Does Masonry teach magic(k)?
No. Nowhere in Masonic ritual does a Mason learn any form of Magic(k). There are no spells, occult teachings, invocations, evocations, conjurings, nor are related arts (such as alchemy) taught. This misconception often arises among those who have heard of the Golden Dawn, the Silver Star (A.A.), the Ordo Templis Orientis (O.T.O.), etc. First, a little history. 19th century England was a time of exploration into the mystical and the occult. England’s contact with the Far East through her colonies was one source of this interest, as were people such as H.P. Blavatsky (founder of the Theosophical Society). Interest in mediums, spirits, and the occult was very high. Some occult groups, such as the Golden Dawn, structured their organization after Masonry. These occult groups often had a series of degrees, copied certain elements of Masonic ritual such as where officers sit, use of lectures to explain symbolism, etc. These organizations were not Masonic, but rather borrowed some of Masonry’s
