Officers of the Lodge – Junior Warden

Who is the Junior Warden – Spiritual Consciousness ?

 

This is a 4 of 6 part tutorial series on the Officers of the Lodge

Each part published monthly in The Square

Lodge Officers:  The Tyler, Inner Guard, Deacons, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Worshipful Master

Junior Warden – Spiritual Consciousness

The aspiration of a Freemason is to be the best man he can be. To have a sense of peace and purpose in his life.

To be concerned with his spirit and his soul as opposed to material or physical things.

To be kind to all within his compass.

The International journal for the Psychology of Religion. Vol 10, 2000 – Issue 1, Robert A Emmons’s article “Spirituality and Intelligence: Problems and Prospects” he defines spiritual intelligence (or spiritual consciousness) involves five characteristics the fifth being “The capacity to engage in virtuous behaviour or to be virtuous, to show forgiveness, to express gratitude, to be humble, to display compassion.”

All these are virtues that a Freemason aspires to possess.

In the same journal, John D. Mayer says: “The idea of spiritual consciousness stems from the possibility of structuring consciousness, through meditation, contemplation and other means” The “other means” could quite easily refer to Freemasonry and the allegories.

The communication of those moral stories which draw your attention to virtuous behaviour and the contemplation of your inevitable destiny.

David Chalmers article in the journal, The Conversation, June, 6th 2019, headed, ‘Spiritual science: how a new perspective on consciousness could help us understand ourselves’ wrote, “Humans are fundamentally selfish”. However, the social instinct of “closeness” raises empathy and altruism.

Chalmers goes on to say, “The best way to understand the world is not through science or spirituality alone – but through an approach which combines them both.”

Referring back to W L Wilmshurst and his book “the Meaning of Masonry” he states that the Junior Warden represents your “Mind”, your Spiritual Consciousness.

Let us look at the role of the Junior Warden (the Mind) more carefully.

Duty 1

The jewel of the office, a plumb rule, being an emblem of uprightness points out the integrity of the measures you are bound to pursue in conjunction with your brother the SW (Your Soul) and myself (Your Spirit) in the well ruling and governing of the Lodge particularly in the examination of visitors.

Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles thus being your spiritual consciousness.

It is that part of you that vets messages from your Spirit and your Soul to keep your moral values true and your integrity secure.

Your “Mind” has an immediate connection with both your inner and outer senses (the Inner and Outer Guards) that constantly keeps you updated with messages about your situation and your environment, in order to keep you constantly aware.

You have an aspiration to be the best man you can be. To be kind and compassionate but you must be continually on your guard.

Duty 2

To sit in the South and represent the Sun at its meridian.

The Sun tracks your day, part to be spent in labour and refreshment, part in divine worship and part to be spent in helping a brother in time of need.

When the Sun is at its meridian it is the hottest part of the day, the mind therefore, receives messages from the senses of the dangers of working in such heat.

A decision is made in conjunction with your Spirit and your Soul as to a moral course of action to be taken based on the immediate environment identified by your inner and outer senses.

It is about living in the moment and enjoying every moment of the day.

Duty 3

The column of your office you will place horizontal when at labour (and perpendicular when at rest)…..

The Sun rises in the East to start the day and it continues its journey until it is at its Meridian representing the hottest part of the day.

A time of rest from the heat. The Sun sets in the West to signal that the day is over.

It is important to know when it is the appropriate time to work and when it is the appropriate time to rest.

It is about balancing your life.

….that profit and pleasure may be the result.

Duty 4

To hold in his hand a gavel.

The gavel represents the force of conscious that should keep down all vain and unbecoming thoughts throughout the entire day.

Action

Take a moment for yourself to stop and reflect. This present moment is the most important moment. Your past has gone and your future has yet to arrive.

Conclusion

Eckhart Toll asserts that “the hampering factor that prevents spiritual consciousness is the Ego”. He also states that “Awareness and Ego cannot coexist” Unless you know yourself, are at peace with yourself and are true to yourself you can never have a sense of peace and purpose in your life.

previous chapter
Officers of the Lodge - Deacons
continue reading next chapter
Officers of the Lodge - Senior Warden
Footnotes
Resources

The Meaning of Masonry by W. L. Wilmshurst. 1920

 

The International journal for the Psychology of Religion. Vol 10, 2000 – Issue 1. Spirituality and Intelligence: Problems and Prospects. (Published online 16 Nov. 2009) by Robert A. Emmons 2000

 

The International journal for the Psychology of Religion. Vol 10, 2000 – Issue 1, Spiritual Intelligence or Spiritual Consciousness. (pp 47-56 / Published online 16 Nov. 2009). by John D. Mayer. 2000

 

The Conversation, June, 6th 2019, ‘Spiritual science: how a new perspective on consciousness could help us understand ourselves’ by David Chalmers. 2019

 

The Spiritual Consciousness Scale. Handbook. by Ferenc Margitics Ph.D 2019

 

The Power of Now: A guide to spiritual enlightenment. by Eckhart Toll, 2016

 

Cambridge Dictionary dictionary.cambridge.org

 

Lodge of Union No. 38 (UGLE) Ritual Book

Article by: Stephen J. Goulding

Stephen was initiated into Freemasonry in 1978 in Tylney Lodge No. 5856 (UGLE). He was Master in 1989 & 2004.

He was Master of the Lodge of Union 38 (UGLE) in 2018. He is also a PZ in the Holy Royal Arch and PM in the Mark Degree.

Stephen served 30 years in the Metropolitan Police Service (London, England) before going into education in 2000, where he became a college lecturer and a mentor for both the college and the University of Greenwich (London, England). Now retired, he teaches Tai Chi and Qigong in the community.

Facebook: Steve Goulding-Tai Chi West Sussex–Chi at Chi

 

The Meaning of Masonry

By W.L. WILMSHURST

Although the Freemasons number over six million members worldwide, they are a very secretive organization. the general public today thinks of them as a social fraternity like the Rotary Club, but that is hardly the whole truth.

By mysterious coincidence, it seems, many Masons have been major figures in modern history. many of the Founding Fathers of the United States—including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere—were Freemasons.

Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian freedom fighter, was also one, as were the composers Franz Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and writers François Marie Arouet de Voltaire and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

The Meaning of Masonry explores the beliefs behind the order, its cryptic rites and symbols, and uncovers its ultimate purpose.

 

Recent Articles: in this tutorial series

The First Degree Lecture - P7

William Preston (1742 – 1818) gives his lectures in the form of a Catechism – questions and answers - and broken down into seven bite size chunks. This article is the first of the seven part series presented by Steve Goulding
 

The First Degree Lecture - P6

William Preston (1742 – 1818) gives his lectures in the form of a Catechism – questions and answers - and broken down into seven bite size chunks. This article is the first of the seven part series presented by Steve Goulding
 

The First Degree Lecture - P5

William Preston (1742 – 1818) gives his lectures in the form of a Catechism – questions and answers - and broken down into seven bite size chunks. This article is the first of the seven part series presented by Steve Goulding
 

The First Degree Lecture - P4

William Preston (1742 – 1818) gives his lectures in the form of a Catechism – questions and answers - and broken down into seven bite size chunks. This article is the first of the seven part series presented by Steve Goulding
 

The First Degree Lecture - P3

William Preston (1742 – 1818) gives his lectures in the form of a Catechism – questions and answers - and broken down into seven bite size chunks. This article is the first of the seven part series presented by Steve Goulding
 

Apprentice to Master, “a Servant Leader”.

Freemasonry is a learning platform used to improve a lifestyle which is morally, educationally and spiritually sound. To guide a person through life in order to be the best they can be. A Master, or ‘Servant Leader,’ develops those people in their care. They are someone who can guide others using the principles of Freemasonry - By Stephen J. Goulding
 

The First Degree Lecture - P2

William Preston (1742 – 1818) gives his lectures in the form of a Catechism – questions and answers - and broken down into seven bite size chunks. This article is the second of the seven part series presented by Steve Goulding
 

The First Degree Lecture - P1

William Preston (1742 – 1818) gives his lectures in the form of a Catechism – questions and answers - and broken down into seven bite size chunks. This article is the first of the seven part series presented by Steve Goulding
 

Commentary on the Third Degree Charge

The Third Degree Charge invites the candidate to reflect on his life as both a ‘moral’ and ‘educated’ man, and to contemplate on what may be missing in his life. The ‘genuine secrets of a Master Mason’.
 

Commentary on the Second Degree Charge

In the second degree we learn about being an educated man. Skilful, not only in the Craft itself but also how to communicate and manage others. This Commentary looks at the second degree charge in detail.
 

The Charges in Each Degree

The ‘Old Charges’ have come down to us, containing the rules and regulations by which Lodges should be run and the moral and social standards to which each Lodge member should adhere.
 

The Winding Staircase

Steps to the Making of a Master. The symbolism of each step of the winding staircase is to continue your personal development throughout your life, right up to your last breath in this world.
 

Jacob's Ladder

On the First Degree tracing board the most dominant feature is Jacob’s Ladder stretching from Earth to Heaven. Being straight, it is the shortest and quickest way to reach heaven, and being straight you can see the end goal.
 

The North East Corner: A Lesson on Charity

The ritual of the North East corner is a powerful piece of teaching. Let us examine that piece of ritual more closely; the lesson on charity.
 

Perambulations

When we look at the ritual book the deacons are told to ‘perambulate’ with the candidate. So what does this really mean?
 

Vows of Fidelity

The taking of a ‘Vow of Fidelity’. Oaths, Vows and Covenants
 

Morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols

A phrase that immediately comes to mind when describing Freemasonry – Morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Let us have a look at what this phrase actually means.
 

Officers of the Royal Arch - The Principals

The Principals' role in the Royal Arch, representing the pinnacle of spiritual leadership. Their esoteric significance lies in the unity of the three aspects of the divine, emphasizing the importance of harmony and balance in attaining spiritual enlightenment. The Principals embody the ultimate goal of the Royal Arch journey - the realization of divine wisdom.
 

Officers of the Royal Arch - Scribe Ezra

Scribe Ezra is portrayed as a crucial figure within the Royal Arch, responsible for interpreting and teaching divine laws. The significance of his role lies in the pursuit of understanding and applying sacred knowledge, emphasizing the transformative power of wisdom when applied to one's life.
 

Officers of the Royal Arch - Scribe Nehemiah

Scribe Nehemiah's responsibility within the Royal Arch, is that of preserving the sacred teachings. Scribe Nehemiah symbolizes the importance of maintaining accurate records and upholding the integrity of divine knowledge, thus reflecting the value of safeguarding spiritual wisdom for future generations.
 

Officers of the Royal Arch - The Sojourners

The Sojourners, are seekers of truth, their journey symbolizes the spiritual path to enlightenment. Their role in rediscovering lost wisdom highlights the esoteric concept of regaining divine knowledge through perseverance and self-discovery.
 

Commentary on the Charge after Initiation

A more detailed explanation in order for us to understand the Charge after Initiation
 

Officers of the Royal Arch - The Janitor

The Janitor, is a crucial officer in the Royal Arch. Symbolically, the Janitor represents the guardian of sacred knowledge, ensuring only worthy individuals gain access. This function emphasizes the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and safeguarding the mysteries of the Royal Arch.
 

Officers of the Lodge - Worshipful Master

Worshipful Master: the highest-ranking officer in the lodge, is the embodiment of wisdom and authority. The Worshipful Master guides the brethren on their spiritual path, representing the divine light that illuminates the Masonic quest for knowledge and self-discovery.
 

Officers of the Lodge - Senior Warden

Senior Warden: embodies the essence of strength and stability within the lodge. As the pillar of support for the Worshipful Master, the Senior Warden symbolizes the fortitude required on our spiritual journey, inspiring us to persevere in the face of adversity
 

Officers of the Lodge - Junior Warden

Junior Warden: Ensuring the well-being of the brethren during the lodge's hours of refreshment. Representing the virtue of temperance, the Junior Warden reminds us to find balance in our lives and cultivate moral discipline in our pursuit of truth.
 

Officers of the Lodge - Deacons

Deacons: The messengers and intermediaries within the lodge. Representing the communication between the material and the spiritual realms, Deacons symbolize the importance of transmitting knowledge and wisdom as we strive for personal growth and enlightenment on our Masonic journey.
 

Officers of the Lodge - Inner Guard

Inner Guard: Is the first line of defence against unworthy intruders, the Inner Guard represents our inner conscience and the personal responsibility we have to safeguard the integrity of our spiritual journey.
 

Officers of the Lodge - Tyler

Tyler: The significance as the protector of the lodge's secrets and harmony. Tasked with guarding the entrance, the Tyler symbolizes our spiritual and moral boundaries, ensuring only worthy candidates are allowed into the sacred space of Freemasonry's teachings and rituals.
 

masonic knowledge

to be a better citizen of the world

share the square with two brothers

click image to open email app on mobile device

Masonic Apparel

made to order

Share this article ....

Contents