ALETHEIA is the Greek word for TRUTH. It has been said that there is no religion higher than truth. However, "The world is profound, and truth is complicated." Thus every individual must arrive at his or her own conception of truth. "In my father's house there are many mansions. This is a profound truth: each vessel is filled according to its capacity. The small vessel and the large vessel may both be filled, but the large vessel contains more. It is up to us to enlarge our capacity for truth by seeking it, facing it fearlessly, and then making it our own.
There are many systems of thought, ethical frameworks, and philosophical and spiritual disciplines through which we may seek truth. Freemasonry is one of these. Its symbols allow us to access truth at whatever level of development we may have achieved, and if we so desire and are willing to do the work, it enables us to progress to ever higher levels of truth, to enlarge our capacity. As we grow, our conception of truth grows with us. It is the goal of ALETHEIA to provide for each woman who comes to us a safe and nurturing environment in which to seek her own level of truth.
Like many other virtues and ideals, the concept of truth has been personified as a woman, ALETHEIA. However, unlike Justice with her scales and blindfold, Hope with her anchor, or Faith with her lamp, Truth carries a mirror. The mirror of Truth reflects and focuses the light, thus bringing illumination, so that we may see the truth in every situation. Use a mirror to focus the rays of the sun onto a pile of dry leaves, and soon the leaves will catch fire. Use the mirror of truth to focus on error, and soon it too will succumb to purification by fire. As Sojourner Truth said, "Truth burns up error." The LOGO of our lodge is an ancient design known as "The Seed of Life." It is found on many sacred structures, from the ruins of ancient Crete to churches still standing in Italy and Turkey.
Consisting of eight circles, it requires only a compass for its construction. First, the central circle is drawn. Then six circles of the same size are drawn around the first so that the circumference of each passes through the center of the first circle and also through the centers of the two on either side. Finally, the whole is encompassed by a large circle that is concentric with the first. The proportions of the circles are determined by the ancient science of gematria, having to do with the numerical values of words, names, and phrases.
The design is a graphic representation of the fundamental truth of unity and interconnectedness, and illustrates the origination of all things from one source to which all remain connected. It can also be interpreted as a diagram of creation in which each circle represents a day of creation. Each new circle is integrally connected with the previous one. The beings of each new day of creation are the evolutionary result of those of the previous day and remain connected to their forbears. They are a new manifestation but, at the same time, they bear within themselves irrevocable vestiges of the past. And all is connected by that energy of love which is the cosmic glue. All is one creation that exists within the cosmic mind.
Women's Lodge in Los Angeles No. 32 Chartered by the Women's Grand Lodge of Belgium (GLFB - WGLB) 310-526-3773
