Masonic Traveler

Nicely Done Br. King

2008-07-17T21:57:00.000-07:00

I just read a terrific post on the blog by Ed King.

I'll leave it to you to pick up and read, but his The Old Webmaster and the bonds of marriage, posted tonight, is probably one of the most touching examples of a brother being there for another.

Nicely done Br. King.

V.I.T.R.I.O.L.

2008-07-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

VISITA INTERIORA TERRA RECTIFICANDO INVENIES OCCULTUM LAPIDEM

My Freemasonry is Freemasonry.

2008-07-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

I've been watching closely an exchange if ideas in a Yahoo group I started some time back. For those not familiar with it, it is the Freemason Information Yahoo group.

The discussion recently has turned to the validity and ownership of the Fraternity itself. The position that "My Freemasonry is Freemasonry" seems to be a dominant theme.

Something interesting from this exchange is the different perceptions of the various disciplines. That each is uniquely Freemasonry, the individual being unique unto itself, and each being Freemasonry.

I don’t think there will ever be a one true discernment of what it truly is, as it is perceived differently by different groups. Even as you go through time, is the Freemasonry of today, charities and all, perceived by its membership in the same way it would have been 100 years ago, 200 years ago...? Is the Freemasonry of today, the Freemasonry it was then, truly?

Fundamentally, I think that it is OK to see if differently. But, it raises the specter of ownership. Who’s is better, which is how this may have become a my Masonry is not your Masonry discussion.

The fact remains that there are a variety of groups in existence that lay claim to some lineage to Freemasonry. Be it MWPHGL, the UGLE, or GoDF, the various state GL's in the U.S., or everything in between. With so many splinters from the same ashlar, each being different and unique, do they not come from the same of type of stone. Can they all be Freemasonry?

In their way, I would say yes. Do they differ in shape, texture, and size, yes. Is one better than the other? I can't make that call. Each appeals to a segment or group within society for what ever reason, and each contributes to the common stock. Why not share not learn from one another?

From the inside looking out perspective, I don’t see the need for fundamental acceptance of all nascent groups, otherwise, anyone could start their own splinter group and demand to be recognized. But, if a group has worked and proven its shape, then I see no reason to not at least entertain the notion of recognition to some degree. Be it to acknowledge the existence of, open lines of communication with, and perhaps even allow open individual visitation. I think that the prohibition of this is a fulcrum to leverage a position of dominance in the field. Its consequence however is a wholesale disregard for other splinters of the same stone.

Can we deny the fact that there exists something else that lays claim to the heritage that we hold so dear?

This is merely my opinion as a a Mason in the “regular” system knowing that other traditions exist under the same canopy of heaven.

A Masonic Bill of Rights

2008-07-12T00:27:00.000-07:00

This is a cross post from the main site at FreemasonInformation.com from Br. Bryce. I'm curious to know what you think.

A Masonic Bill of Rights

When you enter the Masonic fraternity you tend to take a lot for granted. For example, that your Lodge will operate like other nonprofit institutions you are familiar with or the general laws and rules of the country and state where you reside. Interestingly, it doesn't and, instead, marches to its own unique drummer. Aside from the obligations you take as a Mason, you are really not cognizant of the mechanisms of the fraternity or what you are entitled to. This caused me a couple of years ago to start seeking a "Bill of Rights" for the individual Mason. Remarkably, you don't find very much in this regards. There is of course the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry, but this is more geared towards the administration of the Grand Lodge system. Masonic law differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but it too primarily addresses the workings of the Grand Lodge. But finding a listing of the fundamental rights we should all enjoy as individual Master Masons is another matter altogether. To this end, I have assembled an initial list of rights. I began by examining the U.S. Bill of Rights as well as other comparable documents. I then reviewed drafts of my proposed rights with other Masons whom I respect.

Below is my final draft of the rights all Master Masons in good standing should enjoy.

1. Freedom of speech - the right for recognized Master Masons to assemble and discuss subjects pertaining to the fraternity in general, and the right of recognized Master Masons belonging to a specific jurisdiction to assemble and discuss subjects pertaining to their governing Masonic body. This includes the drafting and debating of legislation pertaining to the Master Mason's Craft Lodge and governing Masonic body. Such discourse should be done respectfully and not violate Masonic obligations.

2. Universal treatment - the right to be treated with equal courtesy and dignity as other members of the Lodge, whether at home or as a visitor, with friendship, morality, and brotherly love. This includes being treated fairly, honestly, respectfully, and helpfully by Masonic brothers and act as such in return; to offer wise counsel to Brothers when needed, and accept such in return; and to promote trust and cooperation between brothers. To avoid discussions in Lodge regarding religion and politics which may disrupt the harmony of the Lodge. Master Masons respect the opinions and dignity of the individual.

3. Freedom of information - the right to be made aware of the actions and activities of the governing Masonic body of which the Master Mason belongs. This includes full disclosure of financial accounting, the rules and regulations under which the Masonic body operates, all records pertaining to the individual Mason (his own records), the names and contact information of Lodge brothers, and a report on the general administration of the Masonic body.

4. Freedom to participate - the right to attend all recognized Masonic meetings and related functions while adhering to proper Masonic decorum. To volunteer time and service in support of the Lodge, the community, and the world at large.

5. Fair trial - In all Masonic prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy, fair and impartial trial, open to all recognized Master Masons, and judged by a jury of his Masonic peers. The accused will be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.

6. Right to vote - the right to vote and ballot on all pertinent issues related to the Master Mason's Craft Lodge and governing Masonic body.

7. Right to representation - the right to expect the elected officers of the Craft Lodge to represent the collective interests of its membership, and that the elected officers of the governing Masonic body to represent the collective interests of the Craft Lodges. In no event are the elected officers of the Craft Lodge to usurp the rights or misrepresent the Master Mason, and in no event are the elected officers of the governing Masonic body to usurp the rights or misrepresent the Craft Lodges.

8. Right to seek further light - the right for a Master Mason to seek out and investigate the secrets, history, and workings of the Masonic Order and to share such knowledge with recognized Master Masons.

I have been over this list numerous times and have been very sensitive to the wording. Nonetheless, I am sure there is an omission I have undoubtedly overlooked or something requiring clarification or improvement. Consequently, I see this "Masonic Bill of Rights" as a work in progress and would welcome your suggestions for improving it.

This list alone should make for some interesting food for thought, particularly for our younger Brethren as they embark on their Masonic career.

Keep the Faith.

NOTE: The opinions expressed in this essay are my own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of any Grand Masonic jurisdiction or any other Masonic related body. As with all of my Masonic articles herein, please feel free to reuse them in Masonic publications or re-post them on Masonic web sites (except Florida). When doing so, please add the following:

Article reprinted with permission of the author and www.FreemasonInformation.com

Please forward me a copy of the publication when it is produced.

To receive notices of Tim's writings, subscribe to his Discussion Group.

You can also "tune in" to Bro. Tim's audio podcasts at the "Lodgeroom International" (UK):

http://podcast.lodgeroominternational.com/

Also be sure to check out Tim's "Pet Peeve of the Week" (non-Masonic related) at:

http://www.phmainstreet.com/timbryce.htm

Copyright © 2008 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.

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Masonic Central - Sunday July 13th

2008-07-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Join me this Sunday, July 13th, at 9PM EST / 6PM PST on Masonic Central for an interview with Doctor (and Brother) Patrick Swift who is the Author of the new book One Mountain, Many Paths.

You may remember that name from a few posts back, so now instead of reading my thoughts on the book, join me and listen in live, or join in the interview by calling in from our site at Masonic Central or talkshoe.com

It promises to be an interesting conversation!

Watch a short interview with Patrick from the Bill O'Rilly Factor:

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Master of the Mysteries - book review

2008-07-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

Manly P. Hall is an enigma to 20th Century occult and philosophy. Born into a new century of development and industry, Hall inherited a passionate interest in all things metaphysical with a deep drive to find its place to mankind. Rather than to try to sell his knowledge as a swami or magician, or to impose his will to how it should be perceived, Hall instead gave his life to studying and lecturing on what he discovered, and at his end he most likely lost his life as a result if it.

In the new book by Louis Sahagun, Master of the Mysteries: The Life of Manly Palmer Hall chronicles the obscure life of the man who is more noted for his life's work rather than his day to day travails. Written in a decade by decade narrative, very early on it becomes clear that Hall was fully immersed in his work and growing proficiency to explain it to others, despite his limited education. Though not flawless, Hall managed to produce the largest and greatest compendium of esoteric wisdom in the 20th Century aptly titled The Secret Teachings of All Ages (Reader's Edition) and just as the name implies it delivers the education.

Another interesting aspect of the book is the examination of the occult history of Los Angeles and how it played into ensuing decades towards the 21st Century. Notable celebrities, politicians, and rocket scientists all played a role in the growing cities esoteric and occult community, where Hall stood as a consistent beacon of light within his humble Philosophical Research Society. To note, Hall was a Freemason, raised November 22, 1954 in Jewel Lodge No. 374, in San Francisco. His written work on Freemasonry predates his having been made a Mason, and stopped following his degrees.

Sahagun’s work is an excellent program to accompany Hall’s body of work which spans over 50 texts and 3000 public lecture. In an almost encyclopedic fashion Sahagun hits every high point of his subjects’ life, and then carries us though his low points. In some ways you can read between the lines and divine the reasons why so many past sages emphasize less their life and more their work. At the end of his life, Hall’s great work of discovery ended in as equally great a mystery as those that he studied, reminding us of the frailties of the human condition, no matter what our degree of enlightenment.

I highly recommend the book Master of the Mysteries: The Life of Manly Palmer Hall by Louis Sahagun, published by Process. It will give any reader, fan or foe, an excellent perspective to the master of the mysteries himself, Manly P. Hall, and illustrate his unshakable devotion to them.

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NEW Masonic Emblems

July 4th, 2008

2008-07-04T00:44:00.001-07:00

How wonderfully appropriate on this anniversary of the birth of the Nation that the ancestral home of Brother George was found, complete with potentially his very own Masonic emblem inscribed pipe.

First and foremost, Happy 4th of July. This year marks the 232nd year of American Independence from Great Britain.

How we achieved our independance?

The final battle in the Revolutionary War was in 1781 at Yorktown, Virginia.

Washington learned that a French fleet was sailing toward North America and decided to plan a combined French and colonial attack against the British forces in Yorktown. The attack captured the British Army. The British could not get supplies by sea because of the French fleet and they could not retreat by land because of the French and colonial troops.

On October 17, 1781 the British Army surrendered. King George did not want it to be the last battle of the war, but Parliament decided that the loss was too costly. U.S. and British leaders signed the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783 which ended the war.

It was still important at the time of the civil war.

Why its still important...

Preamble

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America..

From our Nations leader:

I send greetings to all Americans on Independence Day.
More than two centuries ago, bold and courageous visionaries pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor in signing the Declaration of Independence. Guided by ancient and eternal truths, our forefathers proclaimed to the world that liberty was the natural right of all mankind and in doing so began one of the greatest chapters in human history. On the Fourth of July, our country commemorates the great achievements of these heroes and reaffirms its unwavering confidence in the power of freedom.
It was the desire for freedom that inspired our Founding Fathers, and it is the belief in the universality of freedom that guides our Nation. On this occasion, we pay special tribute to the men and women of our Armed Forces, both past and present, who have answered freedom's call and defended the values that make America the greatest country on earth.
George W. Bush

And to our service men and women at home and abroad, I salute you for your bravery in adversity, and tenacity to success.

May the Great Architect of the Universe continue to bless this union and all who labor tirelessly for its present and dream about its future.

Happy 4th of July.

Blessed Be.

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Masonic Central Sunday, July 6th with Tom Accuosti

2008-07-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

PLEASE NOTE THE TIME: 6PM Pacific Standard Time/9PM Eastern!

Join me at Masonic Central this Sunday, July 6th as we interview Tom Accuosti from the Masonic blog the Tao of Masonry.

Tom is under the Grand Lodge of Connecticut and in his short Masonic career has managed to not only become a master of his lodge but is serving on his Grand Lodges Communications Committee and as his local District Grand Lecturer. And on top of all that become a regular on the blog circuit

Also, besides having a really hard last name to pronounce, Tom brings a healthy dose of humor to the otherwise overly serious “interwebz” world of Masonic blogging. How could you not want to listen to a guy whos titles include: Exalted Keeper of the Secrets of Freemasonarianism; Grand Sovereign Pontiff and Secret Exposuer; Ambassador to Zeta-Reticula; Crop Circle Planning & Zoning Commissioner; Aluminum Foil Beanie Fitting and Training Consultant; Team Osiris Obelisk Siting and Surveying; Manager, Dulces/Denver Airport Massage & Day Spa; Cydonia Vacation Resort Concierge; Past Master, Friendship #33.3 AM & FM, Area 51, Atlantis

Join us this Sunday, July 6th at the special time of 6PM PST for the Tao.

One Mountain, Many Paths - Review and Recommendation

2008-06-29T00:47:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was given the opportunity to read an advance copy of a new book by Doctor (and brother) Patrick Swift.

One Mountain, Many Paths: Special Edition is an excellent read on a great many subjects. It is not another encyclopedic collection of long tracts and outdated prose; instead it is a very concise and meditative collection of the best that all faiths have to offer.

Dr. Swift, a brother from New York, wrote this book on the heels of the September 11^th catastrophe of 2001. Choosing to not succumb to the disaster and embracing hatred he chose instead to see through the veil and find the universalism between all faiths and their doctrines. The result is a treasure of aphorisms ranging from forgiveness to our collective one world of Faith.

I think its important to point out that it is not a means to create a syncretic structure of all faiths but a book to celebrate Faith itself. Wisely in the introduction, Br. Swift suggests reading his text in small bits lest you develop “spiritual indigestion”. Like any thing of quality though, this text is something to savor and contemplate.

Some of my Favorite passages include:

Become one with everything, a person should perceive the highest truth. There is nothing higher than the highest.
Shri Guru Gita 123 – Hinduism

May generosity triumph over stinginess, may love triumph over hatred, and may truth triumph over falsehood.
Yasna 60:5, Adapted – Zoroastrianism

My house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.
Isaiah 56:7 Bible – Judaism & Christianity

Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of out ancestors?
Malachi 2:10, Bible – Judaism & Christianity

I highly recommend this book as a supplement to your contemplative or meditative practice. Taken piece by piece the text offers a wonderful measure of our faithful similarity.

Br. Swift has just announced his intent to release this as a free e-book available on July 4^th at the books website “One Mountain Many Paths." I highly recommend though that you pick a copy, as it is a beautifully designed treasure to revisit on your shelf over and over.

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Freemasonry One Path Many Mountains Patrick Swift

Masonic Central – with John Ratcliff

2008-06-26T22:38:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we recorded the third installment of Masonic Central with an interview with John Ratcliff of the blog JRatcliffscarab.

In the interview we had a chance to talk about a variety of topics which included why he became a Freemason, blogging, the range of books on Freemasonry, esoteric freemasonry vs. ritual magic, symbolism, the Boy Scouts, and traveling to visit other lodges.

For an hour long program, it was a pretty dense conversation.

If you haven’t had a chance to give it a listen, there is no time like the present. You can stream it live of download it from ITunes.

Look for our next interview coming-up on Sunday, August 6th with Tom Accuosti from the Tao of Freemasonry. And, in the upcoming weeks and months, stay tuned for some exciting interviews and dialog about Freemasonry.

Stonehenge redux

2008-06-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

This came from an email today from Br. Milliken at the Beehive.

Amazing the ingenuity of man.

A few paces removed are the vestiges of ancient free stone masonry.

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Theft in Chicago

2008-06-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

This came across from one of the groups I belong to, and is good info to pass along to the membership.

On Sunday, June 22, 2008, between 2:00 am and 4:00 am, the office of the Valley of Chicago, along with several other offices located in the building that we are temporarily operating from until the development of our new headquarters is complete, was burglarized. As of early Monday morning, upon discovery of the burglary, the proper law enforcement agencies have been notified.

During the burglary, our secured vault was compromised. As a result, many of the Valley’s precious metals and historic jewels were taken. Among those items removed from the vault include, but are not limited to:

Past Presiding Officer Jewels of the Lodge of Perfection; Council, Princes of Jerusalem; Rose Croix; and Consistory; each inscribed “Property of AASR – Valley of Chicago” and properly numbered
33º Member Jewels;
Diamond Membership Pins;
Dudley and Elgin Masonic Watches;
Lapel Pins, Oriental Consistory;
Past Presiding Officer Jewels from various Grand York Rite Bodies;
Past Master Jewels from various Masonic Lodges; and
Other Masonic Jewelry and Historic Metals.

Should you happen to come across any suspicious items, on Ebay or other auction sites for example, please contact Gregory R. Klemm, MSA, 33º, at (800) 774-3467, ext. 302, or at gregoryklemm@aol.com.

As a result of this burglary, a great deal of Masonic history has been compromised. Your assistance in helping us to recover that history is greatly appreciated.

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Ask Men

2008-06-26T11:01:00.000-07:00

An interesting aside on askmen.com today about the Freemasons.

Its ironic to me to think that Freemasonry has become the subject of such a list, but then it has not been in the fore of male couture lifestyle for some time.

Perhaps that’s a good thing. Maybe the lack of public knowledge gives us the latitude to reinsert it in a manner of our choosing.

Top 5 things to know about Freemason:

They are not a secret society
They have been blamed for assassinating JFK
Some orders admit women
They have one qualification for membership
They have no single governing body

Give the article a read if you have a chance.

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Can a Christian be a Freemason?

2008-06-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

This piece is in response to a post made by the author of the blog “Can a Christian Be a Freemason.”

An interesting question but with a simple answer.

In short, yes, a Christian can be a Freemason. The choice and path in following Christ is singular, as I believe, and is not predicated on the whims and directives of the church in which they attend. Many such churches feel compelled to pass a form of judgment quoting verse upon verse from the bible on why THEY say (as God’s or Christ’s vessel) that a Christian cannot be a Freemason.

Their reasoning is often predicated on lifting quotes from past Masonic authors and arranging them in an often-caustic manner that they point to as proof and validation of their claim.

They suggest that Freemasonry is a based on a doctrine and philosophy ANTI Christian and then base their claims on Biblical proof, and then proceed to tell their followers the reasons that they should avoid the fraternity, some times religiously shaming people, some times lying, and some times taking a stance of judgment and self-righteousness proclaiming their epiphany of why a Christian cannot be a Freemason.

Often these detractors come from a background of newly revealed religiosity. A “saving” experience where suddenly their eyes are opened anew and they see things “for what they are.” The trouble is that Freemasonry wholly promotes the discovery of the divine, and the mystical experience of awakening to that new connection of glory, but I believe that some who go through this experience are prone to the influence of those around them, their family, their church group, their sponsors, and then take on a tint or shade of that groups philosophy. Suddenly all that they found favor with is bad, and their ideations from then right. This tends to come out, towards Freemasonry, more in the Fundamentalist Evangelical or Pentecostal realm and usually with the call that Freemasonry is preaching a non-biblical path to salvation and a false messiah in Hiram Abiff.

My charge is that these groups of detractors, lacking first hand experience, are lacking a firm grasp of symbolic understanding. And, for those who claim experience, lack a firm understanding of what Freemasonry advocates. Many of these groups treat the passages of the Holy Bible as literal descriptions of past events. Creation in 7 days, a garden in which two people appeared in with a snake that presents an apple as causation to original sin. Literalism seems to be their rule and guide, which obscures the symbols from the rituals.

One of the fundamental issues at hand with a very pro Christian doctrine and a lack of tolerance towards Freemasonry, and consequently other faiths, is the absolutism of their right and your wrong statements. These same groups adhere to the philosophy of a totalitarian ownership of divine right in their reversal of a Universal church. If you are not with them in message and ideology, then you are an other, and subject to ostracism, criticism, and proselytizing for your eternal soul. This is their “belief”, and because THEY believe it, it must be true.

Perhaps it is necessary to suggest another path, a third way to say why Freemasonry is compatible with a Christian teaching, as it is with a Jewish teaching, an Islamic teaching, Buddhist, Hindu, or Pagan. In its simplest of terms, Freemasonry makes no stance one way or another as to an individual’s faith. It does not suggest a leaning towards Christianity, not to Judaism. It does not instruct the candidate to pray to a “Great Architect of the Universe”, but to the contrary so that all men of FAITH can assemble, it takes that barest sting of continuity between all faiths and ties it to the SYMBOLIC concept of a creator a “great architect,” or a singular emanation of the divine. Further, Freemasonry instructs those who choose its path to develop their faith in the Religion of they’re following and reap from it what knowledge and benefit any man may find. Make special note here, that Freemasonry instructs the Mason to study his religion, and not follow what someone else tells them about it. As a doctrine, this is to promote a growth in ones own faith and spirituality and not supercede or supplant with another. This can lead to the need to re-define what that faith means and how best to express it, which again falls to the individual to pursue.

But to suggest that there is a transgression committed by Freemason’s towards God is absurd. Again, I point to the question of who appointed any church as HIS divine judicator? To cast judgment and disparage an institution that is at odds with what you, or your church, believes is unacceptable and flirts with the exertion of totalitarianism. It is similar to mentalities of those who burn churches that they dislike, mount crusades to take back lands that are not theirs, stoning people, or proclaiming divine right.

The ultimate message in Freemasonry is toleration. Its not written into the catechism, its not engrained into the symbols or writings, but it rests in the vary marrow of its members, and that message is in toleration of men of all faiths, to work together under the eye of the divine to make themselves better and contribute to the community to which they are a part of. This includes men of all faiths, including Christians.

Solstice and Saint John the Baptist

2008-06-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

I bid you a happy summer solstice. As the sun reaches its meridian height and takes its victorious place over the defeated night, we enter into the mid year season and the ushering in of summer.

Also, this solar transition represents the holiday of the Masonic Patron Saint John the Baptist, which most Masonic traditions in the West relate to the powerful symbol of the Point Within the Circle.

In past years I’ve tried to elaborate on my ideas of what the point within the circle represents, and thusly the Holy Saint John, but this year I want to relate with several Authors have said about it and how it may relate to you and your work to shape the perfect ashlar.

Pike in Morals and Dogma says:
Our Brethren of the York Rite say that "there is represented in every well-governed Lodge, a certain point, within a circle; the point representing an individual Brother; the Circle, the boundary line of his conduct, beyond which he is never to suffer his prejudices or passions to betray him."

This is not to interpret the symbols of Masonry. It is said by some, with a nearer approach to interpretation, that the point within the circle represents God in the centre of the Universe. It is a common Egyptian sign for the Sun and Osiris, and is still used as the astronomical sign of the great luminary. In the Kabalah the point is YOD, the Creative Energy of God, irradiating with light the circular space which God, the universal Light, left vacant, wherein to create the worlds, by withdrawing His substance of Light back on all sides from one point.

Our Brethren add that, "this circle is embordered by two perpendicular parallel lines, representing Saint John the Baptist and Saint John the Evangelist, and upon the top rest the Holy Scriptures" (an open book). "In going round this circle," they say, "we necessarily touch upon these two lines as well as upon the Holy Scriptures; and while a Mason keeps himself circumscribed within their precepts, it is impossible that he should materially err."

It would be a waste of time to comment upon this. Some writers have imagined that the parallel lines represent the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, which the Sun alternately touches upon at the Summer and Winter solstices. But the tropics are not perpendicular lines, and the idea is merely fanciful. If the parallel lines ever belonged to the ancient symbol, they had some more recondite and more fruitful meaning. They probably had the same meaning as the twin columns Jachin and Boaz. That meaning is not for the Apprentice. The adept may find it in the Kabalah. The JUSTICE and MERCY of God are in equilibrium, and the result is HARMONY, because a Single and Perfect Wisdom presides over both.

The Holy Scriptures are an entirely modern addition to the symbol, like the terrestrial and celestial globes on the columns of the portico. Thus the ancient symbol has been denaturalized by incongruous additions, like that of Isis weeping over the broken column containing the remains of Osiris at Byblos.

And in another text...

The Meaning of Masonry by W.L. Wilmshurst:
Masonry, by means of a series of dramatic representations, is intended to furnish those who care to discover its purport and to take advantage of the hints it throws out in allegorical form, with an example and with instructions by which our return to the "East" may be accelerated. It refers to no architecture of a mundane kind, but to the architecture of the soul's life. It is not in itself a religion; but rather a dramatized and intensified form of religious processes inculcated by every religious system in the world. For there is no religion but teaches the lesson of the necessity of bodily purification of our first degree; none but emphasizes that of the second degree, that mental, moral and spiritual developments are essential and will lead to the discovery of a certain secret centre "where truth abides in fullness," and that that centre is a "point within a circle" of our own nature from which no man or Mason can ever err, for it is the divine kingdom latent within us all, into which we have as yet failed to enter. And there is none but insists upon the supreme lesson of self-sacrifice and mystical death to the things of this world so graphically portrayed in our third degree; none but indicates that in that hour of greatest darkness the light of the primal divine spark within us is never wholly extinguished, and that by loyalty to that light, by patience and by perseverance, time and circumstances will restore to us the "genuine secrets," the ultimate truths and realities of our own nature.

Still yet other texts elaborate further, specifically on the symbolic significance of the circle and how it relates to the sphere of the individual standing within its center.

With that in mind, consider the path of the Earth around the Sun and the transition of the season from winter/spring to summer/fall, as we approach the winter equinox to begin a new the celestial battle of light and dark. That perhaps instead of us orbiting the radiant light of the sun, we in fact are the sun radiating out into the universe that is our domain. In Masonry, we are told that in the middle of that point within the circle is where we, as men, stand.

On a less occult topic, it is said that our ancient brethren met on this day in 1717 to form the Grand Lodge of England, so perhaps it is in their memory that we venerate this day and hold it in such esteem. As such, it has become one of our feast days and a time to reflect on our fraternity and brotherhood.

So for those brothers not at a festive board, and not in the company of brothers, I wish you a good Solstice and a good Saints John’s Day.

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Painting of St. John the Baptist by El Greco

Masonic Central, this Sunday at 12n EST / 9am PST with guest John Ratcliff

2008-06-20T11:21:00.000-07:00

Please Note the earlier time.

Join us this Sunday, June 22nd, at 9am PST on Masonic Central with Freemason and blogger John Ratcliff of the Masonic blog at http://jratcliffscarab.blogspot.com.

John is a Freemason under the Grand Lodge of Missouri and brings to the conversation a strong sense of fraternity, fellowship, good ritual, and high principals, which are all traits of great interest and esteem to all Freemasons.

Some notable points in the interview we plan to cover include Esotericism vs. non Esotericism, the ideas of why people believe in the “fantastic”, and some of his Philosophy behind the fraternity in what it means for a man to be a “Good Mason”, and much more!

John even challenged me to define my ideas of the esoteric aspects of Freemasonry.

It promises to be an interesting show.

Look for us again at 12PM EST/ 9AM PST this Sunday June 22nd!

Your Help and Assistance

2008-06-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

This is a message I received today from, through a brother, from the Master of Moreno Valley Lodge regarding the family of our late brother Theron Dunn. Your attention and assistance is being requested.

The Late Brother Theron Dunn's family are having difficulty finding the Insurance our Brother thought to exist. A fund has been set up to assist the family in funeral and other expenses in the coming months. I am asking that each of our Lodges ascertain if there is a donation that can be made to the following fund:

This fund was set up by Theron's Brother, James for the purpose:

Theron Dunn Memorial Fund
Washington Mutual Bank
Washington Mutual Bank
Acct#0401-0000041531-6
All checks should be payable to “Barbara Dunn”
22882 Giant Fir Place
Canyon Lake, CA 92587

Thanks so much for consideration.

Magic Happens...if you do something!!!
Sincerely & Fraternally,

John Cover Spear, PM
Master of Moreno Valley Lodge 804
Royal Patron of Mission Bell Court 156, Order of the Amaranth
Grand Lodge Long Range Planning Committee Member

Where and when I least expect it.

2008-06-18T23:40:00.000-07:00

Some weekends go by with nary a blip of anything Masonic. Even the news feeds I subscribe to are fairly bland and only pick up on a few twice removed articles on the craft.

This past weekend, well, it was a Masonic doozy, partially manufactured by my own hand, partially just out of the blue.

Originally, I intended to put these into several different posts, and I may carve them up at some time down the road into something with a little more punch, but for now, I just needed to get them out of my stream of consciousness and into the digital conscience.

This last weekend started on Friday afternoon with an interview on the Truth, Love and Freedom internet radio pod cast. You may remember this from last year when I spent some time with the host Soul Real and talked about a variety of pseudo esoteric topics and the nature of Masonic secrecy. Soul Real said that he got a lot of feedback (or was it flack) about it, and some angry replies on how I had missed the boat on what Freemasonry meant. I think I said it then, like I did this last Friday, what I said was how I see the craft, and what my perceptions and ideations are of it .

So, like last time, Whoops, I did it again, redux. If you have some time, with all of the recent pod-casting going on, I recommend you check out my interview. I've heard from one brother who said I articulated my points well (thanks John ;) and I'm curious what others have to say.

Listen to it and then tell me if I got it wrong, if I'm missing the boat. Enlighten me.

Next up on my Masonic weekend was a oh-bright-and-early appointment with the Signet Chapter #57 of the York Rite Royal Arch Masonry degrees. Finally, after months and months of otherworldly mortal diversions, I was able to make it to a conferral of the three degrees of the Royal Arch.

I'm still digesting them, and trying to really piece them together in my head as to what they meant, what they represented, and how they resonate with me and my Masonic ideology. They were definitely different, and NOT what I was expecting, but then I wasn't quite sure what I was expecting.

Sunday started out normal, I actually avoided email and blogs for a time just to defrag and spend some time with the kids on Fathers day. So after a leisurely morning of the newspaper and cheesy eggs with toast, we went off to our local Natural History Museum. And there, after several hours of crawling the floors of exhibits I stumbled across a pictorial exhibit of the museums founding. And there, wouldn't you know it, in a grainy dark but vividly clear photo of about 100 aproned Freemasons in top hats an laying the corner stone of the institution. Next to it was a fairly large sign that indicated the image was of the "Masons of the Grand Lodge of California laying the cornerstone in 1910". I was blown away. Grudgingly, I made the kids trundle around the building with me to find the stone, and there, amidst the bricks and tan limestone is the white granite block of the time capsule with the numbers 1910 carved largely into it. I only wish I had a camera...

And then, later that night, we recorded the 2nd installment of the new Masonic Central pod-cast. I have to admit, they are a lot of fun to do, and really a great way to evoke some good, frank, discussion. My recommendation, if you listen live, hang out after the show for the "after-party" which is where the hair comes down. It's kind of like the parking lot talks after a lodge meeting. Tim Bryce was this weeks last guest, and he had a lot of great things to talk about and share with us. Thanks again Tim.

And then, today (I know not the weekend, but still close enough) my youngest son graduated middle school, which played host to the South Bay Masonic Lodges annual Best Student of the Year award. I missed the chance to shake the brothers hand as I think he left right there after, but I have to admit, it was good to see a brother out and in the community building the society.

And with that my weekend (plus a few days) were over. I don't think I could have purposefully planned it to be any more Masonic.

Phew, just reflecting back on it is making me tired.

enough with this grand high exalted mystic boobery

2008-06-17T23:03:00.000-07:00

What its about in West Virginia

"In October 2006, at the annual statewide meeting of the Grand Lodge in Wheeling, when his tenure was about to end, Mr. Haas presented a bloc of amendments designed to modify rules that no longer made sense (if they ever did). For instance, since lodges in other states had black members, he proposed the radical idea that “qualified visiting brethren may not be excluded from attendance if race is a factor.”
The changes, called the Wheeling reforms, overcame significant resistance and were passed by a close vote. Mr. Haas then handed his gavel to a successor, who promptly set aside the reforms on procedural grounds."

What happened:

"[Grand Master] Mr. Montgomery, who arrived with a posse of Masonic brass, did thank the lodge for the oysters. But soon he summoned Mr. Haas and his outspoken colleague to what is known as the altar. The colleague was expelled first and promptly left the room.
Now it was Mr. Haas’s turn. There he stood, wearing a business suit and the apron with the purple border and gold fringe that signified his status as a Past Grand Master. There, in the lodge he had belonged to for more than 20 years, in front of his father, in front of his brothers.
There, silent and mortified, while another grown man read an edict asserting that he had supported an illegal Web site; had sought to subvert the principles of the lodge by seeking the repeal of “our laws”; had been insubordinate toward the Grand Lodge and its Grand Master; and this: had “demonstrated conduct unbecoming a Mason.”

Whats happening:

"[Haas] has sued the Grand Lodge because he says he was denied due process. Because he wants to bring about change. Because he wants to belong again."

Read the article that published in the New York Times on Monday, June 16th.

Masonic Central - Episode 2 with Tim Bryce

2008-06-16T10:27:00.000-07:00

Last night, Sunday, June 15th, I had the chance to interview Br. Tim Bryce under the Grand Lodge of Florida, for an hour talking about a variety of topics ranging from the organization and management of the fraternity today to the lessons of history that have played out in the past that directly relate to us today.

If you didn’t listen last night live, or you haven’t downloaded it yes from ITunes or Talkshoe, then your missing on of the best interviewee’s to speak on the subject of Freemasonry.

If you think you don’t have the time to spend listening to this show, I strongly urge you to download it and put it on your MP3 player and take it with you.

Tim is the author of “The Freethinking Freemason” from Cornerstone publishing and a bright light in the universe of Freemasonry.

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