This is a topic I'm chomping at the bit to talk about...but at least to my own understanding think I should not comment tooo much on as much of it is
what I would considered to be covered on things not to be discussed with non masons.....it's not that there is any super squirrel secret, much of it
has already been stated, and can easily be researched....I just would rather error on the side of saying too little than too much, and the symbolism
about the Saints John is one of those topics I will not discuss for that reason...
The Saints John are of course KEY to masonry....Two Johns....not just one...
Also as to red hair, supposedly the tribes of Judah, and Dan both had red hair as a prominant feature.
Outside of Masonic symbolism and allegory....I can say John the Baptiste is interesting for many reasons. For instance many beleive he was the leader
among the essenes....which provides yet another link to Pythagoras and the Pythagorians possibly......in any case....yes he is important, but no more
so then John the Evangelist.
Along these lines I think Rev. Jeffrey Bütz has written a most interesting book..."The Secret Legacy of Jesus"...one that while it may not be all
correct, has an excellent section that among other things discusses why John is important, but so is James....really understanding just who Jesus's
family was is very helpful, as the family of jesus is very much misunderstood.....and one only needs to read as far as Matthew's beginning to
understand why. People overlook 1-17 but that this was kept up with by his family during Roman occupation is the first clue......it was so important
to the author of Matthew they lead with it......
...If you "like" this topic.......I recommend "The Secret Legacy of Jesus, and the teachings of The Judaic Teachings That Passed from James the Just
to the Founding Fathers" The author makes some great leaps before the end, so I'm not saying the book is fully true, but much of what is written about
jesus's family in the first section is very important to making sense of it all. Just take him with a grain or salt. Also in regards to John the
Baptist......I also recommend you read "Pythagoras: His Life and Teachings" by Thomas Stanley, James Wasserman, J. Daniel Gunther and Manly P. Hall"
a 1600's classic updated to the modern tongue... and may just be key in understanding John, the Essenes,
As to the meaning of the Saints John to masonic work and ritual.....it can not be overstated. But I personally feel is not a topic masons should
discuss, but that may be only my understanding. However all that one would want to know is available online provided you have a filter of common
sense, rationalism, and logic. to
edit on 22/4/2012 by ForkandSpoon because: (no reason given)