Why does the initiatory path start with darkness and not with light?
The initiatory path in Freemasonry begins with darkness to symbolize the state of ignorance and the profane condition of the candidate before enlightenment. This deliberate contrast emphasizes the transformative journey that the candidate undertakes. As Albert Pike articulates in his work, Morals and Dogma, "The ceremonies of Masonry are intended to represent the passage from darkness to light." This journey signifies the acquisition of knowledge, moral understanding, and spiritual awakening, which are central to the Masonic pursuit of truth and virtue.
Moreover, the darkness represents the mental state of the candidate, who must recognize that what appears as knowledge to the ordinary man is often ignorance. Pike notes that, "...the candidate must now realize that that is not so..." This acknowledgment of darkness is essential as it prepares the candidate to seek the light of wisdom and understanding that Freemasonry offers.