From The Editor

Welcome to the 2024 Q1 issue of The Square

Square Magazine’s Evolution to Digital Success: Celebrating 1.1 Million Visitors

In the dynamic landscape of media, Square Magazine has marked a milestone that’s nothing short of extraordinary.

After its acquisition in January 2020, the magazine underwent a revolutionary transformation from a traditional print medium to a cutting-edge digital platform.

This strategic move has paid dividends, as evidenced by the celebration of 1.1 million unique visitors in 2023.

The magazine’s successful re-launch as an international online publication underscores the power of digital adaptation and the team’s unwavering commitment to excellence.

Square Magazine’s journey from print to digital eminence is a testament to the vibrant future of online journalism.

Square Academy Launches: Empowering Freemasons Worldwide Through Online Learning

 

Square Magazine broadens its horizons with the launch of Square Academy, an innovative online learning platform tailored for Freemasons.

Committed to fostering growth in 2024, the Academy offers foundation courses designed to deepen the understanding of Masonic rituals and their application in daily life. This initiative aims to not only educate but also to enrich the personal and professional spheres of Freemasons, enabling them to imbue their roles in society with greater purpose and integrity. Square Academy is where timeless wisdom meets modern convenience, equipping Freemasons to be exemplary citizens in a global community.

Courses currently available for January 2024 Launch

The Lecture of the First Degree of Freemasonry – Inspired by Taylor’s lectures
The Lecture of the Second Degree of Freemasonry – Inspired by Taylor’s lectures
The Lecture of the Third Degree of Freemasonry – Inspired by Taylor’s lectures
Citizenship | Pure Ancient Freemasonry – Inspired by the Square article series
The Meaning of Masonry – Inspired by the works of W. L. Wilmshurst

Square Academy Courses

This month we introduce seven new contributors to the Square Magazine, Michael Perry, Antonio Biella, Clive Robson, Rodolfo Corea, Peter Kuzmov, Mike Bryant and Ivan Ivanisevic.

 

This Month’s Editor Picks:

Adoniramite Freemasonry

Adoniramite Freemasonry, also known as Adoptive Freemasonry, emerged in 18th-century France as a unique initiation system for women.

Mimicking the secrecy and symbolism of regular Freemasonry, these Lodges of Adoption attracted noblewomen, literary figures, and even royalty. Explore the origins, rituals, and controversies surrounding this intriguing branch of Freemasonry.

Masonic Miscellanies – Adulterine Gilds

Guilds, the associations that shaped medieval European society, were more than just organizations of artisans and merchants. They played a vital role in the economic and social development of towns and cities.

This exploration delves into the intriguing concept of adulterine gilds and their interconnectedness with guilds, offering insight into the significance of legal authorization and recognition in medieval Europe.

Observations on the History of Masonic Research

Archaeology is often associated with uncovering ancient tombs and fossilized remains, but it goes beyond that. In a Masonic context, archaeology can be used to study and analyze the material culture of Freemasonry, providing insight into its history and development.

This article will explore the emergence and evolution of Masonic research, shedding light on the challenges faced by this ancient society in the modern world. – by Kenneth Jack

How Freemasonry has woven itself into the Fabric of Society

Like the weathered stones of an ancient temple, Freemasonry’s origins are shrouded in mystery. This fraternal order has woven invisible threads throughout society’s fabric since emerging in the 1600s.

Despite declining membership, Freemasonry’s influential legacy endures, seen in philanthropy, architecture, and the ideals of legendary members. Though facing challenges, revival remains possible if it adapts traditions to the modern era.

The Winding Staircase and its Kabbalistic Path

The Winding Staircase in freemasonry is a renowned symbol of enlightenment. In this article, we explore its connection to Kabbalistic thought and how it mirrors the inner growth of a candidate as he progresses throughout his Masonic journey.

From faith and discipline in Binah, to strength and discernment in Geburah, and finally to victory and emotional intuition in Netzach, each step represents a crucial aspect of personal development. Join us as we delve into the esoteric meanings of this powerful symbol.

Two Great Dangers

Unlocking the Mind’s Potential: Dive deep into ground breaking research revealing how simple daily habits can supercharge cognitive abilities. Discover the untapped power within and redefine your limits. Join us on this enlightening journey and transform your world!

Freemasonry: A Guide to Fatherhood

In the sacred halls of Freemasonry, fathers discover a hidden power to transform their parenting journey. With its timeless values, supportive community, and life-enriching teachings, Freemasonry empowers fathers to provide a moral compass, foster self-improvement, build stronger connections, and embrace the confidence and wisdom needed to navigate the complex realm of fatherhood.

Achieving Self-Dominance: A Pathway to Divine Oneness

Discover the pathway to divine oneness through the concept of self-dominance. This thought-provoking essay explores the profound connection between self-control, spiritual growth, and achieving unity with the divine essence. With an interdisciplinary approach, it offers practical steps towards expanding consciousness and deepening our understanding of the divine.

Theosophy & Freemasonry

Embark on a journey through time and spirituality with our in-depth exploration of the Theosophical Society’s Seal. This ancient emblem, rich with symbols, bridges humanity with the cosmos, echoing through the world’s great faiths and diverse cultures.

Our paper delves into the six mystical symbols, untangling their profound meanings and tracing their presence in historic art worldwide. Unaffiliated with worldly movements, these symbols open a window to esoteric wisdom. We also probe potential parallels with Freemasonry, seeking threads that might connect these storied organizations. Join us in unveiling the universal language of the spirit encoded within this enigmatic Seal.

Freemasonry and Gnosticism

The enigmatic allure of Freemasonry’s ancient rituals and Gnosticism’s search for hidden knowledge capture the human spirit’s endless quest for enlightenment. Between the stonemason’s square and the Gnostic’s divine spark lies a tantalizing intersection of philosophy, spirituality, and the pursuit of esoteric wisdom. Both traditions beckon with the promise of deeper understanding and moral elevation, inviting those who are drawn to unravel the tapestries of symbols and allegories.

Whether through the fellowship of the lodge or the introspective journey of the soul, the paths of Freemasonry and Gnosticism represent a yearning to connect with something greater than ourselves—an impulse as old as time and as compelling as the mysteries they guard.

The Meaning of Darkness

Initiation rituals around the world are filled with fascinating elements and different images. One of them is that of darkness. When societies speak of darkness, they often mean a lack of knowledge, a lack of choice, or a symbol of evil. During initiation rituals, darkness is used to represent the initiate’s lack of knowledge about the world, society, and initiation in general.

It can also represent the initiate’s inability to make a choice or endure a situation. Whether you have participated in an initiation rite or not, the meaning of darkness remains an intriguing concept worth exploring.

The Virtual Goose and Gridiron

In a digital era where virtual reality blurs the lines between the tangible and the intangible, Masonry explores the metaverse. Here, a Masonic Hall stands grand in the virtual expanse, its public symbols beckoning seekers and brethren alike. Within, curated materials and private chambers offer knowledge and connection, transcending physical limits.

Being of the AI Future: Reflecting on the Knowledge of the Self

Critically examines the shift from traditional power dynamics to data control in the AI era. It challenges us to rethink evolution and self-identity amidst AI’s rise, highlighting Freemasonry’s role and the need to balance technological progress with preserving human values.

Deacon Rods

Do Deacon Rods in Masonic Lodges Trace Their Origins to the Greeks?

Masonic Deacon rods potentially trace their origins to Greek antiquity, symbolically linked to Hermes’ caduceus. As Hermes bridged gods and mortals with messages, so do Masonic Deacons within the lodge, reinforcing their roles through ancient emblems.

This connection underscores a profound narrative, weaving the fabric of Masonic rites with the threads of mythological heritage, suggesting the rods are not mere tools but bearers of deeper, sacred meanings that resonate with the guardianship and communicative essence of their divine counterpart, Hermes, reflecting a timeless lineage from myth to Masonic tradition.

As always, we also have the usual features of podcasts, blogs, old books, new books, reviews of books, and a whole host of Masonic knowledge to keep you busy with your ‘daily advancement’.

We hope you enjoy this month’s issue. If you do – or if you don’t – drop me a line at editor@thesquaremagazine.com

Until next time, stay safe and well.

Nicholas Broadway

PUBLISHER

editor@thesquaremagazine.com

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