Post by Tamrin on Jun 30, 2008 18:58:08 GMT 10
THE GRAND DAME
I was once shown 'proof' as to why women had to be excluded from Freemasonry. The 'proof' consisted of a photocopied article, in which the author asserted that Freemasonry began at the dawn of the Age of Aries, c.2,500 BCE, as shown by our use of a lambskin! And, as the Age of Aries was intrinsically patriarchal, so too was Freemasonry!?
My response at the time was to say that it would be easy to find Freemasonic associations to any of the astrological ages, (e.g., the pillars to Gemini, the vesica pisces to Pisces; the MM grip to Leo, etc., etc.).
Since then I have found this remarkable figurine, which dates to the fifth millenium BCE.
I do not seriously assert there is a Freemasonic connection with the figurine but reference to it may be useful as a means of responding to 'time-immemorial' = 'pre-historic' arguments, which seek to defend our exclusion of women.
The figurine is attributed to the Vinca Culture, in the former Yugoslavia (c.4700 - 4500 B.C.), near where the so-called Balkans pyramid, (claimed to be the world's oldest), is being excavated:
The regalia is astonishingly anachronistic, being more similar to our modern regalia than to that from which it evolve in recent centuries.
The collar has a slightly raised oval on the centre and the pendant resembles compasses (signifying, in our usage, a GM). The apron has remnants of white pigment, fringes or tassels and a hip belt. The apron, with its side tassels, resembles some which had recently been worn as part of traditional costumes in the area:
References:
Peg Strepp, 1994, "The Roots of Old Europe", in Sanctuaries of the Goddess: The Sacred Landscapes and Objects, by Bullfinch Press, Boston, p.62.
Marija Gimbutas, 1982, "Ritual Costume", in The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe: 6500 - 3500 BC: Myths and Cult Images (new and updated edition), Thames and Hudson, London, ½ tone plate #20, pp.50, 52 & 282.
I was once shown 'proof' as to why women had to be excluded from Freemasonry. The 'proof' consisted of a photocopied article, in which the author asserted that Freemasonry began at the dawn of the Age of Aries, c.2,500 BCE, as shown by our use of a lambskin! And, as the Age of Aries was intrinsically patriarchal, so too was Freemasonry!?
My response at the time was to say that it would be easy to find Freemasonic associations to any of the astrological ages, (e.g., the pillars to Gemini, the vesica pisces to Pisces; the MM grip to Leo, etc., etc.).
Since then I have found this remarkable figurine, which dates to the fifth millenium BCE.
I do not seriously assert there is a Freemasonic connection with the figurine but reference to it may be useful as a means of responding to 'time-immemorial' = 'pre-historic' arguments, which seek to defend our exclusion of women.
The figurine is attributed to the Vinca Culture, in the former Yugoslavia (c.4700 - 4500 B.C.), near where the so-called Balkans pyramid, (claimed to be the world's oldest), is being excavated:
The regalia is astonishingly anachronistic, being more similar to our modern regalia than to that from which it evolve in recent centuries.
The collar has a slightly raised oval on the centre and the pendant resembles compasses (signifying, in our usage, a GM). The apron has remnants of white pigment, fringes or tassels and a hip belt. The apron, with its side tassels, resembles some which had recently been worn as part of traditional costumes in the area:
References:
Peg Strepp, 1994, "The Roots of Old Europe", in Sanctuaries of the Goddess: The Sacred Landscapes and Objects, by Bullfinch Press, Boston, p.62.
Marija Gimbutas, 1982, "Ritual Costume", in The Goddesses and Gods of Old Europe: 6500 - 3500 BC: Myths and Cult Images (new and updated edition), Thames and Hudson, London, ½ tone plate #20, pp.50, 52 & 282.
