What Claims Are Made: Ra in Freemasonry
There are writings, particularly among esoteric, occult, or “hidden life” streams (like those of C.W. Leadbeater, etc.), that assert Ra (the Egyptian sun god) or solar deity imagery appears in Masonic symbolism. Some of the key claims are:
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The “Arrow of Ra” is mentioned in The Hidden Life in Freemasonry. It is described as a symbol combining the square of the Worshipful Master (R.W.M.) and his gavel, which together sometimes form an arrow. This symbol is said to represent a creed: “descended He; ascended He.” Phoenix Masonry+1
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The “point within a circle” symbol (a circle with a dot in the center) is also tied to Ra in some of these writings. The idea is that the sign is used in Egyptian hieroglyphics for Ra, and the same shape is used in Masonic ritual and symbolism. Phoenix Masonry
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Some texts link Ra or solar deities like Horus, Osiris, Isis, etc., to themes of moral teaching, enlightenment, the sun’s cycles (morning-sun, midday sun, evening sun) and ritual positioning (east, west, etc.). Freemasonry uses East-West symbolism, light/dark symbolism, etc., and some writers say these echo ancient solar/egyptian motifs. Phoenix Masonry+2Phoenix Masonry+2
What Exactly is the Nature of These Usages / Symbolism
It’s important to clarify that there are different levels and kinds of “use”:
| Type | What is used / claimed | Where / in which texts | Degree of certainty / speculation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Symbolic imagery & metaphor | Use of light vs darkness, sun as “symbol of truth or enlightenment,” points and circles, square, compass tools, etc. | Esoteric / occult commentary on Freemasonry (e.g. Hidden Life) Phoenix Masonry+1 | Medium: some of this is written by Masonic or quasi-Masonic occultists; not always mainstream lodges admit to it explicitly. |
| Alleged “solar god” invocation | The idea that in some rituals there is reference to “God Ra” or the “Solar Logos” or a prayer to Ra to unveil hidden light. Eg in Hidden Life in Freemasonry, one passage claims that the R.W.M. asks “pray the God Ra to unveil the Hidden Light.” Phoenix Masonry | In occult/esoteric texts; not confirmed in standard mainstream Masonic ritual documents. | Low: likely allegorical rather than literal; these sources tend to mix symbolism, personal/esoteric interpretation. |
| Borrowed Egyptian symbols | Using the “point in circle,” Egyptian hieroglyphic forms, the sun disc etc., or associating the sun’s cycles with lodge offices (east, west, etc.). | Esoteric commentary and comparative religion / history of symbolism writings. Phoenix Masonry+1 | Medium / speculative: Some of this may be graphic or symbolic borrowing more than actual worship or belief in Ra. |
Why Some Freemasons or Writers Use These Symbols
Here are reasons offered by those who affirm these connections:
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Symbolic / Allegorical Teaching – Solar imagery (sun, light) is attractive as a metaphor for truth, moral illumination, spiritual awakening. The “sunlight” metaphor shows light overcoming darkness, wisdom overcoming ignorance.
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Link to Ancient Wisdom – Some Freemasons see themselves as inheriting or preserving hidden, ancient knowledge, esoteric wisdom. Ancient Egypt is often taken as a source of mystical “wisdom.” Ra, being central in Egyptian myth, is drawn into that narrative.
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Ritual and Degrees – Some esoteric degrees or side orders (not the basic Craft lodges) include more symbolism, allegory, ritual that draws on mythic stories. Writers who explore the “deeper symbolism” see Egyptian deities or mythic characters as part of that symbolic structure.
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Occult / Esoteric Intersection – Some writers come from occult, theosophical or mystical Christian or New Age backgrounds, and interpret or re-interpret Masonic symbols through those lenses. They may overlay or read into the symbolism references to Ra, etc.
Potential Problems / Christian Viewpoints
From a Christian or Bible-based perspective, these usages raise concerns:
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Even symbolic invocation or positive references to Ra or a sun-god can open spiritual doors. In Christian deliverance doctrine, any involvement with pagan or occult symbolism can invite spiritual deception or attachment.
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If any lodge or group is praying to Ra, or calling Ra “god,” that crosses from symbolic or metaphorical into actual worship or invocation, which the Bible condemns in many places (e.g., Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me,” Deuteronomy 32:17, etc.).
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Even allegory or “light of Ra” if undistinguished from the Christian concept of the Light (Jesus Christ) can blur lines and lead to syncretism — mixing Christianity with pagan ideas, which many Christian leaders say is dangerous or false teaching.
What Evidence Is Less Clear or Disputed
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There is little to no unanimously accepted documentation from the more orthodox or formal, mainstream Masonic lodges that they invoke Ra as a deity or pray to Ra.
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Many of the sources making stronger claims are from authors interested in the occult, esoteric interpretations, rather than the official ritual text of most Masonic lodges.
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Some symbols that people interpret as “Eye of Ra,” “Sun-Disc,” etc., may simply be “Eye of Providence,” “Light,” “the Sun as symbol of truth,” etc., without intending Egyptian deity worship.
Summary: How Ra is “Used” vs. How It’s Mistaken or Symbolic
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Used: As metaphor, allegory, symbol of light, enlightenment, moral teaching, etc. Some authors claim ritual references to “hidden light” or “solar logos,” and use of Egyptian forms/symbols in symbolic art or teaching.
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Not clearly used: There is no well-verified mainstream Masonic ritual that openly worships Ra (as in “pray to Ra, Ra is god”). Most membership probably assume symbolic meaning, not literal.
Teresa Morin
President of Touch of God Int’l Ministries
🌐 https://www.touchofgod.org
Of Healing and Deliverance, Ordained Minister, Public Speaker
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