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June 2022 Issue articles. Curiosity piqued? Discover how the fascinating concept of an egregore, a collective thought‑form, influences Digital Freemasonry shaping modern rites, virtual lodges and shared symbolism. This intriguing notion reveals how member energy coalesces into a living presence, forging unprecedented bonds. Uncover how this could transform your Masonic experience, dive deeper.
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“Is justice an objective law or a shifting ideal?” In this compelling extract, the timeless resonance of “the arc of the moral universe”, traced from Theodore Parker’s 19th‑century sermon through Masonic teachings, challenges modern readers. From ancient Egyptian mason’s marks to digital “egregores,” this issue reveals provocative connections that urge deeper exploration.
Mason’s Marks – from Egypt to Europe?
“Ancient symbols chiselled into Egyptian stones whisper a secret lineage that echoes through Europe’s cathedrals.” In this riveting journey from New Kingdom Egypt to medieval guilds, the article unveils how mason’s marks, from identity marks etched on ostraca to precise assembly marks in cathedrals, traced the migration of operative craftsmanship across continents. This groundbreaking link …
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Masonic Miscellanies – what are the ‘three dots’?
Ever wondered why you’ll spot three little dots after Masonic initials—like “G∴ M∴”? Freemasonry’s “three points in a triangular form” (∴) aren’t mystical Hebrew cues but a simple mark of abbreviation, quietly noting initials such as G∴ M∴ (Grand Master) or G∴ L∴ (Grand Lodge). This seemingly minor typographical quirk reveals a fascinating tug-of-war: some attribute arcane …
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8 Schools of Freemasonry – Philosophy P2
What if Freemasonry isn’t just one tradition, but eight distinct paths to enlightenment? This intriguing introduction to the Eight Schools of Freemasonry, from the visionary Scientific School to the mystical Esoteric School and the rigorously evidence‑driven Authentic School, reveals how each stream shapes Masonic knowledge uniquely. Dive deeper to uncover which school resonates with your …
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Have you ever felt a presence that transcends the lodge room—an invisible force shaped by shared intent? The egregore of Freemasonry, a living collective consciousness, pulses through our rituals and symbols, forging deep bonds and guiding personal transformation. From virtual lodges in the metaverse to ancient allegories, its power challenges tradition—and invites you to explore …
Could the centuries‑old debate over “Due Form or Ample Form” reshape how we perceive Masonic ritual? The traditional clash between “due form”, the prescribed ritual opening and “ample form”, the Grand Master’s wider latitude, takes centre stage in this thought‑provoking exploration. Challenging orthodox boundaries, the piece reveals how ample form’s flexibility uncovers deeper symbolism and …
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George Blackie – The History of the Knights Templar P.1
Initiating the dramatic rise of the Royal Order of Scotland in North America, George Stodart Blackie—one of only two members in the USA and uniquely affiliated with Grand Lodge since 1857—facilitated the induction of Albert Pike on 4 December 1876. This pivotal moment reshaped Masonic influence abroad, inviting readers to uncover the full tale.
The Builders – 8 Accepted Masons
Chapter 8. Accepted Masons - an examination into the history of accepted masons, and why did soldiers, scholars, antiquarians, clergymen, lawyers, and even the nobility ask to be accepted as members of the order of Free-masons? By Joseph Fort Newton
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The Inter‑American Masonic Confederation (IMC) quietly reshaped global Freemasonry, but why has this 1947 alliance of 92 Great Masonic Powers remained in the shadows? The Inter‑American Masonic Confederation championed an innovative institutional model uniting Isbero‑American Freemasonry across 26 nations. By harnessing digital collaboration and cross‑cultural exchange, it has sparked transformation in half a million Masons. …
A Journey in Stone – Extracts of Wisdom p.5
The humble rough ashlar, that unhewn block fresh from the quarry, becomes a powerful metaphor for moral rebirth. This extract reveals how medieval operative stone‑guilds guarded secrets of craftsmanship and character, and how Freemasonry’s transformative initiation chisels conscience and shapes character using working tools as living symbolism. Intriguingly, these age‑old symbols still pulse with relevance …
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The Edinburgh Register House Manuscript (1696)
Unearthed in 1696 at Edinburgh’s Register House, a manuscript challenged the very foundations of early Freemasonry. The Edinburgh Register House Manuscript unveils a cryptic Masonic catechism and an authentic ritual of admission, complete with grips, tokens and the dramatic “five points of fellowship.” It teases the emergence of speculative Masonry, dare you explore its secrets?
To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 3
Imagine unlocking a Pure Ancient Masonry blueprint that transforms every Freemason into a true citizen of the world. Step 3 dives into how working tools rooted in Masonic symbolism, sculpt character and sharpen leadership skills on a global stage. Ready to discover the most provocative insight yet?
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Struggling with the future of Masonry? Hugh O’Neill issues a stirring challenge: without deeper meaning beyond ritual and repast, our fraternity risks decline. He reveals surprising traditions, from the apron flap’s forgotten symbolism to the scandal of William Preston’s breakaway, uncovering truths that might reshape perceptions and ignite your curiosity to learn more.
Chapter 6 - Closing Second Degree Ceremony; a brief explanation of the teaching of the second degree as contained in the symbols in the closing part of the ceremony by J.S.M Ward
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Are you ready to unearth the most Masonic Podcasts reshaping our fraternal journey? This compelling extract introduces the groundbreaking revelation that the June 2022 issue champions not only “Craftsmen Online Podcast” but also “The Square Magazine Podcast”, fusing leadership, history and symbolism. It teases a deep dive into their most provocative episodes, inviting you to explore …
Old Tiler Talks – The Ideal Mason
Ever wondered what truly defines the ideal Mason? In Claudy’s timeless anecdote, the Old Tiler challenges the Younger Brother to look beyond ritual, charity, history and symbolism, all noble “kinds of Masons”, to embrace the highest ideal: the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. This bold reframing of Masonic identity invites every reader …
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Commentary on the Second Degree Charge
Discover why the Second Degree Charge is more than a ritual—it's a transformative blueprint. Crafted to elevate the Craftsman beyond moral conduct, it urges lifelong personal development through the study of the liberal arts; grammar, rhetoric, geometry and more. By embracing the geometry symbolism at its heart, Freemasons are inspired to lead with integrity, curiosity …
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Is there reason in the accusation that Masonic energy looks only to a course of good feeds, and the more the jollier, when we can point to such grand results as have been achieved in these latter years, both in respect of the extension of our Order, and of the greater amount of good we …
On the Antiquity of Masonic Symbolism
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Is it possible that the antiquity of masonic symbolism reaches deeper than we’ve ever imagined? This extract explores how operative origins, from the Chain of Union in medieval guilds to the Square and Compasses drawn from ancient geometry, reveal a continuous thread of knowledge. The most controversial insight? That some symbols predate Freemasonry itself, sparking …
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Mike’s Masonic Walks and Talks
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Could there be a Masonic conspiracy behind Jack the Ripper’s grisly London murders? On a guided walk led by Scotland Yard veteran WBro Mike Neville, participants explore sinister intersections between Freemasonry and crime, from Jack the Ripper’s East End to courtroom scandals unearthed in his acclaimed Crime and the Craft. Discover hidden ritual, scandal and intrigue, learn …
Book Review – The Freemasons Stopped in the Middle of the Ford
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This book tries to approach Freemasonry from different sides; not so much to explain how he understands it as to encourage the reader to seek his own answers – on its methods, its organization, and its meaning. The book gives examples of different ways of practicing Freemasonry to broaden the horizon of Masons. Diversity inspires. …
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Book Review – Alternative Masonic Addresses For The Craft Degrees
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Do you get asked to give an address at your lodge ? Are you looking for an alternative address ? Then take a look at this collection of alternative masonic addresses for the craft degrees prepared by Lewis Masonic
