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One of the more difficult, albeit fascinating things about Freemasonry is movingaway from traditional material world concepts and moving toward the subsurface concepts and teachings that blossom so brilliantly throughout the entirety of ourCraft; Freemasonry is consciously designed to promote this type of learning and free-thinking. To paraphrase – what may seem so clear and obvious on the surfaceto the novitiate – isn’t. But are all the lessons that Masonry teaches hidden? Generally, but not exclusively. One might consider Masonic teachings to be analogous to a submarine in the open sea. Submarines generally travel below the surface of the waves and are hidden from view, but on occasion one appears on the surface – there it is! Its existence and purport are rarely obvious to the uninformed.Similarly, with Masonry, most of the concepts are not readily apparent but some that are communicated through the ritual are obvious to the candidate – right on the surface – and are designed to pique one’s interest in what may still be below.

Here is an example of hidden concepts. In the Entered Apprentice Degree, we learn that the Master of the Lodge sits in the East, but why? Is it symbolic of something deeper? Of course, it is and we must look past the instruction given us in the perfectness of our ritualistic content to determine the answer. Succeeding degrees offer additional clues, but they also give us more information that seeminglyobstructs the path to clarity. Those obstructions are what we must look beyond to interpret and, not so incidentally, are what makes Masonry unique to all other groups!

Now, one of the things I truly enjoy is relating Freemasonry’s teachings to Biblical teachings. The Bible, as well as Freemasonry, is a bastion of cryptic teachings with a discombobulating array of interconnected lessons. Jesus Christ was the master ofthis type of teaching, his parables being perfect examples. So, how do we get to those deeper more meaningful lessons that both the Bible and Freemasonry are portraying? I ran across the following illustration which I believe will help.

Before I get to that, we need to recognize a little bit about our brain functionality. Psychology 101 tells us that the brain has two sides (hemispheres), left side and right side. The left hemisphere, provides functions in the areas of analytic thought, logic, language, reasoning, science & math, among others. The right hemisphere functions include creativity, imagination, intuition, insight, holistic thought, to name a few. A portion of these functions namely grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy, of which Masons are familiar, make up the trivium and quadrivium and are pertinent to our topic.

“The trivium (grammar, rhetoric, logic) was always pursued first,” Dr. Jeffery Lehman of Hillsdale College says. “It’s commonly called the ‘Arts of the Word’ and focuses on different ways you can attend to words. Grammar is used in logic, which is used in rhetoric, for example. All of them move toward a proper presentation of the truth, which speaks to the mind and to the passions.”

In regard to the quadrivium (arithmetic, geometry, music, astronomy), Dr. Lehman continues, “Humans communicate with each other using words. Humans communicate with the natural order in numbers and in quantities. By discerning those natural relationships, we come to better understand the cosmos. It speaks to us, and we can talk to the greater universe.”

The trivium and quadrivium, both being left-brain functions, are prerequisites to transcending to the right brain realm – one must learn to walk before one can runand that ‘walking’ is what is presented to us in the first three degrees of Masonry.

Consider this – in the first degree of Masonry, we receive our initial instruction, our introduction into the system of Freemasonry, and we make an obligation on the weaker or left side of man as indicated in the lecture. This symbolizes that we are being introduced to the weaker side of our Masonic instruction (left brain realm) in which we begin our journey to higher thinking, which we probably don’t realize at the time. In the second degree we are introduced to left-brain concepts (trivium and quadrivium) that more obviously hint at the fact that there is much deeper meaning in that instruction – we are obligated with the right hand on the VSL in the FCdegree. And in the third degree, we are obligated with both hands on the VSL strongly symbolizing that we must transcend from the left brain concepts taught to us in the EA and FC degrees and that there are hidden right brain concepts in the MM degree that we must discover and experience if we are to truly realize and gain benefit from the ‘secrets’ of Masonry.

So, a basic concept, an exoteric concept, is perceived through the left hemisphere while a more abstract, deeper-meaning or esoteric concept can only be interpreted through using the functionality of the right hemisphere. 

Having said all that and bear with me here…

A popular gospel story about right brain function appears in the Gospel of John, when Christ appeared to his disciples after they had realized a failed fishing attempt in the Sea of Galilee. The story begins…

Simon Peter told them, ‘I am going out to fish’.

‘We will go with you’, they said. So, they went out, got in the boat but that night they caught nothing.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. (Note 1) He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

‘No’, they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” So, they cast it there and were unable to haul it in due to the great number of fish.

Taken literally, there is no reason for such a narrative to be included in the Gospel of John, unless you want to believe that Jesus had an uncanny knack for knowing where to catch fish. But there is a deep lesson in this simple story.

The disciples are disheartened after Jesus’ death (this story occurs after Jesus’ resurrection). They have lost their way, their faith is diminished and they have returned to their old habits, that is, allowing their left brain to dictate their actions. Left brain thinking – analysis, logic, reasoning – is not the way to higher consciousness. There is no love, as in their love for Jesus, no right brain realminvolved!

To clarify, Michael Schiavello, from his book Freemasonry’s Hidden Brain Sciencewrites, ‘It is not suggested that we do away with our left brain thought process. We need our left brain thinking to navigate through life. But the functions of the symbolic right brain hemisphere need to be tapped into for progression into the higher, spiritual realms.’

Jesus tells the disciples, who haven’t caught a fish all night, to go back in the water and cast their nets to the ‘right’. As soon as they do this, their nets become so full of fish they struggle to pull them into the boat. There it is – symbolism!

While fishing at night (darkness/symbolic of the carnal mind {Note 2}) the disciples catch nothing. Christ (wisdom/light/illumination) appears to them in the early morning (Sunrise/the East) and instructs them to cast to the right (change their thinking from their carnal mind to their spiritual mind). As soon as the disciples change their way of thinking and use their spirit instead of their logic, they catch a boat load of fish.

The disciples could only see the material world – the fish – and lost their way because they could only focus on the things they could see. We must move to that higher consciousness (Christ) to reap all the rewards of it. 

From the lecture of the Entered Apprentice degree we hear that the right hand has always been considered the seat of fidelity; another allusion to the ‘right’. One might define ‘fidelity’ as the state of being faithful. Being faithful to one’s mate or one’s political viewpoint, for example, is not in the material realm (left brain). We must then transcend from the left to the right brain, to the spiritual realm, to be a faithful human being by making use of that symbolic right hand.

For another example & directly related to the Craft as well – In the third degree of Masonry, King Solomon moves to his higher consciousness to raise the body of the GMHA through the aid of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Jesus Christ). The physical grips of the Entered Apprentice and Fellowcraft are in the left-brain realm. Solomon then resorts to prayer before making his decision as to the raising – he has moved to his right-brain realm. He then proceeds to raise the GMHA with his ‘right’ hand – Solomon is demonstrating his fidelity to the trust that was established between himself, HKT and the GMHA by using his right hand rather than his left – more symbolism!

The Bible has countless illustrations of the “right’ being a spiritual realm. Solomon himself wrote in Ecclesiastes, “The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of a fool to the left.” What he is relating in that statement is that the wise use their spirituality or right brain thinking to become wise. However, those that can’t get past the left-brain realm of materialism are foolish and will never dwell at the right hand of God, the Dextera Domini, the acquisition of spiritual immortality (Note 3).

There are many examples of this throughout our Masonic work as well – theexamples above are but a select few. One must turn to his own higher consciousness to achieve that transcendental state through which we can glean the true meaning of our Masonic teachings through Jesus Christ. In other words, get in your right mind!

To sum up the bigger picture, J. Alan Gatlin writes: “Masons carry a great responsibility to ourselves, our families, and the world, especially in times of confusion and struggle. As we come together in both action and thought we are able to instigate a positive influence on our lives and the world. Let us aspire to this noble calling and seek further light grounded in our traditions and challenged by the process of seeking that light for the benefit of all.”

We must therefore move to our spiritual side to make the most out of our Masonic experience and that will ensure that we properly pass on those lessons to our Masonic heirs as men have done from time immemorial.

Sources

John R. Heisner, Meditations on Masonic Symbolism, AME LLC, 2013

Schiavello, Michael, Freemasonry’s Hidden Brain Science, Lewis Masonic, 2019

https://www.hillsdale.edu/hillsdale-blog/academics/understanding-trivium-quadrivium/   date accessed 3/16/20

Holy Bible, John 21: 1-6, Ecclesiastes 21:2, New International Version

https://www.emeryhorvath.com/what-is-carnal-mindedness-and-why-is-it-deadly/ date accessed 3/12/20

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Right_hand_of_God        date accessed 3/16/20

Gatlin, J. Alan, Neuroscience and Masonry, oration, 2020, Novus Veteris Lodge #864, Oceanside, CA

As the representative of Solomon, King of Israel, the Presiding officer of a Council of Select Masters has the duty of reciting the secret tradition. There is nothing in the ritual of Cryptic Masonry that explicitly tells us what this secret tradition is, but there is much in the symbolism of the degrees and certain phrases and Scriptural readings in our ceremonies which hint at what it might be. Appropriately, these suggestions point at the secret tradition of Israel, of which King Solomon was undeniably a true Master. This tradition is known as the Kabbalah, and many Masonic scholars throughout the centuries have found it to be a likely source for many of the signs, emblems and symbols of the allegories and rituals of Freemasonry. It is in the Cryptic Degrees that I believe we can find relatively clear indications that point to the Kabbalah as the secret tradition from which our symbolism is drawn.

The Kabbalah
The Jewish mystical and contemplative tradition, as compiled in written works from the Late Middles Ages to the present, is generally known under the label “Kabbalah”, a Hebrew word literally meaning “Reception”, and connoting an unwritten tradition of wisdom that was – according to the legendary history – received at Mount Sinai by Moses to accompany the Written Law. This was particularly necessary after Moses broke the tablets of the original Law due to the incident of the Golden Calf, and returned with a second law, traditionally said to be in two parts: the Written Law, being the Ten Commandments and other rules and edicts of the Written Torah, and an Oral Law to be communicated to the worthy by a method known in Freemasonry as “mouth-to-ear”. This Oral Law is the key to the Written Law, and itself was comprised of several parts, including the keys to interpreting and applying the statutes of the Divine Law in everyday life (later formulated into the Talmud), and the secret tradition, which was the mystical secrets of God’s relationship to Man, the secrets of Creation, and included contemplative traditions such as the methods by which the worthy could achieve prophecy.
The so-called “Secret Tradition” of Judaism has undergone several manifestations over the millennia of the history of the Children of Israel. As has been noted, it has – like Freemasonry – a legendary history, and these legends have clearly informed Masonic tradition in a number of cases over the centuries. According to Jewish legend, the first transmissions of a secret tradition were given to Adam after his removal from the Garden of Eden, and took the form of instruction imparted to him by angels. Adam, in turn, passed this wisdom along to his descendents. This wisdom imparted to Adam & his descendents the gift of prophecy, and it was this Divine endowment that was passed along to, and preserved by, Noah and his sons through the Deluge. Through these, the tradition continued and was transmitted to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and – through Jacob’s Blessing – on to the Tribes of Israel.

Most notable of these was the tribe of Levi, which kept the study alive in the Captivity in Egypt, and from which tribe was born Moses and Aaron. From thence begins the Biblical narrative and the written accounts of the Prophets, Priests, Kings, and Scribes – and, ultimately, the Rabbis – of Israel. Many of these legendary elements of the transmission of the Jewish secret tradition (as well as of the knowledge of such arts and sciences as geometry, metalworking, music, and weaving) have many interesting parallels in early accounts of Masonic history and tradition, such as the Cooke manuscript and the Gothic Constitutions. Most interesting from a Masonic perspective, are the roles played by Enoch and Melchizedek in many accounts of both traditions.

Practical Parallels
While the legendary elements are worthy of some study in their own right, the purpose of this essay is to point out the practical parallels between Cryptic Masonry and the actual Secret Tradition of Israel. The Kabbalah is noted for two particular emblematic models which provide the structure for categorizing a broad spectrum of religious, mystical, and cosmological information. They are the Tetragrammaton and the Tree of Life (“Etz Chaim”, in Hebrew). The Tetragrammaton should be well known, at least in it’s form, to both York and Scottish Rite Masons, while the Tree of Life is overtly mentioned – as a informational model – only in some jurisdictions of the Scottish Rite. It is, however, the belief of many Masonic theorists that references to Tree of Life symbolism abound in the symbolism of many Masonic degrees, particularly in those of the York Rite bodies of the Craft Lodge, the Chapter, and the Council. This work will point out what I believe to be clear manifestations of this symbolism in the Cryptic Degrees of Royal Master and Select Master, with a foundation in the Chapter, or Capitular, degrees.

A brief introduction to the Tree of Life is in order here. In the Kabbalistic literature, this phrase is the title of a particular diagram of ten particular phases or steps, the Hebrew word for which can be alternately – or, more significantly, simultaneously – translated as “numbers”, “writings” or “utterances”. These ten realms of influence are the “Landmarks” as it were, of the various stages by which the Creator, by His own Will, gradually concealed and restricted His Infinite Perfection, thereby allowing the finite and imperfect (or, rather, not yet perfect) realm of human existence to come into being. The names of the ten levels are, in sequence, Kether (“Crown”), Chokhmah (“Wisdom”), Binah (“Understanding”), Chesed (“Kindness” or “Mercy”), Geburah or Din (“Strength” or “Justice”), Tiphareth (“Beauty” or “Harmony”), Netzach (“Victory”), Hod (“Glory”), Yesod (“Foundation”), and Malkuth (“Kingdom”). Earlier

Tree of Life diagram
descriptions of these stages describe them as flowingconsecutively, like links in a chain, or the connected chambers of a long palace. The Tree of Life diagram, however, shows them arrayed in thee columns, with three levels of spheres arranged on these three pillars, originating from a single unified Beginning and culminating in a manifest physical End. The three columns represent two extremes emerging from, and reconciling in, balance and harmony. The Right Pillar is the extreme of expansive, beneficent influences, while the Left Pillar is the extreme of restrictive, disciplining influences. The Middle Pillar is both the source from which these extreme emanate, and by which they achieve equilibrium. The three levels are those of Soul, representing the Divine spark (Crown) extending into a ray of light or abstract information (Wisdom) which is then subjected by the beholder to analysis (Understanding); Mind, wherein the analytical process is applied internally or mentally, producing thesis (Mercy) antithesis (Strength) and synthesis (Beauty); and Body where the analytical process is applied externally or physically, producing an action (Victory) a reaction (Glory) and a preliminary, working result (Foundation); with the tenth level of Kingdom representing the unified functional whole in final application. In a Masonic context, it is significant to note two points. The first is that the three Pillars of the Tree of Life are labeled according to the central triad, and are denoted the Pillar of Mercy on the right, the Pillar of Strength or Justice on the left, and the Pillar of Beauty in the center – attributions that should be reminiscent of the initial lesson of the Select Master ceremony in which a single act enforces Justice on one Companion and extends Mercy to another, and which with one simple modification (naming the right pillar after its topmost stage), become the three Masonic Columns of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. The second point is that the three Pillars multiplied by three levels is a particularly interesting manifestation of the phrase “Three Times Three”, with the Tree of Life diagram and its lower, middle, and upper triangles corresponding very closely to the tree triangles formed when Raising the Royal Arch (and the tenth & final level would be the Grand Omnific Word spoken under this arch). As these realms are considered to manifest on multiple levels, including within every human being, the three Grand Masters forming the Royal Arch – who would certainly embody the perfection of these states or stages – would be a further multiplication by three, producing the number twenty-seven.
The Tree of Life and all its significance within and without Masonry is a fruitful and recommended course of study for a Speculative Mason, and there are many sources available to pursue this study further. For the present, I hope I have sufficiently demonstrated that there certainly are very real and interesting parallels between Kabbalistic and Masonic symbolism, and these serve as a sound basis for a possible explanation of certain forms and ceremonies of the Cryptic Council. I will now return to my speculations.

Masonry is built on  three tenants that have driven our fraternity; brotherly love, relief, and truth. This last principal, truth, allows us to seek wisdom in a world filled with deception and falsehood. We are also reminded to be “free thinking men” where the truth we seek becomes the backstop of our being. We are not to accept just what we are told, but make the effort to confirm for ourselves the “truth and light” of the information we receive. This can be a difficult challenge when it places us in conflict with that which is commonly accepted. But, this also separates us from other groups in that we can and should be those who make inquiry and present the results of independent thought to the appropriate audience.

The pursuit of free thinking is a result of accessing and expanding upon the very foundation of what we refer to as neuroscience. This relative new scientific exploration of how the brain processes and understands information continues to be one of the more significant research efforts underway today. Of these areas, innovation and creativity are closely related and make use of those structures associated with the right side of the human brain, however we have come to understand that there is an integration of various aspects of both hemispheres of the brain involved. The two principals, innovation and creativity, are subtle keys to the application and understanding of truth for the Mason. While we may not intentionally seek to discover a new “truth” hidden in the ritual, the process of closely examining our rituals itself, is the beginning of the process to open new applications and meanings. 

The neuroscience literature sets out the processes involved in the process of “creativity”primarily located in the angular and lingual gyrus regions of the brain. These activities include;preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification. Fostering these capacities requires an understanding of divergent thinking, novelty seeking, and suppression of latent inhibition.(Pillay, 2011) While these are technical terms concerning how we can understands information, they also represent a logical approach to how we can better view our Masonic ritual and traditions. 

Preparation as in an immersion in our rituals and traditions is the first and important step to beginning this process of gaining more “Light in Masonry”. We examine, practice, and study to prepare ourselves for that next step, incubation. Contemplation and meditation on the area(s)of interest is paramount to open the imagination and allow the associations of our prior experience and knowledge to come forward. The connection between the right and left hemispheres of the brain is known as the corpus callosum and is a significant influence in this aspect of imagination. It appears that it is not the number of connections but the quality of those connections between hemispheres of the brain that relate to creativity and imagination. This is also known as divergent thinking, the ability to “see” multiple applications/solutions to a given question. (Pillay, 2011) Illumination is that aspect where we seek truth beyond ourselves. No great and noble undertaking should be made with seeking guidance from our higher power. The evoking of this divine assistance is a key for Masons as we seek to uncover and reveal the practical application of what we are beginning to or desire to understand. This is another key concept. Knowledge outside of application is not wisdom. We should seek to understand and apply what we learn to be betterment of our fraternity and world around us. This leads us to the last aspect, verification. An organized and well thought out presentation should be made to trusted and wise brethren for their analysis and contemplation. We do not work in isolation in any area but draw our strength from our brothers and their wisdom. This is also a protection to both the fraternity and ourselves. While we may believe we have made a significant finding, this must be tested and examined by others capable of examining these findings. The concept of novelty seeking is a concept where the hippocampus, the center of emotion, is active and can lead to mental associations and assumptions that may not truly be present when subjected to a closer study. It is easy to become emotionally invested in a concept or thought to the point where objectivity is lost. Another litmus test is the impact on others, are they benefited by the results? If not then further consideration should be given. 

Consideration should also be given to suppression of latent inhibition. Here we find that there is significant influence and prejudice to not find new or innovative applications. There is a strong tendency to not innovate and utilize the familiar actions and beliefs which must be carefully balanced with need to learn and grow in light. Fear is a powerful emotion that can drive or limit depending on how applied. Balancing these two drives shows the need for careful restraint and driving new thought.

Masons carry a great responsibility to ourselves, our families, and the world, especially in times of confusion and struggle. As we come together in both action and thought we are able to instigate a positive influence on our lives and the world. Let us aspire to this noble calling and seek further light grounded in our traditions and challenged by the process of seeking that lightfor the benefit of all.

References

Pillay, S. S. (2011). Your Brain and Business: The Neuroscience of Great Leaders. Pearson Education.

Mark A. Nielsen, PM

4 years in Reflection….

The below short talk was originally written in an effort to remain relevant at a time when a fundamental change was necessary for the survival of masonic lodge in which I was a member of for roughly 10 years and a pillar of at the time. It was one of my first forrays into masonic education which I vowed to provide at every Stated Meeting starting in roughly 2015. Some called me trailblazer and others accused me of challenging tradition, authority, and the very fabric that held masonry together in North County San Diego. I guess they weren’t wrong! 

My intention was always to keep Masonry and Brothers thriving and inspired wherever I possibly could. I never would have thought that this short talk, or at least the drive behind it, would cause so much discussion, turmoil, reflection, understanding, and ultimately, change – for the better. There were so many directions this particular short talk could have been taken to continue down the path of further light in Masonry. I certainly learned that a simple idea – along with a little bit of digging in your heals and a conviction of your principles – is the perfect launchpad for positive change. 

Continue reading “Digital Series #2 – Apron with a Blue Ribbon Border”

Good evening my brothers. While the majority of us are now in isolation and unable to meet. It dawned on me that we should get together digitally and share knowledge/light. So with the first in our series please enjoy a paper by Wor. M.D. a past master in Southern California. -Matt McColm, Master NV864

“Give me the secrets of a master mason” – A case for Sacred Geometry and the evolution of the Soul

Many in the fraternity have heard the almost universal complaint that, “there must be something more” to masonry than the repetition of the Blue Lodge ritual degree work and the reading of the minutes at a stated meeting. Some of us have even had the feeling that the “Work” is being parroted and performed in almost drone-like fashion. Rather than a criticism of the sincere efforts made by brethren to instill and to inculcate the spirit of masonry and its revered degrees to new men, it is more of an observation that I have made on many occasions.

Continue reading “Digital Series #1 – Give me the Secrets of a Master Mason!”

I would like to thank Bro. A.G for a wonderful presentation and conversation at our stated meeting for February. It was inspiring and hit home for a lot of the brothers! For those who were unable to attend – please review the slide attached to this posting.

Matt McColm

Master, NV 864

NV 864 Presentation Feb 22 2020

Short Talk, October 12, 2019
Brother Alan Gatlin, Lodge Historian

One of the recurring topics seen in society, through the news, social media, and life experience is the apparent increased occurrences of anger and the associated behaviors that follow. As Men and Masons, we are called to be different and present an image that not only affects our lives but impacts the lives of others. If we view the emotion of anger as a passionate response that evolves into hate given the situation or events in life, we are faced with how best to address this cycle that only has a destructive outcome. With Masonry we are presented with a model that can help us in being a “better man” that we all seek and are admonished to become.

First, it is important to understand that anger is often first expressed as an emotional response to an event, individual, or situation. As an isolated occurrence that emotion is not, by its nature uniquely destructive if it becomes a catalyst of change. Seeing an injustice that we then address; it can be said that we are motivated to that change by the strong feelings experienced. However, the turn comes when the emotion becomes a response that is more directed to an individual or people than an internal element for us to act to correct. Seeing a mistreatment of a person or people can lead us to action or become a reaction to prejudice that becomes an automatic response. We are not only called to be different but to indeed be different, overcoming these cultural and often deep-seeded responses that occur without thought.

How do we then “change” when we come to the realization that a behavior or action is not what we see as consistent with our Masonic virtues? Let us then re-examine the 1^st Degree for an approach and insight that we can use.

Pillars are an important part of Masonic traditions and represent not only columns adorned within Greek and Roman traditions that supply structural support to buildings but also represent Masonic ideals inculcated in the positions of the Junior (JW) and Senior Wardens (SW) along with the Master of the Lodge. Each of these “pillars” represent ideals and values that can give us guidance as to our actions and behaviors. When the candidate is first presented to each pillar a question is asked the question “Who Comes Here”? The response is of one who desires change “A poor, blind candidate who desires to move from Darkness to Light…” gives us the clue we need. What attribute is represented by the Junior Warden?

The JW is associated with Beauty and the planet Mercury, the great communicator. One can compare their actions and feeling against this standard, beauty. Are you bringing Beauty to the world in your feelings and actions? If not, the opposite is also being communicated to those around you and is a call to change.

The SW is associated with Strength and the Moon.  While the moon is often represented as feminine in characteristic, the strength of emotion is undeniable and must be appropriately channeled. What message are you communicating with your emotions? Is this the way you want to feel and be? If not then it is time to re-assess your actions to change your behavior which in turn, will change your feelings!

The Master of the Lodge is Wisdom and associated with the Sun. While he “reflects” the Light from the Volume of the Sacred Law, he stands as an example of our best actions and deeds. How do our actions and feelings “appear” before the cleansing and healing element of Light? This is the final call to action and change. We have the Volume of the Sacred Law to guide us and light the path at our feet in association with the beauty and strength to move forward.

While we began this short lecture with a focus on anger, any strong emotion and resulting behavior is available for us to use this approach to making the changes in our lives to become better men and Masons. Be vigilant and look with an objective eye to our actions, deeds, and words to ourselves and others. Change and improvement is up to each of us as we move through this life.

Why is the study of our symbology important? Unless our candidates and we ourselves find value in our “work” we will not be relevant in today’s society and we will become unable to affect change. This is an issue that Pike discussed and continues to be relevant today.  Let us strive together to explore our symbology and press for the higher good that we can be for ourselves and others.

King Solomon’s Lodge – Astrological and Esoteric Symbols

Ancient Masonry / Elbert Benjamin aka C.C. Zain 

Based on Richardson’s Monitor of Freemasonry, 1860

Slide-Solomon’s Temple

The foundation stones in modern masonry are not only the principals of Faith, Hope and Charity, but also the use of the craft to re-build the initiate into a more compassionate, understanding and giving man. Using a euphemism often heard about masonry, we call it the art of “Making Good Men Better”. I like to refer to masonry as “A Finishing School for Men”.

 But deeper still is the art of re-forming and re-molding a man’s soul, the “Enlightenment” of his Spirit and the practice of those qualities that bring a man closer to humanity and Deity. In our fraternity the ultimate symbol we use to exemplify this is the Temple of King Solomon. Today we are going to see some explanations of our ancient symbols that, to my experience are seldom discussed.

Original Masons

Who were the original masons? Starting with Sumerians in the Euphrates river valley, followed by the Semites and then their fusion into the Chaldeans we have had come down to us the word “igma” meaning wise or holy. The word “igma” transformed and became “mag”, coming from the Assyrian branch of the language of these peoples. Eventually this transformed yet again into the more easily recognizable name of “Magi”. Consequently this is where we get the words, Magic, Imagination and Mason. 

Slide-Magi-Sufi

These Magi of the East were considered Wise-Men, but they were mental and spiritual builders, not builders of physical things. So that when they built “there was not heard the sound of ax, hammer or any tool of iron in the house”. Their labor was wrought in imagery of thought or what we call “imagination”, coming from the same root word that the word “mason” comes from. The original Masons were Magi of Egypt and Chaldea and were the “Magicians” or “Wise-Men” as their named implied. 

You will notice that I used a slide of Sufis, who are Islamic mystics. My studies have led me to believe that the Sufis are the inheritors of the ancient Magi traditions.

 

Slide-King Solomon’s Temple

For our purposes in masonry, we use a representation of King Solomon’s Temple to exemplify the physical and spiritual bodies of man. “Masonic Tradition” informs us that Masonic Brethren labored in the erection of this temple, and that during its building there was not heard the sound of ax, hammer or any tool of iron. I don’t believe that the metaphor is lost on any of us. We may surmise that the temple they built was a temple of the mind and spirit.

Slide-GMKS Temple

We could argue about the physical existence of Solomon’s temple, but I don’t believe any of us thinks for one minute that masons are building an actual temple when we enter into a Masonic lodge. I think we can all agree that we are using the metaphorical King Solomon’s Temple as a framework whereby we are constructing a new man on top of our old selves.

To that point, I am going to demonstrate how our Masonic King Solomon’s Temple is an actual physical and metaphysical framework upon which we build ourselves into better men and more spiritually actualized men.

The name Solomon can be understood as a compound word with multiple layers and meanings. “Sol” is the Latin name for the Greek sun god Phoebus, “Om” is the Hindu name for Deity, and “On” is, according to Old Testament translations, the name of an ancient Egyptian city, where the Egyptians worshiped “Atum” and “Ra”, their Sun Gods, later named Heliopolis by the Greeks after Alexander and Ptolemy conquered Egypt. It may seem a bit of a stretch, but when put altogether we get “Sol-Om-On who is the “Grand Master” in our masonic ritual and a fitting representation of the “Sun” or “Sol”. 

Slide-Solomon

Our Masonic Temple is described as a mansion of the sun, a representation of our Solar system, our physical and spiritual bodies and a representation of the universe as represented as a microcosm.

 It is also a roadmap showing the path of initiation, from the basest of men to the most enlightened. The Ancient Masons used their collective observations of nature to instruct other men on how to elevate or “Raise” themselves above the other lower life forms.

The ancient “Magi” or “Masons” did exactly this when they chose to use a sacred space like a temple as the foundation to building better men. They used a structure that exactly imitated nature and also revealed the underlying framework that all of nature is built on, and in so doing revealed the nature of that creation and the foundation of the original and true religion.

Slide- “As Above, So Below”

“As Above, So Below” 

The meaning of religion; religio can be separated as (re) = to go back, and (ligio) or  (ligature) = to tie -to connect, or to bind. Thus religio or religion is to tie back or to reconnect. So religion ties us back to our roots, and the Ancient “Masons” or “Magi” used religion to bring man back to his roots or foundations. Those foundations were in the very stars that birthed all life. Therefore the original and true religion was the “Religion of the Stars”.

Ancient man learned through simple observation that day followed night and after many successions these days became seasons. This taught them the best times to hunt, fish and plant. Because of this they naturally became observers of time and keen astronomers. The most adept of these men became the “Watchers of Horus” or the watchers of hours. They became the initiates of the mysteries and the priests, the Ancient “Masons” and “Magi”. 

Slide – Astrological Man

By using observations that covered immense frames of time these Ancient “Masons” or “Magi” began to detect and ascertain patterns in people and circumstances in the world which correlated to different celestial combinations in the heavens. These celestial patterns seemed to have some influence and impact on people and circumstances.  Even if the evidence was only circumstantial and coincidental, it was none the less apparent.

This system of “observation” then evolved into the “Sacred Science of Astrology”.

It was by this methodology that the Ancient “Masons”, the “Magi” began to ascribe details and influences to different parts of the canopy of heaven to their counterparts on earth. This was the work of building the “Temple of the Sun”, “that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens”. 

Slide-Zodiac

In doing this they described the heavens in terms they easily recognized and understood and they used animals, from which we derived the word Zodiac, and objects they understood to describe the constellations and their correspondences to every aspect of life on earth and in our bodies.

 By this process they were able to identify every part of man and man’s life and ascribe it to a part of the heavens and the constellations. So when they built their temples they were copies of themselves and the observable universe that they understood. Every part connected and corresponded to every other part. 

Slide – “As Above, So Below”

 So the Temple of Solomon that we have inherited is the same temple that the Ancient “Masons” or “Magi” constructed, and it is an exact copy of the observable universe and our bodies. 

The Temple of Solomon is a perfect design and reveals the Will of Deity. Through thorough observation and understanding we can apply the lessons taught and discern that Divine Will and apply it to our lives, to better ourselves and better serve others. We practice the Religion of the Stars when we practice the Masonic lessons taught to us by the Grand Master of King Solomon’s Temple.

Quote from C.C. Zain

“To the mind of the Ancient Mason, the physical sun, the center of our system, from which the earth receives the requisite grade of force necessary of every terrestrial manifestation of power, organic and inorganic, vital and physical; was but the emblem of the Spiritual Sun, which exerts the degree of celestial energy, which in matter becomes occult force, and in man becomes Will and Mental Power.”

Slide – The Two Pillars

The Two Pillars:

Describe Polarity / The One Great Law of the Universe. This One Law manifests as centripetal and centrifugal forces/Repulsion and Attraction/Spirit and Matter

Right Pillar is called Jachin: He that Strengthens/ the Royal Sun returning from the Southern Declination and rising above the eastern horizon which brings renewed strength after winter/ which is the Male Influence.

The Left Pillar is called Boaz: Source of Strength/ It represents the passive and inert North. It is the Left Side of the Gateway of the Rising Sun which attracts the sun northward, while feminine in nature by its attractive power.

The Ever-Active Masculine, Jachin seeking that source of Strength becomes the Strengthener.

The Ancient “Masons” and “Magi” used the obvious when ascribing male attributes to the Sun and feminine attributes as the Moon, as Solar worship has always had sex worship intertwined within it precepts. This was done in recognition of the most sacred of deific attributes, the power of Life, the Creative Ability. The Sun is the source of all power and the Moon is the Mother of Manifestation.

Boaz in our ritual signifies “Strength” and Jachin signifies “to Establish”. 

Slide – The Plumb

The Masculine Symbol/ the Plumb/ Electric:

Embodying the representation of the Sun exerting its greatest power vertically, the Plumb is the symbol of the masculine principle in nature. Abbreviated it is the Vertical Line. The Plumb is the Jewel of the Junior Warden, who stands in the South, which represents the “Sun at Meridian Height”.

Slide – The Level

The Feminine Symbol/ the Level/ Magnetic:

The Horizontal is said to represent the passive, negative or inert principal. The Level is the symbol that embodies this and can also be represented as the Horizontal Line. The Level is the Jewel of the Senior Warden, who stands in the West, where the “Sun sets at the close of Day”.

Slide – The Cross

The Symbol of Union/ The Cross /Earth:

The Earth is the considered the Womb of Nature, the point where the electric rays of the Sun meet and are embraced by the magnetic rays of the Moon and this is represented by the Cross. In the Lodge this place would be represented by the Altar, where the Book of Law is placed and where the obligations are taken.

Slide – Symbols Combined

All of these symbols combined:

The basic symbols of the vertical line, the horizontal line, the cross, sun and the moon embodies all of the mundane and esoteric symbols needed to exemplify a vast array of celestial influences imparted on the world, man and all of earth’s creatures. 

Slide – Astrological Square

Astrological Significance of the Square:

The angles which the rays of the Sun, Moon and Planets meet the Earth were found to have an influence upon life and mundane affairs. In astrological calculations it is necessary to take and make measurements. The most basic is “Declination” which is a measure of an angle in respect to the plane of the Ecliptic, giving “Celestial Latitudes”.

The other important measurement is that of the angles of Longitude or “Aspects” of the Planets from one another. The Ancient “Masons” or “Magi” used Euclid’s Square to make these measurements, because it is used to calculate angles in 1 plane of geometry.

Slide – The Square

“The Square being an instrument suited to the measurement of plane surfaces embodies the idea of a Vertical Line, or Positive Force, meeting a Horizontal Line, or Negative Force at an angle which is measured in a single plane.” C.C. Zain

Squares in Astrology signify forces in conflict to one another; typically this is interpreted as male in influence. Thus the Square represents a male force.

Slide – Astrological Compass

Astrological Significance of the Compass:

To trace curved orbits of planets and their “Inclination” to one another we use the Compass. Due to the fact that the Sun, Moon and the planets travel (as observed from Earth) along different paths along the Celestial Equator this creates what is termed a “Declination” from one another.

“…the Compass, being an instrument used to draw circles, embodies the idea of a Male force meeting a Female force at an angle, this angle being measured in different planes. The “Right” leg of the compass indicates a Male force and the “Left” leg indicates a Female force. Thus, when the compass is seen with the right leg superimposed at their juncture, it indicates masculine supremacy; while when the left leg is uppermost, the feminine principle is shown to be dominant.” C.C. Zain

Slide – Different Representations of the Square and Compass

Different Representations of the Square and Compass:

As a result of the ever changing aspects and angles of the planets, the Sun and the Moon, the vertical rays of these bodies form spiral paths upon the surface of the Earth. The celestial bodies coming together in different combinations and angles, creates lines of force that impact the planet and its inhabitants. The Ancient Magi began to understand this and secreted this knowledge away in their rituals and through the ages some of this knowledge has found its way into our modern lodges, but to find it takes diligent search and questioning.  

 

Slide – Spiral

The word ‘Spiral” and the word “Spirit” derived from the Latin word “Spira” meaning, to breath. 

“From the spiral motion of the orbs, which, as I have previously indicated, causes the succession of the seasons and the various results which follow, comes forth all terrestrial life manifestations.” C.C. Zain

Slide – 3rd Arcanum – Gimel

“In Ancient Masonry this union (the Square and Compass) of zodiacal motion and the declination was symbolized by the union of the compass and the square. Additionally to indicate the germination of physical life generated by this motion there was added another symbol, the “S”, the symbol of the serpent which typified the generative act. Later the 3rd letter of the Hebrew alphabet was used, Gimel. It is the hieroglyph for the zodiacal sign Libra, the Scales. It symbolic meaning is exemplified in the 3rd Arcanum of the Egyptian Tarot and is represented by a pregnant woman.” C.C. Zain

Slide – Orphic Egg – Gimel

Slide – Squares & Compasses

The Square placed below the Compass is typical of purely physical union of sexes. In astrology inharmonious aspects all constitute a portion the square or 90 degrees. – Semisquare (45) – Square (90) – Sesquisquare (135) and Double Square or Opposition (180). The right Angle is a symbol of discord and strife. In Masonry this typifies the Entered Apprentice Degree.

“The Compass placed above the Square is typical of the higher union of souls in which reciprocal love is the chief factor, and which thought of gain form no part.” C.C. Zain

In Masonry this typifies the Master Mason Degree.

The male and female arms of the Compass should make an angle of 60 degrees. In astrology this is referred to as a “Sextile” (*). The “Sextile” is used to denote harmony and joy and the benefic aspects related to it are the Semisextile (30) – Sextile (*, 60) – Double Sextile or Trine (120).

 

Slide – Footprint of King Solomon’s Temple

The Footprint of King Solomon’s Temple and Key to the 32 Degrees of Masonry:

12 Zodiacal Signs are equivalent to 12 letters of the divine alphabet. They are the consonants used in the language of the stars. The 10 planets are the equivalent to the vowels. In addition the ancients ascribed numeric value to characters of the alphabet, so they held that 10 completed one whole cycle. This gave the Ancient Masons 32 kinds of material to work with in determining astrological influences. All of these symbols were determined to have specific natures and qualities and so also had terrestrial correspondences. The emblems that were chosen to express these qualities and correspondences were not chosen arbitrarily, but every care was taken to so that they may be expressed in a simple notation. The symbols chosen were designed to clearly express the import of the individuality and the influence of each heavenly orb.

Slide – Planets

Each of these symbols holds different keys to the mundane and the esoteric and have a relation to the here and now and the hereafter with regard to the development of the soul. Our ancient brethren used these symbols to mark important developments in human character and the attainment of immortality. Today we call them astrological symbols and for the most part their true meaning has been disregarded out of ignorance or perverted for gain, so that the true essence of their import has been lost to only a few. 

Slide- Planets – Modern Symbols

Slides – Planets – Hermetic Symbols

Slide – Modern & Hermetic Planets

The hopes of the Ancient “Masons” and “Magi” were that because of the universality of the symbols they used, they would be able to be understood by the astute observer of nature in any age, even if the collapse of civilizations should over take the original craftsmen. So the study of Ancient Masonry becomes a study of symbols. 

The symbol of the crescent symbolizes the soul, the cross signifies matter and the circle signifies spirit. By the various arrangements of these symbols we can be discerned the character of the planetary signs. Further, by knowing in which signs they reside, the houses where they fall, and the aspects they have to one another, we can begin to measure and observe their influence in the various areas of life where they impinge.

 

Slide – Hermes

Masons are told over and over that craft is full of symbols and that each of us is given to our own interpretation. I have argued that this is a disservice to our newly initiated brothers. It becomes incumbent on those of us who study more deeply to guide and mentor our brothers, so that they may gain a better understanding of the themselves, the craft and the debt they owe to the Great Architect for development of their own spirits, and to our Ancient Brethren who worked so hard under the burden of ignorance from their peers and under the pain of persecution and death to bring this knowledge to us.

Once a clear foundation is established and the principals are learned there is no fate that cannot be governed through proper observation and preparation. We are the Masters of our own Fates, if we use the tools and take responsibility for our own spiritual development.

Slide – The Two Keys of Knowledge: The Gold and Silver Keys:

“Occultism is the science of hidden forces, and the art of subjecting such forces to human control.” C.C. Zain

King Solomon’s Temple has two sets of doors; the outer doors and a second set of two doors that lead to its oracle. The door on the right is only opened with the Gold Key. The door on the left is opened by the Silver Key. These keys when turned right to left in the outer doors must be turned left to right to unlock the inner doors to the oracle.

Astronomy is the “Written Law” and the “Golden Key”, which is Astrology, is the key used to interpret the “Written Law”. The “Golden Key” unlocks the door of positive knowledge in King Solomon’s Temple.

The “Oral Law” was formulated by the Ancient “Masons” and “Magi”, and constructed in such a manner that it is incomprehensible to the vulgar and uninitiated. The “Silver Key” to the “Oral Law” is the Sacred Tarot, or Book of Thoth.

The “Golden Key” and the “Silver Key” have a duplicate correspondence, albeit one has a masculine and positive force, while the other has a female and passive force.

 “At the death of Moses the sun was eclipsed and the Written Law lost its splendor, and at the death of David the moon diminished and the Oral Law was tarnished.” Zohar

 

Slide – Tarot – The Royal Path

In addition to the hieroglyphs and symbols used to display the signs, planets and numbers there was an esoteric interpretation developed and these were engraved on separate tablets. In ancient Egypt these 32 tablets were called the Royal Path of Life, from “Tar” meaning the “Path” and “Ro” meaning “Royal”. What we today call the “Tarot”. 

 “Each of these tablets relates to a distinct potency of the human soul, and to one of the essential steps that the neophyte must take to reach the climax of human possibilities and become and exalted adept, heir of the Angels, who may realize while yet in the flesh his “Self-Conscious Immortality”.” C.C. Zain

Slide – 1st Degree Esoterica:

Entered Apprentice and the Planets:

The ground floor of the Grand Master King Solomon’s Lodge is actually a depiction of the earth taken from an astrological perspective, with King Sol in the sky above and the walls of heaven coming down on all sides to meet the visible horizon.

 The lodge room is situated facing due east and west and the north is always considered to be in shadow. All of the mundane houses of an astrological chart are represented and so too are the celestial globes.

When opening a Lodge of Entered Apprentices there must be present a Past Master and at least six apprentices. Each apprentice is an officer and each of them represents a planet and the influences that they impart.

Slide – Primary Celestial Symbols:

The Sun: Drawn as the circle circumscribing the dot. Symbolizes the vital, creative and positive attributes in nature, and its vibrations are electric and rule the vital force in man. It is the Father of all in the solar system.

The Moon: Drawn as the Crescent. Its energy nourishes and is reflective of the Sun’s energy and it rules the magnetic currents in life. It represents the formative attributes of the astral world. The moon gives form to all life and she is considered the Mother of all manifestation within the solar system.

The Earth: Drawn as the Cross circumscribed by the Circle. It is the place where active forces meet and cross one another. It is negative and mediumistic, and has no power of its own. It is the matrix where the other forces develop. It is the place where electric and Magnetic forces meet at cross purposes and this is signified by abrupt angles, discord and inertia.

The disc of the Sun is the symbol of Spirit, the Crescent the symbol of the Soul, and the Cross is the symbol of the Body. In astrology the Sun rules Individuality, the Moon rules Mentality and the Ascendant rules the Personality.

Slide – Officers and Planets: Saturn – Treasurer

The Treasurer symbolizes by the planet Saturn, which is symbolized by the Crescent surmounted by the Cross of Matter. This signifies that emotions and aspirations are subservient to material and self-centered ambitions.

 Saturn is connected to coldness and contraction and concreteness. He typifies the Blue Ray of the solar spectrum and rules over the bones, teeth and the spleen in the human body.

Saturn is well placed in the northeast of the Lodge in a place of coldness, misery and death. The treasurer and the physical body correspond to Saturn and is said represent man’s material form.

Slide – Jupiter – Secretary

The Secretary symbolizes the Cross of matter surmounted by the Crescent of the Soul, which is the reverse of the symbol of Saturn. Jupiter expresses warmth, noble aspirations, generosity and good will toward all. He is representative of the Purple Ray of the solar spectrum and rules over the liver and the arterial system of the body.

Jupiter corresponds well to the etheric body and so corresponds to the Secretary of the lodge who sits to the left of the Master (Southeast) near his warmth and radiance.

Slide – Venus – Junior Deacon

The Junior Deacon symbolizes the planet Venus and is depicted by the Circle of Spirit surmounting the Cross of Matter. Venus is indicative of grace, blind love, art and beauty in all its forms. She is mirthful and pleasure seeking and because reason is absent she exhibits little moral power.

Venus typifies the Yellow Ray of the solar spectrum and rules over the internal sex functions and the venus system in the body. As the Sun/Sol is in the East and exemplifies male energy, Venus sits in the south (benefic) and west (feminine) of the lodge and she corresponds to man’s astral form.

 

Slide – Mars – Senior Deacon

The Senior Deacon symbolizes the planet Mars and is drawn in reverse of the symbol of Venus, with the Circle of Spirit surmounted by the Cross of Matter. His is driven by passion, force, destruction and is emblematic of war.

Mars is representative of the Red Ray of the solar spectrum and rules over the muscles and external sexual organs. He can be cruel, selfish and coarse and he corresponds to man’s animal soul.

Mars is positive and malefic and he sits in the east and the north of lodge. Mars/Senior Deacon is not as far north as the Treasurer and is recognized as less malefic than Saturn/Treasurer.

Slide – Mercury – Junior Warden

The Junior Warden symbolizes the planet Mercury and is drawn with the Crescent of the Soul surmounting the Circle of Spirit and this is surmounting the Cross of Matter. This indicates that soul and spirit have triumphed over sensation. Mercury natives are studious, conversant, and seekers of knowledge. He is the messenger of the gods.

Mercury expresses the Violet Ray of the solar spectrum and rules over the tongue, brain and the nervous system of the human body. The spiritual body is ruled by Mercury.

Mercury/Junior Warden represents the convertibility of sex and he sits midway between the East (male) and the West (female) and displays a benefic disposition.

In masonry he is exemplified by Hiram Abiff, the Chief Architect of the Work.

Slide – Moon – Senior Warden

The Senior Warden symbolizes the Moon and is drawn in the shape of the Crescent. It signifies the dominance of the emotional, plastic and enfolding qualities and she clothes the ideals of her more positive lord, the Sun. 

She is the mould of all that is, ever was, ever will be and expresses the formative powers of the astral world. Luna is the goddess Isis.

The Moon expresses the Green Ray of the solar spectrum and rules over the breasts, stomach and fluidic systems in the human body.

The Moon/Senior Warden corresponds to the divine soul of man’s multiple constitution. The West is where this potent feminine energy sits opposing the Master’s male energy in the West. 

In masonry he is exemplified by Hiram, King of Tyre, who supported the Most Excellent King Solomon with masons and materials, and paid their wages if any be due.

Slide – Sun – Worshipful Master

The Worshipful Master is symbolized by the Sun and is drawn in the shape of the Circle of Spirit, which has a dot in the Center of the disc. The Dot in the center of the Circle of Spirit denotes the limitless possibilities and powers.

Remember, “from a point to a line, from line to a superfice, and from a superfice to a solid.”

The Sun is the Father of all life, the controlling potency and source of all energy in the solar system. He is proud, majestic, combative, self-confident, magnanimous, kind and benign. The Sun is the Egyptian Osiris.

The sun corresponds to the Orange Ray of the solar spectrum and rules over the heart of man. The Sun/Worshipful Master corresponds to the ego in man’s hermetic constitution. Being seated in the East he is the Great Benefic Force.

In masonry he is exemplified as the most Excellent King Solomon, the son of King David, who fulfilled the promise made by God to David that the Holy House would be built.

Slide – The Cross – The Candidate

The Candidate is symbolized by the Cross within the Circle and represents the entity/place where the forces of the Seven Planets/Officers are imparted. 

The initiate enters the lodge for instruction and under the influence and tutelage of the Planets/Officers is exposed to the experiences whereby he can raise his energy to create the “Perfected Man” and begin to build his Spiritual Body.

Slide – Why 7 Brothers?

Why 7 Must Be Present to Open an Apprentice Lodge:

“The lodge room being a ground plan of Solomon’s Temple indicates the material plane where all receive their first human initiation – where they encounter the tests and trials of everyday life.” C.C. Zain

“Man being a sevenfold creature, being incomplete and incompetent when any part of the seven are absent, so the lodge room, typifying man on the physical plane also is incomplete and incompetent unless the seven officers are all present.” C.C. Zain

To be capable of success in developing his Spiritual Body, the man/initiate shall be possessed of his seven constituent factors (spiritual factors), just as he needs all of his physical organs to successfully function on the physical plane.

Slide – The Charter

To open a Lodge of Entered Apprentices the Lodge must possess a charter or warrant from the Grand Lodge. 

“Man, therefore as a copy of the Apprentice Lodge with its seven members, also must act under a warrant, or charter, from the Grand Lodge of the Solar System. The warrant, or “Chart of Birth”, is a map of the soul’s need for expression, and outlines unerringly the course it should follow. The “Chart(er)” indicates just the work the candidate must perform to make progress and receive initiation within the Lodge of Life.

It is only when man becomes familiar with the  his chart and conforms his life and efforts to its mandates that he is able to escape the disapproval, and the consequent pain and suffering, from the Grand Stellar Lodge. It is only when he conforms his life to the music of the spheres as sounded at his birth, and either avoids the discords then sounded, or transmutes them into harmonies, that he lives to his best and reaches the highest degree of soul intuition.” C.C. Zain

 

The Core Teachings of Ancient Masonry Belie their Antiquity:

Reading and understanding of ancient history and archeology indicate that many of the fundamentals of the Craft originated from an even more remote past and was transplanted in several places and dispersed over many thousands of years. There are just too many coincidences spread out over many cultures that indicate an ancient forerunner. Regardless of epoch or place on the planet the fundamentals of Ancient Masonry have been spread all over the globe. 

At the foundation are these common indicators. The principal and chief tenets of these spiritual doctrines where embodied in huge monuments of stone. More details of the spiritual wisdom were set forth in those symbolical pictographs which we call constellations. Deeper explanations were passed to us in tracings on plates that came down to us through Egypt in Egyptian Tarot. Many of the ancient doctrines were passed to us through the allegorical stories in the various myths, sacred books and texts from all over the world and many of these were preserved in the ritual and symbolism of Masonry.

The explanations traced on the tarot cards and in the constellations sets forth how the signs and planets influence human life and destiny. They give practical instruction in a wide variety of matters, and place emphasis on things different than those given most attention in Masonry.

Foundational in the ancient teachings is the assurance of a life here-after and the instructions which give great details on building a spiritual form for happy and successful survival on the higher planes of existence.

Throughout our ritual there is a persistent emphasis on love and the domestic relation as the instruments through which the highest, noblest and most spiritual qualities possible to mankind can be developed; qualities that build the spiritual body and insure harmonious and self-conscious immortality

MD/ aka Tom O’Bedlam revised 4-25-2019

Documents from today’s lecture:

Masonic Principles

King Solomon’s Lodge – Astrological and Esoteric Symbols

My Brothers and Friends, I am extremely honored to have been elected as Master for the 2019 Masonic year. I am very much looking forward to working together and taking Novus to new heights. The 2019 Masonic calendar has been put into the shared calendar and is updated. We have our installation on Saturday December 1st at 4pm which is open to all. There will be pictures for all officers and members if they desire beginning at 3pm.  Please make sure to get your reservations in ASAP on the link on this page. There will be a meal served after the ceremony and we are hoping to have an accurate headcount. I would also like to welcome our new brother A.R. who was initiated this past saturday. Your journey is just beginning, take your time and enjoy this experience. Congrats again to Wor. M.D. on his Hiram award, I know we are all so pleased you were chosen as our first awardee.