The Mandorla and Tau: The Secrets and Mysteries of Freemasonry

After becoming a Freemason, and years of involvement, few members know how or where Freemasonry started or even where the word 'Freemasonry' comes from. This book follows on from the author's previous book "The Secrets of Solomon's Temple" to investigate the origins of the ceremonies and regalia of Freemasonry. In the course of the author's research he has unearthed some interesting answers to what exactly members are doing or wearing, why they are doing it and what the origins of this are. The author has gone back to original sources to draw out the cultural and social origins and intellectual background of Freemasonry, taking the history back to the medieval guilds and in many cases found that the accepted histories need to be revised as many myths have developed over the years which have become commonly accepted. Modern-day Freemasonry has also been influenced by historical events and cultural movements beyond these islands, from the teachings of the liberal arts across medieval and Renaissance Europe to the French Revolution.