Ahiman: A Review of Masonic Culture and Tradition

Book excerpt: Ahiman is a new periodical anthology of Masonic writing, offering a serious exploration of the rich initiatic traditions of Freemasonry. Edited by Masonic scholar Shawn Eyer, Ahiman is dedicated to stimulating scholarship, penetrating interpretation and inspiring creative expressions focused upon the history, rituals, symbolism, iconography and philosophy of Freemasonry. Carefully researched and lavishly produced, each edition of Ahiman offers important material of interest to Freemasons and other students of Western esoteric traditions.This volume features original work by Thomas D. Worrel, David Stafford, Robert G. Davis, Erik Arneson, Adam G. Kendall, Erik O Neal, Greg Maier, Mounir Hanafi and Shawn Eyer, as well as insights from classic authors such as Joseph Fort Newton, Laurence Dermott, Thomas Starr King and W.L. Wilmshurst."I do not say it lightly, but this premiere issue of Ahiman may be the most balanced and philosophically engaging Masonic journal ever published. And it is probably the most handsomely designed as well. I strongly recommend that any Mason, who seeks a deeper understanding of Freemasonry, check out Ahiman immediately."--Jay Kinney, 33, Author of The Masonic Myth and recipient of the Albert G. Mackey Award for Excellence in Masonic Research from the Scottish Rite Research Society"Ahiman fulfils an aching need within the Craft. For many years, there has been a tendency to suggest that Masonic scholarship ought to be exercised in historical argument alone. What has long been lacking is an open discourse that includes scholarship that addresses Freemasonry s spiritual and esoteric elements. To facilitate that wider conversation, Ahiman has now appeared."--Tobias Churton, Author of The Golden Builders and Freemasonry: The Reality, and Course Lecturer in Freemasonry at the University of Exeter s Centre for the Study of Esotericism