Masonic Poets

Masonic Poets

Throughout history, many poets have been members of the Freemasons.

Some examples include:

• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German poet, playwright, and polymath, was a member of the Freemasons and wrote several works that contain Masonic elements and references, such as his epic poem "Faust."

• Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, was initiated into the Freemasons in 1781 and is best known for his poetry and songs, such as "Auld Lang Syne" and "Tam o' Shanter". Some of his works contain references to Masonic symbols and themes.

• William Blake, an English poet, artist, and mystic, was initiated into the Freemasons in 1787 and wrote several works that contain Masonic elements and references, such as his poem "The Tyger."

• Voltaire, a French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher, was initiated into the Freemasons in 1778 and wrote several works that are thought to contain Masonic elements and references, such as his play "Candide."

The presence of Masonic elements in these poets' works is a matter of interpretation and debate. Not all scholars agree on the extent to which these works should be considered Masonic. However, it is worth noting that there are many other poets who were Freemasons throughout history.

The Tyger

"The Tyger" is a renowned poem written by the English poet William Blake. It is part of his collection of poems titled "Songs of Experience." The poem is widely regarded as one of Blake's most famous and enduring works. Here is the text of the poem:

Tyger Tyger, burning bright,

In the forests of the night;

What immortal hand or eye,

Could frame thy fearful symmetry?

In what distant deeps or skies,

Burnt the fire of thine eyes?

On what wings dare he aspire?

What the hand dare sieze the fire?

And when thy heart began to beat,

What dread hand? & what dread feet?

What the hammer? what the chain?

In what furnace was thy brain?

What the anvil? what dread grasp,

Dare its deadly terrors clasp?

When the stars threw down their spears,

And water'd heaven with their tears:

Did he who made the Lamb make thee?

Tyger Tyger burning bright,

In the forests of the night:

What immortal hand or eye,

Dare frame thy fearful symmetry?

The poem is often interpreted as a meditation on the nature of creation and the relationship between the creator and the created. The imagery of the tiger is often seen as a symbol of power, ferocity, and strength, and it is thought to be a symbol of the imagination.