A Perspective on Freemasonry

Ideal of a Freemason

Sat, 11 May 2013 17:34:16 -0400

Excerpted from “The History of Freemasonry” by Otto Klotz, The Canadian Craftsman, March 15, 1868. M.W. Bro. Otto Klotz was an honourary Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario.

If you see a man who quietly and modestly moves in the sphere of his life; who without blemish fulfills his duties as a man, a subject, a husband and a father; who is pious without hypocrisy, benevolent without ostentation, and who aids his fellowman without self-interest; whose heart beats warm for friendship, whose serene mind is open for licensed pleasures, who in vicissitudes does not despair, nor in fortune will be presumptuous, and who will be resolute in the hour of danger.

The man who is free from superstition and free from infidelity; who, in nature, sees the finger of the Eternal Master; who feels and adores the higher destination of man; to whom Faith, Hope and Charity are not mere words without any meaning; to whom property, nay, even life, is not too dear for the protection of innocence and virtue, and for the defense of truth.

The man who towards himself is a severe judge, but who is tolerant with the debilities of his neighbor; who endeavors to oppose errors with arrogance, and to propagate intelligence without precipitation, who properly understands to estimate and employ his means; who honors virtue though it be in the most humble garment, who does not favor vice though it be clothed in purple; and who administers justice to merit whether dwelling in palaces or in cottages.

The man who, without courting applause, is loved by all noble-minded men, respected by his superiors and revered by his subordinates; the man who never proclaims what he has done, will do, can do, but where need is, will lay hold with dispassionate courage, circumspect resolution, indefatigable exertion, and a rare power of mind, and who will not cease until he has accomplished his work. but who then, without pretension, will retire into the multitude, because he did the good act, not for himself, but for the cause of good.

If you, my brethren, meet such a man, you will see the personification of brotherly love, relief and truth; and you will have found the ideal of a Freemason.

What is a Freemason - attribution

Thu, 02 May 2013 10:21:19 -0400

The def’n first appeared in The Farmers Almanac for 1823 published at Andover, Mass., printed under the heading, Definition of a Freemason

The Real Freemason

Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:06 -0400

The real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the uniform unrestrained rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in fear of punishment which the law might inflect; they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil, in the next world. A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine except those written in his heart by the finger of his Creator. In every climate, under every system of religion, he is the same. He kneels before the Universal Throne of God in gratitude for the blessings he has received and humble solicitation for his future protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He disturbs not the religion of others. He restrains his passions, because they cannot be indulged without injuring his neighbor or himself. He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended. He contracts no debts which he is certain he cannot discharge, because he is honest upon principal.

More Light in Freemasonry

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 21:38:24 -0400

So, you have just raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason. You are now at the top of the heap, achieved the goal, a master of your craft, the walking, talking epitomy of masonic enlightenment. If you think that, you truly have a long way to go. If you realize you are just at the start of your journey, congratulations, you are much further along than you thought. But where do you go next?

Here are some of my strongly held opinions. I don’t want to boil the ocean, I’ll just get right to the point.

Participate in every aspect of your Lodge’s activities: Degree work, Lodge of Instruction, Temple Board, Committee of General Purposes. Expose yourself to as much of the Lodge’s Masonic life as possible. Do not miss meetings. Freemasonry is a like a wine or fine spirit. It needs to be aged and the longer the better
Enter the chairs. They are there to grow you masonically and as a person. It is hard work, but it is about service, and that is what Freemasonry is really about.
Read books, and papers. There are a lot of them about. Lots of good ones. There is a list on this blog http://stjohns63.tumblr.com/post/20575964384/masonic-reading-material, including some very good masonic web sites.
Visit. Visit. Visit. Talk to other Brethren from other Lodges. Expand your horizons at every step.
Concordant bodies, at the right time. At some point in your career, you may want to consider venturing into a Concordant body. They tend to have a much more esoteric content, and of course, the active masons there are often very experienced in freemasonry.
Do not be in a hurry.

These are just a couple of suggestions, in response to a request for where to go for further light from one of my Brethren on Twitter

Am I a Builder?

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 10:33:39 -0500

Am I a Builder?

I watched them tearing a building down,

A gang of men in a busy town.

With a ho-heave-ho and a lusty yell,

They swung a beam and the sides fell.

I asked the foreman, “Are these men skilled

And the kind you would hire, if you had to build?”

And he gave me a laugh and said, “No indeed,

Just common labor is all I need.

I can easily wreck in a day or two

What other builders have taken a year to do.”

And I thought to myself as I went my way,

“Which of these roles have I tried to play?”

Am I a builder that works with care,

Measuring life by the rule and square.

Am I shaping my deeds to a well made plan,

Patiently doing the best I can?

Or am I a wrecker who walks the town,

Content with the labor of tearing down.”

Sandy Hook and the importance of Freemasonry today

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 23:42:00 -0500

The tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown CT. has just occured, and is high in my mind. There is a big call for gun control in the US resulting from it. This may help this problem, but it is not the root cause. We have developed a cynical culture that celebrates values that are the antithesis of what we once tried to cultivate. The pervasive media machine, news and entertainment, has given up trying to promote the “right” way to behave, pandering to an addiction to extreme behavior, and denigrating ideals such as honour, integrity, love, Charity, learning, wisdom, courtesy.

Freemasonry is one of the small bastions of our culture that is sticking to the ideals we once held dear; uncompromisingly, without apology, with hand on heart and proudly. Freemasonry is not an anachronism. Freemasonry is a harbour, where the secrets of civilization can be found for the benefit of all. Freemasonry is an international framework, organized and ready to mobilize to help those who have had enough with the current status quo. Brethren, Freemasons are integral to the process of healing our society. Soon, all will realize “that which was lost” is found, and it is within the Lodge room walls. Freemasonry stands against the tide of ignorance, and will help turn it. Emblazon that creed in your hearts, and use it to motivate your actions.

Our rotten culture

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:41:10 -0500

I have had enough of the cynical, dystopian, violent, meaningless pop culture that we celebrate today. No wonder some 20 year old doesn’t hesitate to pick up a cannon and start blasting children. In preparing for the zombie apocalypse, we’ve paved the way for the nutball apocalypse. Enough of this dark malaise.

My television viewing now consists of “Ozzie and Harriet”, “Leave it to Beaver” and “Star Trek”

As a Freemason, I am dedicating my life to higher ideals. I hope that we can stem this tide.

The Scottish Rite Creed of Freemasonry

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 07:29:46 -0400

Human progress is our cause, liberty of thought our supreme wish, freedom of conscience our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere our ultimate goal.

the Eight-fold path

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:40:45 -0400

wisdom:
1) Right View,
2) Right Intentions

Ethics:
3) Right Speech
4) Right Action
5) Right Livelihood

Meditation:
6) Right Effort
7) Right Mindfulness
8) Right Concentration

When is a man a mason? From Masonic vibes

Sun, 15 Jul 2012 09:35:05 -0400

I don’t know the origin of this, but I have copied it from Masonic Vibes Facebook page (which is a wonderful source of Masonic light and originates from the Grand Lodge of India.

Original link
https://m.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10150948145373716&refid=9

When is a man a Mason?

“When he can look out over the rivers, the hills and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness in the vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope and courage, which is the root of every virtue.

When he knows that down in his heart every man is as noble, as vile, as divine, as diabolic and as lonely as himself; and seeks to know, to forgive and to love his fellow man.

When he knows how to sympathize with men in their sorrows, yea even in their sins - knowing that each man fights a hard fight against many odds. When he has learned how to make friends and to keep them and above all, how to keep friends with himself. When he loves flowers, can hunt birds without a gun and feels the thrill of an old forgotten joy when he hears the laugh of a little child.

When he can be happy and high-minded amid the meaner drudgeries of life. When starcrowned trees and the glint of sunlight on flowing waters subdue him like the thought of one much loved and long dead. When no voice of distress reaches his ears in vain, and no hand seeks his aid without response.

When he finds good in every faith that helps any man to lay hold of divine things and see majestic meanings in life, whatever the name of that faith may be. When he can look into a wayside puddle and sees something beyond mud, and into the face of the most forlorn fellow mortal and see something beyond sin. When he knows how to pray, how to love, how to hope. When he has kept faith with himself, with his God; in his hand a sword for evil, in his heart a bit of a song; glad to live, but not afraid to die!

Such a man has found the only secret of Freemasonry, and the one which it is trying to give to all the world.”

A very nice series of videos critically exploring Freemasonry conspiracy myths

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:09:02 -0400

Freemasons have historically had to put up with a lot of misinformation spread by individuals with an “axe to grind”. This misinformation is usually aimed at people who are too weak-minded to investigate the story with a critical eye, and who don’t even bother to investigate the other side. There is a significant uptick in this kind of chatter with respect to Freemasonry and the hip hop community.

Mr. Spann, a Freemason, has put together a series of videos on YouTube, “The Honest Truth” series, that surgically takes apart some of these memes. Here are links to the 6 videos in this 6 part series.

Nice job Brother Spann

Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5WwHluOlos&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niFGfumwcOA&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Part 3: http://youtu.be/Er1s1O8Rh_M

Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8WV7IJhe0Q&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jm9NZJwCHKw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Part 6: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNDpIc4Gg1I&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Thanks to @catdaddy_PHA for drawing my attention to this series

Trust

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:05:38 -0400

Trust:

This is a great video about trust. Throughout, I thought how right he was, and how the trust and human contact needed in this day and age are embedded right in FREEMASONRY’s core being.

How do I become a Freemason?

Sat, 07 Jul 2012 19:05:43 -0400

I have recently been asked this question a fair bit. I will set out what I think to be a good answer that will apply generally throughout the world (but not in all cases, as Freemasonry can be slightly different in various jurisdictions).

1) Be sure you want to be a Freemason, and that you want to be one for the right reasons.

Learn what Freemasonry is REALLY about. Separate the innumerable myths and lies from what is the more likely truth. The best way to do that is to read what Freemasons write, not what others write. The good news is that there are many Masonic websites and books. Read one of my earlier posts for a good list.

The basic thing that you should know is whether you want to serve society, and benefit personally from that, or whether you think Freemasonry is going to be all about you. If you think the latter, maybe this is not for you, as at it’s core Freemasonry is really about service to others, Freemason and non-Freemason alike.

2) There is an age requirement. Normally, this is 21. If you are younger, there are youth organizations affiliated with Freemasonry, like DeMolay.

3) One of Freemasonry’s slogans is “Making good men better”. That means that we are really not looking to reform anybody (perhaps unfortunately). So, if you have a criminal record, you likely will not be an acceptable member.

4) Another slogan is: “To be one, ask one”. This reflects our belief that our fraternity is a transformative engine (good men better), but this can only be done by those who desire it fully. Freemasonry is a way of life. Freemasons may not invite, ask or coerce you.

5) Belief in the Supreme Being. Freemasonry is secular with respect to any particular Religious dogma, but in general (not true for something Grand Orient), we require you profess a belief in the Supreme Being. You can be a Christian, Muslim, Hindu, or agnostic, you just can’t be an atheist.

6) Now that you’ve read up on it, and have met the criteria above, you want to contact a Lodge. In general, you want to join a Lodge that is one of the major Grand Lodges at a Country or State level. It is fairly easy to find these via their websites. These GL’s are typically for men only. There are also major women’s and coed Masonic orders, but they are not as widely available. Once you have chosen an “order” and a Grand Lodge, you now want to make contact with your local Lodge. This is generally found on the GL Website, and many of them have their own websites, such as my own Lodge, St. Johns Lodge no. 63, Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario http://www.stjohns63.com.

7) once you’ve made contact, you will be able to complete the process. It’s not automatic. You WILL be evaluated for compatibility. This amounts to your moral stature, ethical outlook, demeanor, reasons for joining etc. It’s not automatic. Good Luck!

Inside Freemasonry

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 15:02:45 -0400

Inside Freemasonry

belief

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:25:09 -0400

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”

Siddartha Gautama

Access to the Middle Chamber

Fri, 25 May 2012 11:43:18 -0400

Dr. Robert Lomas, author and Freemason:

“There are three entrances to the Middle Chamber where you can find Truth. The Gate of Beauty, the Gate of Works and the Gate of Knowledge.

The Gate Beautiful is entered by devoting yourself to all that is good and beautiful. It means developing your aesthetic faculties.

The Gate of Works is entered by carrying out good works, altruistic service and sacrifice for the good of society.

The Gate of Knowledge is the intellectual path, which you enter through enlightened mental application.”

Theism vs. Panentheism

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:42:27 -0400

Theism vs. Panentheism

masonic reading material

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 01:56:03 -0400

This is a list of reading that is pretty good. The first book, Freemasonry for dummies, is a nice overall view. The following books by Knight/Lomas start out exploring history, and Freemasonry’s links to various groups such as the Knights Templar. Uriel’s Machine is less about freemasonry and more about megalithic sites and the astronomy of ancient people, as well as dragging some pretty interesting insights into the stories of the great flood etc. The Book of Hiram pulls together a masonic view of biblical events. The “turning the Key” books really describe how masonic philosophy and “science” has practical applications. There is a great beginners PDF on Freemasonry at http://www.stjohns63.com/about-freemasonry.

Books:

• Freemasonry for Dummies by Christopher Hoddap (a mason).

The following books are excellent researches tying Freemasonic legend with actual events, by taking a 3000 foot view. Very good. Robert Lomas is a respected academic and a Freemason.

Hiram’s Key - Robert Lomas, Christopher Knight.
Synopsis - the story of the links between the Freemasons and the Knights Templar

Second Messiah - Robert Lomas, Christopher Knight
Synopsis - Investigation into the origins of the Knights Templar, Egypt, Christianity, Solomons Temple

Uriel’s Machine - Robert Lomas, Christopher Knight
Synopsis - investigation into the origins of masonic symbology - reaching back to the megalith builders of Western Europe. Incredibly compelling. Much discussion on floods, comets, ancient astronomy/navigation and connecting the dots

The Book of Hiram - Robert Lomas, Christopher Knight
Synopsis - Summarizing the first three books, and presenting a parallel story to the bible - the masonic testament - a bit of a look at events from the outsider’s perpective of the non-Roman population of Europe

Turning Hiram’s Key - Robert Lomas
Synopsis - describes Masonic Ritual and degrees, as well as the psychological science and intention behind them.

Turning the Solomon Key - Robert Lomas
Synopsis - It focuses on Brother George Washington’s use of Masonic Bright morning star symbology to lay out Washington DC. Brother Lomas then goes about answering the question “why did he do it’.

Understanding Manhood in America: Freemasonry’s Enduring Path to the Mature Masculine by Robert G. Davis, (a mason)

The Invisible College by Robert Lomas.
Synopsis - This book is about how the Royal Society in Britain, which propelled the world from the age of belief in magic and witchcraft to the age of science, was actually incubated and formed by some of the earliest known Freemasons such as Christopher Wren, Robert Moray and Elias Ashmole.

The Builders by Joseph Fort Newton.
Synopsis - I think this is the best book describing the ancient roots of Freemasonry, and in my opinion the most believable transmission from ancient guilds of masons to today’s speculative Freemasonry. The key missing link for me that is given credence in this book is the Comocine Masters.

A Pilgrims Path by J. Johnson
Very good summary of Anti Freemasonry hoaxes

The Secret Power of Masonic Symbols by Robert Lomas
Great book on Symbology and Masonic Symbols

The Lost Key: The Supranatural Secrets of the Freemasons by Robert Lomas
Nice book about the masonic journey and deity from the perspective of quantum physics

Websites:

www.xoriente.com (dedicated to freemasonry in the 21st Century)

http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/ (very detailed stuff)

http://www.grandlodge.on.ca/ (the Ontario Grand-Lodge)

http://www.freemasonry.bcy.ca/info.html (Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon). Great site.

http://www.masonicinfo.com (information about anti-masonry).

BAAL's Bridge Square (from TWTMag DEC 2011)

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:34:07 -0500

In 1830, Brother James Pain, while overseeing the rebuilding of Baal’s Bridge in Limerick, Ireland discovered a brass square dated 1507, and bearing the inscription, “I will strive to live with love & care upon the level by the square.” The relic is now located at Ancient Union Lodge #13 at the North Munster Masonic Centre in Limerick.

Image of Baal Bridge Square

Picture of Baal Bridge Square From The Working Tools Dec 2011...

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:24:36 -0500

Picture of Baal Bridge Square

From The Working Tools Dec 2011 (www.twtmag.com)