Before one can be brought to light, he must be in total darkness. Darkness in initiation rites is a common symbol used in many traditions including Freemasonry. It often represents a state of ignorance, unknowing, or a lack of enlightenment. Rooted in the metaphor of light as knowledge and darkness as the absence of knowledge, this type of symbolism underscores the transformative nature of initiatic rites.
A journey from one state of being to another. And yet, this metaphor of darkness and light is a common theme in many religions. In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth, and the earth was formless and empty, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
And God said, Let there be light. And there was light. In Christianity, light is frequently associated with God, Jesus Christ, and divine wisdom or guidance. In John 8 12, Jesus is referred to as the light of the world. symbolizing his role as a spiritual guide and savior. In John 1 5, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness…
has not overcome it, representing the triumph of good light over evil darkness. And in the book of Acts 26 18, the Apostle Paul describes his conversion experience as being brought from darkness to light. The metaphor of light and darkness is not limited to Christianity. It’s found in many other religious and philosophical traditions, reflecting its universal appeal as a symbol of spiritual growth.
And transformation. And the best place this transformation can be seen is in a song written by John Newton, a former slave ship captain who underwent a profound spiritual transformation and became a clergyman. An abolitionist. He says, amazing grace. How sweet The sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found was blind.
But now I see ODed. B.