Welcome to the December issue of The Square
Well, here we are again at the tail end of another year, and, as I mention in my ‘Editorial for the 2021 Annual’ ( to be released in 2 weeks ) , this year has flown by in the blink of an eye.
I think we all thought things would be very different in 2021 – and of course, they have got better than they were in 2020, but the world is a rapidly changing environment for us all.
We have learnt how to adapt fairly well to the ever-shifting pattern of the pandemic but there are seismic changes occurring on so many levels – challenges we have to face together as a species.
We need to do this in unity and never before has the universal Masonic message of brotherly love, relief and truth been more pertinent and much-needed.
Ironically, the desperate seeking of diversity, has created an even bigger problem of division – perhaps the lesson to be learnt is that unity is a better aim; we are all humans, let’s just treat each other with humanity.
This year has seen the magazine go from strength to strength, which is thanks to our readers but of course, also due to our incredible contributors.
Over the past twelve months we have had a great mixture of regular features from our well-known writers, but also from those whose work we have been delighted to showcase for the first time.
We are so pleased we have been able to reach readers across the world – Freemasons from all jurisdictions and obediences – and to share the knowledge and talent of our writers.
We’ve continued to be inspired and we hope you have, and will continue to be!
Our mission is always to discover new voices, books, and ideas, and explore insightful and exciting subjects all with a connection to Freemasonry – and a vital key to your advancement in Masonic knowledge.
This continuing success is also due to the layouts of the Annual and monthly editions which have now evolved to new creative and ease-of-use heights.
Integrated links, and banners at the bottom of each page, mean you can skip from article to article easily, allowing you to discover cross-linked articles by subject and/or author.
There’s lots more new features to come – we’re very excited about where The Square will go in 2022!
This month sees the end of a couple of our regular contributor’s columns – but we are assured they will be back with some brand new ideas and articles later in the coming year.
So, we will say a huge ‘thank you’ and brief ‘au revoir’ to:
Gerald Reilly, who concludes the final part of his series on The Christianising of British Freemasonries with the ‘truth’. Gerald will be back with another thought-provoking series in February.
Brother Hogarth says ‘Finis!’ and is taking a bit of a breather – he has delighted us with twelve episodes of the reveals and exposés of his ‘Harlot’ and ‘Rake’, but I’m sure he will return with more cryptic messages in the near future.
I am delighted to say that our meticulous Masonic researcher and scholar Kenneth Jack is staying firmly where he is, and shares with us The Joy of Masonic Book Collecting – something I think we can all relate to.
Our main lead article looks at a potential brave new world of Freemasonry in Nicholas Broadway’s game-changing feature – The Great Architect of the Metaverse – this could definitely be the future of Masonry!
Which interestingly leads me to this month’s Masonic Miscellanies – on the subject of Masonic Bookplates, they were indeed a big thing.
Want to know more about Euclid’s 47th Proposition & the Past Master’s Jewel? It’s right here.
Hugh O’Neill has more Ashlar Chippings to intrigue and delight.
Craig Weightman’s current contributions end on an apt note celebrating The Season of Renewal. Starting in the new year, we will be featuring monthly short extracts from Craig’s fantastic book ‘A Journey in Stone’.
What can I say? Carlos Francisco Ortiz has excelled himself once again with a superb article on the subject of Masonry and Esotericism. As always, I thoroughly enjoyed (humbly) adding to the piece with appropriately inspiring images.
Stephen Goulding’s excellent Tutorial Series continues with The taking of a ‘Vow of Fidelity’ – Oaths, Vows and Covenants.
And as always, we have all the other usual features, book intros and reviews to pique your interest.
So, get comfortable by the fire (or on the beach depending on which hemisphere you are in), grab a hot drink – or a glass of something stronger – and indulge yourself with a delicious slice of Masonic knowledge!
To sign off 2021 from myself and Nicholas, we’d like to say a huge ‘Thank You!’ to all our readers and contributors, and wish you all the best for Christmas – or whichever festive celebrations you are partaking in to keep the cold and dark from the door…
عيد ميلاد مَجيد /Aiyeed milad sayeed!
Veselé Vánoce!
Glædelig Jul!
Vrolijk Kerstfeest!
Zalak Vitteya Ajjalani Neaka. (Happy Feast of The Long Night)
کریسمَسِ شُما مُبارَک باشَد / krīsmas-i shumā mubārak bāshad (May your Christmas be blessed)
Hyvää Joulua!
Joyeux Noël!
Fröhliche Weihnachten!
Καλά Χριστούγεννα / Kala Christougena!
Mele Kalikimaka!
Nollaig Shona Duit!
Buon Natale!
メリークリスマス! / Merīkurisumasu!
메리 크리스마스 / Meli Keuliseumaseu!
圣诞节快乐 Shèngdàn jié kuàilè
God Jul!
Niibaa’ Anami’egiizhigad & Aabita Biboon!
Feliz Natal!
C Рождеством! / S-RazhdestvOm
¡Feliz Navidad!
Schöni Wiehnachte!
Maligayang Pasko!
สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส / Suksan Wan Christmas!
And not forgetting the Klingons amongst us… Qismas Botivjaj!
I hope you enjoy the issue. If you do, if you don’t, or if you want to send us something, you know where to email – editor@thesquaremagazine.com
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. Selection of Books Online at Amazon
Books by Philippa
