Scholars Map

Nicholas S. Literski

Writes on Freemasonry and the esoteric contexts of early Mormonism.

history · religious studies

Degree
PhD, Depth Psychology, Pacifica Graduate Institute
1
Nick holds a PhD in Depth Psychology with Emphasis in Jungian and Archetypal Studies from Pacifica Graduate Institute

Paleo Spirituality and Ceremonial Magic: An Interview with Dr. Nicholas S. Literski, Part I

Pacifica Graduate Institute · as of

Original · Archived

Affiliation
Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Senior Program Manager, California Institute of Integral Studies
2
Nicholas S. Literski, JD, PhD, is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Senior Program Manager in the School of Undergraduate Studies at the California Institute of Integral Studies

Paleo Spirituality and Ceremonial Magic: An Interview with Dr. Nicholas S. Literski, Part I

Pacifica Graduate Institute · as of

Original · Archived

Positions

What is the relationship between the Nauvoo endowment and Freemasonry?

Masonic adaptation · Esoteric or hermetic tradition

Bruno, Swick, and Literski argue that Joseph Smith’s engagement with Masonry began before Nauvoo and shaped more than the endowment alone. Their account interprets temple ritual as part of Smith’s effort to restore “true Masonry,” using Masonic legends and an esoteric framework to bring people into God’s presence.

Believing himself to be a Masonic restorer, Smith called upon God to inspire him to create ritual in the Masonic mold.

Corrections