Aspects of Masonic Symbolism

There is a very true sense in which the particulars of his initiation are in analogy with the process of birth into the physical world. The imputed darkness of his previous existence, amidst the life of the uninitiated world, and the yoke which is placed about him is unquestionably in correspondence with the umbilical cord. You will remember the point at which he is released therefrom - in our English ritual, I mean. I do not wish to press this view, because it belongs of right, in the main...