Towards a 21st Century Masonic Mindset: Part 3 ‘Freemasonries’ and the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Freemasonry is local. This is where we need to start. We start with our Facebook friends, our neighbours, our colleagues, our lodges, and our city councils.
Kipling’s In the Interests of the Brethren
‘The colour is in the feeding,’ said he. ‘Unless you know how to feed ’em, it goes. Canaries are one of our hobbies.’
Hugh O’Neill's regular chippings whilst smoothing the ashlar: - 1) The Future of Masonry, 2) Why is the apron flap sometimes up and sometimes down? and 3) The scandalous William Preston
Who is the Tyler ? being placed outside the door of the lodge, symbolically to protect our moral selves.
Books
Published in 1922, this interesting, and whimsical book was penned by Dudley Wright.
Books
Last month we featured a review of Charles Warren: Royal Engineer in the Age of Empire - this month we Meet the Author: historian and biographer Kevin Shillington.
Books
The Temple That Never Sleeps - Freemasons and E-Masonry Toward a New Paradigm by Josh Heller and Gerald Reilly
What makes this interesting is its date: 1657, and the fact that the possessor of the book presents himself as a ‘Free Mason’.
Masonic Miscellanies – What is a ‘Lewis’?
The English word 'Lewis' is a term belonging to operative Masonry, and signifies an iron cramp, which is inserted in a cavity prepared for the purpose in a large stone. - The Builder - November 1922
Towards a 21st Century Masonic Mindset: Part 2: ‘Freemasonries’ and Religiosity.
The Fellowcraft Degree urges Freemasons to delve into the Seven Liberal Arts, a concept many are unfamiliar with. Why ‘seven’, why ‘liberal’, why ‘arts’? This subject, briefly introduced in a previous edition of The Square Magazine, remains crucial for modern Masons as it was in antiquity. Surprisingly, the liberal arts are not just for the …
How the Trivium is applied to Critical Thinking - {who, what, where, when} - {how} - {why}
‘Brother’ among Freemasons is more than a name
Are we to be forever crushed by evil and allow it to distort our lives ? Or maybe we can learn a lesson of understanding, tolerance and reconciliation.
Masonic Research in England c1930
An article which appeared in an American Masonic magazine, c1930 and which was reproduced in England, provoking a little controversy.
Jaime Galté had the gift of mediumship, which he always generously put at the service of his brothers.
Hugh O’Neill's regular chippings whilst smoothing the ashlar: - 1) That ‘H’ word what does it mean?, 2) Lesser Lights - what are they?, 3) The darkness comprehended it not!, 4) Interpretations of Symbols and 5) Tailpiece
Kipling’s critics are quick to include him as one of the ‘fathers’ who ‘lied’ – echoing his short poem ‘Common Form’ – ‘If any question why we died, Tell them, because our fathers lied’.
The Forget-Me-Not and the Poppy - two symbols to remind us to 'never forget' those who died during the two World Wars.
How can Masonic leadership skills help avoid these conflicts? Masonic Lodges, composed of mature adults from diverse backgrounds, thrive on harmony but must also navigate inevitable disagreements. Recognizing and preemptively managing potential conflicts is a crucial skill, taught through Masonic rituals and principles. The motto "Audi Vide Tace" – Listen, observe, be silent – guides …
This month in 'Meet the Author' we look at the life and work of Carl H. Claudy, a prolific Masonic author who believed that Masonic education is the foundation for the Fraternity.
Books
Sir Charles Warren is most likely remembered for his role as the Metropolitan Police Commissioner who failed to catch 'Jack the Ripper' - but there is far more to the man and his distinguished career than is readily found in the history books.
Towards a 21st Century Masonic Mindset: Part 1: ‘Freemasonries’ and Governance.
Ever wondered why masons had to be 'free' or why we have a Tyler? What is the meaning of 'hele'? And where did the term 'eavesdropping' come from?
The Kirkwall Scroll is a hand-painted floor cloth depicting a myriad of symbolism - Masonic and otherwise
Freemasonry in the time of pandemic
The Rule of Six. Localised lockdowns. Second wave? What do we do now?! The answer is simple - engage with members, promote Masonic education and get thinking outside the lodge.
The Graham Manuscript dating from 1726 is an early Masonic document that calls upon Noah and this 3 sons in respect to Masonry, an alternative allegory to the Hiram legend.
Development of the Emulation Ritual
Relevant historical background in the evolutionary development of the Emulation Ritual
In the true sense of the words Freemasonry is not a secret society but a society with secrets.
Jesse James and the Lost Templar Treasure
Books
Jesse James and the Lost Templar Treasure: Secret Diaries, Coded Maps, and the Knights of the Golden Circle
Nicholas Hawksmoor – the ‘Devil’s Architect’
Nicholas Hawksmoor was one of the 18th century’s most prolific architects
Daniel Duke, the great-great grandson of Jesse James, grew up surrounded by stories of lost outlaw treasures. For more than two decades he has researched the mysteries involving his family, Freemasonry, and the Knights Templar....
Franklin’s Virtues, Freemasonry, and Jewish Practice
Benjamin Franklin's Virtues, Freemasonry, and Jewish Practice.
Franklin’s Virtues Revisited For Today’s Mason
How are the virtues and the pursuit of self-improvement and knowledge as pertinent for today's Mason, as they were for Benjamin Franklin.
Ritual. Why are we doing this repeatedly, over and over again. We all know the words. What is the point?
In 1912, Sarah Dowd of Dromore, Ireland, found a Masonic jewel dated 1517 - a date two hundred years before the establishment of Grand Lodge...
Matthew Cooke Manuscript was written c1450. A transcript of a yet older document, written by a Speculative Mason
The Unlawful Societies Act of 1799
Although the Unlawful Societies Act of 1799 is often mentioned in Masonic scholarship, some nuances remain.
Music can make you either remember everything or forget everything! They even call it the 'rhythm' of life because life does have a beat, a rhythm, a song! Music is equally important for Freemasons.
Hugh O’Neill's regular chippings whilst smoothing the ashlar: - Neville Barker Cryer personal view of Freemasonry
The current functioning of the Masonic movement has some positive aspects and others that are blatantly backward and counterproductive.
Memory tips on how the learn ritual. Do you need to speak in public, or present masonic ritual without notes ?
Books
The Meaning of Masonry, (1922) a set of essays which discuss the esoteric side of Masonry by Walter Leslie Wilmshurst
Stephen Dafoe - numerous books on the Knights Templar, and Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry.
Are the sunglasses a fix? If Freemasonry cannot meet, is this an opportunity to make a change to how we do things?
This article first appeared in The Builder magazine,1923. Are you interested in the 'musty old documents of the past'?
The Anti-Social Impact of Social Media
Robert Jackson's searingly honest account of his experience of the 'dark side' of social media and its negative effect on our mental health.
Origins to English Freemasonry – P3
The Origins and Links of English Freemasonry - Part 3. Quasi-Masonic societies - are the highly secretive Skull and Bones the real Illuminati?
Biblical history surrounding the two pillars that stood at the entrance to King Solomon's Temple
Hugh O’Neill's regular chippings whilst smoothing the ashlar: - 1) Equality, 2) The Faithful Few, 3) What’s the Attraction? and 4) Slap on the wrist for a Past Grand Master
Entered Apprentice Lambskin Apron; More ancient than the Golden Fleece or Roman Eagle, more honourable than the Star and Garter ...
Logic is one of the seven liberal arts and sciences – which as Masons we are reminded to study. Logic is part of the Trivium of the seven liberal arts and sciences – partnered with Grammar and Rhetoric – we cannot have a reasoned debate without employing the Trivium.
This opening article was written 145 years ago, yet it resonates with Freemasons today as it did then. First published in The Freemason's Chronicle, January 2, 1875, Issue 1
Freemasonry and Fascist Regime
Interesting speech by the famous historian Prof. Aldo A. Mola, who links the fascist regime with the Masonic Associations.
What is a 'Millennial' and what do they want from Freemasonry? You'll be surprised at the answers.
Is the brother of a brother a brother ? Rights to visit - recognition and regularity re-evaluated.
The symbolism of the beehive in Masonry and its association with omphalos stones and the sacred feminine.
The Place of Brotherhood in Freemasonry
To what extent are the fraternal relations between my fellow Freemasons and myself different to those which I hold with my neighbours and friends?
Was the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin a Freemason? And if so, was he a member of the lodge ‘for which all the lodges in Russia were destroyed’?
Origins to English Freemasonry Part 2
Discover the oldest of the known manuscript charges of Freemasonry, written about 1390.
A look at the he Masonic Empire of Thomas Dunckerley on a video presentation by Sankey Lectures
The Dream After The Initiation
The dream, in a profane sense, is understood as a biological state or condition, as that which is an integral part of daily life
Hugh O’Neill's regular chippings whilst smoothing the ashlar: - Fifty Shades of Blue! - The discussion of Provincial Honours amongst UGLE members appears to be ever contentious
To the initiate, the penalty in his obligation comes with a shock of surprise and sometimes consternation.
The Antient Noble Order of the Gormogons had a brief existence in the eighteenth century; they left few records or accomplishments, and there is no indication as to their true purpose other than to parody and degrade Freemasonry, and perhaps further the Jacobite cause.
How does man think to himself and think of the universe, when you try to answer, between dogma and reason, the crucial questions of human existence?
Scottish Witchcraft And The Third Degree
How is Witchcraft connected to the Scottish Third Degree (Many Scottish Freemasons will bristle with indignation on reading the title of this piece)
Origins and Links to English Freemasonry – part 1
Unexpected links between the Freemasonry of today with the original Operative builders
Hugh O’Neill's regular chippings whilst smoothing the ashlar: - Masonic Sea Chest from the Orlop Deck of HMS Victory
A brief look at the origins of the two headed eagle, probably the most ornamental and most ostentatious feature of the Supreme Council 33rd Degree Ancient and Accepted (Scottish ) Rite, comprising a carving of a double headed eagle, surmounted by an imperial crown.
Kipling's interest in Freemasonry is easily recognised in much of his work and examples are too numerous for one article.
Hogarth's mockery of Freemasonry. A humorous depictions of life in the streets of London, the vagaries of fashion, and the interactions between the rich and poor.
Hugh O’Neill's regular chippings whilst smoothing the ashlar 1) Symbolic Masonic Penalties, 2) Eligibility? – It depends and 3) Provincial AGMs During COVID-19 Suspension
Three Words That Will Change Your Life
Do you find it difficult to hold a conversation with a total stranger? Whether you're visiting or hosting in your lodge, initiating a conversation can be challenging. Yet, a simple solution can transform this discomfort into a pleasant interaction. Striking up a conversation with anyone is a skill that can be taught, helping us foster …
Look at the History of Women in Freemasonry. Although Several women had been introduced to Freemasonry prior to the 18th century, it was more by accident than invitation.
Ask a random Freemason the purpose of Freemasonry and the likely response will be to “make good men, better”. Research undertaken by James Justin Davis Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge
An explanation of the North East corner charge which explores beyond one meaning Charity - Extracted from William Harvey – the Complete Works
The Curious Case of the Chevalier d’Éon
A cross-dressing author, diplomat, soldier and spy, the Le Chevalier D'Éon, a man who passed as a woman, became a legend in his own lifetime.
The Tipping Point of Freemasonry
Why do brothers lose interest in Freemasonry and what can we do to get that spark back? At what moment did our own thoughts begin to waver?
According to Benjamin Franklin’s letters, he took the inspiration for two of his parables “from an ancient Jewish tradition”.
The three Latin words -{Listen, Observe, Be Silent}. A good moto for the wise freemason
Rev'd Dr Peter Mullen provides a historical view on the interesting topic; Mozart Freemasonry and The Magic Flute
Russian Freemasonry a combination of a short sketch of its history and a review of the present-day Masonic landscape in this country
Hugh O’Neill's regular chippings whilst smoothing the ashlar: 1) We are where we are, because… and 2) Ornaments to the Society
Prof Andrew Prescott will discuss what information we can assemble about the Apple Tree and consider how far it supports Anderson’s story about the formation of the Grand Lodge.
Egyptian Freemasonry, founder Cagliostro was famed throughout eighteenth century Europe for his reputation as a healer and alchemist
A Muslim is reminded of his universal duties just as a Freemason. A Masonic Interpretation of the Quran's First Two Chapters
Mental Health - Raising its awareness and how we as Freemasons throughout the entire UK can help our fellow brethren and their families when they need it.
What Kind of Library Do You Have?
Many Brothers have no clue as to what kind of "Craft" library they actually have in their home or office. Most of these Brothers don’t care that they don't know – so, what kind of library do you have?
