Masonic initiation as a synthesis of ancient traditions

Initiation is one of the most ancient phenomena of the spiritual culture of mankind, to some extent preserved to this day, in particular, in the rites of initiation in secret societies. One of the most interesting examples of this kind is Masonic initiation, in which various elements of ancient initiations are consciously and purposefully reproduced. The article shows that Masonic dedication bears the features of all the main types of initiation (age, secret societies, confessional and professional), its connection with the Pythagorean spiritual practice, the ancient Eastern and Hellenistic mysteries, and Christian rituals.