Welcome to the August issue of The Square
Things certainly seem to be hotting up in the world in more ways than one – and sadly not all in a good way.
Mother Nature is unleashing her wrath in an unprecedented manner – wildfires, floods, the melting of the permafrost, and of course the unrelenting spread of Covid-19 and its variants. It’s all seeming a bit Biblical e.g. the Ten Plagues of Egypt or the Seven Bowls of Revelation.
But let’s not get too apocalyptic just yet! Climate change certainly does seem to be an issue and that is something that we all need to take responsibility for – I wonder how Freemasonry can make changes to be ‘greener’? There’s an article in there somewhere!
However, something that is also heating up is the crisis within humanity – many people are getting angrier, more selfish, inconsiderate, and entitled.
There are some horrendous conflicts occurring across the globe as tempers flare and injustices (perceived or real) fuel the flames of unrest.
The past year of lockdowns and restrictions has obviously caused frustration, fear, anger, and insubordination but the general unrest probably has a myriad of reasons for manifesting at this time.
Personally, I feel that humanity has rarely been this divided in such a fragmented way – sure, we have all had to ‘take sides’ throughout history, usually in the case of wars, or other such ‘tribal’ pursuits but now it feels as if there are many layers of division.
There are so many things for people to feel aggrieved about (again, perceived or real) and equally as many groups ready to act as echo chambers or provocateurs – the cost of all this is not just a sense of generalised ‘us-and-them’ mentality but it is also a threat to our social wellbeing and mental health.
We have a few articles this month that focus on how we can adapt our thinking and way of life, not just in Freemasonry but our everyday lives –although that IS one of the points of Masonic knowledge and lessons to be learnt.
In our regular feature Masonic Blogs
– I found a very pertinent post on the blog of Rocky Mountain Mason – entitled ‘Unthinkingness – when did Masons stop thinking for themselves?’
which discusses the issue of division between Freemasons on online forums and social media.
Part 2 of Freemasonry and Women’s Rights, looks at how Co-Masonry and Regular Masonry had leading figures who were instrumental in the advancement of female emancipation – a huge achievement.
In next month’s Part 3, we will explore the socio-political aspect of the era.
Rethinking Masonry by Francis Fritz explores the challenge presented with the ‘modern-day translation of specific words and phrases used within Freemasonry’
– the use of social media and online forums means that there are often far too many interpretations/misinterpretations of the language of the Craft, causing confusion and misinformation.
This month Craig Weightman’s feature While it is yet day admonishes us that ‘It is our allotted task to do something with the time we have been given, to make our lives into glorious examples.
Learn from the past, create your future. There is no time like the present.’
Carlos Francisco Ortiz’ regular column offers us another deeply thought-provoking article.
This month On Tolerance – something we all need to practise, not just Freemasons!
Nigel Wade introduces us to a colourful character – The Much-Maligned Dr John Misaubin – labelled a ‘charlatan’ and a ‘quack’, he was a favourite for satirists of the eighteenth century, especially the wicked humour of William Hogarth.
Speaking of Hogarth, Brother Hogarth’s Harlot Reveals All – this time she reveals some very famous men hidden in plain view.
Last but definitely not least, two of our other wonderful regular contributors have given us more food for thought – Kenneth Jack regales us with a fascinating historical profile: Sir Robert Moray: A Mother Lodge and a Connection Uncovered, and Gerald Reilly offers us The Royal Arch: Back to Basics.
And of course we have all the usual pages – News, Reviews, and other Resources.
Take advantage of the weather, lie back and enjoy this month’s issue!
Until next time, stay well –
Article by: Philippa Lee. Editor
Philippa Lee (writes as Philippa Faulks) is the author of eight books, an editor and researcher.
Philippa was initiated into the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) in 2014.
Her specialism is ancient Egypt, Freemasonry, comparative religions and social history. She has several books in progress on the subject of ancient and modern Egypt. Â Selection of Books Online at Amazon
Books by Philippa
