Contents




Contents

March 2023 Issue articles

From The Editor

Warm welcome from the Editor. Does a lodge need physical walls? The growing concept of a digital lodge forces a profound re-examination of masonic tradition and technology, begging the ultimate question: what truly makes a lodge? This crucial debate is shaping the future of Freemasonry, and its implications for the Craft demand our immediate attention …

Reviving a Slumbering Giant

Could Freemasonry be rising stronger than ever after the pandemic? In “Reviving a Slumbering Giant”, Robert Lomas explores how the fraternity has harnessed renewal and revitalised ritual practice to emerge more relevant than before. He highlights the central role of ritual significance and a renewed focus on Masonic education—showing how both are reshaping its modern identity. This groundbreaking …

Masonic Pens

Masonic Miscellanies – Four Veils in Royal Arch Masonry

Have you encountered the hidden drama behind the four veils in Royal Arch Masonry? This Masonic Miscellany lifts the curtain on the four veils in Royal Arch Masonry revealing their potent symbolism, barriers representing stages of pursuit for the “lost word” and how the Ceremony of Passing the Veil survives, notably in Bristol’s Royal Arch …

Masonic Ties

General Regulations of a Free Mason 1723

Did you know a 1723 constitution reshaped Freemasonry forever? The Enlightenment principles introduced in the 1723 General Regulations, democratic accountability, meritocracy and written constitutions, established a revolutionary governance model for lodges. George Payne’s vision empowered members with voting rights, majority rule and officer elections, breaking from medieval guild secrecy. This rare glimpse into Masonic reform …

How to Learn Ritual with a Learning Disorder

Struggling with ritual because of a learning difficulty? Learning ritual with a learning disorder is entirely possible, by using visual aids and mnemonic techniques, breaking the ceremony into manageable steps, and leaning on technology like audio recordings, flashcard apps and video demonstrations. Supported by mentorship, this empowering approach transforms a barrier into a rite of …

Masonic Watches

Burns’ Masonic Farewell

Was Robert Burns’s famous Masonic farewell simply a goodbye? His poem, "The Farewell. To the Brethren of St. James's Lodge, Tarbolton," is one of the most emotional and often misinterpreted works in Masonic history. We uncover the true, heartfelt meaning behind the Bard’s poignant adieu to the Craft he so dearly loved.

A Man of High Ideals: Kenneth Wilson MA

What happens when Masonic principles clash with international politics? Kenneth R. H. Wilson, a man of high ideals, helped found the International Masonic Association only to foresee its collapse. Delve into the story of a visionary Mason whose unwavering honour and foresight left a profound and lasting mark on the Craft.

Bricks Masons

The First Degree Lecture – P2

Beyond a simple memory test, the First Degree lecture is the cornerstone of Masonic education. It is here that the symbolism of the ceremony is explained, and the foundation of moral instruction is truly laid. Discover the profound lessons intended for every new Freemason within this most vital piece of ritual.

The Relevance of Freemasonry in Contemporary Society

In our fractured modern world, is Freemasonry still relevant? Far from being an anachronism, its principles provide a vital counter-culture to the isolation of contemporary society. The Craft offers a unique moral and ethical compass, fostering genuine connection and self-improvement when they are most needed. Discover its enduring and necessary place today.

Masonic KT Regalia

An Operative Progressions to Speculative Masonry

How can the life of a modern craftsman illuminate the path from operative to speculative Masonry? This article charts a unique journey, exploring the profound allegorical lessons found in the daily discipline of a trade. Discover the powerful parallels between a baker's tools and the Mason's art, revealing a fresh perspective on self-improvement.

The Rite of Investiture

What is the true significance of the Rite of Investiture? More than just receiving a lambskin apron, this is the pivotal moment a man receives the badge of a Freemason. It represents a profound commitment to honour and innocence, a symbol that must be kept unsullied throughout his life. Re-examine the deep meaning behind this …

Masonic Cases

Practical Life Lessons Taught Through Freemasonry – P3

A series of articles offering a guide to practical life lessons taught through Freemasonry for young adults setting out in life after full time education - Lesson 3: How to take care of your physical and mental health

The Master Mason’s Handbook P9&10

After the profound Third Degree, what comes next? We review "The Master Mason's Handbook," the essential guide many wish they had been given upon being raised. It expertly unpacks the rich symbolism and deeper meanings of the Hiramic legend, providing an indispensable companion for any newly raised Mason exploring their new role.

Masonic Regalia

Masonic Podcasts

How does an ancient fraternity embrace the digital age? Masonic podcasts are the new Trestle Board, a vibrant and modern medium for spreading Masonic light and knowledge globally. From deep dives into ritual to roundtable discussions, this is where the Craft’s voice is evolving. We review the essential podcasts that every Freemason should be tuning …

Craftsmen Online Podcast

A weekly masonic podcast connecting Freemasons around the world with leadership development, Masonic education, and Masonic history. - New episodes each Monday - Subscribe to keep updated.

Ben Franklin’s Quote

“A child thinks 20 shillings and 20 years can scarce ever be spent” quote suggests that a child has an innocent and optimistic view of the future, believing that time and money are abundant and will never run out. The child may believe that 20 shillings, which is a small sum of money, is enough …

Masonic Swords

Especial Meeting of United Grand Lodge of England

The year 2023 marks the tercentenary of the publication in London of the Constitutions of the Freemasons, based on Enlightenment principles that provide the philosophical foundations of modern Freemasonry. Why are the 1723 Constitutions important? Many Masonic histories have been concerned with ‘when’ and ‘what’. We also explore ‘why?’

Carl Jung’s Living Symbols: P3

Can psychology unlock the deepest meaning of our Craft? Carl Jung's theory of living symbols offers a powerful key, viewing Masonic emblems not as static signs, but as potent archetypes from the collective unconscious. Explore how this framework illuminates the transformative power of ritual and the profound psychological journey of every Freemason.

Masonic Jewels

Prejudices 

Prejudices are partial judgments in favour of, or against certain persons or things, and, for convenience sake, may be ranged in two categories—those which are, comparatively speaking, harmless, and those which are harmful. Article first published in The Freemason's Chronicle, Oct. 2 1875.

Artificial Intelligence and its Uses

Is the creative spark still a uniquely human trait? Artificial Intelligence is no longer science fiction; tools like ChatGPT can now write essays, generate art, and challenge our very definition of ingenuity. We must now confront what this means for our future as creators. Delve into the technological revolution that will define humanity's next chapter.

Book Intro – Daniel Beresniak Symbols Of Freemasonry

This book is a collection of the symbolic images which Freemasons encounter on their journeys of transformation.' The texts and illustrations form an intimate dialogue whose subject is Freemasonry, and which casts light on the relationship between dreams and reality, reason, intuition and imagination.

Masonic Ring

First Digital Freemasonry Summit 

Can Freemasonry thrive in the digital age? The first-ever Digital Freemasonry Summit, a landmark event hosted by the Grand Lodge of the State of Israel, brought global leaders together to forge a path forward. This pioneering dialogue tackled the "Freemasonry of the Future." Uncover the vision from this historic global conversation on the Craft's evolution. …

Meet The Author – Robert Freke Gould

A brief look at his life, Gould was a soldier, barrister and prominent Freemason and Masonic historian. He was also one of the founders of Quatuor Coronati Lodge in 1886.

Book Review – Managing The Future of Freemasonry

The golden years of Freemasonry have passed with the departure of a world never likely to return. We cannot pretend that our membership problem will simply go away. If we are to rescue our order, we must take an objective look at ourselves and understand the society we now face. By Dr David J West

Lewis Masonic Books

Reviews and new publications from Lewis Masonic

Book Review – What Just Happened? 

This series of booklets will attempt to describe in plain terms what was involved in conferring the three degree, a little of its historical and traditional basis, as well as the ideas presented to new members for their contemplation now and in the future. By Hugh O'Neill.

Join QCCC

How to join QCCC - the world’s first and oldest Masonic research society established over 135 years ago.

Book Review – Dudley Wright: Writer, Truthseeker & Freemason

Dudley Wright (1868-1950) was an Englishman who took a universalist approach to the various great Truths of Life, he travelled though many religions in his life and wrote about them all, but was probably most at home with Islam.

SQ Masonic Book Store

Selected Masonic Books available at Amazon

SQ Leadership Books

Selected Books on Leadership and Personal Development available at Amazon

SQ Style – Man

Stand out from the crowd with SQ’s Masonic essentials

SQ Style – Feminine

Stand out from the crowd with SQ’s Masonic essentials

SQ Styles

Masonic Apparel made to order, unique designs by Tubal Cain Masonic NFT Artist

Last Page

Final note from the publisher and your feedback ....


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