The Magnum Opus, or Great Work [Facsimile] [Paperback]

Now available after 135 years! One of the rarest and most important books ever published on the Ancient and Accepted (Scottish) Rite of Freemasonry-Albert Pike's Magnum Opus or 'Great Work," being his first revision of the complete rituals of the Scottish Rite. Only 100 copies were printed-less than thirty are said to survive. Pike's ritualistic revisions were so impressive he was made an active member of the Supreme Council and became the most revered Sovereign Grand Commander in the history of the Rite. Thanks to the generous loan of a copy from a European antiquarian, this special reprint makes available to the serious student the complete authentic rituals which served as the foundation of the Scottish Rite's philosophy. This invaluable work is not to be confused with either the various ritualistic 'exposures" of anti-Masons, or the rituals currently used by either American Scottish Rite. The Magnum Opus contains Albert Pike's complete, original text of the Scottish Rite degrees. Some of Pike's rituals were used by other Supreme Councils as a foundation for their own practices; while more recently the Supreme Council 33°, Southern Masonic Jurisdiction, U.S.A. has appointed a committee to revise the current Pike rituals. The Magnum Opus allows researchers to trace the divergence to discover shifts in Masonic symbolism. An invaluable reference aid and research tool, the scarcity and cost of an original copy placed it beyond the reach of almost all Masonic bibliophiles. This affordable facsimile reprint places Masonic knowledge where it belongs-in the hands of those seeking Light. Although similar to the current rituals used by the Scottish Rite, it is slightly different and more esoteric. We have also included for the first time ever, the grips and signs, and the key to the "Secret Work." Very essential and rare! Contents: Fourth Degree, Secret Master; Fifth Degree, Perfect Master; Sixth Degree, Confidential Secretary; Seventh Degree, Provost and Ju