Embracing the Darkness to see the Light: Follow me into a Secret Masonic Chamber in a haunted Mansion
Hidden secrets, mysterious places and enigmatic places have a magnetic attraction to many of us. Think about the Indiana Jones movies or similar stories about treasure hunters, adventure seekers. I’ve been fascinated with enigmas for the most part of my Life!
Among these timeless enigmas, few can match the fascination inspired by the clandestine world of Freemasonry, where rumours of ancient rituals and arcane knowledge intertwine with the realms of power and mysticism. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to go on a journey of discovery to one of these mystic places: a hidden Masonic chamber, part of a haunted mansion, nestled in the magical mountain of Sintra in Portugal.
Before I describe the chilling journey deep into the dark of the labyrinthic chamber, let me delve a bit into the why of this construction. There are many myths and rumours around Freemasons. Some are true, others are just lies. Many think about the sinister aspects of a powerful, secret organization that controls society from ancient times up to our time. I am not a Freemason. I have just studied and researched a lot about Masonic history, symbolism and rituals mainly due to my interest in history.
There is no doubt that Freemasonry is woven into the tapestry of western civilization. Freemasonry’s philosophy of enlightenment, fraternity, and moral rectitude resonated with influential figures of the Enlightenment era like Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, and Mozart. Its principles of liberty, equality, and tolerance influenced the foundation of modern democracy, inspiring the framers of the American Constitution and playing a role in the French Revolution. You can see it in the grandeur of Washington D.C.’s architecture. Also in many allegorical references found in renowned literary works, evoking an air of intrigue and mystery that lingers to this very day.
There is one place on earth that is so enigmatic, so full of mystery that it would take you a Lifetime to fully study it and grasp it’s significance: the small village of Sintra in Portugal.
Here lies a mansion that was for a long time forgotten and abandoned. This mansion is featured in the horror movie “The Ninth Gate” (1999) produced by Roman Polanski with Johnny Depp in the main role. The story is about a rare book seller that is chasing two books written by the devil himself. A fitting story for the location I am about to describe to you.
There are many Masonic rituals, but I personally found the initiation rituals performed at the Quinta da Regaleira Palace (also in Sintra) and the Chalet Biester the most interesting from a spiritual and psychological point of view. Why? Because they make sense and are deeply connected to philosophical, psychological and religious ideas about awakening, enlightenment, “finding yourself”.
The candidate is blindfolded and is prepared to undergo a series of rituals and tests. They have to enter a dark labyrinth and find their way back into the light. In the case of Quinta da Regaleira this meant that the candidate started to slowly walk down the 139 steps, deep into the darkness of the earth (1 + 3 + 9 = 13, another mystic number). The symbolic power of this must have had a big impact on the candidate. He had to find his way down, into the belly of the earth. He would feel the chill of the night, the humidity of the wells walls and had to trust his inner eye. His inner senses.
Why is this significant from a psychological or even spiritual point of view? Because many religious texts show that — before you can reach enlightment — you need to embrace the darkness first. The Bible mentions this in 2. Cor. 4:7–10 where the apostle Paul describes a spiritual condition that has been called the “Dark Night of the Soul”. You will find similar ideas in Buddhism and in Islam (the concept of “Hadith” describes self-discovery through a journey of struggle).
The spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle describes this process in many ways in his books. Surrender. Awakening through the process of undergoing extreme pain and darkness. The Yang is embracing the Yin. Darkness is the other side of Lightness.
People often only find true meaning in Life after undergoing a difficult and challenging experience. There is a sudden awakening! This is what the masonic candidate would go through with this test.
After going deep into the belly of the earth, the candidate would have to find his way up…in the light again! The symbolism is clear: coming out of the belly of the underworld or like being born into the World.
This is how the initiation well was used. The process has many more steps and rituals, which I will explore in another article. Now, the initiation chamber at the Biester mansion is different, but not less eerie and symbolic! Here the candidate enters a very tight tunnel. Dark and damp. The reason is the same: going into the dark to come out into the light again!
Follow me into the Chamber…
The entrance is illuminated (you can visit the Biester Palace — check out www.sintraexplorers.com) but from there you are on your own. I started my journey going deeper and deeper into the labyrinth. My shoulders were touching the sidewalls. The darkness was profound! I tried to illuminate with my mobile phone lantern, but it was to weak and I gave up. Should I go deeper in? I must admit that I was feeling uneasy, even without being blindfolded! I tried to focus and remember that others have passed this test. I just needed to stay calm and focused.
Another few steps and another turn. Another bend. Deeper into the earth and further away from the mansions basement. I had the feeling that I was walking away from the building and after a while I couldn’t hear any noises. Complete darkness and stillness. I could hear my own heart beating and my breath. Chills running through my body and a tingling sensation. I try to take a picture with the flash on. It gives me only a short glimpse about what lies ahead…
I start to feel a slight inclination. The path is slopping downward. At this stage I am hoping to find a illuminated secret chamber or an exit into the light, into the beautiful gardens, but nothing like that happens. My initial adventurous spirit is starting to abandon me. Should I go deeper? What if I can’t find my way back? What lies ahead?
Questions and my mind going back to the significance of this structure. You are completely alone. Dependent on your inner sense of seeing and your touch. You HAVE to trust your own senses. You have to fight your inner fear and thoughts. I am reminded that you can only find your path in Life, if you keep your fears and self-doubt down. This is working!!! It is physically having an impact on me. It is forcing me to stay focused and connected to my inner, deepest, self. A wonderful experience!
What else did I find there? I will follow up with another article, if the readers of Medium are interested in this topic. In the meantime, watch this Youtube Short about the first steps of the journey: A walk into Darkness — Watch here.
If you want to see this place for yourself or would love to see more places with topics like: esoterism, spirituality, Knights Templar, Freemasonry, Occult secrets, self-discovery. Week long retirement into deep stillness at long forgotten monasteries. Book here: www.sintraexplorers.com
