Ancient Mystic Oriental Masonry

Landmark

A principle treated by a writer or body as foundational to Masonry. The volume cites several such principles and makes strong claims about G. A claim of universality needs to be distinguished from a particular jurisdiction's rule. §§216, 231; Rules 11–12.

Legend

A transmitted narrative used to convey meaning. The book values the Hiram legend while explicitly declining to assert its literal truth in one quoted passage. §§245–247. See allegory; symbol.

Lex Naturae

Law of nature, used for a moral order considered discoverable through reason and binding across religious divisions. It is not a physical equation in this context. §§218–219.

Light

Truth, knowledge, spiritual understanding, or the physical illumination that signifies them. The context determines the sense. §§227–230, 260, 288–292. See Lux; darkness.

Lingam

A term used for the male generative form or principle in the book's comparative religious account. Its treatment should be attributed to the writers quoted rather than generalized to every Hindu interpretation. §§335–342. See yoni; phallus.

Lost Word

The missing or incompletely understood knowledge that motivates the initiatory search. It is more than a password in this book's symbolic reading. Original pp. 17–19; §§45–59, 172–175. See ineffable Name.

Low-twelve

Midnight in the secret-council narrative. It places the search for the missing Word in a protected time and place. Original p. 17.

Lower mind

Mind directed by personal desire and advantage, contrasted with the search for the good and true. The phrase is functional and ethical here. Original pp. 13–15. See self-conquest.

Lux

Latin for light, used as a name or description of Masonry within the symbolic account. §§227, 292. See light; illumination.

Mantram

A sacred verbal formula associated here with the proposed potency of sound. The book's claims about efficacy are not established by the analogy alone. §§45–53. See ineffable Name.

Master Mason

The third Craft degree, and a formal qualification for the further rite described by Clymer. Its title should be distinguished from the book's ideal of a spiritually perfected master. Original pp. 17–18, 67–68; Rule 10.

Membrum virile

Latin for the male sexual organ, used in the interpretation of generative emblems. §§251, 335. See phallus.

Metempsychosis

The passage or transmigration of a soul into another embodied life. The term appears in the account of Pythagoras's instruction. §356. See pre-existence; emanation.

Monad

A unity or simple unit; the account uses monads in a graded metaphysics of intelligence and organization. §§206, 311. See Great All; triad.

Monitor

A book of guidance, explanations, or public ceremonial instruction. The text contrasts monitorial lessons with a fuller inward understanding. §§31, 322. See ritual.

Mysteries

Restricted religious rites and instruction, used by Clymer as a broad category across many traditions. The assertion of a single origin goes beyond establishing comparable practices. §§237–244, 349–350.

Mystic Masonry

Either the inward spiritual wisdom Clymer associates with Masonry or the particular order advancing it. The meanings overlap but should be distinguished. Original pp. 5–16; §§1–3; Rules 10–14.

Neophyte

A newly admitted person, especially in an initiatory or religious setting. The book employs the term in comparative sequences of instruction. §§249, 260. See catechumen; initiate.

Obligation

A binding pledge associated with admission, confidentiality, fidelity, and obedience. It has both ethical and institutional functions in the work. §§48–50, 282–287; Rules 14, 19, 21.

Operative Masonry

Masonry as the practical work or organization of builders, distinguished from speculative interpretation. Clymer's categorical denial of institutional descent from it is part of his historical argument. §§32, 125, 213.

Orient

The East, used as a symbolic or lodge location as well as a geographical direction. In the regulations, adoption “in the East” belongs to the order's own language. Original p. 177. See East.

Pastophoroi

The image-bearers or priestly attendants associated with medical books in Clement's account. Clymer prints “postophores” at the close of his procession narrative. Original p. 23; Sources S7.

Perfect Man

The ideal of fully realized spiritual humanity in the original introduction. It is not simply an office or degree title. Original pp. 13–14. See Christos; self-conquest.

Phallus

The representation of the male generative organ or principle in the account of sacred symbolism. The discussion argues against equating such imagery automatically with indecency. §§331–348. See cteis; lingam; yoni.

Point within a circle

An emblem interpreted through the sun and universe, generative principles, and the parallel lines associated with the two Johns. The text argues for some meanings over others. §§326–340.

Pre-existence

The soul's existence before its present earthly life. The Degrees make it part of a larger spiritual pilgrimage. Original pp. 19–21. See emanation; metempsychosis.