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.
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.’
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
Book Review: 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’.
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.
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.
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.
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 we use masonic leadership skills to avoid confrontational situations?
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.
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
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
Franklin's thirteen behavioral traits, their relationship to Freemasonry, and their influence on Judaism
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.
The current functioning of the Masonic movement has some positive aspects and others that are blatantly backward and counterproductive.
This is the Introduction to The Meaning of Masonry, (1922) a set of essays which discuss the esoteric side of Masonry
Stephen Dafoe - numerous books on the Knights Templar, and Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry.
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
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
This opening article was written 145 years ago, yet it resonates with Freemasons today as it did then.
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.
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
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.
Origins and Links to English Freemasonry
Unexpected links between the Freemasonry of today with the original Operative builders
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.
A humorous depictions of life in the streets of London, the vagaries of fashion, and the interactions between the rich and poor.
Ask a random Freemason the purpose of Freemasonry and the likely response will be to “make good men, better”.
The Curious Case of the Chevalier d’Éon
A cross-dressing author, diplomat, soldier and spy, the Chevalier d’Éon, 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”.
Russian Freemasonry a combination of a short sketch of its history and a review of the present-day Masonic landscape in this country
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
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?
