"I Was Hoodwinked"

Freemasonry Inside Out

A New Angle on Masonic Secrets

by Hugh McFarland

ISBN 1-933047-16-X

This sensational new analysis of the masonic brotherhood examines the basic question asked for almost 300 years by the general public and surprisingly by many masons themselves; "If Freemasonry is simply a fraternal and charitable organisation, why is there an almost fanatical obsession with secrecy and mysterious masonic rituals?"

You won't find any fanciful theories here about ancient mystical secret societies, devil worship or world domination by a new world order but a conclusion that perhaps we've all been hoodwinked by one of the longest running pyramid schemes the world has known.


The author (an ex-Worship Master) spent 20 years on the inside then another 10 years on the outside looking back in, and has had to grapple with some very challenging personal issues in order to make his analysis of the masonic 'secret' society public. In fact writing and publishing was the only process by which he could challenge and ultimately break the hold of the masonic oath, which is usually powerful enough to prevent such objective analysis. He explains how a chink in the ritual allowed him to see flaws in the oath-taking process that convinced him that he was no longer obligated.

WB McFarland isn't anti-mason by any stretch of the imagination, he simply has some theories about the fraternity that are not popular with some people, and wrote a book called "Freemasonry Inside Out". Personally, I think most of his points are spot on, and I certainly look at the degrees in a whole new way. I highly recommend this book to masons and non-masons alike. McFarland brings up several important points worth considering. CW

This eBook needs to be read by anyone curious to know what happens inside a lodge (e.g. some wives have bought this in order to learn more about their husbands interests), those who are thinking of joining a lodge (some potential candidates report that they still decided to join Freemasonry after reading 'Freemasonry Inside-Out' and were grateful for information contained within which wasn't available anywhere else) and every freemason who has an open mind and is prepared to consider other viewpoints.

Published exclusively in eBook format, this 45,000 word book on freemasonry contains 400 or so interactive links to other websites for further research into the history of freemasonry, masonic ritual, the masonic lodge structure, masonic symbols, cult secrets and mysteries and many related subjects for those interested to explore further.

Excellent work on many levels! Excellent research, excellent reasoning, even though much data is presented the argument is very focused, and the point and ultimate subject is of no secondary importance to anyone - a wake up call to re-examine the doctrines that many have been taking for granted. I was presented with an opportunity to join and am very glad I had a chance to read your book first. I am very thankful to you for helping people like myself to save a lot of time and resources in arriving at an informed decision about masonry. Many thanks! AP

There are 15 chapters covering subjects such as Masonic secrecy and secrets, the recruitment methods for finding new members, the initiation process, the workings of the Lodge, social & business aspects of membership, how charitable is Masonic Charity?, myths concerning the origins & history of the order, the so-called Higher Degrees, comparisons to other cults & religions, etc., all brought together in the Summary for an eye-opening conclusion that has made many masons rethink their situation and realign their views.

Has McFarland discovered a masonic temple that pre-dates the earliest known examples? See Origins & History chapter.

I am enjoying your book quite a bit, I have struggled with some of the same questions....and had suspicions along the same lines as yours, that "corporate" masonry was conflicting with "pure" masonry, much like the church in some ways has appropriated the Christian faith for a profit motive. Your book also gives a plausible framework for why it seems the more "evil" acting masons are the most senior, usually Grand Lodge level or higher. I had been having a hard time understanding why, but now it makes sense. I have been a member for a little over a year, still in my "figuring out what I am involved in" phase. I look forward to a complete read! It's been difficult to put down so far. JR

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