April 2022 Issue articles. Ever wondered what hidden codes lie beneath our feet? The Secret Language of the Stone Masons unearths the allegorical power embedded in every chisel mark and chequered floor, revealing how ancient geometry and symbolism shaped modern Freemasonry. With glimpses into Masonic Miscellanies and the provocative Egyptian Rite of Memphis, this extract …
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Have you ever wondered how medieval stonemasons wove secret dialects into their craft? Drawing on “The Secret Language of the Stone Masons,” this extract uncovers how operative masons deployed hidden argots alongside marks to guard guild knowledge and reinforce their mystique. The article immerses readers in the social history of Freemasonry, revealing how coded speech …
The Secret Language of the Stone Masons
The world of secret languages once whispered through medieval builders' workshops, forging bonds among operative stonemasons guilds and safeguarding their craft’s mysteries. This extract reveals how artisans deployed argots alongside intricate Masons’ Marks, transforming mere stone into coded narratives that spoke of identity, allegiance and arcane tradition, daring readers to uncover the full tapestry of …
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Masonic Miscellanies – Statute 1356
Uncover the curious tale of statute 1356, a seemingly obscure regulation that unlocks layers of Masonic tradition and allegory — a hook that captivates from the outset. Through vivid accounts of morality prints and historical statutes, this extract unravels how one medieval rule still resonates within Freemasonry’s moral architecture. The exploration naturally weaves in “statute 1356” early …
Ever wondered how Freemasonry evolved into eight distinct traditions? The Eight Schools of Freemasonry trace a remarkable journey, from William Preston’s scientific curiosity to Arthur Edward Waite’s mysterious Esoteric School, and even the rigorously evidence‑driven Authentic School, revealing controversies that cut to the heart of Masonic identity and spark a thirst to learn more.
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Pure Ancient Masonry; P3. The Master, Building Better Character
At the heart of Pure Ancient Masonry lies a radical re‑envisioning of Freemasonry, not as four disparate rites, but as a seamless journey through the Three Degrees and the Royal Arch, forging world citizenship through “building better communities, knowledge, character and world”. This transformative concept challenges traditional practice and teases profound insights, inviting you to …
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A Guiding Paw – my faithful ‘brethren’
What if your most trusted “brethren” wore paws, not aprons? Gary’s journey, supported by his faithful guide dogs, reveals how “guide dogs for Masonic life” can shatter limits, granting him active leadership roles in Lodge and public service. Their inter-dependence underscores a transformative bond, highlighting a groundbreaking testament to accessibility and inviting deeper exploration.
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Was Masonic historian Reverend J. B. Craven a genius or a heretic? His unorthodox Masonic theories challenged the accepted history of Scottish Freemasonry, delving deep into Orkney's unique Masonic past. Discover the controversial legacy of a man who dared to rewrite the established narrative of the Craft's origins.
The Builders – Chapter 6 the Free-Masons
Chapter 6. the Free-Masons - an examination into the history of the medieval guilds, their charges and regulations that form the base for the allegories and symbols in our modern versions of masonic craft ritual. By Joseph Fort Newton
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The Second William Schaw Statutes (1599)
Could a secret 16th‑century statute still shape modern Masonry? The Second Schaw Statutes, issued 28 December 1599, placed the Second Schaw Statutes at the heart of Masonic history, affirming Kilwinning Lodge’s regional authority, mandating rigorous record keeping, apprenticeship standards and the enigmatic art of memory, all under royal oversight. Discover the origins of structured operative craft.
A Journey in Stone – Extracts of Wisdom p.3
Intrigued by the journey in stone, Craig Weightman invites Freemasons to contemplate how the rough ashlar becomes a moral compass, chiselled by the working tools, forged through Third Degree symbolism. From symbolic death to the illusion of self, this extract teases a profound moral metamorphosis. Read on to unearth deeper truths.
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The Green Dragon Tavern, or Freemasons’ Arms
Step inside the legendary Green Dragon Tavern, where Freemasons and Sons of Liberty once conspired in hushed tones under its famed “Masons’ Arms” sign. In Boston’s North-End Caucus hub, patriots like Joseph Warren and Paul Revere planned the Boston Tea Party, a stirring blend of Masonic brotherhood and revolutionary fervour that demands deeper discovery.
To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 1
Imagine harnessing Pure Ancient Masonry not just as ritual but as a blueprint for true global citizenship. By exploring how symbolic working tools refine character, communication and leadership, this extract teases the most provocative insight: Masonry’s fourth stage redefines influence and trust in our global community.
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Have you ever wondered why freemasonry brims with hidden symbolism in freemasonry? This extract delves into how allegorical subjects, from grapes and laurel to Mercury’s caduceus, embody deeper truths. Discover the extraordinary link between the Pillars of Jachin and Boaz and the Hebrew name Hiram, sparking controversy and curiosity that begs further exploration.
Chapter 4 - Conclusion of the Ceremony; a brief explanation of the North East Corner and the Charge according to the ancient mysteries by J.S.M Ward
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A revolution is being broadcast. Masonic podcasts are taking centuries of Masonic knowledge and making it globally accessible for the first time. From The Masonic Roundtable to smaller programmes, this digital shift is reshaping the Craft. But what does this really mean for the future of the organisation?
What if the path to Masonic promotion isn’t as unfair as it seems? In this intriguing anecdote, an experienced Old Tiler challenges the notion that early appointments and promotions in the Lodge are always inequitable. By probing “one point of view,” he reveals a deeper perspective on comparing members’ abilities and subtly invites the reader …
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Imagine half a million Brothers united under a single banner—welcome to the Grande Alliance Maconnique TRACIA, the third‑largest alliance of independent grand lodges. Founded in 2017 in Brașov, TRACIA champions rigorous initiation rituals, spiritual growth and charity, while rejecting extremist ideologies. Discover how this bold movement preserves authentic Masonic tradition—and why its quiet defiance of modern trends is …
Imagine ascending a living allegory—each step infused with ancient symbolism. This winding staircase, rooted in the biblical Middle Chamber and structured by odd numbers, guides the Fellowcraft through stages of mental and spiritual growth. Embrace the mystery of its three‑five‑seven sequence and let curiosity draw you deeper into this transformative journey.
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Ridicule has been somewhat illogically described as the test of truth. If it were so, Freemasonry ought to have perished long since. Two press reports from May 1875 covering the Installation of the Prince of Wales as Grand Master - 8 May 1875
Freemasonry and the Metaverse; P2
In this second instalment, Freemasonry and the Metaverse. We discusses the importance of being an open source protocol and how could Freemasonry benefit from a metaverse structure?
Metaverses, Masonry and Minecraft: The Future of Lodges
Contribution
Imagine a clandestine group of Masons building rituals in Minecraft’s darkest corners—anyone curious yet? Freemasonry’s adaptation into a virtual lodge, from Second Life to Zoom and Minecraft, challenges centuries‑old traditions. This metaverse freemasonry sparks debate: can ritual and brotherhood truly thrive in pixels? Discover why the Craft must reclaim its digital future.
Books
This month we look at – 'A portrait gallery, with biographical sketches of prominent freemasons throughout the United States'
Intergenerational relations in Masonry
Books
What if silent generational tensions are eroding the Craft from within? As younger Brethren disengage and older Masons resist change, “Masonic evasion” quietly spreads. Yet hope lies in innovative intergenerational initiatives, cross-mentoring, shared leadership, digital fluency. These aren’t just solutions, they’re lifelines. Could unity across ages be the key to revitalising Freemasonry for generations to …
Book Review – Taken by Surprise
Books
Never again will a Freemason be caught out by a last-minute request to make a response. - Taken by Surprise by Yasha Beresiner
Book Review – A Deserving Brother: George Washington and Freemasonry
Books
Like several of America’s founding fathers, George Washington was a Freemason. In 'A Deserving Brother', Mark Tabbert presents a complete story of Washington’s known association with Freemasonry.
Book Review – Nobly Born: An Illustrated History of the Knights Templar
Books
The Templars were an unusual Order in that they lived both an active and contemplative life; making them effectively the first warrior-monks in the western world
