Officers of the Royal Arch – Sojourners

Who are the Sojourners , Having self-respect you never compare yourself to others.

 

Continuing on from the Officers of the Lodge 6 part series, we progress on to the Royal Arch.

This is number 1 of a 5 part tutorial series on the Royal Arch Officers.

Each part published monthly in The Square.

Royal Arch Officers:  Janitor, Sojourners, Scribe Nehemiah, Scribe Ezra, Principals.

Ego, according to Ryan Holiday in his book Ego is the Enemy, is the “sense of superiority and certainty that exceeds the bounds of confidence and talent” You will never reach your spiritual goal having an unhealthy ego.

As in Craft Masonry you were taught to be humble in your demeaner by the way you were clothed and stripped of everything with material value.

Humbleness is again the case in the Holy Royal Arch. In Craft you may have reached the dizzy heights of Worshipful Master or even gained promotions in Province or Grand Lodge, but before entering the Holy Royal Arch you are still just at the starting point of your Spiritual journey.

A goal you can only reach with humbleness and humility.

A healthy ego can have the benefits of allowing you to grow with a loving sense of self and a capacity to develop meaningful relationships.

However, an unhealthy or toxic ego, according to Ameet Ranadive, “makes you overestimate your ability and worth and underestimate the effort and skill required to achieve your goal” Solan McClean said “By turning your attention away from the ego you embrace your true spiritual self.”

There is a difference between self-respect and ego. Having self-respect you never compare yourself to others, you compete only with yourself to touch your deeper self, with ego you become manipulative to justify your own means.

The Sojourners

 

The Sojourners, according to W. L. Wilmshurst, represents your ego, your subconscious, your intelligence, your individuality.

We have already expanded upon the dangers of ego, lets us now look into your subconscious, intelligence and individuality.

The subconscious is;

“the part of your mind that notices and remembers information when you are not actively trying to do so. It influences your behaviour even though you do not realise it.”

During your informative years your mind was open and subjected to many differing attitudes which it stored in your subconsciousness and subsequently resurrected in your attitude and behaviour

Surround yourself with positivity. Contemplate and visualize your goal. In doing so you will develop a strong sense of self-awareness and in the words of Eckhart Toll, “awareness and ego cannot coexist”

Intelligence is;

“the ability to learn, understand and make judgements or have opinions that are based on reason”

Make a daily advancement in Masonic knowledge. Be led by those “Three Great Lights” in Masonry.

It is by reading, reciting and understanding the ritual, as well as your faith, that you will make constant progress towards enlightenment and spirituality.

Individuality is;

“the qualities that make a person different from others”

Every person is unique because every person has had different experiences and made different choices in their lives.

Each person has their own story to tell. You are unique. You are an individual. You have your own story to tell.

Make your story one that ends in virtue, happiness and spiritual enlightenment.

Conclusion

Sojourner is the Hebrew term for “a person (or group) residing either temporarily or permanently in a community or place that is not primarily their own, and is dependent on the “good will” of that community for their continued existence.” John R. Spencer

In the Holy Royal Arch you are seeking the “good will” of the Companions to teach and guide you to your ultimate goal.

Tao Te Ching said, “When the student is ready the teacher will appear”.

In these times of mental health awareness it is “ok not to be ok” Recognise when you need the assistance of a good companion to support you.

Have the humility to ask for help. It will be forthcoming in abundance.

Reflection

The opposite of ego is humility, altruism, humbleness and modesty.

continue reading next chapter
Officers of the Royal Arch - Scribe Nehemiah
Footnotes
References

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

Ego is the Enemy – Ryan Holiday

Sojourner Oxford Bibliographies – John R. Spencer

Why is ego the enemy, and what we can do about it. – Ameet Ranadive

The Toxic Ego – Blog :Thoughts and Musing on the Ever Advancing Creation – Solan McClean

The Power of Now – Eckhart Toll

Cambridge Dictionary – dictionary.cambridge.org

Holy Royal Arch 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