Frontispiece illustration. The Mysteries of Freemasonry. Nineteenth century texts on Freemasonry often included frontispiece charts depicting collections of symbols which the author, or printer, felt to be significant. In this example [click for larger image], the first seven signs of the zodiac, in sequence, have been included. The significance of Cancer being placed in the keystone and the blazing star aiming at Taurus is unclear and certainly not indicative of mainstream masonic thought. The inclusion in the bottom left corner of what is perhaps intended to be the orphic egg, or simply a serpent in a basket is noteworthy, as is the cross on the coffin. Pubished in London, the position of the square and compasses is also noteworthy. The Mysteries of Freemasonry; or, an exposition of the religious dogmas and customs of the ancient Egyptians; showing from the origin, nature, and object of the rites and ceremonies of remote antiquity, their identity with the order of modern masonry, with some remarks on the metamorphosis of Apuleius. With Numerous Illustrative Woodcuts. By John Fellows [1759-1844], A.M. L'Unity de Dieu etait le Grand Dogma de tous les Mysteries. London : William Beeevs, 83, Charing Cross Road W. C.

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