Zoroastrianism And Freemasonry.

the presiding Yazad Meher is described in the Avesta to have his rule extending to the rig ht and left , above and below , of the Khaniratha Bami continent . In fact , bis influence and jurisdiction extended OA-er the then known Avorld , from India in the

east to Mesopotamia in the west , and from the ends of the earth ( the Persian Gulf ) in the south to the river Araxes in the north . A Masonic Lodge is likewise represented in the form of an oblong square in length from east to westin breadth

be-, tween north and south . Our Lodges are situated due east and Avest , because all p laces of Divine worship , as well as regular Masonic Lodges , are so situated . The reason assigned is that the sun , the glory of Hormuzd , his eye and his body ,

figuratively speaking , rises in the east and sets in the west , darting Avithin his rays of health , joy , and liveliness on each occasion . The south also permitted the rays to penetrate Avithin when the sun Avas at high tAvelveand so that direction is also

, one , facing which a Zoroastrian can say his prayers . The course of the sun is followed during the day Avhen at prayers , facing the east in the morning , the south

at high noon , and the Avest m the evening . The north is never faced , because it is a dismal and cold quarter from Avhich neither light nor heat penetrates—at least in the latitudes of Persia , where the Zoroastrian faith took its origin . In all ceremonials , either the north is backedfacing the

, south , or the east or the Avest is faced . The eyes of praying mortals are directed always to the eye of Ahura Mazda , the great Creator . This explains why our Masonic Lodges are situated due east and west . Our Lodge is supported by three

grand pillars . They are called Meher , Serosh , and Hashnu . Meher reminds us to keep our Masonic obligations inviolate , to cultivate brotherly loA'e , and to strictly observe truth and integrity even in the hours of extreme temptation . The pillar of

Meher constantly reminds us that truthobserving men are sure to meet in the end Avith their due reAvards , and that Ahura Mazda Avill be ever ready to come to the succour and assistance of all those Avho suffer for the ri gid adherence to the princi ples of truth and righteousness . Serosh serves the purpose to keep us Avithin the bounds of the compass , to cir-

Zoroastrianism And Freemasonry.

cumscribe our lusts and passions , and to keep us ever Avatchful against the temptations of Aeshma ( Asmodeus ) , Avhich induces us to transgress the principles of morality and virtue . Serosh , moreover , teaches us to humbly obey the behests of the Almighty Godand to sincerely carry out

, in daily practice all his commands and precepts . All our inspirations for higher and nobler aims come through the contemplation of him ; thus demonstrating that he AVIIO learns to control and guide himself on the holy path circumscribed by

Serosli , stands a chance oF attaining to higher spiritual life . Rashnu teaches us to be uprig ht in ouv conduct and lives , and just in our behaA'iour towards our neighbours and felloAV-creatures . Meher , Serosh , and Rashnu jointly guard the portals to the entrance on the Chinvat

pool . Unless , after Meher , Ave have kept faithful to our VOAVS , given proofs of our brotherly love , and practised truth ; unless , after Serosh , Ave have displayed our humility and submission in giving strict obedience to the divine commands contained in the volumeof the sacred law ;

, unless , after Rashnu , Ave have strictly observed the princip les of justice and righteousness—in short , unless Ave have satisfied Meher , Serosh , and Rashnu that we have rigidly folloAved the practices , morality , and virtue indicated and

symbolized hy them , Ave do not hope to gain the loAver end of the Chinvat pool Avhich takes us across this world to the next . The universe is the temple of the Deity Avhom Ave serve . Truth , law , and justice are about his throne as pillars of his Avork . ( To be continued , )

Out With The Tide.

OUT WITH THE TIDE .

( Written for the MASOKIC MAGAZINE . ) " Farewell ! I did not know thy worth , But thou art gone , and now ' tis prized ; So angels walked unkuoAvn on earth , But when they flew were recognised . " MOORE ,

I STOOD on the banks of a beautiful river , Perchance it Avas only a dream ; I saw a lig ht skiff float hither and thither , Of its own wild will it would seem ,