Welcome to the 2025 Q3 issue of The Square
Welcome, Brethren, to the July 2025 issue of The Square Magazine, your quarterly window into the vibrant and ever-evolving world of Freemasonry.
The pursuit of Masonic light often leads us down winding paths of history, symbolism, and philosophy.
It was on one such path, early one morning amidst my labours, sifting through the digital annals of our past for a topic worthy of our Brethren, that I stumbled upon a beam of light from a seemingly distant age.
It was a paper presented in 1735 by the distinguished Brother Martin Clare, and its opening premise struck me with the force of a revelation:
“THE chief Pleasures of Society, viz. good Conversation, and the consequent Improvements, are rightly presumed, Brethren, to be the principal Motive of our first entering into, and then of propagating our Craft, wherein those Advantages, I am bold to say, may be better met with, than in any Society now in being ; provided we are not wanting to ourselves, and will but consider, that the Basis of our Order is indissoluble Friendship, and the Cement of it Unanimity and Brotherly Love.”
Clare’s words, nearly three centuries old, resonated with a clarity that cut through the noise of the modern world. It prompted a chain of thought, a re-examination of my own Masonic journey.
Could it be that simple? In our search for esoteric secrets, profound allegories, and the perfection of our speculative art, have we overlooked the very first pleasure that Clare identifies as our principal motive? Is a key, perhaps the key, value of our fraternity the simple, yet profound, act of having a good conversation?
I began to consider the competition. In the profane world, where else can this unique pleasure be reliably found?
At the place of work, conversations are plentiful, but they are often transactional, tethered to projects and deadlines. The wise counsel to avoid the deep waters of religion and politics in such environments leaves the conversation paddling in the shallows.
Among my general acquaintances, I find time a constant constraint. A fascinating discussion with one person may spark a thirst for deeper knowledge, but that thirst often requires seeking out a new acquaintance, a new wellspring of information, making the connections feel transient rather than enduring.
Then my thoughts turned to my own Lodge. I recalled, with a jolt of recognition, those evenings at the Festive Board. On more than one occasion, I have found myself seated next to a Brother I had never met before, a man from a different walk of life, a different generation, a different worldview.
Yet, as the meal progressed, we fell into a conversation so intense, so engaging and wide-ranging, that the two hours vanished in what felt like a moment.
We explored ideas, shared experiences, and challenged each other’s perspectives with mutual respect and genuine curiosity. Where else in my life does that happen with such regularity and spontaneity?
It led me to a humbling question: have I been looking for too much from Freemasonry? Have I, in my quest for grand, overarching truths, been disappointed when the Craft did not deliver some earth-shattering epiphany?
Perhaps the ambition should be reset, not lowered, to a more fundamental objective: to meet for the purpose of a good conversation.
If that is the goal, then the onus shifts. It is no longer about what the Lodge can give me, but what I must bring to the Lodge.
It becomes incumbent upon me—upon each of us—to cultivate the skills of good conversation. And here, Brother Clare was already steps ahead.
His oration was not merely a statement of purpose but a lesson in its execution, outlining the very skills needed to elevate discourse beyond mere talk.
This art is built on timeless principles, captured in sayings that feel innately Masonic. Consider the wisdom in the address to the Wardens:
“what you see praiseworthy in others, carefully imitate, but what in them appears defective, in yourself amend.”
This is the very essence of learning to be a better conversationalist—observing the patience, wit, and wisdom of others, and checking our own tendencies towards interruption or impatience.
True conversation is a dialogue, not a monologue. It is founded on the profound truth that
“when you speak you only repeat what you already know, but when you listen, you might learn something new.”
In a world that encourages broadcasting our every thought, Freemasonry provides a space to practice the noble and illuminating art of listening.
This is what makes the experience of Masonic fellowship so uniquely rewarding. It is the practice of these skills that allows us to part with that wonderful, heartfelt sentiment ringing true:
“Happy have we met, happy have we been, happy may we part, and happy to meet again.”
That happiness is the direct result of the connection forged, the knowledge shared, and the friendship cemented through our discourse.
So, let us rediscover this “first pleasure.” Let us see good conversation not as a by-product of our meetings, but as one of their primary purposes.
It is in the space between two Brothers, engaged in earnest and open dialogue, that the cement of Brotherly Love truly hardens, and the foundation of indissoluble Friendship is made secure.
Let us come to Lodge not just to perform ritual, but to practice the art of connection, one good conversation at a time.
This month we introduce four new contributors to the Square Magazine;
Andrea Veronese
Valton Sergio von Tempski-Silka
Jorge Molina Aguilar
Ramón Mestas
Kaloyan Ganev
This Month’s Editor Picks:
The Enduring Pursuit of Light:
How Education in Freemasonry Evolved from Rote Learning to Intellectual Exploration
Freemasonry evolved from an operative craft to a speculative, moral institution after 1717. Early memorized catechisms transformed into intellectual discourse. Martin Clare’s 1735 oration, echoing John Locke, championed “inward Civility of the Mind” as a core tenet, promoting moral and social perfection within the Craft.
Guardians of the Ethnosphere
This article reinterprets Templar symbolism, proposing Knights Templar as “Guardians of the Ethnosphere.” Their ancient mission—protecting the Holy Sepulchre—is transposed to actively safeguarding humanity’s endangered cultural diversity, ancestral knowledge, and epistemic plurality against 21st-century threats like homogenization, disinformation, and what the author calls “structural oblivion.”
Lessons from the Silicon Valley Strategist:
How Andy Grove’s Principles Can Cultivate Growth in Grand Lodges
Grand Lodges face declining membership. Can Intel legend Andy Grove’s “only the paranoid survive” mindset—emphasizing vigilance, adaptability, and bold action—offer a strategic roadmap? His principles hold vital keys for these venerable institutions to cultivate renewed growth, navigate modern challenges, and ensure enduring relevance in a changing world.
To Be or Not to Be
The Masonic Journey as a Path of Inner Light and Philosophical Awakening
Comparing Hamlet’s “To be or not to be,” Masonry transforms existential doubt into an active journey. It’s a path of inner light and philosophical awakening, where doubt reveals truth and passive “being” becomes active becoming. Through the Royal Art, it’s building the self, a life project of elevation.
The Keystone of Knowledge:
A Royal Arch Journey to Fuller Understanding.
The keystone and two contiguous arch stones are represented by the three Principals of the Chapter; for as the secrets contained under the Royal Arch could only be obtained by wrenching forth the three principal stones thereof, so “a perfect understanding of those secrets can only be gained by passing through the three Principal’s chairs”.
Four Industrial Revolutions:
Four Stages of English Freemasonry
Born of the Enlightenment, Freemasonry retreated into secrecy. Now, it confronts its ultimate test: the fourth industrial revolution. In an era of AI and post-truth, can this historic brotherhood find new relevance, or will it finally fade into history?
Guiding the Young Apprentice
Embark on a journey of self-mastery with “Guiding the Young Apprentice.” Explore timeless Masonic wisdom fused with modern strategies for personal growth, leadership, and ethical living. Uncover actionable insights, cultivate discipline, and redefine your identity. Ignite your limitless potential, embrace transformation, and craft a life of purpose through enduring principles.
Masonic Acclamation the Recovery of the Word
In Masonic tradition, the word was lost—but now, it returns. Oséh, meaning the one who acts, transcends mere exclamation to become a sacred affirmation of the Builder’s purpose. This work proposes a return to meaning: from hollow ritual to living practice, from sound to action. Oséh! Oséh! Oséh!
The Interwoven Threads of Time
The present is not a static instant but a dynamic convergence of past inheritance and future aspirations. Philosophers and cultural traditions emphasize this interplay, where memories are reinterpreted and future visions shape current actions. Understanding culture requires recognizing this interwoven temporality, where the “Now” carries echoes of the past and the seeds of what is to come.
The Working Tools for a Better Man
Good intentions don’t shape an Ashlar; deliberate work does. This article introduces “humanistical iteration,” a simple framework for making good men better. By applying a craftsman’s cycle of trying, reflecting, and refining, you can transform abstract Masonic lessons into real-world virtues and consciously build a better self.
Scattered Note I – Beyond Dogma:
Boehme, Tomberg and the Hermetic Heart of Christianity
Venture beyond dogma into Christianity’s Hermetic heart. Aguilar unites Boehme, Tomberg, and Jung, revealing Christian mystery as an inner, alchemical drama. This essay explores esoteric wisdom and Masonic symbolism, guiding seekers toward personal transfiguration, a faith reconciled with mystery, and the divine spark within. A profound spiritual journey.
Mindset Shifts for Success:
Lessons from the Masonic Path
Discover how Freemasonry’s timeless wisdom illuminates profound mindset shifts. A Mason learns to understand deeply, think systemically, master control, embrace potent silence, and observe before reacting. This path cultivates self-mastery, inner peace, and transformative success, enabling one to build a purposeful life of lasting impact, truly perfecting the self.
How 1730s Politics Changed Freemasonry Forever
In 1730s London, Freemasonry was establishment; in Paris, seditious. Despite identical practices, political context forged this stark divide, forever altering the Craft. Discover how opposing English and French regimes weaponized and shaped Freemasonry, creating divisions that endure today, revealing how politics dictates an institution’s evolution.
Who Was The Queen of Sheba
Witness the legendary visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, drawn by his renowned wisdom and the splendour of his kingdom. Her arrival with a grand caravan laden with gold, spices, and precious stones overwhelmed Solomon’s court. Their exchange of lavish gifts and insightful discourse cemented a tale of mutual admiration and royal magnanimity. Some Masonic legends even weave a romantic thread into this historical encounter.
Dowland Manuscript (c1550)
Lost but legendary, the Dowland Manuscript (c.1550) offers a rare window into early Freemasonry. This 17th-century copy, second oldest known, traces Masonic origins from Euclid to Solomon’s Temple, first identifying York for assemblies and introducing a new form of sworn charges, significantly shaping the Craft’s development.
Freemasonry: a guiding beacon in a drifting world
In an era of polarization, Freemasonry offers a sanctuary of balance. It teaches that truth is found through dialogue, not imposition, and brotherhood through accepting differences. Its mission is to act as a quiet, stabilizing force—a guiding beacon for a world that seems to have lost its compass.
The Use of the Ballot
The indiscriminate admission of candidates provides a never-failing supply of unscrupulous adventurers. Without the cautious, conscientious use of the ballot, our moral influence weakens, and Freemasonry risks sinking below the level of a mere benefit society, its ranks filled with members who threaten its very honour. – The Freemason’s Chronicle 14th October 1876
Freemason Discovers the True Working Tools
The profane world is a hall of mirrors where custom passes for truth. But beyond this illusion, the Freemason discovers the true working tools: Thought and Action. These are the twin pillars of our inner Temple, between which we must stand firm to transform the rough stone of self.
Exlibris Digital Freemasonry Conference
The Exlibris Digital Freemasonry Conference confronted how technology shapes our world. Exploring VR, Blockchain, and AI, Masons debated integrating digital tools to enhance the Craft’s learning platform and secure its future. This vital conversation seeks to apply new processes to achieve our timeless outcome of moral development.
Building Respect by Design
Masonic teachings emphasise the significance of respect. The article “Building Respect by Design: 12 Habits Through the Light of Freemasonry” aims to align everyday conduct with core Masonic values. Keeping your word echoes Masonic obligations and highlights integrity. Showing up early signifies respect and diligence. Taking ownership of mistakes align with the Masonic lesson of self-improvement. These habits contribute to becoming exemplary “living stones”.
Beyond the Minute Book:
A Speculative Lineage for Scottish Freemasonry
A speculative theory probes Scottish Freemasonry’s roots. Could noble families like St. Clair and Boswell have stewarded ancient craft symbolism, perhaps from Tironensians? This hidden lineage, from medieval builders to the dawn of speculative Masonry, suggests a history whispered through generations.
Freemasonry: a guiding beacon in a drifting world
In an era of polarization, Freemasonry offers a sanctuary of balance. It teaches that truth is found through dialogue, not imposition, and brotherhood through accepting differences. Its mission is to act as a quiet, stabilizing force—a guiding beacon for a world that seems to have lost its compass.
Myosótis
“Forget-me-not” lodges around the world
A secret symbol of Masonic resistance against the Nazis, the Forget-Me-Not flower embodies courage and fidelity. Now, a global initiative by Portugal’s Myosótis Lodge seeks to unite all lodges bearing this name. Help forge a worldwide network of brotherhood, connecting the vital links of our shared, resilient history.
The Secret Vault
The Secret Vault, built under Solomon’s Temple, was a hidden repository safeguarding the Book of the Law and Master’s Word from foreseen destruction and captivity. Its rediscovery among ruins after centuries of darkness represents the enduring power of truth and hope for restoration.
Yantra Hall
The Birth Of A Masonic Light In The Heart Of Bulgaria
In the heart of Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, a new Masonic light arises. Brethren have laid the cornerstone for Yantra Hall—the nation’s first purpose-built Masonic home. A future temple of humanity, it stands as a beacon of faith, fraternity, and perseverance in the Balkans.
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.
Article by: Nicholas J Broadway
Nicholas was initiated into Freemasonry in 1989 in England (UGLE) and occupied the Master's chair. He is a member of ExLibris Lodge 3756 the research lodge and Exlibris Academy.
He also joined other UGLE craft Lodges and is a PZ in the Royal Arch Chapter.
He acquired the title of The Square Magazine in January 2020 and oversees the technical running of the digital publication.
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