The goat myth solely exists in the minds of those who perpetuate it without knowledge or understanding of the fraternity's true principles. To truly appreciate and respect Freemasonry, one must seek education and explore its rich symbolism and history, separate from misconceptions and urban legends.
In conclusion, the belief that Freemasons ride upon the goat is a curious and persistent misconception that has endured through time. Although rooted in mythologies and popular beliefs surrounding goats and the devil, this notion has no basis in the rituals and teachings of Freemasonry. It is vital for both Freemasons and non-members alike to dispel these myths, embrace knowledge, and understand the true essence of the fraternity.
Sources:
- The Masonic Trowel
- La Revue Internationale de Société Secrets
