tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78694789701440994192024-03-12T22:08:48.717-06:00From Darkness To LightThe Journey of a man in Freemasonry and his eternal quest for knowledge and enlightenment.
<a href="mailto:richard.vickery@gmail.com">Email Me!</a>FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-2266269226111796972016-02-25T16:33:00.001-06:002016-02-25T16:33:56.810-06:00My Masonry is on Life Support<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqYGoCvCAwulezekGdRqSGbYRU1cOSlbBFytDAYUiW9aLpQvjWuwDeynVHKArjXgpht1Jj9cX4L8bgBttvar8nRNhsVm8-l_SgavmCoD-9oXjPHUCXUALagEbCE2oTEA7xptDJeiZHP8/s1600/lifesupport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqYGoCvCAwulezekGdRqSGbYRU1cOSlbBFytDAYUiW9aLpQvjWuwDeynVHKArjXgpht1Jj9cX4L8bgBttvar8nRNhsVm8-l_SgavmCoD-9oXjPHUCXUALagEbCE2oTEA7xptDJeiZHP8/s320/lifesupport.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It has been a very long time since I have updated this blog,
and that is for more reasons then I really care to go into, the biggest of them
was I had two major life altering events happen to me in 2015, my wife left me
and divorced me and my mother passed away three months later. 2014 wasn’t much better as my then wife and I were trying to
understand everything going on and the dissolving of our marriage; I had an
absolute miserable experience that year as a Freemason. As I was dealing with a marriage that was
falling apart in front of me I also became subject to personal attacks by men
who call themselves “Masons”. This wasn’t
some grand conspiracy, but rather a series of unfortunate events and it was
always the same actors. My character, my
career and even my service to this country was attacked as I attempted to just
complete and do my duty as an officer of my lodge. I kept telling myself, it will get better,
but it really didn’t. I started to
become one of those guys you read about on the internet. Becoming jaded by the false promise of brotherhood,
and the quality of men that were the most active in our fraternity, were
sometimes the absolute worse as people both in character and in behavior.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things were getting better, but then the bottom fell out and
my wife filed, we were divorced before I knew it and then my mother died. I
fell into a depression that I just didn’t want to get out of bed, let alone go
face the same people that seem to take such delight in my misery before all of
this happen. I didn’t want to read about
Freemasonry anymore, I eschewed any symbols, references or ritual. Lying in bed a “brother” texted me and wrote “You
know you aren’t the first person to lose their mother”. Thanks, that is what I call brotherly
love. I was sick all the time and just
was in a funk I never felt before. I
honestly would have given up on Freemasonry, if it wasn’t for being in offices
and having a strong enough sense of duty to do what I needed to do, to fulfill my
obligations.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a saying in research “There is nothing dirtier then
academic politics, because there is nothing to lose.” The absolute same can be said about Freemasonry,
my greatest rival/advisory at work has treated me with more respect and dignity
then some Freemasons who call themselves brothers. So now as I have licked my wounds for 8
months, and am starting to come out of my funk, I am trying to understand what
role I should play in the future for our fraternity. When I am done with my duties do I just fade
away, do I run to the invitational bodies and be one of those guys that doesn’t
support the blue lodges? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are all questions I face right now as I try to figure
out how to move forward, all I know is that my Freemasonry is on life support,
and only I can choose to pull the plug.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-9683546931508771272014-08-10T07:02:00.002-06:002014-08-10T07:02:46.853-06:00Simply Swingin' with Sinatra and Friends - Benifit for the San Antonio Scottish Rite Cathedral<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.scottishritepac.com/sites/all/themes/scottish/images/simply-swingin-home-banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://www.scottishritepac.com/sites/all/themes/scottish/images/simply-swingin-home-banner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
In attempts to avoid leaving and selling our beloved temple our building board has started a series of concerts to raise money to sustain and beautify our building. On the 23rd and 24th of August we will be holding a concert with Steve Lippia who is one of the best Sinatra vocalists in the nation. This is the best plan we have had in years to address the major repairs needed in our building, to which Bro Hodapp said was one of the most beautiful he has ever been in.<br />
<br />
Please consider supporting this concert event, and allowing us to keep our building and not having it re-purposed.<br />
<br />
To purchase tickets, pleaese either go to the website (<a href="https://www.scottishritepac.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">https://www.scottishritepac.<wbr></wbr>com/</a>) or call 210-564-0002. Your support for this event would be greatly appreciated.</div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-34215351703103417352014-07-24T07:35:00.001-06:002014-07-24T07:46:22.531-06:00Masonic Restoration Foundation Symposium in Cincinnati 8/15-17, 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mrfsymposium.org/images/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.mrfsymposium.org/images/logo.jpg" height="194" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tomorrow is the last day to register for the Masonic Restoration Foundation Symposium in Cincinnati, OH. The list of scheduled speakers is impressive and shows a diverse range of backgrounds and compelling talks. It is most likely too late for those that are traveling from a distance (like myself), but for those in the tri-state area it is a must go! Here is the schedule for those that are interested, please <a href="http://www.mrfsymposium.org/" target="_blank">visit their website</a>:</span><br />
<div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friday, August 15, 2014</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">03:00 pm - Symposium Check-in begins at Hotel</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">05:00 pm - Buses leave Hotel for Cincinnati Masonic Center (CMC)</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">06:00 pm - Social Hour</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">07:00 pm - Festive Board & Keynote Speaker</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">09:00 pm - Buses leave CMC for Hotel</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Hospitality Room available at Hotel</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: small;">Saturday, August 16, 2014</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">08:00 am - Buses depart Hotel for CMC</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Symposium Check-in at CMC</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">08:30 am - Open a Lodge of Entered Apprentices</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Welcome & Instructions</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">09:15 am - Choice of Two Presentations</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">10:30 am - Choice of Two Presentations</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">11:30 am - Lunch</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">12:15 pm - Keynote Presentation</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">01:30 pm - Choice of Two Presentations</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">02:30 pm - Break</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">03:00 pm - Pennsylvania Master Mason degree</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">05:00 pm - Scotch Social</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">06:30 pm - Buses depart from CMC for Hotel</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Dinner is Individual's Choice</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">08:00 pm - Hospitality Room available at Hotel</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sunday, August 17, 2014</span></span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;">09:00 - Closing sessions will be held in the Hamilton Room at the Hotel</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Panel Presentation by Host Lodges</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> MRF Board Comments & Q&A</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Q&A with Speakers</span><br style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="text-align: justify;"> Benediction and Dismissal</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; text-align: justify;">I will be attending, so of course you know it will be a good time. :)</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; text-align: justify;">S&F,</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; text-align: justify;">-Bro Vick</span></span></div>
</div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-65996707903694949002014-01-05T16:03:00.000-06:002014-01-05T16:03:35.895-06:00Book Review: For the Good of the Order: Examining the Shifting Paradigm Within Freemasonry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over Christmas I was handed a book titled "For the Good of the Order: Examining the Shifting Paradigm within Freemasonry". The author is John Bizzack, PhD, from Lexington Lodge #1 of Lexington, Kentucky. This book attempts to look at Freemasonry in the context of shifting paradigms, and how looking at the current state and the future of Freemasonry through this lens, to provide the reader with better insight into what is happening, what is working and what is not.<br />
<br />
Bro Bizzack belief (which I completely agree with) that Masonic education is not floorwork, ritual memorization or learning about Freemasonry by simply showing up, from his book he writes:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhyr4sWGxnpJu8WvvmHbgU-PziyUDutGEuC5o1dxV7j8Wz6e9Ag9w6zMJgI_wcm1Cdi2C-Eiu52fYvC265i5qTUMtoqJFRU2Za6m6SaMzpzrBYnvD3ruIXpVCYGTWs8X7VUEKysYu14g/s1600/9781490480404_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhyr4sWGxnpJu8WvvmHbgU-PziyUDutGEuC5o1dxV7j8Wz6e9Ag9w6zMJgI_wcm1Cdi2C-Eiu52fYvC265i5qTUMtoqJFRU2Za6m6SaMzpzrBYnvD3ruIXpVCYGTWs8X7VUEKysYu14g/s1600/9781490480404_p0_v1_s260x420.JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
"<i>The purpose of Masonic education is to create an environment conducive to learning, in which interests are maintained and fresh insights developed into the study of the Craft, its history and philosophy, the influence of historical figures, and certainly its symbolism and allegories - an environment that motivates, stimulates and encourages members to read and study and discuss Freemasonry."</i><br />
<br />
Bro Bizzack uses many contemporary writers in this book, including Andrew Hammer, Robert Davis, and others to discuss the changing paradigms within Freemasonry. Attacking not-so-sacred cows of "quantity, not quality" and other held beliefs of the old guard that are fading as each year passes. Bro Bizzack also does an excellent job of applying the Broken Windows Theory to the state and decay of order, beyond our physical temples, really Chapter 6 is the best chapter in the book, by far. The book for the most part is well written, and will appeal to the smart involved Freemasonry in giving him a better look at the state of the order, something that every man in the labors in the temple needs for the work in the quarries.<br />
<br />
With that being written, there are some glaring issues that the author either ignored, or didn't know about. Here are some of the things that are ignored in his book:<br />
<br />
<b>Traditional Observance Lodges</b>: While T.O. Lodges are self-reported as successful, and have energized a section of our fraternity, they are not without their own problems. Additions to the Webb ritual (Chamber of Reflection, Unity Chain, etc) have caused a lot of angst in many jurisdictions. Don't forget that T.O. Lodges are a very urban solution to Freemasonry. In states like Texas, where 65% of the lodges are rural, perceptions can be that this is an attempt to "Urbanize them". Bro Bizzack, doesn't discuss any of the downsides of T.O. Lodges (Limited members, difficulty in getting dispensation, Are you T.O. enough mentality, etc). This goes beyond the simple belief that there is resistance because of high dues, formal dress, and strange lodge names.<br />
<br />
<b>Andrew Hammer</b>: Highly cited by Bro Bizzack is Andrew Hammer, what Bro Bizzack doesn't tell you is that Bro Hammer has in the past advocated the dismantling of our apendent bodies. In essence throwing away rituals that have more of a historical documentation that the first three degrees within our craft. This is simply an attempt to force men who want to be Masons back in the blue lodge, or quit. Bro Hammer has subdued this message greatly, but was a major sticking point in his approach to Freemasonry. Dates of when grand bodies or orders were solidified, doesn't necessarily date the antiquity of the degrees that order confers. It is a reflection of hard research conducted by brethren wanting to bring further light to our fraternity, not dilute it.<br />
<br />
<b>Masonic Restoration Foundation</b>: Bro Bizzack ignores the past problems of the MRF, including that at one time was conducting inspections on lodges to give the certification of being a Traditional Observance Lodge. This was making them in essence a "Shadow Grand Lodge" in some jurisdictions that had to conform to their Grand Lodge and the MRF. They also have copyrighted rituals, which is bizarre, and seems contrary to spreading of Masonic light. They had the ability for Master Masons to join at one time, which caused serious problems of Masonic charges for joining a clandestine organization. Now it is just made up of an executive board, that isn't publicly listed. The MRF, while heading now in the right direction isn't the most altruistic organization and at times have used heavy handed tactics towards those that raise concerns.<br />
<br />
<b>Intolerance in Religious America</b>: Bro Bizzack does address the large charitable contributions of the craft, claiming this was a result of cross pollination between fraternal organizations. This is indeed correct, but this was also because of growing resentment between certain Protestant church branches (Pentecostal, Southern Baptist, etc) and the craft. Large donations and active charity, gave the Craft a more of a civic club look, and not a nefarious esoteric/occult society. This helped fade away some of the esoteric emphasis and education talked to at length in this book, and it also kept the jealous minister off the backs of brothers, for the most part.<br />
<br />
<b>Masonic Education - Administration</b>: An area that is skipped or not discussed is that Masonic education is also used as a term to explain to top three officers in the lodge, how a lodge should be run. Including, administration, event planning, and suspending members. Most Grand Lodges that have Masonic Education Committees, this is the thrust of their "Masonic Education", which is more of a testament of the men that we are electing in leadership positions, and the lack of appropriate mentoring by Past Masters. Is it Masonic Education? Sure, but again, it isn't fulfilling, unless you like to be a bureaucrat.<br />
<br />
<b>Prince Hall Freemasonry</b>: This completely baffles me, I cannot understand why this wasn't addressed. In the last thirty years nothing had such a a paradigm shift on our fraternity as "Mainstream" Jurisdictions recognizing Prince Hall Grand Lodges as regular operating bodies. Nothing was discussed on the impact on membership, nor the fact that seven grand lodges still do not recognize Prince Hall. If you are going to talk about the concept of paradigm shifts within Freemasonry, you need to talk about Prince Hall. This is a systemic issue with these books and their authors. There are no frank discussions on the inclusion and recognition of Prince Hall, their impact on membership in or out of the African-American community, and diversity in our lodges. Is the question too hard to ask? Or are we too self-centered to care?<br />
<br />
The organization of the book is decent, though I would have suggested that the chapter going over what a paradigm is and what it means to Freemasonry be in the beginning and not in the middle of the book. The author has a tendency to use pictures that make little to no sense to the subject matter being discussed and was more visual fodder than actual visual aids.<br />
<br />
<b>Audience for the Book</b>: Like Cliff Porter, Andrew Hammer and others that write on this topic, would suggest to Master Masons in a lodge leadership position or have been in the craft as a Master Mason for at least a year or more. This is not a book for men wanting to learn about Freemasonry, men who are going through the degrees or have been recently raised. The nuances, language and subject matter would be somewhat alien, and could put off the potential candidate from joining.<br />
<br />
If you are someone that speaks frequently, or is going to speak on the current state and the future of Freemasonry, than I recommend this book. For others, this book does offer up some insights and collates contemporary writers, bloggers and what not various views on the Craft. The author's stance that true and real Masonic education is needed in every lodge, beyond ritual learning, administration duties is to challenge every man in his aspects of life and strengthen his core principles. I completely agree with, I just wish there wasn't so much glad handing, and gaps in the paradigm analysis provided by the Author.<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro Vick<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-34587364112030307112013-11-05T23:03:00.001-06:002013-11-06T07:25:07.301-06:00I Was About to Write a Manifesto<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On 16 October 2013, my friend Chris Hodapp <a href="http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2013/10/standards.html" target="_blank">posted a internet meme</a> and of course this picks at a huge scab in modern Freemasonry, the appropriate dress in a lodge room. This horse has been beaten to death, and before you can say "Suit and Tie", you get at least one person writing:<br />
<br />
"Remember it is the internal not the external qualifications that make a man a Mason"<br />
<br />
This obvious reference to what an initiate is told when they go through the first degree of Masonry, and has become the rallying cry of slobbish behavior and lazy dress in our lodge rooms, during our public appearances, and when we do the most sacred of things, labor in the quarries.<br />
<br />
After writing the above I imagine someone is already commenting telling me how it is the internal, not the external.<br />
<br />
So here is the situation, our fraternity in this country has been seen as the pillars of their respective communities, regardless of trade or financial status they were good men, who worked hard in their communities, and too support each other. They were not to exclude men based off of their profession or wealth, but based on their ability to exemplify Freemasonry in every aspect of his life and improve himself and those around him. This comes from that fact that this line of thought in the 1700s was taboo, and classes, and professions were to stick to their own, and not befriend what was viewed as a lesser profession by popular culture or in a lower monetary bracket, or differing religious faiths.<br />
<br />
Flash forward to today, we have become an organization that is nothing less than desperate for members (not brothers), and have excused their short comings in society, in their profession, and in their personal life away, and saying gleefully "It is the internal, not the external". We have made dues cheap, let men in, as long as they don't have a felony, and put them in positions of leadership they have no business performing, for no other reason, because they show up for the hot dogs and beans and learn to read the charge from a book.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMysRUgVfLBUe1kBanGFJoMlFmd10g_zgal3kfaWkfRWqGlh2MVrrUuGQS4Dbc1XSNHB1EySHvU61cJfIbd6Auc0QFHzYZNQiBKw1RNSa07VsMy4HVA-c_MaFla9chGK5MjvN3b5nDe8/s1600/M1200510508100308V2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMysRUgVfLBUe1kBanGFJoMlFmd10g_zgal3kfaWkfRWqGlh2MVrrUuGQS4Dbc1XSNHB1EySHvU61cJfIbd6Auc0QFHzYZNQiBKw1RNSa07VsMy4HVA-c_MaFla9chGK5MjvN3b5nDe8/s1600/M1200510508100308V2.jpg" height="320" width="146" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is the internal...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A man can't hold down a job for more than a month, for no other reason than he seems allergic to work?<br />
<br />
"It is the internal not the external"<br />
<br />
A man owes back child support, owes creditors and is constantly broke due to poor financial choices?<br />
<br />
"It is the internal not the external"<br />
<br />
A man has no problem dressing in shorts and a t-shirt no matter the occasion, but owns a new truck every two years and has an armory of hunting rifles, and cries that he can't afford a pair of slacks and a button down shirt?<br />
<br />
"It is the internal not the external"<br />
<br />
The bastardization of this core principal of our fraternity has turned "It is the internal qualifications not the external that makes a man a Mason.:" Into an cliche, like an obese man stuffing himself at the buffet and saying "Waste not, want not!" We use it to excuse away our lack of standards, and consider ourselves above the known fact that outward behavior, lifestyle, and dress is a strong indicator of the internal qualifications of any man.<br />
<br />
So then you get the "Dress standards have changed, get with the times." Great, they have changed, and they haven't, my Grandfather who worked in a Garage during the 1930s, when he decided to petition a lodge he wore a suit and tie. He always wore a suit and tie to lodge meetings, he never wore one at work. He later became an automotive engineer for Standard Oil, and credits Freemasonry for raising his standards, and making him a better man. Now, we allow men into our fraternity to lower our standards, and makes us into another club and cry "It is the internal not the external."<br />
<br />
Then someone will write:<br />
<br />
"So your Lodge has a strict dress code? Good for you. Not all Lodges do. Some are more concerned with members attending than they are with what they wear."<br />
<br />
I want to thank this person for using members, and not brothers, and showing that he will allow anyone who doesn't have a felony through the West Gate.<br />
<br />
Then you get:<br />
<br />
"I would rather a brother show up in rags, than not at all."<br />
<br />
First if he has been initiated, passed, and raised and is showing up in rags you have far greater problems than his dress. Your happiness stinks of desperation and tells the brother that shows up in rags "Please come in and take advantage of us, not better us or yourself, for we need a warm body in the seats."<br />
<br />
Now in my lodge we have suits for officers and business casual for members, (blazer, shirt and pressed pants). We get visitors unannounced that do show up in well worn jeans and a collard shirt. I have never turned anyone away, and most have embarrassment about they way they dressed. I have assured them that it is okay, that they are visiting, and they are welcome in our lodge. This is very common in a state where 65% of lodges are in rural areas.<br />
<br />
So here is my sort-of Manifesto, STOP IT. Stop using a foundation in our fraternity to excuse laziness, to excuse a lack of standards, and to excuse your membership base. We are here to lift each other up, not get drug down into who can least judge the other, and show tolerance, where we need to be intolerant. Stop using dress to hide that your lodge have low standards, and cry "It is the internal not the external" when those lack of standards are exposed.<br />
<br />
You want low standards, than say it, don't hid behind our teachings to excuse your crappy treatment of our fraternity in attempts to get a couple of losers into a lodge, who have no business being there to begin with. Because no matter what you do for them it won't be enough, and they will keep taking and keep lowering your standards, while you are happy to have a couple of warm bodies in the seats.<br />
<br />
As of note, I wrote this in my underwear, so anyone that has a problem with it, "It is the internal, not the external!"<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro Vick</div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-34915923859939160512013-07-17T20:22:00.002-06:002013-07-17T20:22:24.412-06:00Worried About the Shrine?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
See below, it is that easy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdDdzQdnJUqlDFhpUHCQlAnOiGP8FnDIPhhTFm_H5qkbwaiP1qjkxSZL8svtYFFv3IbFpU0Tbyu-yJHzKXCQ6blbwt5mu0pHdgh2jnhu3LuVtUDv0sQUkH6ynEQ_sYEALwJih2JsJxFA/s1600/Grotto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsdDdzQdnJUqlDFhpUHCQlAnOiGP8FnDIPhhTFm_H5qkbwaiP1qjkxSZL8svtYFFv3IbFpU0Tbyu-yJHzKXCQ6blbwt5mu0pHdgh2jnhu3LuVtUDv0sQUkH6ynEQ_sYEALwJih2JsJxFA/s1600/Grotto.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-91063382142138703472013-07-11T06:23:00.002-06:002013-07-11T06:23:30.559-06:00Common Declaration Released by Five European Grand Lodges<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x5pZMUZDireNZ5v-kg5ZvLpkpX2B4eLPgkDY0nD27TaDou8PVts3VAP4qIB7_k7jJrFoieQ1WZhdKmRGrLYz-xLTgQ4EfRueYoEKIu44igkDKHjFeBrzrqiCcZyCiMQc7tVmxYv8GO8/s1600/france.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x5pZMUZDireNZ5v-kg5ZvLpkpX2B4eLPgkDY0nD27TaDou8PVts3VAP4qIB7_k7jJrFoieQ1WZhdKmRGrLYz-xLTgQ4EfRueYoEKIu44igkDKHjFeBrzrqiCcZyCiMQc7tVmxYv8GO8/s1600/france.jpg" /></a></div>
Yesterday the five Grand Lodges of Europe put out a statement a little after a year of the Declaration of Basel, praising the efforts of The Masonic Confederation of France, interesting enough they still refuse to recognize the Grande Lodge Nationale Francaise (GLNF) regardless of their disposed leader, due to in fighting and lack of real change within the organization. I have attached the letter for your review and left the text below, for those that don't want to download anything from the internet. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>TO ALL GRAND LODGES IN AMITY</b> </div>
<br />
Assessing the situation in France one year after their Declaration of Basel calling for a
recomposition of the French Masonic landscape, the United Grand Lodges of Germany, The Grand
Lodges of Austria and Luxembourg, The Swiss Grand Lodge Alpina and the Regular Grand Lodge of
Belgium issue the following statement:<br />
<br />
They take note with sincere satisfaction of the birth of the French Masonic Confederation
which subscribes explicitly to the principles and spirit of the Declaration made in Basel of 10. June
2012.
They appreciate the importance of the work that has been done by the jurisdictions concerned,
their mutual trust and understanding, as well as their will and determination to succeed.<br />
<br />
They are pleased with the enthusiasm this birth arouses among the many Brethren who aspire to
practice traditional Freemasonry.
They are happy that the chance to start building a French Masonry of the future has been seized.
They note the Confederation’s commitment to continue without delay to set up its
institutional structures, and while not wanting to interfere, as made clear in their Brussels
communication of the 12th of September 2012, they will nonetheless gladly offer in this matter all the
advice they might be asked for.<br />
<br />
They are convinced that with the dynamism shown up to now the
Confederation will succeed in this respect.
Finally they are also appreciative of the clear will as expressed by the Confederation to
reach satisfactory solutions regarding all other prerequisites to its future recognition by the
universal family of Regular Grand Lodges and will support it in this endeavor.
The five Grand Lodges also remind the fact that their call of Basel was addressed to all those who
wish to adhere to Regular Traditional Freemasonry and thus, despite their withdrawal of recognition,
to the Grande Loge Nationale Française too. They nonetheless believe that first the latter will have to
acknowledge the real and underlying causes of its major crisis, some of which are in their view
stemming from a long lasting drift which cannot be explained by the excesses of one man only. They
are indeed convinced that the harmony and peace which apparently have been restored within the
Grande Loge Nationale Française are not sufficient to warrant its true and lasting renewal, but that
positive actions going at the roots of its recent turmoil will have to follow.<br />
<br />
Grand Lodge of Austria A.F. & A.M., M. W. Bro. Nikolaus Schwärzler,<br />
GM
Regular Grand Lodge of Belgium, M. W. Bro. Eli Peeters, GM<br />
United Grand Lodges of Germany, M. W. Bro. Rüdiger Templin,<br />
GM
Grand Lodge of Luxembourg, M. W. Bro. Jacques HANSEN,<br />
GM
Grand Lodge Alpina of Switzerland, M. W. Bro. Jean-Michel Mascherpa, GM<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-33205178783367336732013-07-07T12:13:00.000-06:002013-07-07T12:13:22.098-06:00The Rite of the Black Eagle Part 3 of 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As we finish up our series on the Rite of the Black Eagle, it is interesting to note that the drama of the first portion is similar to the second. The preamble if you will for the candidate before he is to receive the final degree is interesting in the twists that the Order took over some of the fundamentals that we were taught in the Webb ritual later here in America. As stated in Part 1, the degree crumbles with more Kabbalahism, intertwines with Alchemy and Masonic fundamentals.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0l8V6_7oumiL32W6mYHPm4-l3ak3NaUMrklHOaakPTAmy-6UAPQeMth2rZMAasyN1LsxNzAjA3uW-kVgfCq1zFuwoWjbqsktyKorAUrLkSLzSPn9kE41U4QzP68egrmH8FqHKYN900Q/s800/1122744591_ba32f38157_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0l8V6_7oumiL32W6mYHPm4-l3ak3NaUMrklHOaakPTAmy-6UAPQeMth2rZMAasyN1LsxNzAjA3uW-kVgfCq1zFuwoWjbqsktyKorAUrLkSLzSPn9kE41U4QzP68egrmH8FqHKYN900Q/s800/1122744591_ba32f38157_o.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Synagogue in Leiden, Netherlands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Mason is told before the drama of the third grade begins that as they have been proceeding from grade to grade within the Order of Knights of the Black Eagle that the work must be other raising edifices to the True God or the practice of moral virtues. It is a recreation of the philosophy which was known and practiced by Solomon, who would from time to time initiate selected few men into Kabbalastic secrets. This was the first Masons of old that later would transfer their knowledge to Brethren in later ages in types and hieroglyphs. The Order of Black Knights possess the keys to this knowledge as transmitted by a Rabbinical doctor named Naamuth, who was chief of the synagogue of Leiden in Holland.<br />
<br />
The drama for the third degree is somewhat subservient to that of the first in the fact that the candidate has to simulate the death of a Mason. The candidate is then hoodwinked and is forced to touch the dead body laid fully out with his hand. As in so many Masonic Rites, the candidate is <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-H5mY5WV8zdZEqUoAun4KZ84pGoShd9qnS6pSGafGxwdjocE8RKiJmjwXM3yye8FmQy1FQT6axPPXZOv5UsYITYRxaZcdg4vwD-vzsSCgZecNpaPsSktelTVQk6d_T83KZsoRA-e8T8/s259/cow_heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-H5mY5WV8zdZEqUoAun4KZ84pGoShd9qnS6pSGafGxwdjocE8RKiJmjwXM3yye8FmQy1FQT6axPPXZOv5UsYITYRxaZcdg4vwD-vzsSCgZecNpaPsSktelTVQk6d_T83KZsoRA-e8T8/s259/cow_heart.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cow Heart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
then taken on a series of circumambulations during which time, the man who is was playing dead moves and a cow or bull heart is put in his place. Then the candidate is required to stab the heart in an attempt to prove his fortitude.<br />
<br />
The candidate is then led to the door of the Chapter, bearing the heart on a dagger, which grants him access as proof of his bravery. Once in the Chapter the candidate is then required to take a pledge and is then entrusted and clothes with the insignia of the Grade.<br />
<br />
The candidate is then taught that he must dwell month to month in each of the Houses of Heaven(1), awaiting the beneficent visitation of the life-giving Star of Day (Most likely a reference to Venus). The candidate is then given instruction and directly asked to perform work on himself, after completion of this task, the candidate is explained the four elements of matter which is to be regarded as dead. It is represented by the dead body of the Master-Builder, destroyed by the ruffians. The philosophical work is the restoration to life, by means of the Tree of Life signified by the branch of acacia. Among the tools mentioned as belonging to the art and essential there unto are the before-mentioned Balance of Solomon and Kabbalistic Pentacle, comprising all celestial virtues, being a copy of that which was carried by the Jewish King, the Master-Builder and other Master Masons of a far-off time.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.guiculture.com/hebronIMG_0797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.guiculture.com/hebronIMG_0797.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The South Side of Mount Hebron<br />(Photo from guiculture.com) </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At this point the candidate is then directed his attention to the region of the setting sun and to the mystical Mount Hebron. The candidate is then reminded of the two pillars of speculative masonry are said to be raised thereon. That which signifies strength represents the matter of the work, while that which corresponds with beauty typifies the work accomplished.<br />
<br />
The candidate is reminded that the degree of Entered Apprentice is comparable to the beginning of the work; in the Fellowcraft degree the mason sees the beauty of the elementary matter, and he becomes a Master Mason when he has designed upon his tracing board the fixed path of the Sun.<br />
<br />
The Black Eagle appears to denote the fixed state of the matter, which in itself is formless. When form is impressed thereon it assumes various colors in successive stages, until a brilliant sun is manifested, representing the changing matter into gold. The successive stages are illustrated to the candidate are the Houses of Heaven (mentioned earlier), through which the formless matter must be passed, that it may attain form and beauty. The birth of the sun, or the fulfillment of the term of the work, represented by the Blazing Star, and it is said that the Morning Star which heralds the birth of the Sun is accompanied by the silver freshness of the moon.<br />
<br />
The rough ashlar represents the matter in its chaotic state and the Perfect Ashlar, is the same matter when the perfect form of gold has been impressed thereon.<br />
<br />
<b>Alchemical Propositions</b>:<br />
<br />
The candidate is then instructed by the catechism that is attached to this grade:<br />
<br />
1 - It is explained that gold is not metal, physically speaking, seeing that is all spirit and is an emblem of divinity because it is incapable of corruption<br />
<br />
2 - It is produced by an intimate alliance of the six metals, Lead, Tin, Iron, Copper, Mercury and Silver, each of which contains a seed.<br />
<br />
3 - Raymund Lully was one of those great philosphers who accomplished the marriage of the spouse with these six virgins, and the Messiah was begotten therefrom.<br />
<br />
4 - As regards the Alkahest referred to in the Second Grade it is composed by effecting an alliance between the four simple elements extracted from the three kingdoms of nature.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp8A4_wwHvxzjRTjTMsX2uCIkmZMqJmzG3ZmKSh33wx2pRV5mjubq2lMD1dUeIZZFjeuuDCK3tsLubxuETZPy_Q1e57jIV79gF0y8Tu1gb1dbOMbdLO2uqXokBgEgtoT9W_0B-pPq8Bs/s1600/Figure-1-A-diagram-illustrating-these-views-of-the-three-ki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrp8A4_wwHvxzjRTjTMsX2uCIkmZMqJmzG3ZmKSh33wx2pRV5mjubq2lMD1dUeIZZFjeuuDCK3tsLubxuETZPy_Q1e57jIV79gF0y8Tu1gb1dbOMbdLO2uqXokBgEgtoT9W_0B-pPq8Bs/s320/Figure-1-A-diagram-illustrating-these-views-of-the-three-ki.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Three Kingdoms of Nature</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
(1 - This is in reference to the 12 houses of Heaven, first written about in 1659 by the late Sir George Wharton, to learn more <a href="http://www.renaissanceastrology.com/houseswharton.html" target="_blank">Click Here</a>)<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-36469303635918048272013-07-03T01:39:00.000-06:002013-07-03T01:39:21.086-06:00A Book Review of “A Traditional Observance Lodge ‘One Mason’s Journey to Fulfillment’”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJOwWJEoddZZTDQaYRxfIgJZcv21lgDag1JZ9EZd85j4VVP7QRnKNqCmVQ3gMHf57BSBS2FgLj9jBqYtMQBTxGy5ffRDZAHQEn1mAPd-6oOKk9bjnWR2iRIe59RbmIP-607VH5nRVudw/s308/a-traditional-observance-lodge-one-masons-journey-fulfillment-cliff-porter-paperback-cover-art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJOwWJEoddZZTDQaYRxfIgJZcv21lgDag1JZ9EZd85j4VVP7QRnKNqCmVQ3gMHf57BSBS2FgLj9jBqYtMQBTxGy5ffRDZAHQEn1mAPd-6oOKk9bjnWR2iRIe59RbmIP-607VH5nRVudw/s308/a-traditional-observance-lodge-one-masons-journey-fulfillment-cliff-porter-paperback-cover-art.jpg" height="200" width="130" /></a></div>
Brother Cliff Porter recently released his third book, on Traditional Observance lodges, something which is near and dear to his heart. The sometimes controversial Bro Porter has been a longtime advocate and champion of the Traditional Lodge system and practice. It was natural for him to write a book on the subject to discuss practices, challenges and defend to a certain extent criticisms of Traditional Observance lodges.<br />
<br />
For those that don’t know the Traditional Observance Lodge movement was started in 1993 in Australia, which led to the creation of Lodge Epicurean No. 906. These brothers wanted to know why membership was declining in Australian lodges when membership in some European lodges seemed to be holding steady if not growing. Their research showed that these European lodges with a growth of membership had several characteristics. They were difficult to join and took the longest to proceed through the degrees, up to 5 years for a man to be raised a Master Mason. Candidates had to participate in rigorous education program and had to exhibit a solid understanding to the degrees to be advance to the next degree, not just memorization. These lodges also had top quality meals and degree work, to ensure the experience. Lastly the lodge dues were significantly higher, costing approximately 500-700 pounds a year to be a member ($1000-$1400). Lodges generally were not allowed to grow beyond 50 brothers, and when that did happen would split and form a new lodge to continue the work. In 2001 the Masonic Restoration Foundation (MRF) was established and started formalizing the idea of Traditional Observance lodges in America (more on that later).<br />
<br />
The book starts out with Bro Porters account of Masonic influence in his childhood, and later in his adult life joining Freemasonry. The disappointment he felt over a poorly delivered degree and lack of reverence for the event. He then explains the philosophy of a Traditional Lodge system, practical application of the system and defends its practices to detractors and naysayers within the craft. Bro Porter also gives an outline of how they formed his Traditional Observance Lodge, Enlightenment #198 in Colorado Springs, and the lessons learned from that event
The book outlines some of the causes and common complaints about American Freemasonry. These are nothing new to a brother who has had conversations regarding the state of the craft. Including subjects like, boring meetings, horrible food, poorly done ritual, progressive lines, etc. The challenges in establishing a higher level of quality in Freemasonry, and of course challenging some of our mislead beliefs.
Bro Porter spent significant amount of time referencing the proper literature to make his argument and to frame respectively the foundations of the Traditional Observance lodge. He goes into great detail the initiation process for a candidate with Enlightenment #198 and the results of their diligence and dedication to the craft.<br />
<br />
Overall the book is well done, but there are a couple of areas that are problematic or annoying. First, at times the book reads like an infomercial for the MRF, while the MRF is a clearing house of sorts for T.O. there are plenty of other areas to look to, and don’t have the stink of a Masonic organization. Correspondence with the author revealed that the MRF no longer allows for open card carrying membership, and that only members of the board of directors are considered actual members of the MRF. Interestingly enough only a couple of board members are mentioned by name on the website, which is unusual. I caution involvement of this organization because of its nebulous state, be sure to check with your Grand Lodge before getting involved.
Bro Porter does acknowledge that the MRF had serious missteps when it started, including proclaiming it as a certifier of what is and what isn't a Traditional Observance lodge. This set up the MRF as a shadow or secondary Grand Lodge within a Grand Lodge. Having two supervisors is never fun, ask anyone who has spent any time in the military, this concept was unpopular in more than one jurisdiction. Also, in the end Traditional Observance need to allow lodges to be flexible in their striving for a better Masonic experience, and not replace boring reading of the minutes, with boring Masonic papers. The Masonic Restoration Foundation has changed that, and is now more of a clearing house for T.O. lodges, not a certifier of them.<br />
<br />
Bro Porter did not address in his book the low numbers that T.O. lodges need to be to ensure a quality Masonic experience. Getting a new charter can be a difficult and arduous process, you have to have 50 brethren, all lodges in the area have to agree, etc. When I asked Bro Porter about this he did say that when a split off happens, the group usually takes over a dying lodges charter, something that is far easier than starting over from scratch, but has its own baggage.
The book also can be over defensive of the T.O. practice and in particular the uses of the Chamber of Reflection and the Union Chain, neither of which were ever part of the Webb ritual. My stance is that when the apendent bodies can properly implement the Chamber of Reflection, discussions can take place about it being used in the Blue Lodge initiation experience, as Bro Porter points out it has been done since some of the earliest recordings of our fraternity.<br />
<br />
So who should read this book? Not a man interested in becoming a Mason, and not a brother who is a new Master Mason. Honestly this book is for the Mason that sits and asks, “Why are men not coming to lodge, and what can we do about it?” The book will most likely upset you at some point, and realize that we have to challenge each other if we wish to improve ourselves, not tightly hold misconceptions of what men and brothers want from our great fraternity.<br />
<br />
In the end Bro Cliff Porter wants us to do exactly what we were charged to do and make our lodges “a place where Masons assemble and work” (Anderson’s Constitution, 1723, page 50). In other words to make and employ Masons which means for the speculative portion of our craft to initiate, pass, raise, educate, continue to educate and spur on the work for Masons, and for that I am grateful for him.FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-90141508546340915202013-06-23T10:55:00.000-06:002013-06-23T10:55:03.729-06:00Rite of The Black Eagle Part 2 of 3 <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
From our first article, the candidate was roughly handled and was accused of murder, and may had to have been executed for no other reason, then for a blood letting. The candidate now enters into the second degree where he is more instructed than ceremonial, and learns of the Hermetic Parables.<br />
<br />
The Officers and the general arrangements are identical in the second as in the first, during the opening the members are referred to as Princes who dwell in the Zodiac, they are reminded to be precise in their work of developing the three kingdoms of Nature.<br />
<br />
The Candidate is now places in the West and has to express a desire to progress his education in the Order of the Black Eagle. At this time the candidate is shown the method of moving from East to West by the steps of the four elements, and takes the Pledge of the Degree on his knees before the throne of the Master.<br />
<br />
<b>Grade Symbolism</b>:<br />
<br />
The lecture of this degree explains more about the degree that the candidate just went through, here are the six main points explained upon the trestleboard.<br />
<br />
(1)It depicts the Chapter itself in the form of an oblong square, the greater extension being from East to West, because the sun never leaves the tropics and because antique science never left the poles.<br />
<br />
(2) The grand circle in the centre of the diagram represents the Zodiac and its twelve signs encompass a dead body, being that of the Master-Builder, whom the "Great Work must bring back to life". This is effected by the divine virtues of a Pentacle which vitalises dead matter.<br />
<br />
(3) The sun signifies the end and object of the Rosy Cross attained in the Quest for that Sun of Life which insures the happiness of man in the present world and also in the world to come.<br />
<br />
(4) The Blazing Star represents that stage of the work when the Matter assumes color.<br />
<br />
(5) The fire on the alter signifies the elementary fire which purifies the three kingdoms of nature<br />
<br />
<b>Hermetic Parables</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In the second place, the Master proposes such an instruction of the Candidate that he shall discover by his own efforts the principle of the life hidden in the heart of the matter known under the name of Alkahest (1), being a spirit of the four elements extracted from the three kingdoms of Nature. But in the catechism which follows the heads of the consideration are these:<br />
<br />
(1) That the Brethren must accompany the Sun in its journey through the twelve Houses of Heaven<br />
<br />
(2) These Houses are governed by twelve sacred names<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7EHjAlezB17Uyx7qbaYgRnexIcgELdNio0kwbSXAin3bg0WNxEzY2sf3-qXRnJ0suNAAzvgdsosAWK_M_9ceWgzKgqsZJrQxb0iY3u45K7X__i6-CELa3Gf3xRYf656L2k-hZYxmyz0/s1600/lully.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7EHjAlezB17Uyx7qbaYgRnexIcgELdNio0kwbSXAin3bg0WNxEzY2sf3-qXRnJ0suNAAzvgdsosAWK_M_9ceWgzKgqsZJrQxb0iY3u45K7X__i6-CELa3Gf3xRYf656L2k-hZYxmyz0/s1600/lully.gif" height="320" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blessed Raymond Lully<br />Doctor Illuminatus<br />Writer, poet theologian, mystic, mathematician, martyr</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
(3) The twelve spirits operate therein by the will of the Supreme Being<br />
<br />
(4) That the power of the Divine Name inscribed on the Grand Pentacle is that which moves the Universe, and hose who can pronounce it kabalistically shall have at their disposition the forces which dwell in the four elements, and will possess all virtues possible to man<br />
<br />
(5) The Knights of the Black Eagle are called Brethren of the Rose-Cross in commemoration of the Rose Nobles made by their Brother Raymond Lully(2), a great Mason (note this is the ritual, not my personal view), the coins in question having a Rose on one side and a Cross on the other<br />
<br />
(6) The work upon base metals for their transmutation into gold is performed by the Balance of Solomon, the use of which has been made known to many ancient and modern philosophers<br />
<br />
(7) Solomon made use of the squares of 5=25, the square of 3=9,, the square of 2=4, the cube of 2=8 and the square of 4=16, the numbers in question being said to represent weights<br />
<br />
(8) Whomever is initiated in the Kabalistic Art must be like unto the Maser-Builder, who chose death rather than betray the secrets committed to his charge<br />
<br />
<b>Closing the Chapter</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
When the chapter is closed in the Second Degree, the Master asks whether the work has progressed and the Matter has assumed form. He is told that the elements are joined, the seven planets are shut up within the Sanctuary and are covered with a white veil.<br />
<br />
(1: Alkahest is a hypothetical universal solvent, having he power to dissolve every other substance, including gold. It was much sought after by alchemists for what they they thought would be its invaluable medicinal qualities. The name is believed to have been invented by Paracelsus from Switzerland. Paracelesus' own recipe was based on caustic lime, alcohol, and carbonate of potash. He believed that this element was the philosophers stone. Interesting enough, Philalethes specifies that Alkahest dissolves only composed material into their constituent, elemental, parts.)<br />
<br />
(2: Raymond Lully (1232 - 1315) was a Majorcan writer, philosopher, logician and Fransciscan tertiary. He wrote the first major work of Catalan literature. Manuscripts have pointed to his centuries earlier election theory, and is considered a pioneer of computation theory. He was a member of the Franciscan Order, he is honored as a martyr, he was beatified in 1857 by Pope Pius IX and his feast day was assigned to 30 June and is celebrated by the Third Order of Saint Francis. Raymond Lully also had a strong mystical side, instanced in his work The Book of the Lover and the Beloved, written in order to illuminate weary, sterile souls. He was also interested in, and wrote about astrology. A synthesis of Lully's work was made by his disciple Thomas Le Myesier, in his Electorium. In the early modern period Bernard de Lavinheta connected Lully with contemporary hermeticism.)<br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="http://fromdarknesstolight-somoteitbe.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-rite-of-black-eagle-part-1-of-3.html" target="_blank">The Rite of the Black Eagle Part 1 of 3</a></div>
</div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-78871456487510736092013-06-18T05:46:00.001-06:002013-06-18T05:46:10.728-06:00FOUNDING TREATY OF THE MASONIC CONFEDERATION OF FRANCE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fFyYyqIin1GWfQPwO1ww7V538OrE1h-DAW97ogDgVX_JfZnS7oudIi1MZ5qLjjyOBTPFgZeG6eJitAuZ_s8rPDTxABQTuoPFZ-pBKkxsa0MCMjiWI3Tc1dIeYiTgnLMvCY8XOqOrZy4/s1600/france.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3fFyYyqIin1GWfQPwO1ww7V538OrE1h-DAW97ogDgVX_JfZnS7oudIi1MZ5qLjjyOBTPFgZeG6eJitAuZ_s8rPDTxABQTuoPFZ-pBKkxsa0MCMjiWI3Tc1dIeYiTgnLMvCY8XOqOrZy4/s1600/france.jpg" /></a></div>
As the slow gears of French Freemasonry move, the Masonic Confederation of France has now agreed for intervisitation between their combined 1700 lodges, and boasts a membership of over 51,000 members, which now makes it unofficially the largest Masonic body, regular or irregular operating in France. This includes the Grand Orient of France and the disparaged GNLF.<br />
<br />
Below is detailing this step towards the Masonic Confederation of France to move forward with requesting recognition through out Europe, and eventually to the UGLE. It is my hope that we finally have some sense of regularity and recognition in France again.<br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">FOUNDING TREATY OF THE
MASONIC CONFEDERATION OF FRANCE<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Preamble<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Responding
to the appeal of the Basel Declaration of June 10, 2012 the undersigned French
Masonic Grand Lodges decided to gather under a Confederation called the<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Masonic
Confederation of France<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Signatories
of this Treaty, the founders are: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
The Grand Lodge of France<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
The Traditional and Symbolic Grand Lodge Opera <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
The Grand Lodge of the French Masonic Alliance
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
The Independent Grand Lodge of France <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Meant
as a Masonic covenant, the treaty expresses their friendship and mutual
recognition among the signatories. It will be supplemented by a protocol for
the use of their members concerning visitations and Masonic exchanges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Each
Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent in its identity and in its operation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">In
accordance with the basic principles which they undertake to respect, the
founding Grand Lodges pool and share operating procedures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Civil
statutes previously adopted in their Grand Lodge communications by the
signatory Grand Lodges, then completed by Internal Bylaws specifying its mode
of organization, guarantee the legal existence of the Confederation. Each Grand
Lodge undertakes to respect, and to ensure respect of, the principles and rules
by its members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Confederation shall be able to admit additional Grand Lodges, provided that
they meet the criteria of Traditional Regularity as recalled in Article 1 of
this Treaty. Their adhesion shall only be approved by an unanimous decision of the
Confederation founders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Confederation will have statutory powers allowing it to decide an exclusion in
case of non-compliance with the commitments defined in this Treaty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Article
1<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Grand Lodges of the Masonic Confederation of France meet in full the principles
shared by the Universal Masonic fraternity, which ensure its unity and are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
Invocation of the Great Architect of the Universe,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 5pt 9pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -9pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">- Presence
in Lodge of the three Great Lights of Freemasonry: the Volume of the Sacred Law,
in full view and open, the Square and the Compasses,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
Exclusive sovereignty over the symbolic degrees,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
Independence from any Masonic structure of Higher Degrees,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
No female presence during ritual workings,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
Prohibition of political or religious discussions,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">-
The progressive and spiritual character of the Masonic approach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Article
2<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Freemasons of the undersigned Grand Lodges recognize each other by the observance
of the Royal Art that unites regular Freemasons worldwide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Article
3<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Each
undersigned Grand Lodge establishes the procedures necessary to ensure
compliance with the rules founding the recognition of the Confederation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Article
4<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Each
Grand Lodge recognizes and respects the practices and customs of the other
Grand Lodges of the Confederation, including the moral and spiritual values as
well as the initiation rituals that are theirs and which it declares to perfectly
know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Article
5<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Confederation commits itself not to take any action likely to undermine the
independence and functioning of each signatory Grand Lodge. However, in case of
non-compliance with the fundamental principles shared by the Universal Masonic
fraternity and stated in Article 1, or with the application of the rules of
recognition mentioned in Article 3, and before an implementation of the statutory
provisions for exclusion, the Confederation has the duty to notify the Grand
Lodge concerned. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Article
6 <o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Confederation guarantees, especially regarding relations with foreign Masonic
Grand Lodges, the regularity of the Grand Lodges which constitute it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Confederation elects or appoints, in terms defined in its statutes and Internal
Bylaws and for a specified time, its representation in foreign Masonic Grand
Lodges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Article
7<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Any
communication on behalf of the Confederation will be defined beforehand by the
representatives of each signatory Grand Lodge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Paris,
June 15, 2013:<span style="text-transform: uppercase;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">- The Grand Lodge of France<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">- The Traditional and Symbolic Grand Lodge Opera <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; text-transform: uppercase;">- The Grand Lodge of the Masonic French Alliance <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-transform: uppercase;">- The Independent Grand Lodge of France </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify; text-transform: uppercase;"> </span> </div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-48492104276143382912013-06-16T12:05:00.000-06:002013-06-17T08:39:40.710-06:00The Rite of the Black Eagle - Part 1 of 3<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
When I find myself not writing for long periods of time, I get stagnate, then I don't want to write out of the anticipation of writing, it is a complete mess. The cycle of not writing feeds to the procrastination of future writing. Getting out of the habit of writing makes for lack of proper reflection and study for me. To stop this constipation of writing, I wanted to plunge right back into it, and so I am writing about something I read about four months ago, and something that isn't readily available on the internet.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I want to apologize up front as this subject matter only has one author that I could find, so the information comes directly from A.E. Waite, the little known, but seemingly familiar story, added with aspects of Christian doctrine, philosophical Hermeticism in the terms of figurative alchemy, and some Kabalism thrown in for good measure. Waite up front acknowledges that this "Rite" was never popular, nor did it have any real popularity in Freemasonry. To Waite, this Rite represented the origins and a first swipe of sorts of the first three degrees as they are told in the Red Degrees, as they are called here in America. After the first three degrees the order devolves shortly there after and is as Waite put it "militanty distant" from the high degrees.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The first degree is made up of three principle officers, the Grand Master, Grand Prior and Grand Warden. The tracing board is set up in the following matter:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(1) Large amounts of Acacias in the vicinity where the unskillful assassins interned the Master Builders body. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(2) A cloud descending from Heaven to conceal the place, so that the assassins can not find it again. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(3) Nine candlesticks, by allusion to the Nine Elect Masters who were sent in search of the Master, as ordained by Solomon the King</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(4) The Place of entombment</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(5) The sun and moon which enlightened successively the Brethren who went on the quest, so that neither cloud nor darkness hinder them</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(6) The Blazing Star, which shone over the grave of the Master</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(7) The triangle - inscribed with the initial letter of the Great Name of Mystery, which appeared when the body was exposed</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(8) The eagle which guarded the grave for the space of nine days and which took flight with the legendary branch of acacia when the body was found.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The predominate color of the Chapter and clothing is black, with hints of gold, red and white. Between the pillars of the East is a great Black Eagle, having the Sun on the right and the Moon on the left side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy-P7krPDcBXgvKcvnP5XmlNGbfPVyQsEET5eKGdJ9idWjqcEF_bvq2TKPdlFEq_AwYoDTQRJZC87vp2m8VQVagi-uDV1sCDPG5q1lrkrZnuLZgi-hDgoUiPwgJh5yeui3GxAqxANVeI/s1600/stain_blood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy-P7krPDcBXgvKcvnP5XmlNGbfPVyQsEET5eKGdJ9idWjqcEF_bvq2TKPdlFEq_AwYoDTQRJZC87vp2m8VQVagi-uDV1sCDPG5q1lrkrZnuLZgi-hDgoUiPwgJh5yeui3GxAqxANVeI/s1600/stain_blood.jpg" /></a></div>
The candidate is roughly handled and moved into a Chamber of Reflection. His is stripped of all their clothing, and is given a blood soaked garment to wear and a pair of slippers. In traditional Chamber of Reflection his is left alone wearing nothing but what has been given to him and the door is guarded by two brothers who have swords drawn.<br />
<br />
The officers start their procession into the apartment and the chief officers take their station. The Master then cries out that an innocent man has been murdered, and his killer still lives. This is in reference to the candidate who is then led into an apartment, blindfolded by the two guards. The only light in the room is a dimly lite lamp. At this time one of a brother is to assume to role of the corpse and lay on a table with a bloodstained apron.<br />
<br />
The blindfold is removed from the candidate and is told to contemplate the remains of the man who has perished on false suspicion of murder. The candidate is then held in the room with the "corpse" alone and again guarded by two men with swords. This is to see if the candidate will attempt to escape or somehow lose his fortitude when dealing with the situation.<br />
<br />
The candidate is again blindfolded and the officers again in procession enter and this time the Warden says that the candidate has proven to be more unfortunate than guilty, that the great criminal is he who has suffered already, but that an accomplice has been found who also must die. The perpetrator is under arrest already, is charged, and condemned. All the officers depart except the Grand Prior, who takes off the blindfold of the candidate and leaves him with the corpse, again to reflect. After a while the Grand Prior comes to the door, reblindfolds the candidate and leads him to the door of the Chapter, into which is is introduced as a worthy Mason who desires to become a Knight of the Black Eagle. He is praised for his fortitude, is pledged on the Holy Gospels and receives the Secrets of the Grade, together with the insignia.<br />
<br />
<b>The Grade Lecture</b>:<br />
<br />
As in all of these Rites, there is an explanation of everything that happened to you. I find the lecture amusing as this was less esoteric, far more hazing. Seriously, locking a guy in a room and accusing him of murder, then knowing that he is not guilty, but has to die anyway? Still the newly knighted Mason is given the following instruction:<br />
<br />
1) The Chapter is hung in black to illustrate the impenetrable obscurity which must cover the mysteries of the grade<br />
<br />
2) The Pillars are white to signify the candor of chivalry<br />
<br />
3) The the gold of their chapters and pediments represent the purity of the Order<br />
<br />
4) Their number is 12, by allusion to the sacred and Mysterious Names inscribed on the Pentacle of Solomon<br />
<br />
5) The clothin of the Brethren is black, to commemorate their grief for the murder of the Master-Builder, but is ordained with white in token of their innocence concerning it, and embroidered with red as a symbol of his blood poured out.<br />
<br />
6) There are batteries of knocks, six to be exact, this is to signify the six modes of pronouncing the Sacred Word kabalistically, but these modes are yet not revealed to the new knight in this degree.<br />
<br />
The next article (Part 2) we will detail out the Second Grade, and the Hermetic Parables that are taught to the new knight. </div>
</div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-76648637547515742042013-06-14T15:51:00.000-06:002013-06-14T15:51:09.236-06:00Ohio Freemasonry, An Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It was my pleasure this past week to travel to Dayton, Ohio and meet with several brothers, and enjoy their company. On a whim last week I sent out an e-mail to the Fiat Lux list server announcing my visit to Ohio. I immediately was greeted by Right Worshipful Dan Hrinko. Brother Hrinko's excitement, and hospitality was like nothing I never experienced in Freemasonry, and was truly awe inspiring.<br />
<br />
Brother Hrinko and I met Monday evening at the famous Pine Club Steak House in Dayton Ohio, there we ate like kings and discussed the current topics of Freemasonry. Brother Hrinko is a one percenter, a man who has intense passion for Freemasonry and the education of our newly initiated, passed and raised brethren. His efforts in the state of Ohio is a testament to the passion he lives through the obligations we all took. He has added serious substance to their Grand Lodge education program, and was founding Master of <a href="http://www.as792.org/" target="_blank">Arts and Sciences Lodge No 792</a>. This lodge is not your typical Traditional Observance lodge, nor a European Lodge, but was developed with an emphasis on the craft, and furthering its education. When you talk to Broher Hrinko he can't help but be proud of all he has done with Arts and Sciences, and the impact it had on the Masonic culture of Ohio.<br />
<br />
Brother Hrinko took me to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Clark-Lodge-101/140243419339053" target="_blank">Clark Lodge #101</a> and they extended to me the same Masonic welcoming that you expect as a traveling Mason. I always enjoy spending time with men like Dan Hrinko, his passion for our craft and his depth of masonic education made being around him an absolute pleasure. I honestly hope I get to see him again, and spend more time with him, as he further sharpens my mind. Below are pictures from the Masonic Temple in Springfield, OH. The building itself is impressive as it has a bowling alley, 4 lodge rooms, a museum, and a massive Commandrey conclave. I have attached the pictures below to spread the wonderfulness of the Masonic temple.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTO4OvZ1rVGJXQ8_Bcbh3bz_Za01V3dXuc97BxqjL1iNIb9v8gjmMgH2oqC9E15vmRwl875CTF1um0_ItrQZwaUbavxk5KJBF8cf294lcBb4Ji3PoI2SKpR4zWWaZFcTOKjarqBe17LE/s1600/IMAG0179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTO4OvZ1rVGJXQ8_Bcbh3bz_Za01V3dXuc97BxqjL1iNIb9v8gjmMgH2oqC9E15vmRwl875CTF1um0_ItrQZwaUbavxk5KJBF8cf294lcBb4Ji3PoI2SKpR4zWWaZFcTOKjarqBe17LE/s320/IMAG0179.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX2f1bs87wAPbkKoUcWShNkSbJS5ZvL9y3MWL2zh6zgF4BXfQFcFf4j2tVapktddggfWtnBEtoKnHbFR84esWx5te3TJXkMv22unN3wkeO9p7DgnKe1ltadjcLddWLhlDjSGLIHTzKeI/s1600/IMAG0181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDX2f1bs87wAPbkKoUcWShNkSbJS5ZvL9y3MWL2zh6zgF4BXfQFcFf4j2tVapktddggfWtnBEtoKnHbFR84esWx5te3TJXkMv22unN3wkeO9p7DgnKe1ltadjcLddWLhlDjSGLIHTzKeI/s320/IMAG0181.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Yro2huBhGVENBozGqG5Y8k9FMHt6mjb_HwUIBFNwanSWcnw2gjh3_HkbpUM1mo_pwPHO4AsUlRBi4NTCv1bcOCgZauo_cgJgjwsaeTBqYix9c1F06HeWPiqd13UhHtXX5X4rVvp_pn8/s1600/IMAG0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Yro2huBhGVENBozGqG5Y8k9FMHt6mjb_HwUIBFNwanSWcnw2gjh3_HkbpUM1mo_pwPHO4AsUlRBi4NTCv1bcOCgZauo_cgJgjwsaeTBqYix9c1F06HeWPiqd13UhHtXX5X4rVvp_pn8/s320/IMAG0182.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeYNnehA2BGcoCI5DRnePNKroJF97EMlNF5sw-IYUOr1Phwl1MLg4mV5fYeJHyMa1S3HnlcQbNf7agCYRPSlDZTEDPNlf8AOmUW8AFXw_RJtZjmb70a19aXGsqKrI_4aeQjaWADIgZZQ/s1600/IMAG0183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeYNnehA2BGcoCI5DRnePNKroJF97EMlNF5sw-IYUOr1Phwl1MLg4mV5fYeJHyMa1S3HnlcQbNf7agCYRPSlDZTEDPNlf8AOmUW8AFXw_RJtZjmb70a19aXGsqKrI_4aeQjaWADIgZZQ/s320/IMAG0183.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tWZ1y40YV2qH4zkQCm8GOIM4Qyrvw7ByjtkXa5UZJ7RK9jC4bhYBWHO_zns1lHItpMRWwFVEc0tM3glqdCTAESK2cvWQTo4Ke1li-ytZiaULpKQIO75Z5uQ6OkKeEhtbnyDgks-iU_M/s1600/IMAG0186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4tWZ1y40YV2qH4zkQCm8GOIM4Qyrvw7ByjtkXa5UZJ7RK9jC4bhYBWHO_zns1lHItpMRWwFVEc0tM3glqdCTAESK2cvWQTo4Ke1li-ytZiaULpKQIO75Z5uQ6OkKeEhtbnyDgks-iU_M/s320/IMAG0186.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsz2dUoIpAJCo7Aat5VQpHxjroeDOrCcvt7NHseF-ZNG8dUpZXH1yh5KtUXL1y7pU5IFP3YK4YSAcx9RCEs2c09Zf5UCPm0FR-DBLTTf-oW61SavsDpH9NFr6CuONjxZRd2UBu-8tW6A/s1600/IMAG0187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsz2dUoIpAJCo7Aat5VQpHxjroeDOrCcvt7NHseF-ZNG8dUpZXH1yh5KtUXL1y7pU5IFP3YK4YSAcx9RCEs2c09Zf5UCPm0FR-DBLTTf-oW61SavsDpH9NFr6CuONjxZRd2UBu-8tW6A/s320/IMAG0187.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LuNmleOLPpvq0wXiMVcY2AutgaUJZXP9ZdEQAXbT2uzHGPUT3p0hsY6dSQaQpvyQ6XT586kZZ05Gq7LTfaMGVKNWf7DJSgbe8zeWN20MXu6O95MNBN8PdrBzlFoK1pbHPzatqOLOPeM/s1600/IMAG0188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LuNmleOLPpvq0wXiMVcY2AutgaUJZXP9ZdEQAXbT2uzHGPUT3p0hsY6dSQaQpvyQ6XT586kZZ05Gq7LTfaMGVKNWf7DJSgbe8zeWN20MXu6O95MNBN8PdrBzlFoK1pbHPzatqOLOPeM/s320/IMAG0188.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRwBcc3fZ1b6Uxz2BZSRWYVhdBP94F-7ylNiW6bsfGr6GavyHMLUYYKYjM2dvEb67o1mnhyphenhyphenXwFG1sXfbYauhQiRH2BrWwGsHvQ1dYeEZu3ylj30PfPm6FaEQ0WevU_arG1myqWiq7LN0/s1600/IMAG0189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGRwBcc3fZ1b6Uxz2BZSRWYVhdBP94F-7ylNiW6bsfGr6GavyHMLUYYKYjM2dvEb67o1mnhyphenhyphenXwFG1sXfbYauhQiRH2BrWwGsHvQ1dYeEZu3ylj30PfPm6FaEQ0WevU_arG1myqWiq7LN0/s320/IMAG0189.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2_JDrruCxm1Nskk879ljSfF-VqzMBhPx2K8Dy8UPk_OLSBXAh_F7lZM7nzARYnkC8gMtB0PUE9qp_xnxIGudf7wAKRU5gifmRbwiIVVWkCgBf7B0KC3eJGu0e3mNvBfFQW1iUrPBbPs/s1600/IMAG0191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw2_JDrruCxm1Nskk879ljSfF-VqzMBhPx2K8Dy8UPk_OLSBXAh_F7lZM7nzARYnkC8gMtB0PUE9qp_xnxIGudf7wAKRU5gifmRbwiIVVWkCgBf7B0KC3eJGu0e3mNvBfFQW1iUrPBbPs/s320/IMAG0191.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYUoXq284x_AAH07Ox7PsVFUmWgpWH5FStXwoLyKLPTHpVfHRI2j404U08iDmnJT_zaNBnfYl7moAYuvaS_a8u53CMZVOCElwKVzrBYdFLUNTcnhjvCOPyDA5VeTQBJmOv0UsHReOuDc/s1600/IMAG0190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYUoXq284x_AAH07Ox7PsVFUmWgpWH5FStXwoLyKLPTHpVfHRI2j404U08iDmnJT_zaNBnfYl7moAYuvaS_a8u53CMZVOCElwKVzrBYdFLUNTcnhjvCOPyDA5VeTQBJmOv0UsHReOuDc/s320/IMAG0190.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-19359831236410886972013-03-22T09:38:00.000-06:002013-03-22T09:38:52.430-06:00A Small Milestone in the Blog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently (a couple of months ago actually) this blog received 50,000 hits, now really this is nothing in the internets and webpage hits. Still for a blog that was mostly dormant for two years because of my deployment, and the fact that it is still going is its own little milestone.<br />
<br />
When I started this blog in 2007, it was to document my journey as a freemason. In 2007, there was something in the Masonic air as there were seemingly blogs being put up everywhere of newly made Masons, Masons that were in their line-up and some Past Masters. Some of the most popular blogs have gone away, but still some, including <a href="http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Bro Chris Hodapp's blog</a> which is read by most Masons on the internet.<br />
<br />
Blogging about freemasonry is actually a pretty risky endeavor especially if you do it openly with your name attached. While content will dictate some of this, for simply disagreeing with your Grand Lodge is considered by some to be a "Masonic Offense" copies are made, printed out, sent to Grand Secretaries. It usually goes back to "Defaming the character and good name of a mason". Also, some Grand Lodges have strictly forbidden their members to discuss masonic matters on-line, as a way to curtail public criticisms.<br />
<br />
Masonic blogs have shaped so much of my Masonic journey to date, I have read articles and have met brothers through various blogs that I will continue to cherish. I have also received e-mails from now-brothers and friends asking about Freemasonry, and if it made a positive impact on one man's journey to becoming a Freemason.<br />
<br />
Here are some of the most popular posts on this blog:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://fromdarknesstolight-somoteitbe.blogspot.com/2008/01/freemasonry-in-iran.html" target="_blank">Freemasonry in Iran</a><br />
<br />
I wrote this post off of some information that was given to me, it was so sparse and there is little information on the web at the time regarding Freemasonry in Iran. This post is by far the most popular, when this blog goes without a post, it is always number one. Have received praise, questions, and incredibly more information about Freemasonry in Iran.<br />
<br />
The response and seemingly craving for more information got me to search out every scrap of paper out there, including contacting academics currently teaching in Iran. I need to compile it all and publish it somewhere, I just haven't found the right avenue, and the time to make it coherent. I was going to push it to the Texas Lodge of Research, but current events have made me wary of that course of action. Still, it is good information that needs to get out there, and shared with the profane and the mason.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://fromdarknesstolight-somoteitbe.blogspot.com/2010/06/grand-lodge-of-texas-prince-hall-and.html" target="_blank">Grand Lodge of Texas, Prince Hall, and Afghanistan</a><br />
<br />
Shortly after arriving in Afghanistan after only leaving it six months before, I wrote this post. I was homesick, tired and knew I had a long time in a warzone in front of me. Frustrated with the relationship between the Grand Lodge of Texas and Prince Hall I wrote this as I was wanting to be at my lodges installation. This subject is a constant theme in Masonic blogs across the internet. Some men have unfortunately have used this divisive issue to grind their own axes, but it is a serious problem.<br />
<br />
Even when all Grand Lodges in the US recognize Prince Hall, we will then have two recognized bodies and legitimate bodies of Freemasonry operating in America. The inevitable merger is not a topic, but I foresee it being a topic in my lifetime, if I continue to pursue Freemasonry. You can't have your cake and eat it too, and this is two different cultures when it comes to Freemasonry. So all the states with recognition and inter-visitation, don't pat yourselves too hard on the back, the bigger challenge awaits us all.<br />
<br />
The reason that this post got such a large number of hits is because Bro Chris Hodapp featured it on his blog. Chris and I met in January 2009 when he came to speak at our lodges annual banquet. I had a great time, and Chris is really a great and approachable guy. A lot of masonic authors and men who have a large personality in our fraternity get so use to the sycophants that they become immediately offended if you aren't sweet as pie to them (to steal a southern phrase).<br />
<br />
Chris and I kept in contact regularly until about a year and a half ago, I don't know what happened. Chris, if you read this drop me a line when you get a chance, will you?<br />
<br />
There are other posts, like my review of <a href="http://fromdarknesstolight-somoteitbe.blogspot.com/2012/06/book-review-freemason-philosophy-of.html" target="_blank">Jack Buta's book </a> which was a treat to write and also marked me finally joining the Scottish Rite. Along with my self reflections on the degrees of the Scottish Rite, which I enjoyed writing very much.<br />
<br />
On the controversial side, I don't agree with masonic motorcycle or riding clubs. I took a stand against the Texas Rangering Masonic Camps that were established as it was far more controversial than what we needed and does nothing to spread further light.<br />
<br />
I do have dry spells, and for that I do apologize. Life becomes overwhelming at times, but of the plethora of masonic blogs that were up and running (granted a good portion were socket puppets) I am glad to be one of the ones still standing.<br />
<br />
Thank you for those that have written me, it means a lot.<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro Vick </div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-15041164342456957262013-02-18T07:10:00.000-06:002013-02-18T07:10:00.305-06:00Book Review "The 32 Secret Paths of Solomon - A New Examination of the Qabbalah in Freemasonry"Okay, so let me start this review by saying I don't personally know the author. While that shouldn't have to be said review of new Masonic books sometimes ( a lot of times) are done by men and women who personally know the author and want to give him/her a good review. Go and look up recent Masonic publications on Amazon, and you will see what I mean. The problem is that today, most anyone can publish either through an e-book or through hard copy. So I believe I am as impartial as they come when it comes to this review.<br />
<br />
The Book "32 Secret Path of Solomon A New Examination of the Qabbalah in Freemasonry" written by Bro Timothy Hogan is a quick primer and look at potential applications of the Qabbalah in Freemasonry. Bro. Hogan wrote in the introduction:<br />
<br />
<i>"Within Freemasonry itself, in the fourth degree of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (SJ), we are likewise taught that qabbalah is the key to Freemasonry, and in fact, Freemasonry cannot be understood unless one has at least a preliminary understanding of qabbalah."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
I was drawn to this book, as more and more books coming out about Freemasonry concern themselves with an historic account or accuracy of our Craft. Either within a specific time period (Civil War, French Revolution, etc) or trying to explain the reality of the events depicted in our rituals as being either historic or rather "Masonic Tradition". This book refreshingly does not attempt any of that, rather to give the reader the basic tools and understanding of the qabbalah in regards to western esoteric thought. The challenge the author had is that qabbalahism is one of the most studied and written aspects of the Hebrews, and is very complex. The author attempted to break it down simply in how it relates to our Masonic initiation, and how we may meditate and apply it when attempting to apply the rich ritualism and symbols we are taught.<br />
<br />
My knowledge of qabbalah before reading this book is little to none, which made me the target audience for the author who wrote this pithy 96 page book as a quick primary to the qabbalah and how some of these concepts directly relate to Freemasonry. The book does a good job of introducing what are very basic concepts of qabbalah, different schools of interpretation and explanation of the tree of life. The author does a good job of picking concepts within qabbalahism such as the <i>Sephir Yetzirah</i> and the explanation of said concept. Hogan also does a good job in relating the symbolism threads within the first three degrees of Freemasonry and qabbalah, and if you were not an initiated as a Freemason, would be somewhat confusing.<br />
<br />
The down side of the book? For 96 pages you pay $15 (or $10 if you own a Kindle). Also, while someone did go through and edit the book, there are repeated phrases in the book like "I should also mention", which after a while I think the author is sending us code. Also, there are some parts of the book that I don't understand, including his personal interpretation of the Tree of Life and the "correct path", which seems contrary to any rudimentary look up of the tree of life (along with his own incorporation of Tarot Cards). It appeared that he started to make assertions, that were left unfinished, or under defended.<br />
<br />
I would recommend this book as it is an excellent way to start examining your Masonic journey and the potential incorporation of the qabbalah. It is also refreshing to see an honest look at applications of qabbalahism without it taking over all of your free time. FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-35886306177441191422013-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:002013-01-25T07:00:16.905-06:00The Death of a RiteFor the record, before I start this article, I have never been, nor was I ever approached to be a member of the Scottish Rectified and Reformed Rite. As I posted in my blog a few months ago, the Rite was forbidden by our then Grand Master to take part of the degrees, even before that I was never contacted. So I want to make it clear that I am on the outside looking in on this situation, and am confident that I don't know the facts as they are, but are my simple observations.<br />
<br />
Those who have not read on <a href="http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2013/01/rectified-rite-of-grand-encampment.html" target="_blank">Chris Hodapp's Blog</a> the Grand Encampment is disbanding the Scottish Rectified and Reformed Rite in America. While Most Eminent Grand Master Goodwin said that in his mind The Grand Priory of Occitania is a regular body, the questioning from Grand Lodges and aggressive actions taken that puts at risk the regularity of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar could no longer be ignored.<br />
<br />
The start of the Rectified Rite was always on shaky ground from controversy as to why Sir Knight William H Koon II attempted to bring the Priory to the United States. Some claimed that Sir Knight Koon, brought the Priory to America because he was denied admission into the super exclusive CBCS, as to what he and others called a glorified supper club. The Rite was brought over by Koon attempting to swoon high ranking national Masons to join his new camp, upset the established CBCS in America. This started a turf war that has lasted for about 5 years regarding the regularity, including a recommendation from the COGMNA not to recognize the Rite. It seemed to be somewhat put at rest when the Grand Encampment recognized the Scottish Rectified and Reformed Rite. This only seemed to fuel some fires, caused threats of no longer recognizing the Grand Encampment in some jurisdictions, the tug of war continued until yesterday, when the Grand Encampment put out General Order No 4, folding the Scottish Rectified and Reformed Rite.<br />
<br />
The bitterness over this aside, attempting to bring The Grand Priory of Occitania to America seemed to spark a small fire of interest in esoteric Christianity within Freemasonry. Men who seemed to shirk the problematic identity of the Grand Encampment seemingly had a new interest in how masonic esoteric traditions in the 1800s can bring them to a closer to our Father and His son Jesus Christ. Suddenly the posts of how the perception of Christian Orders within Freemasonry are not inherently unmasonic, but a new interest in the Martinist Orders sparked further interest in esoteric, and Rosicrucian ideals within the family of Freemasonry. For this fact alone, I don't see the introduction of these orders to America while problematic, not completely in vein.<br />
<br />
The spreading of light is never a bad thing, even though this time it came with some bigger than life drama. I hope that the men who had an interest or were apart of this order continue on their path. I hope that men like myself that have never touched the order continue our independent pursuits of esoteric Christian ideals within the body of Freemasonry.<br />
<br />
To quote the old saying "You win some, you lose some".<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro VickFD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-19352173633289024602013-01-21T15:03:00.002-06:002013-01-21T15:03:54.924-06:00Freemasonry MC MEME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SKXKntuiYVGgaVtM3foAQxR-A4bDAWBrSfwAeM5AkRVvrTuonvwPU6uFN073Az2aeA75V5uUMISWgs5GAVLxKWd3XZbXaSFRWshkDaM0nM3GnzeP3VT2GhUjRHDejAhqgi-G76peSnI/s1600/Pike_MC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SKXKntuiYVGgaVtM3foAQxR-A4bDAWBrSfwAeM5AkRVvrTuonvwPU6uFN073Az2aeA75V5uUMISWgs5GAVLxKWd3XZbXaSFRWshkDaM0nM3GnzeP3VT2GhUjRHDejAhqgi-G76peSnI/s1600/Pike_MC.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-13947280759446102242013-01-13T18:55:00.000-06:002013-01-13T18:55:26.143-06:00Richard, My Brother, My Friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdDV5-m6t1oTSPd-USpwLYUyF6HIapWu8Cvqz8RxWwEiuNui2uZPYFCiUAmiXgvjnDxqIf-0K02frLPhp0ptj5NVP9QEEpWvrtFrASMDouI6okavX2maaNgDfy19rUO7yylrh66E0HTM/s1600/20130107_175238076_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUdDV5-m6t1oTSPd-USpwLYUyF6HIapWu8Cvqz8RxWwEiuNui2uZPYFCiUAmiXgvjnDxqIf-0K02frLPhp0ptj5NVP9QEEpWvrtFrASMDouI6okavX2maaNgDfy19rUO7yylrh66E0HTM/s1600/20130107_175238076_2.jpg" /></a></div>
Freemasonry in its current state means that younger Masons such as myself become close to men who are 40 years our senior, and feel their loss much more than the average American, I was reminded of this fact again this past Saturday, when I received the phone call that my brother, and friend Richard Adaszczyk passed away.<br />
<br />
In 2006 when my job ended in Laredo, TX I thought it was time I became a Mason. When my Grandmother died in August of 2006 my mother gave me all of my Grandfather's Masonic goods. I read some about the fraternity, and really thought that this is where I want to be going. I found a lodge through the Grand Lodge of Texas Website, called Army Lodge #1105. I sent Richard who at the time was the Secretary of the Lodge, an e-mail requesting more information. He called me a day later as I was packing out of Laredo, the conversation went something like this:<br />
<br />
Me: "Hello?"<br />
<br />
Richard: "This Vick?"<br />
<br />
Me: "Yes, who is calling?"<br />
<br />
Richard "This is Richard Adaszczyk from Army Lodge, you wanted to know more about being a Mason?"<br />
<br />
Me: "Yes, I do"<br />
<br />
Richard "So what do you want to know?"<br />
<br />
While this conversation may seem confrontational to most, I realized that bound that we had at that moment that can't be described to most men. A young officer interacting with a hardened SNCO, trying to steer the young officer, but being hard at the same time. He told me where to show up on the second Tuesday of the month around 1800, to meet some of the guys.<br />
<br />
I was nervous, I showed up and sat in the parking lot. After being waived in, I went to our lodge office and there were 5 men in there, and Richard was sitting behind the desk and said "Who are you?" I responded "I am Vick, I talked to a Richard Adaszczyk?" I butchered the pronunciation of his name he then corrected me and said "So you want to know about Masonry? There is over a hundred years of Freemasonry in the room, what do you want to know?" I asked him about the lodge and he started to explain.<br />
<br />
He was gruff, and to the point, again there was the bound between SNCO and young officer. He gave me an application and told me to fill it out. When I asked about costs for the fraternity I thought it would be in the thousands, it was nothing, and he told me "Don't worry about it, you are young. A working professional"<br />
<br />
After initiation my instructor, and Masonic inspiration, Garland Kreger said about Richard "I could call him up in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve, needing his help. He would cuss, complain, but would come out and help me out."<br />
<br />
I can't think of a better way to explain Richard.<br />
<br />
Richard became apart of the three great pillars in my Masonic mentoring, the mentors I learned to count on and lean on understanding my masonic journey. Richard recognizing my interests in Freemasonry beyond the memorization encouraged me to present more about Freemasonry in lodge, my first presentation of Freemasonry was on the Traditional Observance Lodge movement in America. He was skeptical of the movement, and again asked hard questions, but than there was that unspeakable bound of brotherhood and service to this country.<br />
<br />
When the deployments to Afghanistan started, unfortunately Richard's and I relationship changed and not for the better.<br />
<br />
I became disconnected from my brothers, and especially Richard. It doesn't help that when you are in a warzone you carry a very large chip on your shoulder. You feel like everything you do is in vain, you see death all around you, it becomes so futile. So any interaction from home becomes overly hurtful when not sweet and loving. Richard was never sweet and loving, but he cared, and he cared a lot.<br />
<br />
In December 2011 when I was elected as Senior Warden to Army AMD Council #373, Richard came as our treasurer We sat in the office and talked, and I expressed some of my issues. He was sympathetic and pretty much told me he had no idea. It really helped me move on, whether he knew it or not.<br />
<br />
In spring of 2012 I sat in lodge for the last time to date, during that stated meeting I sat next to my mentor, my friend and my brother, Richard Adaszczyk. I put my arm around him and enjoyed his company. I for the first time, in a long time, felt at home in my mother lodge. I didn't go back after that, not out of any conscious choice, because life became busy for me, and my other vocational and Masonic obligations.<br />
<br />
I have lost a lot of friends and soldiers in my life, I have lost men to suicide, drug addiction, the hands of our enemies and pure accident. Those are hard pills to swallow. Richard wasn't doing well for a while, and we all knew it.<br />
<br />
Still, I don't want to go back in that lodge room, open it in a EA, FC or MM without him there. I know I will sooner or later, but it just doesn't seem right<br />
<br />
I am thankful to God for being blessed to know Richard Adaszczyk. He initiated me into this great fraternity, encouraged me and guided me. He has become ingrained in my Masonic journey and was acting WM when I was initiated, and I am so happy for that.<br />
<br />
So as I move forward with things, and my Masonic journey, Richard will always be alive and a corner stone in my Masonic foundation.<br />
<br />
Thank you Richard and I know you are in the comfort in the bosom of God and his Son Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro VickFD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-21705452117922057282013-01-05T08:44:00.003-06:002013-01-05T08:44:49.999-06:00University Masonic Lodge FoundationFor those who read this blog that are in the South Texas area University Lodge #1190 will be having their Festive Board 17 January 2013. Their guest speaker will be Bro Chris Hodapp, it should be an exciting night! <br />
<br />
For more information please send an e-mail to foundation @ universitylodge.org<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVEmfyug7xnnBaffmfb3kXLQ5_QlBAybLFAyoetaZpe9GoERK1IiN6AShOafthwk_emMeBGQWsa-Caq2_obAICGAMgq8uL5aA3GpkYDpMQ2VQhTdcYEHQa5IyDOl1qOhityr9oohiycw/s1600/315771_10151124847836583_856857401_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNVEmfyug7xnnBaffmfb3kXLQ5_QlBAybLFAyoetaZpe9GoERK1IiN6AShOafthwk_emMeBGQWsa-Caq2_obAICGAMgq8uL5aA3GpkYDpMQ2VQhTdcYEHQa5IyDOl1qOhityr9oohiycw/s1600/315771_10151124847836583_856857401_n.jpg" height="308" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I look forward to seeing all of the brethren there!<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro VickFD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-44121924729681274342012-12-22T15:57:00.000-06:002012-12-22T15:58:10.287-06:00Perfect Union #10 Annual BanquetMy lodge will be holding it's Annual Banquet on the 19th of January, with guest speaker Michael Wiggins, Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Texas.<br />
Please see below for cost and reservations. Hope to see you all there!<br />
<br />
<b>Annual Banquet</b>. 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Holiday Inn San Antonio Airport,
77 NE Loop 410.<br />
<br />
<b>Speaker</b>: Right Worshipful Michael Wiggins, Grand Senior Warden of the
Grand Lodge of Texas.<br />
<br />
<b>Menu</b>: Choice of Chicken Cordon Bleu with Lemon Crème Sauce or Blackened
Pacific Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce. Tea, Coffee, Rolls and Desert.
Cash Bar, Door Prizes for the Ladies.
Cost: $25.00 per guest, and $25.00 refundable deposit for members.<br />
<br />
<b>RSVP</b>:ereich@wireweb.net.<br />
<br />
Send checks to Perfect Union Lodge #10, 7145 Park Road 37, Lakehills,
TX 78063.FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-61367540517258686702012-12-22T03:27:00.000-06:002012-12-22T03:27:23.105-06:00Back to the Alamo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT61Sq5t9vw87trn9QcWKc-k5tDxm1M9mzjEDPqiTOv-67obyHEcxYLLB9evt00mwak8v-k6o1QwhJXWdoeJhsauhmdK21I4L6Tu2qS16-keNsulEAJRtH05oELeKc0n29O4Ykdvx2-g/s1600/2012+Alamo+Visit0041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJT61Sq5t9vw87trn9QcWKc-k5tDxm1M9mzjEDPqiTOv-67obyHEcxYLLB9evt00mwak8v-k6o1QwhJXWdoeJhsauhmdK21I4L6Tu2qS16-keNsulEAJRtH05oELeKc0n29O4Ykdvx2-g/s1600/2012+Alamo+Visit0041.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
On December 14th 2012, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Texas M: W: Walter M. Rodgers was received in Alamo Lodge #44 which was held in the Alamo. This is an annual event that was started in 1982 by Alamo Lodge #44 to receive the newly elected Grand Master and his officers within the the confines of the sacred monument of Texas, the Alamo. For those real long time readers of this blog, know that in 2007 was the first time I attended this event, and was disappointed in the speech given by then Grand Master M: W: Tommy Griffin, who upset over what he considered to be a slighting over the questions and answers during the examination of the candidate. He used a phrase that today is still upsetting to me "We aren't the men we use to be". His attempt to hearken back to circa 1955 left a bad taste in my mouth, and my general view on Grand Lodge Officers. I will say that this past year I had the honor of meeting and having multiple talks with R: W: Griffin and have found him to be a wonderful man, and mason.<br />
<br />
Master Masons and their guests met at the Scottish Rite Cathedral a couple of blocks away from the Alamo in their aprons. When M: W: Rodgers arrived he was sure to introduce himself to every man in the room. To me this was refreshing as in the past and at other Masonic events the Grand Master has a tendency to cordon himself off from the general public and surrounds himself with his advisers or other Grand Officers. I have met M: W: Rodgers twice before tonight, but every time he is friendly and out going.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJl5GKCPIpdbM73zSH4eYVVl3DYVhAqen09MQikSqQ-Wh3myltBdyXQypRjOLZfBFdhyphenhyphenRpsOiPLc18Gyzz2brlFrGV-QdZt-yt1L91V-AtrGTVyaDI0-stb_hXi6BrKAs8lVr9N1QXVY/s1600/2012+Alamo+Visit0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJl5GKCPIpdbM73zSH4eYVVl3DYVhAqen09MQikSqQ-Wh3myltBdyXQypRjOLZfBFdhyphenhyphenRpsOiPLc18Gyzz2brlFrGV-QdZt-yt1L91V-AtrGTVyaDI0-stb_hXi6BrKAs8lVr9N1QXVY/s1600/2012+Alamo+Visit0003.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
The event this time was also wonderfully coordinated this time, the procession was started by Master Masons, and their guests to the Alamo being lead by a bag piper. This effort gave notification to the general public that we were marching towards the Alamo. This was much better than in years past when we would gaggle from the Scottish Rite Cathedral to the Alamo. We then formed two lines and properly greeted our District Deputy Grand Masters and our Grand Line Officers. From here we entered the Alamo and began the meeting. During it M: W: Rodgers addressed the crowd and emphasized the hollowed ground and the roles that Masons played during the siege of the Alamo.<br />
<br />
It felt good to sit in the Alamo again, it felt good after all this time, and after all that has changed. If any Mason has a chance to participate in this event I would seriously consider it, I am not from Texas and what locals colorfully refer to as a "transplant". Still as a man, a combat veteran and a Mason it was inspiring being in a place surrounded by my brethren.<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro VickFD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-2312019489728153512012-12-20T11:22:00.000-06:002012-12-20T11:22:13.594-06:00Confederation of French Grand Lodges FormedRecieved this from Michael Segall on Tuesday, this is somehwat of an update from the Basle Declaration:
<br />
<br />
<i>A historical development occurred yesterday (18 December 2012) among the regularly operating, even if not yet widely recognized, French Grand Lodges. The following statement has been published (the text between brackets is mine):
“Today, the Grand Lodge of France (GLDF), the Traditional and symbolic Grand Lodge “Opera” (GLTSO), the French National Lodge (LNF, not to be confused with the GLNF), the Grand Lodge of the French Masonic Alliance (GL-AMF) and the Independent Grand Lodge of France (GLIF; constituted like the GL-AMF by the many thousands of Brethren who left the GLNF, totally out of the picture by now), have met together.”
</i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i>“Sharing the same criteria of regularity and the same Universal Masonic Tradition, they agreed among themselves to start the construction a Confederation, thus demonstrating their will to reorganize the French Masonic landscape in conformity with the Basle Declaration.” </i>
<br />
<br />
S&F,
<br />
-Bro Vick FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-68902360846859017882012-12-01T08:49:00.000-06:002012-12-01T08:49:03.582-06:00Great Priory of England Vote to Withdraw Recognition of the Grand Encampment of the U.S.A. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was sent an e-mail with the below image showing of a letter from the Great Priory to Provincial Priors that on the 26th of November the Grand Master's Council voted to recommend at the 15 May 2013 Great Priory meeting that recognition be withdrawn from the Grand Encampment of the Knights Templar of the United States of America.<br />
<br />
While reason is not stated in the letter, this most likely stems from the Grand Encampment of USA recognizing the Grand Priory of the Scottish Reformed and Rectified Rite of the U.S.A earlier this year.<br />
<br />
As I wrote earlier, the Grand Priory of the Scottish Reformed and Rectified Rite is not permitted for Texas Masons, while the international developments continue...<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro Vick<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRGRzavBUJM-B8csPwE3VRsrDrn0XIEma5TeL1FN1AzmZ74vMfMcowKXe6Lu_EgfDRj9PFLNc_vHojNRLQhvl0F1w-Je1T-XMOVw4gH0cCnU-esJdhSsOccXfRKBCmAljRwss46esUOA/s1600/LettertoallProvPriorsandV-C'sreGrandEncampmentUSA.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRGRzavBUJM-B8csPwE3VRsrDrn0XIEma5TeL1FN1AzmZ74vMfMcowKXe6Lu_EgfDRj9PFLNc_vHojNRLQhvl0F1w-Je1T-XMOVw4gH0cCnU-esJdhSsOccXfRKBCmAljRwss46esUOA/s640/LettertoallProvPriorsandV-C'sreGrandEncampmentUSA.JPG" width="466" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-29251348500618993052012-11-25T16:58:00.000-06:002012-11-25T19:56:20.913-06:00Motorcycle Riding Clubs and Freemasonry -- A Bad Image?So before I start really writing this article, let me give an honest disclosure. I am not a Motorcycle guy, I have never been attracted to them, don't care for them, and I find their culture somewhat silly. I know that middle age men across the country find motorcycles to bring a sense of freedom, unparalleled. <br />
<br />
The Grand Lodge of Texas has denied one Motorcycle club, <a href="http://www.widowssons.com/" target="_blank">Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association</a> from being recognized as a Masonic body within the state of Texas. I will explain this story (to the best of my abilities in a minute), but there are others including the <a href="http://www.freemasonsrc.org/" target="_blank">Freemasons Riding Club</a> and Ruffians Masonic Motorcycle Group. These groups are ardent in their belief that they are nothing more than Master Masons that like to get together, and ride. Some have charitable goals, others are much less formal. Still the question that is asked is, do these groups cast a disparaging image on Freemasons? Or are they the 21st century recruiting tool the fraternity has been searching for long and hard?<br />
<br />
A good Masonic friend of mine referred to these groups as "Doublewide Masonry", and while the term is inflammatory it makes a point. Masonic riding groups aren't really doing too much to spread further light in Masonry and working on the internal temple. Rather using images among our fraternity to exploit the tough guy image of motorcycle riders and doing little more then developing cliches within an already shrinking organization. Before you give me "its the internal not the external", I am sure you wear those vests not thinking of the image you are projecting, like Larry David said to the lady wearing a skimpy outfit "I am sure you are wearing that so people will look at your shoes." Realize that dressing like a biker, people are going to judge you like a biker. It is foolhardy to think you can dress that way, project a certain image, than claim that people are being "judgmental".<br />
<br />
Still, the argument of these clubs and attracting men to Masonry has been made, and somewhat convincingly. A member of the <a href="http://357brotherhood.org/" target="_blank">3-5-7 Brotherhood</a> a chapter of the Widows Sons wrote the following:<br />
<br />
<i>The Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Association is still a very new organization by Masonic standards being less than 15 years old. We have seen incredible growth; approximately 38 states in the US plus most territories in Canada, and countries ranging from England, Scotland, and Germany to S. Korea, Japan, and Australia, and more</i>.<br />
<br />
On top of it the Widows Sons claim on their website:<br />
<br />
<i>The Widows Sons serve as a Masonic Booster Club by helping to raise Masonic Awareness while we attend public motorcycling events, and by supporting our Blue Lodges in whatever capacity we are able. Widows Sons chapters have helped to increase Masonic membership through our presence and visibility during public motorcycle events and rallies.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
While growth is a relative term here, the point still cannot be denied that these organizations, not just the Widows Sons have gained popularity in their recent past and seem to be providing an outlet to those men who wish to merge their world of motorcycles with their Freemasonry. The question that these clubs are attracting members seems somewhat deluded. If men are wanting to join the fraternity, to better their internal temples, than I completely endorse it, if they are joining to join this specific Riding Club, than I discourage it. <br />
<br />
Criticisms of the Shrine include that it has little Masonic meaning or truth and deters from the Masonic principles and foundation of the blue lodge. No one can make the argument that these Riding Clubs are somehow better than that, and every time I hear from a member "We are motorcycle enthusiasts, who happen to be Master Masons," I role my eyes. The Shrine philanthropy is undeniable these organizations, not so much. All I get from their "news" is new chapters opening, or new members, nothing about their charitable activities.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
In Texas the Widows Sons were banned as a Masonic organization. Really, this is hardly news, Masonic politics are nasty, we (Texas Masons) also cannot be members of the Philalethes Society, or the CBCS, so really the Widows Sons are just another organization that doesn't meet the approval of the Grand Lodge brain trust.<br />
<br />
Reasons given for this include that the organization never provided information on whether members had to be Master Masons in good standing. Also the patches and general image did not reflect well on Freemasonry to the general public.<br />
<br />
The Freemasons Riding Club is legal as far as I know and the Ruffins are trying to get recognized this year.<br />
<br />
So how do I feel about these groups? If they are an addition to your Masonic journey, than I don't see any harm in it. If they have become the focus of your Masonic journey, then you need to reevaluate your priorities, both in Masonry and in life.<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro VickFD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7869478970144099419.post-16902073622840172092012-11-18T08:08:00.000-06:002012-11-18T08:08:30.251-06:00Ninth & Tenth Degrees - Elus of the Nine & Fifteen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mQLTsV6X5qFo9kytfnUTKTVwPVtRhaoau3El1ODPjS0vYCqIrbkf03_fnYbCVPLnb8Kw_Jg8zB-deDIP8qpQtkwPIS5xXUFqS2FpbA4FJ9MvYWip4m2YzPGQGaDg3dMiXArEKZwpqTw/s1600/9.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-mQLTsV6X5qFo9kytfnUTKTVwPVtRhaoau3El1ODPjS0vYCqIrbkf03_fnYbCVPLnb8Kw_Jg8zB-deDIP8qpQtkwPIS5xXUFqS2FpbA4FJ9MvYWip4m2YzPGQGaDg3dMiXArEKZwpqTw/s1600/9.gif" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
Towards the end of the Lodge of Perfection, the Master Mason that has been raised in a York Rite Blue Lodge starts to see the stark differences between the story told in their lodge and the story told by the Scottish Rite. The Ninth & Tenth degrees hammer that home as the assassins were not killed, but rather survived after the third degree. This change can be overly focused on while being communicated the degrees and the lessons kept within the two degrees can be lost as you are trying to figure out the back story vice listening to the lessons and the wonderful instructions that Pike gives. Simply the duties that are taught in these two degrees are considered by most Masonic Scholars to be the most important, and need to be reminded daily. They are, education, enlightenment and patriotism. In the Scottish Rite is explained something that was curious when the Man is being raised to the third degree, and is a lesson that I find wonderful in the explanation. The murder of Hiram Abiff is well known to all Master Masons, still the symbolism is hardly touched after a man is raised. Here is a greater explanation, and the core teachings of these two degrees.<br />
<br />
Hiram is first attacked and accosted at the south gate of the Temple, and is attacked by a rule. Also, remember that Hiram was attacked and his throat was cut. Albert Pike explains that this cutting of the throat is symbolic of the use of law to punish free speech, and to silence "a vocal minority". We see this all the time across the world, as the use of religious laws can be perverted and made into a weapon to beat people into submission. Pakistan has enacted "Blasphemy Laws" a couple of years ago, which is little more than veiled attempt for the countries majority to continue to oppress and drive out the Christian minority within the country. Being found guilty of "Blasphemy" against Islam in their country results in death (most of the time). This isn't the brazen fronts, but simple ones, like not reading an instruction guide on Islam. These are the type of laws that Pike warned us about, and feared the most happening in America.<br />
<br />
Second attack Hiram was struck with a square a metal object that is formed by two rigid pieces of metal at right angles to each other; this is to represent to us the merger of religious and civil power intending to control every facet of our life, in a single word despotism. A corner stone of Scottish Rite Freemasonry is the separation of church and state, and here again all one has to do is look across Southwest Asia where the people are victims of Ulema councils that threaten politicians and coerce them into despotism.<br />
<br />
Lastly and the death of Hiram happens because of being hit with the Setting Maul, a blunt instrument of brute force. This is eludes to the use of brute force to squash all intellectual thought, through intimidation and fear. Going back to Pakistan, Shahbaz Bhatti was viciously gunned down in early May of 2011. He was the only Christian member of the Pakistani cabinet and was killed by two Taliban thugs who wanted to silence his movement. The Taliban left pamphlets that read <b>"With the blessing of Allah, the mujahideen will send each of you to hell,"</b> This act was decried by Human Rights groups and activists everywhere. A small stabilizing force was removed from a country that is slowly falling into religious chaos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YMkmO0YsUy2CULO2G1_9OhoLAZnr9SS_Tv3e28e4ulm7KNSHhDfYmyO2uRY3CAUweu4RpDOdlb6pe-HaVrRNRuHtbp2Ixt7gMmaM-VR40oLMk90-aWXXQPzcdVVetbLHfOVthY3lDnQ/s1600/10thDegree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YMkmO0YsUy2CULO2G1_9OhoLAZnr9SS_Tv3e28e4ulm7KNSHhDfYmyO2uRY3CAUweu4RpDOdlb6pe-HaVrRNRuHtbp2Ixt7gMmaM-VR40oLMk90-aWXXQPzcdVVetbLHfOVthY3lDnQ/s1600/10thDegree.jpg" height="200" width="84" /></a></div>
We have to be brave enough as men and Masons to call a spade a spade, but we have to be respectful of all peoples religious choices. The inverse of all of this of course is the tyranny of a state that dictates how a church will run itself if it wishes to keep their tax exempt status, must allow communion or perform ceremonies contrary to the churches canons.<br />
<br />
With all of this written, the biggest theme for the degrees goes to toleration, something as a man and as a brother I struggle with daily. I have lived in countries where the rule of law was oppressive and that freedom of religion was swiftly answered by death. So my judgments of other religions and cultures in my mind are harsh, and I try all I can not to repeat them. I am not some uneducated redneck trying to cause a reaction, I am someone that has experienced the direct actions of these repressive regimes, and am grateful that I no longer have to endure them, while at the same time sad that they are continuing around the world.<br />
<br />
I pray often for God to give me grace and forgiveness. I also pray for toleration, the principle theme of these two degrees.<br />
<br />
S&F,<br />
-Bro Vick<br />
<br /></div>
FD2Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00107071548484176640noreply@blogger.com1