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Would you be interested in a psychologist's assessment of Freemasonry as a path of self developement?

Freemasonry is a path of self-development, learning and inner transformation.

A Journey in Stone is a guide to that path in which the author Craig Weightman explores the transformative symbolism of Freemasonry and its effect on the Masonic workman. Starting with the rough ashlar, the symbol of the individual as they enter Masonry, he moves through an explanation of how the working of stone is an apt metaphor for transformation. Not stopping at the perfect ashlar, the author moves on to how the building, within which a stone block might be placed, represents society at large and elaborates how Masonry encourages the candidate to find their true selves in order to serve and support this society in the best way possible. Culminating with Royal Arch Masonry, the book also offers clues and suggestions as to the symbolism of the Royal Arch and the process it represents.

This book offers an inspirational read for any Freemason embarking on his own Masonic path of self-improvement and makes a perfect guide for the newly made Mason who needs to keep his focus on the most important goal of our Order.

This book also offers the perfect opportunity for non-Masons with the desire to learn more about this ancient fraternity, to understand how one may embark upon their own 'journey in stone' and become a self-made man.

Review of a Journey in Stone in the Scottish Rite Journal

Perhaps the essence of humanity is the struggle of the individual to discover who he truly is. This book is the story of the journey of one young man, Worshipful Brother Craig Weightman of Coventry. I think I would enjoy knowing him. He writes with an easy style and well-chosen words, and he is writing about the hero's journey, perhaps the most interesting of all topics. To use an over-worn phrase, "he gets it." He understands Masonry as a process, not a product. He understands that the great majority of the work of Masonry happens outside the Lodge room, in our interactions in the world and with the world.

In the introduction, Brother Weightman describes brethren who are looking for three different things in Masonry. There are those who go to meet people and enjoy the companionship. There are those who see Freemasonry as a means of communicating morals and making good men better. And then he identifies a third motivation.

Finally, there is the third type of Freemason. This type is similar in every way to the second type, but with one important difference. This type of member reads widely and deeply on the subject of Freemasonry, and passionately traces its development wherever it will lead them. In doing so, they find themselves educating themselves about a diverse range of subjects and traditions. On referring what they discover back to the symbols of the Craft, they begin to deepen their understanding of what Freemasonry actually is and what the nature of the secret is that it is leading the Freemason to discover. As well as following a path of education to support their Masonic membership they spend time looking inward, at their own psychological development and at their own inner natures. The symbolism of Freemasonry, for these members, becomes a new way of thinking, which enables them to take a diverse range of topics and utilise metaphor to understand them better. Even in the passage of their own lives, they look at situations and then look to the language of Freemasonry to help them acquire insight.

Also, since they have spent some considerable time studying the subject of Freemasonry, they find that this helps them in learning and understanding the ritual of Freemasonry. When they deliver the various passages they have learned in the context of the ritual, their understanding helps them deliver it with feeling, to the benefit of the Candidate who is listening to it.

It is clear, then, that the third kind of Freemason appears to get the most enjoyment and the most benefit from their membership. It is as if they have taken a cup of cool refreshing liquid and, rather than feeling satiated by sipping from the cup, they drink deeply, feeling the liquid as it animates and refreshes the entire body.

It is therefore one of the aims of this book to help to turn the first kind of Freemason into the second kind of Freemason, and the second kind of Freemason into the third kind.

All men are entitled to seek for what they want in the Fraternity, of course, and power be unto them, whatever their goal, but Brother Weightman's description is instructive.

I've ordered some copies of this book to give to my friends.

Brilliant book, Insightful, Informative and an Ideal Guide for those Beginning their Masonic Journey, for Deepening Knowledge, or for those Wishing to explore the Craft further. The book Will act as a Guide to Individual Self Development and Will Help Build knowledge through Symbolism, Metaphors and Inspired Story Telling, taking the Candidate on a Journey to find their True self and become a Self Made Man.

Paul S

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