January 2022 Issue articles. What secret society exists within Freemasonry itself? In a dazzling reveal from The Square’s January 2022 issue, the “Invisible Lodge”, an association of Masonic magicians, blurs lines between ritual, performance and the mystical. With whispers of a “Masonic Terrapin” and operant allegories, this extract explores hidden traditions that challenge the ordinary. International …
Imagine a Masonic journey so intimate it transforms every moment into a lesson. Welcome to a January 2022 editorial urging “daily advancement in knowledge”, small, bite‑sized adjustments in uncertain times. It teases the intriguing “Builders’ Rites” unveiling cornerstone symbolism, the eccentric “Masonic Terrapin” anecdote, and the profound inward pilgrimage towards your inner temple. Curious? Dive …
Discover the ancient power of Builders’ Rites, rituals that transform stone into sacred symbols. From Egyptian foundation deposits rich in amulets and tools to modern Masonic cornerstone ceremonies enriched by time‑capsules and symbolic pouring of corn, wine and oil, these foundation ceremonies reveal profound cornerstone symbolism. Invite curiosity, explore how laying a single stone can …
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Masonic Miscellanies – the ‘Masonic Terrapin’
Dive into the delightfully bizarre world of the Masonic Terrapin, a satirical caricature from 1851 that boldly lampoons Victorian Freemasonry. This surreal “Masonic Terrapin” blends clandestine lodge secrets with playful animal imagery, offering international freemasons a thrilling curiosity and prompting you to explore this most miscellaneous miscellany further.
Masonic Blogs – The Invisible Lodge
Discover the secret heartbeat of Freemasonry as we spotlight the Square & Compass Masonic blog, a bold and groundbreaking beacon in international Masonic dialogue. From the esoteric insights of the Metropolitan Study Group to the inclusive discussions at Universal Co‑Masonry and the playful wisdom of The Magpie Mason, this extract uncovers a vibrant mosaic of thought. Dive …
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Pure Ancient Masonry – Introduction
What if Freemasonry’s true power lies in its ‘soul of the body Masonic’? Gerald Reilly’s Pure Ancient Masonry reframes the Three Degrees and Royal Arch as four seamless ‘building operations’, from apprentice to companion, each forging citizenship, knowledge, character and global impact. This radical re‑vision invites you to question: how might Freemasonry evolve if every …
The Pieces of Architecture and the Origin of Masonic Study
The notion of constructing an inner temple, readers are invited into a compelling journey tracing Freemasonry from operative Freemasonry through to speculative masonry, where stones become symbols of moral transformation. The article reveals how medieval builders’ tools seeded a tradition of disciplined study, sparking controversy over which piece of architecture truly began masonic learning and …
Continue reading "The Pieces of Architecture and the Origin of Masonic Study"
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In the dim-lit Lodge Canongate Kilwinning No. 2, a ceremony crowned Robert Burns as Poet‑Laureate – a moment that still reverberates in the echo of recited Masonic odes. This extract teases the article’s core: how Burns’s Masonic affiliation elevated not only Freemasonry’s cultural prestige but also the bard’s own legacy. The piece explores the Robert Burns Poet Laureate appointment’s …
The Builders – 3: The Drama of Faith
The Builders – 3. The Drama of Faith - Explore an outstanding classic in Masonic literature - an exposition of the early history and symbolism of Freemasonry – from the foundations upwards. This scholarly yet approachable book sheds light on Masonry's historical roots and evolution. Despite his critical approach, Newton praises Masonry's progressive impact, emphasizing …
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When Hate Goes Too Far: – Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Hooked by the haunting image of a simple forget‑me‑not lapel pin? This powerful extract unveils how Freemasons, once public and proud, were forced underground by Nazi anti‑Masonic persecution—complete with sinister exhibitions and concentration‑camp ritual lodges. Discover how resilience became ritual, and why their story still beckons deeper exploration.
A Journey in Stone – Extracts of Wisdom p.1
Ever wondered what lies beyond the apron and the ritual? In A Journey in Stone, Craig Weightman unveils the transformative symbolism at the heart of Freemasonry, from initiation’s nervous tension to the chiselling of the rough ashlar into moral clarity. Discover how working tools guide personal change—and why every Mason’s path is uniquely profound.
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Unearthed in the archives of medieval Bologna, the Statutes of Bologna 1248 reveal a surprising blueprint of guild discipline and civic authority. This milestone document, far older than England’s Regius Poem, codifies training periods, apprenticeship rules and penalties within Operative Masonry, while asserting urban oversight by the city council. Its blend of professional rigour and moral …
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“Could the future of Freemasonry hinge on rediscovering its deeper meaning?” In this stirring extract, Hugh O’Neill challenges modern lodges to revive the unique fusion of physical ritual and spiritual insight that once defined our fraternity, warning that without it, Masonry risks degeneration. Explore how the apron flap’s symbolism and even the scandal of William Preston reveal …
The Fellowcraft's Handbook Chapter 1 - Preparation, past word and opening ceremony - The questions which are put to the candidate are really a test of the lectures, which today, unfortunately, are hardly ever given in open Lodge.
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Curious about the future of our fraternity? Masonic podcasts are transforming how we connect, learn and debate, bridging centuries‑old traditions with modern media. From the leadership focus of Craftsmen Online to the bold, sometimes controversial exploration of rites like the Egyptian Rite of Memphis, these shows spark fresh insight and invite every Freemason to dive …
Old Tiler Talks – A Masonic Speech
Ever felt your Masonic speech could use more spark? Carl Claudy’s Old Tiler urges you to dramatize your subject, not just recite symbols, evoking chipped stone, plumb lines, real acts of charity. By making Brotherhood concrete and vivid, he transforms abstraction into emotion. Intrigued? Discover how drama can elevate your address.
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Under a single banner, the United Grand Lodges of Germany emerged in 1958, uniting diverse German Grand Lodges after wartime fragmentation. Today, it champions German Freemasonry through a mosaic of rituals. This bold narrative of masonic unity hints at deeper stories. An introduction to VEREINIGTE GROSSLOGEN von Deutschland / UNITED GRAND LODGES of Germany
Step into the Lodge and into an ancient rite pulsing with symbolism. The journey of perambulation becomes a powerful “circumambulation” of the candidate, guided across the chequered pavement and paused at tasselled corners representing the four cardinal virtues; Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance and Justice. This unfolding ceremony both inspects readiness and defines moral boundaries, weaving friendship …
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Another example that demonstrates that nothing really changes in Freemasonry. In an article the Types of Masonic Character published 145 years ago in The Freemason's Chronicle 10th April, 1875
book intro – Cagliostro: the splendour and misery of a master of magic
Books
Preface to the book by William Rutherford Hayes; Cagliostro: the splendour and misery of a master of magic.
“What if the sacred rites of Freemasonry could echo within prison walls?” Dive into the astonishing tale of John Wilkes’ initiation behind bars in March 1769. This groundbreaking Masonic history challenges our assumptions about lodge boundaries and provokes curiosity about clandestine rites under confinement. Intrigued? Discover how freedom of conscience transcended physical captivity and pursue the full …
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Book Review – Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality
Books
Angel Millar is a well-known lecturer on Freemasonry, initiation, and esotericism as well as an artist and student of the martial arts. The author of several books.
Book Review – Meditations of a Flawed Ashlar
Books
Many readers will probably be familiar with Bill Hosler – he is a much-respected and veteran American Freemason and a regular contributor to the Midnight Freemasons blog.
Book Review – The Masonry of the «Moderns»: History and Rituality
Books
The Masonic ritual world dates back to the 18th century, both from England and from France, which is still our most valuable reference.
