THE FREEMASON (Pigpen) CIPHER
THE TREASURE YOU SEEK IS NOT AT THE POSTED COORDINATES.
PERMISSION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THIS CACHE
The Freemason Cipher, or what is more commonly referred to as
the Pigpen Cipher, was employed by the Freemasons in the 18th
Century. It was used as a method of keeping communications and
records private and secure.
Freemasons of the day often arranged to have their cemetery
headstones inscribed with the cipher. One such was Thomas Brierly
of Mellor, near Devonshire in England. Brierley, evidently a
controversial figure in his day, assured controversy, mystery and
consternation in his death by using the cipher.
As stated, the Pigpen cipher was quite common amongst Masons and
surprisingly the cipher on Brierley's grave reflects a non-standard
symbol for the letter "S". It is suggested the variation in the
cipher is a clue or key to documents and questionable methods he is
alleged to have employed as the treasurer of his local lodge. Full
treatment of the Brierly case can be viewed
HERE.
Thomas Brierley (1785-1855)
There are many variations on the Freemason Cipher. The one shown
below is perhaps the simplest and most common. As stated above, the
cache is not at the posted coordinates. To find the cache, use the
cipher to decode the following coordinate equation -
Ground zero is extremely muggle-rich of weekdays and evenings.
The cache is described as small. A reflective field tool is strong
recommended to expose the hide technique, as exact replacement of
the cache (out of sight) is Crucial. Good stewardship as a
cacher requires awareness of surroundings and benevolent treatment
of the target.This cache is NOT available at night. And due
to limited sky exposure at gz, a hint is being added.
Credit for the background URL can found
Here, a fascinating and in-depth discussion and graphic
illustrations of the Geometry and Symbols employed in the 'lay-out'
of Our National Capitol.
Event Announcement: The Maryland Geocaching Society (MGS)
invites You to a Special Event (GC1GC7G) in the heart of the
Nation's Capitol. See the event page for more information.