Short Talk

The Recurring Cycles of Life

by

The Recurring Cycles of Life & Brief Overview of Symbolic Taurus
Short Talk 15 April 2017
Novus Veteris Lodge U.˙. D.˙.

The concept of life being a series of cycles is something that appears throughout nature. A question that is often raised is does what we see around us in nature, also apply in our personal and corporate lives? This short talk will review some of these questions and interesting correlations for the individual Mason to consider. Add to this will be a brief overview of the symbolic nature represented by the celestial formation known as Taurus As always these are points of consideration and discussion for each Mason to assist in improving themselves and evaluating the future.

Read more

Back to Our Basic Symbols

by

BACK TO OUR BASIC SYMBOLS
THE SYMBOLISM OF OUR LODGE OFFICERS REGALIA
By: J. Alan Gatlin
Delivered: 3/27/2017 – 381 & Novus Veteris Joint Education Night

It has been said in some Masonic circles that symbolism can be carried too far and can be divisive among the Brethren. This may be a valid point when taken outside of historic contexts and the universe around us. We are fortunate in Freemasonry as we possess a body of ritualistic work which defines many of our symbols in at least one way. This allows us to look at our symbols in two distinct perspectives, the first being in the way our teachings say and secondly using the historic perspective of past societies and ancient groups who used the same symbol in a more universal context, universal symbolism. The similarity between these perspectives is often very close but the range of meanings in the outside world is frequently much broader and can add to the depth of our Masonic experience.

When a new Mason asks the question about our symbols, “what is that?” or “what does that mean?” how can we answer clearly? Are these ‘old’ symbols that really have no meaning in our modern world? If this is the case, then I believe we are in very serious trouble within our Lodges. A review of the Charge in our installations very clearly states that “…it inculcates principles of the purest morality, though veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.” We are also told in the same Charge that to penetrate through the veil of the allegories and symbols is to understand the mysteries. While there is a far deeper meaning in the overall pattern of the Craft, it is of great value to find deeper meanings of the individual symbols and to attempt to recall that understanding on each occasion that we see them. This reinforces the ‘repetition’ form of learning that begins to modify our life experience to become that “better man” we all strive for.

Read more

Readings on the Square and Compass

by

Readings on the Square and Compass
Joel Baker
18-March-2017
There is great interest in origin stories of builders’ working tools and their allegorical meaning. It is difficult for me to look past the Square and Compass, as the idea of the Square and Compass in Ancient China was shown to me in passing during one of my first masonic education sections. When the presenter described the square and compass as ancient, sacred, and in use since time immemorial, the following picture was presented as proof. The picture stems from the Han Dynasty (~200 BC – ~220 AD), unearthed in an ancient tomb in Xinjiang, the far Northwest region of modern China.

Read more

Mythology and Belief Systems in a Stable Society

by

Mythology and Belief Systems in a Stable Society
Delivered to the Novus Veteris Lodge, UD
March 18, 2017 By Alan Gatlin, Orator

Today’s presentation is the beginning of a series of lectures for 2017. These lectures will seek to expand our knowledge, show us some alternative ways of thinking, and challenge us on how we view the Society(s) from which we function within. A key thought to consider when reviewing this lecture is how our belief system is tied to a stable society, Freemasonry, and to our personal growth.

Read more

Master’s Inaugural Address

by

…I ask you all to take a look around during the reception at some of our artifacts, from our 100 year old marshal’s baton, to the handmade tops of our temple pillars, to the handmade, poured and engraved silver altar square by Worshipful Fred Burkhardt, the antique compass present upon the altar, and the nearly … Read more

Columns and Their Representation

by

Columns and Their Representation
Joel Baker
19-Feb-2017

This short discussion reviews the representative use of columns in Freemasonry and other historical text, and their representation today. In this summary, I have chosen points from history based on the use of columns as a representation of a gate or boundary between man and deity. There are countless other analogies to made as well. I will review Masonic ritual and compare with non-Masonic sources for additional understanding. In this discussion, only the columns and temple boundaries within KST will be reviewed. The ornaments atop the columns’ capitals will be reviewed at a later time. Similarities and historical references to columns/pillars and their representations from ancient to contemporary time will be summarized across different cultures, particularly in regards to religious temples and shrines.

Read more

The Celebration of “Calling Back the Sun”

by

Brethren,

In consequence of the establishment and consecration of this new lodge, Novus Veteris, and in praise and thanks giving of having the privilege and opportunity to serve as a founding member of this august assembly, I have determined to dedicate my contributions to this endeavor with short pieces dedicated to the holy and sacred purpose of instruction of various feasts, celebrations and observances of the many venerated sacred systems and holy bodies dedicated to peace, fraternity and most holy Light.

Your Humble Servant,
Mark Doubleday

At the winter solstice, 3 days before Christmas, the sun passes from Sagittarius, the Archer, to its lowest position of the tomb of winter, and the earth is captive, bound by frost in the hands of the evil forces of the underworld, where she can bring forth no fruit. To indicate this, the Hopi Indians kidnap, after the manner of Pluto in Greek mythology after his abduction of Persephone, a maiden and take her beneath the earth where the initiates are assembled in the kiva.

Read more

What Is a Master Mason

by

Short Talk
The Master Mason
December 18, 2016

“The seeker embarks on a journey to find what he wants and discovers, along the way what he needs” Wally Lamb

Tonight’s Short Talk is a reading taken from Chapter 5 of Manley P Hall’s “The Lost Keys of Freemasonry” written in 1938. This material is his perspective of who a Master Mason is and what he aspires to be. I must admit that each time I read this chapter I am humbled, inspired and a bit overwhelmed as to the person he sees we are called to be and what our work truly is. As we each look to a new year’s “journey” let us take inventory and be inspired to renew our commitment and strengthen our steps to boldly move forward. Let us then enter into this worldview and continue on our path of spiritual growth, maturity and change. I encourage each of you to make note of the symbols he alludes to and mark these for future consideration and study. So let us then begin:

Read more

Inaugural Short Talk – Truth

by

Inaugural Short Talk
Truth
Bro.˙. Alan Gatlin
20 November 2016

The real object of Freemasonry, in a philosophical and religious sense, is the search for truth. This truth is, therefore, symbolized by the Master’s Word. From the first entrance of the Apprentice into the Lodge, until after his reception of the highest degree, this search is continued. If it is not  found and a substitute must sometimes be provided. Yet whatever  the labors he performs, whatever the ceremonies through which he passes, whatever the symbols in which he may be instructed, whatever the final reward he may obtain, the true end of all is the attainment of Truth.

This idea of truth is not the same as that expressed in the lecture of the First Degree, where Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth are there said to be the “three great tenets of a Mason’s profession.” In that connection, Truth, which is called a “Divine Attribute, the foundation of every virtue,” is synonymous with Sincerity, honesty of expression, and plain dealing. The higher idea of truth which pervades the whole Masonic system, and which is symbolized by the Word, is that which is properly expressed to knowledge of God according to Mackey.

Read more