Brethren,
I will be blogging in a new location.
http://www.musicauniversalis.org
click "blog" at the top. It won't always be philosophical or esoteric but it will always be me. Unless of course the domain gets discontinued. ;)
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Silence & Circumspection
For those who still check here and have noticed a lack of recent content I decided a long time ago only to post when I had something to say.
As of late my masonic voice has been a bit silent. I have been questioning some internal business within my heart and have been meditating on how I feel about certain particulars which will go unnamed.
This situation has struck a particular chord within my heart and has rung ever since. I am a bit disheartened at this and have consulted privately with many brethren (both those within and without my jurisdiction) exactly what it is I should do about this. I realize it comes down to me & a matter of how I feel in my heart – and my heart is very upset. I basically have two options: stand up for what I believe is right or ignore the whole thing entirely.
The issue with this is I feel if I bring it up now I will cause harm between myself and the physical and mental Freemasonry I know and love. If I don't bring it up I won't be standing up for what I believe in. As one brother succinctly said “it is not that often that one gets to stand up for what is truly right”.
You see; what's going on is the exact opposite of what I believe we are taught as masons from the beginning. It is one of the first things we hear as far as teachings go in Freemasonry and yet I feel it is the first that has been ignored for far too long. It is quickly becoming fixed in many jurisdictions. In some it was never an issue to begin with.
I had originally thought to demit. The seriousness of this contemplation came to me after another talk with a brother who said “we can't change the system for the positive if we are not there”.
I feel as though I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I can't deny this because I don't believe in it but I can't seem to pull the trigger on affirmative action, either.
I know this is incredibly vague. I'm putting how I feel out mentally. Have you ever felt the same in any way and what did you do to fix it in the most amicable way possible for all involved? For the brethren who are reading that I have talked to personally about this I want to thank you from the bottom of my masonic heart.
To leave this on a positive note we have been booming with degree work. We entered two brothers and raised two more. We are entering another in a week, hopefully passing another at the end of this month and raising another the month after that in a Past Masters Degree Night.
All is not hopeless; All is not lost.
“Behold! How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity...”
As of late my masonic voice has been a bit silent. I have been questioning some internal business within my heart and have been meditating on how I feel about certain particulars which will go unnamed.
This situation has struck a particular chord within my heart and has rung ever since. I am a bit disheartened at this and have consulted privately with many brethren (both those within and without my jurisdiction) exactly what it is I should do about this. I realize it comes down to me & a matter of how I feel in my heart – and my heart is very upset. I basically have two options: stand up for what I believe is right or ignore the whole thing entirely.
The issue with this is I feel if I bring it up now I will cause harm between myself and the physical and mental Freemasonry I know and love. If I don't bring it up I won't be standing up for what I believe in. As one brother succinctly said “it is not that often that one gets to stand up for what is truly right”.
You see; what's going on is the exact opposite of what I believe we are taught as masons from the beginning. It is one of the first things we hear as far as teachings go in Freemasonry and yet I feel it is the first that has been ignored for far too long. It is quickly becoming fixed in many jurisdictions. In some it was never an issue to begin with.
I had originally thought to demit. The seriousness of this contemplation came to me after another talk with a brother who said “we can't change the system for the positive if we are not there”.
I feel as though I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. I can't deny this because I don't believe in it but I can't seem to pull the trigger on affirmative action, either.
I know this is incredibly vague. I'm putting how I feel out mentally. Have you ever felt the same in any way and what did you do to fix it in the most amicable way possible for all involved? For the brethren who are reading that I have talked to personally about this I want to thank you from the bottom of my masonic heart.
To leave this on a positive note we have been booming with degree work. We entered two brothers and raised two more. We are entering another in a week, hopefully passing another at the end of this month and raising another the month after that in a Past Masters Degree Night.
All is not hopeless; All is not lost.
“Behold! How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity...”
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Towards the east (& further)
“Who will teach him to approach the east, the source of light...”
Why approach the east?
In taking our first steps in freemasonry we approach the east because it is the source of light; of knowledge. Of mind and of Deity. We approach the east because we have been traveling in darkness from the North. Once the light crests over the hill and into our eyes our spiritual world becomes illuminated. Without light from the sun we could not live. Plants could not live. Light is, in many ways, essential. It's most memorizing in the east because that's when you first notice it. However, coming from the east the light is only partial. It shows but a portion of our spirituality as it has just risen. The light, masonically, has other directions to travel – West, South & everywhere in between.
Why are we partial to the east?
When the sun rises in the east it creates a natural phenomenon (a sunrise). Anyone who has been mindful of a sunrise can tell you it's incredibly breathtaking. Analogously, when we're first learning spiritually our mind is empty and without knowledge or experience. We tend to notice the little things more; but as time goes on we tend to ask more questions, consider ourselves experts and fail to notice the simplistic beauty of the sunrise. We take it for granted that “our religion is concrete and correct” and don't take it to our hearts, instead taking it to our heads and either forget the message or miss it entirely.
Why follow the sun west?
Assistance is necessary. If plants were to rely solely on the sun they wouldn't get the correct nutrients they need. Depending on the plant it could need any variety of soils, specific weather conditions or any other expectations. Similarly, spirituality alone won't save our souls. We must believe with the whole of our hearts that we can forgive, that we can love & care for one another as one family: as one religious experience. We are no different from each other. If we break down the walls of selfishness and turn to selflessness we will prosper. Everyone has to recognize we are all experiencing the same existence.
Why rest in the south?
It's a natural cycle. Life can't continue to grow at a rapid rate without having a rest. Existence requires consistent refining of our goals, our views & our cares. If we were to press forward without rethinking our position within the circle we would never get ourselves anywhere. If we never rested we'd be too wary to get through the day to day experience of life. Resting rebuilds our convictions. Similar to a muscle it's not the lifting that builds it but the resting in between. It's the resting that strengthens our character, unifies our cause & saves our soul.
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth... While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened...”
Why approach the east?
In taking our first steps in freemasonry we approach the east because it is the source of light; of knowledge. Of mind and of Deity. We approach the east because we have been traveling in darkness from the North. Once the light crests over the hill and into our eyes our spiritual world becomes illuminated. Without light from the sun we could not live. Plants could not live. Light is, in many ways, essential. It's most memorizing in the east because that's when you first notice it. However, coming from the east the light is only partial. It shows but a portion of our spirituality as it has just risen. The light, masonically, has other directions to travel – West, South & everywhere in between.
Why are we partial to the east?
When the sun rises in the east it creates a natural phenomenon (a sunrise). Anyone who has been mindful of a sunrise can tell you it's incredibly breathtaking. Analogously, when we're first learning spiritually our mind is empty and without knowledge or experience. We tend to notice the little things more; but as time goes on we tend to ask more questions, consider ourselves experts and fail to notice the simplistic beauty of the sunrise. We take it for granted that “our religion is concrete and correct” and don't take it to our hearts, instead taking it to our heads and either forget the message or miss it entirely.
Why follow the sun west?
Assistance is necessary. If plants were to rely solely on the sun they wouldn't get the correct nutrients they need. Depending on the plant it could need any variety of soils, specific weather conditions or any other expectations. Similarly, spirituality alone won't save our souls. We must believe with the whole of our hearts that we can forgive, that we can love & care for one another as one family: as one religious experience. We are no different from each other. If we break down the walls of selfishness and turn to selflessness we will prosper. Everyone has to recognize we are all experiencing the same existence.
Why rest in the south?
It's a natural cycle. Life can't continue to grow at a rapid rate without having a rest. Existence requires consistent refining of our goals, our views & our cares. If we were to press forward without rethinking our position within the circle we would never get ourselves anywhere. If we never rested we'd be too wary to get through the day to day experience of life. Resting rebuilds our convictions. Similar to a muscle it's not the lifting that builds it but the resting in between. It's the resting that strengthens our character, unifies our cause & saves our soul.
“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth... While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened...”
Friday, March 21, 2008
Why are you a freemason?
This is my project. To get good men in masonry & masonry in good men that wish to be masons. This is how I aim to do this - http://www.freewebs.com/solomonlodge36/petition.htm . By requests for a petition (*or alternatively an online petition).
Yep, that's it. Technology. This is my request for you guys and why I posted it here.
I think that the foundation of this brotherhood is the members who are active in it. I think that people who aren't masons who want to be masons want to know why we are masons (I'm almost sure I could have worded that better). what do we get out of it? so that's my question. here's why i'm asking. I believe testimonials from men who are masons will inspire someone just that much more to want to become a brother. So what do you get out of freemasonry and what have you given back?
S&F,
Steve
*(EDIT: It has been ok'ed by the grand sec'y and my WM. the grand sec'y says GL doesn't have an issue with it and and he suggested the next time the jurisprudence committee gets together they put together some kind of guidance for the blue lodges but says that "we're doing the correct thing in sending a PM or two out to 'pre-interview' a prospective candidate).
Also, for the record here is my testimonial.
"I'm a freemason because it has helped me (through ritual and meeting with my brethren) to better myself spiritually and physically. I've met many a great man either online or off whom I'm very proud to call my brother and have had great experiences I otherwise wouldn't have known about had I not been a mason; such as: fraternal dinners, traveling and visiting other lodges, reading and an overall lifestyle change in that my perspective on life and meaning of life has evolved".
Yours doesn't have to be so lengthy but it can be if you choose. I also want blue lodge info, but that is not required. By the way, I want to post this on our lodge website so keep that in mind. Thank you very much. (EDIT: Posting them, you can see them or make your comments to my questions here.) Thank you again.
Yep, that's it. Technology. This is my request for you guys and why I posted it here.
I think that the foundation of this brotherhood is the members who are active in it. I think that people who aren't masons who want to be masons want to know why we are masons (I'm almost sure I could have worded that better). what do we get out of it? so that's my question. here's why i'm asking. I believe testimonials from men who are masons will inspire someone just that much more to want to become a brother. So what do you get out of freemasonry and what have you given back?
S&F,
Steve
*(EDIT: It has been ok'ed by the grand sec'y and my WM. the grand sec'y says GL doesn't have an issue with it and and he suggested the next time the jurisprudence committee gets together they put together some kind of guidance for the blue lodges but says that "we're doing the correct thing in sending a PM or two out to 'pre-interview' a prospective candidate).
Also, for the record here is my testimonial.
"I'm a freemason because it has helped me (through ritual and meeting with my brethren) to better myself spiritually and physically. I've met many a great man either online or off whom I'm very proud to call my brother and have had great experiences I otherwise wouldn't have known about had I not been a mason; such as: fraternal dinners, traveling and visiting other lodges, reading and an overall lifestyle change in that my perspective on life and meaning of life has evolved".
Yours doesn't have to be so lengthy but it can be if you choose. I also want blue lodge info, but that is not required. By the way, I want to post this on our lodge website so keep that in mind. Thank you very much. (EDIT: Posting them, you can see them or make your comments to my questions here.) Thank you again.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Astronomy
I recently have found a program (for windows/mac/linux) that can help you explore the solar system. It's called Celestia. It's a really great program and you can turn features on and off according to your systems needs. It can get pretty intense mapping out constellations and comet tails, so you have the option to turn these (and many other things) on and off. By the way, it's free.
Enjoy.
S&F
Steve
Enjoy.
S&F
Steve
Friday, February 8, 2008
Petitions Galore
Due to the 'request a petition' link Solomon Lodge has had several (around 4) requests come in. I've met all these men and know none of them personally.
The way the form works is this:
-a prospective candidate fills out the request form
-I get the request and tell them the next time the brethren are meeting at the lodge
-we meet the man, hand him his petition & get him to fill it out
-he waits a bit so that someone gets to know him more so we can sign his petition, thus sending out an investigative committee.
This has really taken off in the short period of time I've had it up. Hopefully all these men will become 'true and faithful brothers among us'.
S&F,
Steve
The way the form works is this:
-a prospective candidate fills out the request form
-I get the request and tell them the next time the brethren are meeting at the lodge
-we meet the man, hand him his petition & get him to fill it out
-he waits a bit so that someone gets to know him more so we can sign his petition, thus sending out an investigative committee.
This has really taken off in the short period of time I've had it up. Hopefully all these men will become 'true and faithful brothers among us'.
S&F,
Steve
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
GM Official Visitation Solomon 36
This blog contains more of my masonic travels.
Solomon Lodge had the honor of receiving the Grand Master of Masons tonight. There was a lovely speech most important to this blog by Worshipful Leon Ware Grand Steward. As I'm horrible at paraphrasing I'll give you the basic gist of his story. It mentioned of our need to make use of our working tools - to keep them 'oiled' and 'well maintained' and that the proper care of our tools is the proper care of our principles as masons. I'll try and get a copy of this speech and type it up in PDF format. If I can't get a copy I'll let you know.
I also attended an EA degree at Union # 7. I brought our newest EA along & it was well attended. It was great to see many brethren attend an EA (in our lodge --since it is a two story building-- it's a bit harder for us to get brethren out). Among them W. Bro. Hiott was in attendance acting on behalf of the GM giving out the GM year pin (and trying to sell the GMs theme pin for $5. The money goes to the jobs daughters/demolay charity. The GMs theme is "Freemasonry - Live It!"; which is also very important to this blog). I believe we lose sight of 'living' freemasonry and just go into the subculture of being its members - that is why I enjoyed the speech so much by W.Bro. Ware.
S&F
Steve
Solomon Lodge had the honor of receiving the Grand Master of Masons tonight. There was a lovely speech most important to this blog by Worshipful Leon Ware Grand Steward. As I'm horrible at paraphrasing I'll give you the basic gist of his story. It mentioned of our need to make use of our working tools - to keep them 'oiled' and 'well maintained' and that the proper care of our tools is the proper care of our principles as masons. I'll try and get a copy of this speech and type it up in PDF format. If I can't get a copy I'll let you know.
I also attended an EA degree at Union # 7. I brought our newest EA along & it was well attended. It was great to see many brethren attend an EA (in our lodge --since it is a two story building-- it's a bit harder for us to get brethren out). Among them W. Bro. Hiott was in attendance acting on behalf of the GM giving out the GM year pin (and trying to sell the GMs theme pin for $5. The money goes to the jobs daughters/demolay charity. The GMs theme is "Freemasonry - Live It!"; which is also very important to this blog). I believe we lose sight of 'living' freemasonry and just go into the subculture of being its members - that is why I enjoyed the speech so much by W.Bro. Ware.
S&F
Steve
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
GM Official Visit To Union # 7
(LtoR)Steve, The Most Worshipful Grand Master Of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons Of Delaware 2007-2008; Earl L. Emerson. Picture taken by cell phone.
The MWGM of Masons and his Grand Staff visited Union # 7. The food was (and usually is at masonic events) fantastic. There were oysters (which I had never had before), dumplings, chicken salad, coleslaw, dessert & rolls.
There was a wonderful email read by Most Worshipful Earl L. Emerson, a touching speech on temptation by Most Reverend W. LeRoy Jones and some wonderful thoughts on how we as masons should get out to nursing homes more presented by our JGD Worshipful Martin "Hoagie" D. Furnish (he is a clown, hence the name "Hoagie") - Highfield being the charity of the GM.
I was also paid the highest compliment I believe I could recieve today. We were outside the lodge room and the conversation went something like this:
him: "lets see what's your name? ah, steve"
me: "and you are? (unfortunately I'm horrible with names). I'm pleased to meet you."
him: "are you an officer?"
me: "yes, I'm sitting chaplain"
him: "you look a little young to be chaplain"
me: "that's what I've been told"
him: "well, you look like you're not even 18 (i think that's what he said - it was something about my age) but I know you have to be" [note: DE is 18 to be a mason]
me: "I'm going to be 23 in march; 22 right now"
him: "well you must live a good life"
me: "thank you! I try."
I'm due to attend another official visit from the Grand Master & his Grand Staff a week from tomorrow at Solomon Lodge # 36. I'll recap events there as well.
Monday, December 3, 2007
'of the mysteries of freemasonry'
mys·ter·y1 /ˈmɪstəri, -tri/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[mis-tuh-ree, -tree] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -ter·ies.
1. anything that is kept secret or remains unexplained or unknown: the mysteries of nature.
2. any affair, thing, or person that presents features or qualities so obscure as to arouse curiosity or speculation: The masked guest is an absolute mystery to everyone.
3. a novel, short story, play, or film whose plot involves a crime or other event that remains puzzlingly unsettled until the very end: a mystery by Agatha Christie.
4. obscure, puzzling, or mysterious quality or character: the mystery of Mona Lisa's smile.
5. any truth that is unknowable except by divine revelation.
----------------------------
We've all taken obligations. What exactly are the mysteries? I believe they are not cut and dry; especially when you take a look at definition # 5. What are we keeping secret? Are the modes of recognition enough? I think not.
I've heard of many a brother getting uptight about revealing the 'secrets' of freemasonry (myself included when I was a younger EA). "I think I took an obligation not to say that". "That shouldn't be disclosed here". Cyphers, Grips, Words, Steps, Signs, Due Guards are all physical secrets. They are part and parcel of the 'secrets' and 'mysteries' of Freemasonry. The intangible aspects are more 'part and parcel' of the 'secrets' and 'mysteries' of Freemasonry. What, then, are the mysteries? What are the secrets?
I believe they lie in our mental capabilities of knowing and understanding divinity; our physical reaction with the world around us & keeping our obligations - not only the spoken ones in our degrees to our brethren and self - but of the moral obligations we all try to partake as good men. I believe it lies in The Power Of Now and our common inability to make use of the moment properly. Yet still those are all part and parcel of what the 'mysteries' of Freemasonry are.
We are all still searching, aren't we?
–noun, plural -ter·ies.
1. anything that is kept secret or remains unexplained or unknown: the mysteries of nature.
2. any affair, thing, or person that presents features or qualities so obscure as to arouse curiosity or speculation: The masked guest is an absolute mystery to everyone.
3. a novel, short story, play, or film whose plot involves a crime or other event that remains puzzlingly unsettled until the very end: a mystery by Agatha Christie.
4. obscure, puzzling, or mysterious quality or character: the mystery of Mona Lisa's smile.
5. any truth that is unknowable except by divine revelation.
----------------------------
We've all taken obligations. What exactly are the mysteries? I believe they are not cut and dry; especially when you take a look at definition # 5. What are we keeping secret? Are the modes of recognition enough? I think not.
I've heard of many a brother getting uptight about revealing the 'secrets' of freemasonry (myself included when I was a younger EA). "I think I took an obligation not to say that". "That shouldn't be disclosed here". Cyphers, Grips, Words, Steps, Signs, Due Guards are all physical secrets. They are part and parcel of the 'secrets' and 'mysteries' of Freemasonry. The intangible aspects are more 'part and parcel' of the 'secrets' and 'mysteries' of Freemasonry. What, then, are the mysteries? What are the secrets?
I believe they lie in our mental capabilities of knowing and understanding divinity; our physical reaction with the world around us & keeping our obligations - not only the spoken ones in our degrees to our brethren and self - but of the moral obligations we all try to partake as good men. I believe it lies in The Power Of Now and our common inability to make use of the moment properly. Yet still those are all part and parcel of what the 'mysteries' of Freemasonry are.
We are all still searching, aren't we?
Sunday, December 2, 2007
'Light'
When I think of 'light' in masonry I think of divine knowledge - ie. spiritual texts that reveal the presence and all knowing/all being of the higher power. I also think of the grips given after we have told the master we wish to recieve light.
In keeping with my jurisdictions rules on the 'secrets' of freemasonry I will not name the grip in the third degree but you will do well to remember the addendum after the word is given.
If you know anything about alchemy it's not so much about turning base metals into gold but rather improving yourself spiritually. I wonder if there is any connection between the addendum for the pass grip of Master Mason and the spiritual practice of alchemy? Is this a way to relate the spiritual practice of alchemy to the spiritual esotericism of freemasonry?
This dawned on me when I thought what the addendum to the pass grip of master mason is while writing a post on what members of a masonic forum thought about when they heard the term 'light' in masonry. On second thought I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before.
Have any of you thought about this before? Leave something in the comments.
S&F In Light,
Steve
In keeping with my jurisdictions rules on the 'secrets' of freemasonry I will not name the grip in the third degree but you will do well to remember the addendum after the word is given.
If you know anything about alchemy it's not so much about turning base metals into gold but rather improving yourself spiritually. I wonder if there is any connection between the addendum for the pass grip of Master Mason and the spiritual practice of alchemy? Is this a way to relate the spiritual practice of alchemy to the spiritual esotericism of freemasonry?
This dawned on me when I thought what the addendum to the pass grip of master mason is while writing a post on what members of a masonic forum thought about when they heard the term 'light' in masonry. On second thought I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before.
Have any of you thought about this before? Leave something in the comments.
S&F In Light,
Steve
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Esotericism Abound
I posted on a masonic forum (www.masonicdiscussion.com) that I was looking for ebooks. There were two qualifications 1)Subject Matter - It had to be esoteric/occult 2) It had to be free. In the spirit of spreading light I would like to forward you the following:
http://www.the-book-of-thoth.com/content.html
http://www.fatumoperandi.org/index.php?esoteric
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit1/INTRO.html
http://www.gnosticteachings.org/content/section/10/10125/
http://www.librarything.com/groups/initiationintohermet
http://www.hermeticinstitute.org/html/abstracts.html
http://www.ritmanlibrary.nl/site_map.html
ftp://ftp.dragon.org/pub/pfcase/PFC&Bryant-Philosophers_Stone.pdf
http://www.esoteric.msu.edu/
http://canada.lvx.org/library/
http://www.abardoncompanion.com/PDF-Links.html
http://www.hermetic.com/
http://www.hermetics.org/
http://www.mastermason.com/luxocculta/
http://www.theosophical.ca/OnLineDocs.htm
http://www.crcsite.org/library.htm
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/titles.html
http://www.thothweb.com/sections.html
http://www.esotericarchives.com/
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/webofhiram/?section=walter_leslie_wilmshurst
http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/index.htm
http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/index.htm
---
As they say in Masonic Circles "Ask and you shall receive...".
I have more links hiding somewhere. There may be some topics up there that can't be linked to Freemasonry but I believe most can be in one way, shape or form.
S&F In Light,
Steve
http://www.the-book-of-thoth.com/content.html
http://www.fatumoperandi.org/index.php?esoteric
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~matc/math5.geometry/unit1/INTRO.html
http://www.gnosticteachings.org/content/section/10/10125/
http://www.librarything.com/groups/initiationintohermet
http://www.hermeticinstitute.org/html/abstracts.html
http://www.ritmanlibrary.nl/site_map.html
ftp://ftp.dragon.org/pub/pfcase/PFC&Bryant-Philosophers_Stone.pdf
http://www.esoteric.msu.edu/
http://canada.lvx.org/library/
http://www.abardoncompanion.com/PDF-Links.html
http://www.hermetic.com/
http://www.hermetics.org/
http://www.mastermason.com/luxocculta/
http://www.theosophical.ca/OnLineDocs.htm
http://www.crcsite.org/library.htm
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/books/titles.html
http://www.thothweb.com/sections.html
http://www.esotericarchives.com/
http://www.bradford.ac.uk/webofhiram/?section=walter_leslie_wilmshurst
http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/index.htm
http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/index.htm
---
As they say in Masonic Circles "Ask and you shall receive...".
I have more links hiding somewhere. There may be some topics up there that can't be linked to Freemasonry but I believe most can be in one way, shape or form.
S&F In Light,
Steve
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The power of now
The power of now - Eckhart Tolle
I randomly picked this up from our local library browsing through the spiritual texts. This is some of what is on the inside flap:
To make the journey into the power of now we will need to leave our analytical mind and it's false created self, the ego, behind
On an aside I found a card inside with some writing on it which I believe sums the goal of the book up nicely:
Some of the text reads: 'I believe when we commit to healing ourselves - we heal the planet and assist others in their healing!'.
Another part of masonry that I strive to live by is the 'taking good men and making them better'. I've heard a quote (and want to attribute it to Br. Dafoe but someone correct me if I'm wrong) that says "We don't need more men in masonry we need more masonry in men". To me this book helps us live in the now; making our lives richer, fuller and our situations easier to manage thus making ourselves better men.
There's a quote from the book I want to share that I think ties this in with Freemasonry nicely:
"The pollution of the planet is only an outward reflection of an inner psychic pollution: millions of unconscious people not taking responsibility for their inner space' (pg. 65)
We are given specific 'tools of the trade' and those are designed in multiple ways to help us make our reality (the now) a better place for that 'spiritual building not made with hands' - our mind & body & for those changes we make for ourselves to help the world at large. To do this we must take responsibility for our actions and thoughts now (as now is all we have). There is no past or future - anything you have ever done or ever will do will be 'in the now'. If we let our minds run us (by constantly thinking about this or that) then we are being used and abused by one of the most valuable parts of our experience: our mind. If we take control of our mind there's no limit to what we can achieve: as individuals, a group, brethren or a species.
I'm only 65 pages into a 191 page book and I believe this will be another book that has changed my way of thinking about life. It's really quite interesting and my little blurb about it here doesn't give this book the credit its due. I suppose one could call this another 'self help' book but if we don't help ourselves how are we going to help anyone else?
In Light,
Steve
I randomly picked this up from our local library browsing through the spiritual texts. This is some of what is on the inside flap:
To make the journey into the power of now we will need to leave our analytical mind and it's false created self, the ego, behind
On an aside I found a card inside with some writing on it which I believe sums the goal of the book up nicely:
Some of the text reads: 'I believe when we commit to healing ourselves - we heal the planet and assist others in their healing!'.
Another part of masonry that I strive to live by is the 'taking good men and making them better'. I've heard a quote (and want to attribute it to Br. Dafoe but someone correct me if I'm wrong) that says "We don't need more men in masonry we need more masonry in men". To me this book helps us live in the now; making our lives richer, fuller and our situations easier to manage thus making ourselves better men.
There's a quote from the book I want to share that I think ties this in with Freemasonry nicely:
"The pollution of the planet is only an outward reflection of an inner psychic pollution: millions of unconscious people not taking responsibility for their inner space' (pg. 65)
We are given specific 'tools of the trade' and those are designed in multiple ways to help us make our reality (the now) a better place for that 'spiritual building not made with hands' - our mind & body & for those changes we make for ourselves to help the world at large. To do this we must take responsibility for our actions and thoughts now (as now is all we have). There is no past or future - anything you have ever done or ever will do will be 'in the now'. If we let our minds run us (by constantly thinking about this or that) then we are being used and abused by one of the most valuable parts of our experience: our mind. If we take control of our mind there's no limit to what we can achieve: as individuals, a group, brethren or a species.
I'm only 65 pages into a 191 page book and I believe this will be another book that has changed my way of thinking about life. It's really quite interesting and my little blurb about it here doesn't give this book the credit its due. I suppose one could call this another 'self help' book but if we don't help ourselves how are we going to help anyone else?
In Light,
Steve
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
I want to wish everyone viewing this blog who celebrates the holiday a Happy Thanksgiving. If you don't celebrate Thanksgiving happy thursday.
In Light,
Steve
In Light,
Steve
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Ordained
I previously ordained myself with themonastery.org but found out from http://ulchq.com that they are no longer in agreement with one another. I have filled out the appropriate forms on ULCHQ.COM and wait my response.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Freemasonry Returns In You
With much of the negativity being floated around about the present state of the craft I figure it's time to chime in with my two cents. Whatever our origins might be as a fraternity or our past or present intentions we have to realize that what we give to freemasonry is what we'll get out of it. I believe that "Freemasonry gets what we put into it" not the other way around. We must hold ourselves accountable for the Craft.
The lessons learned in masonic degrees are not specific to freemasonry alone - Brotherly Love, Relief, Truth. Fidelity, Piety and the Golden Rule are not new concepts. The Craft does portray them in an interesting, thought provoking manner. It is up to us how we take our lessons further. If we find something interesting it is also my belief that it is our duty as brethren to share that information with one another so that we all may grow. I participate on a few online forums where discussion runs rampant and enjoy brethren from all jurisdictions speaking their mind on educated topics.
Thus we have "Freemasonry Returns In You". On a short aside my mother has a plaque in her and my step-fathers room related to marriage. It says (paraphrase):
"One may think what the other may be;
To know this is compatibility"
My brothers, Freemasonry is as far and vast as it is wide. It is one of the many aspects I enjoy about being a mason. There are so many schools of thought and ways of life that we can't help but increase our ever widening circle of knowledge. As it has been said "The more I learn the less I know".
Think about it Brothers!
We have men of all walks of faith (even those whose official stance is to condemn freemasonry) and life. If we take a moment to listen to our brothers we can certainly learn a lot. I believe that's what Freemasonry is all about - learning. If you're not into the esoteric/philosophic/spiritual aspects of the fraternity learn what it means to be a cabinetmaker, or a car salesman. To make it short and sweet be brothers!
I think learning is what this fraternity is about & as I stated above - it's not strictly masonic. If we don't strive to learn through common interaction or masonic ritual I believe we're headed for a downfall as a species.
If we learn much Freemasonry will return to us and we can impart that to the fraternity at large - thereby making better men & better communities as Freemasonry has intended us to do.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Traveling DE Style
I was in attendence at St. Johns Lodge # 2 to see Bro. Sturgis raised to the sublime degree. It was a very well performed degree and I believe Bro. Sturgis enjoyed himself thoroughly.
-Left to Right: PSGD Jim Hutchinson who sat in the East, Milt Draper ,Trustee (PM), Newly Raised Bro. Surgis (MM), MWPGM Atkinson (Sitting WM of St. Johns Lodge 2007-2008), Bobby Blackard JW (PM), Steve Pugmire (Chaplain)-
-Left to Right: PSGD Jim Hutchinson who sat in the East, Milt Draper ,Trustee (PM), Newly Raised Bro. Surgis (MM), MWPGM Atkinson (Sitting WM of St. Johns Lodge 2007-2008), Bobby Blackard JW (PM), Steve Pugmire (Chaplain)-
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Jamendo
In leiu of the persuit of the Fellow Craft I would like to direct your attention to jamendo.com a free, legal (under the creative commons liscense) music downloading program. All you do is search for the artist via a genre (blues, jazz, etc) and hover your mouse over the album & among other options it will show you these:
Download
Listen
I hope you find it as enjoyable as I have.
Download
Listen
I hope you find it as enjoyable as I have.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Focusing on Arithmetic
Add to your knowledge
Never subtract from the character of your neighbor
Multiple your benevolence to your fellow creatures
Divide your means with those in need.
Taken from here
Never subtract from the character of your neighbor
Multiple your benevolence to your fellow creatures
Divide your means with those in need.
Taken from here
Friday, September 7, 2007
Introduction
Brethren & All,
I'm still trying to think of what this blog should be about. I want this to deepen my knowledge of craft masonry (exo & esoterically). I hope to post masonic articles that I have written in the near future. I have been knocking ideas around in my head but have yet to get anything down on paper. It will also be about my experience as a Delaware freemason (I seem to see a lot of states/provinces represented online yet somehow I am one of two brothers who has a masonic presence on a forum/blog/etc). I hope to see this grow for our state.
I took the traditional route into masonry and was:
Initiated on October 25th, 2006
Passed on November 29th, 2006
&
Raised on January 24th, 2007
I took 'Further Light' literally and have been searching ever since and have been pleased to find in my mind that masonry is able to be mentioned in the same paragraph with the likes of Hermeticism, Symbolism & Spiritual Awakening.
There's something special about being a Delaware Freemason that in terms of easily accessable lodges could only be surpassed by that of Rhode Island. It's easy to travel here and the brethren get to know one another very fast.
Fraternally,
The DE Freemason
I'm still trying to think of what this blog should be about. I want this to deepen my knowledge of craft masonry (exo & esoterically). I hope to post masonic articles that I have written in the near future. I have been knocking ideas around in my head but have yet to get anything down on paper. It will also be about my experience as a Delaware freemason (I seem to see a lot of states/provinces represented online yet somehow I am one of two brothers who has a masonic presence on a forum/blog/etc). I hope to see this grow for our state.
I took the traditional route into masonry and was:
Initiated on October 25th, 2006
Passed on November 29th, 2006
&
Raised on January 24th, 2007
I took 'Further Light' literally and have been searching ever since and have been pleased to find in my mind that masonry is able to be mentioned in the same paragraph with the likes of Hermeticism, Symbolism & Spiritual Awakening.
There's something special about being a Delaware Freemason that in terms of easily accessable lodges could only be surpassed by that of Rhode Island. It's easy to travel here and the brethren get to know one another very fast.
Fraternally,
The DE Freemason
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Bio
I became curious about Freemasonry after seeing the square and compasses pictured on a bible at a friends house. I sought admission by talking with a local mason (who is a member of St. John's Lodge #2). He told me to contact the Grand Lodge Of Delaware and two members from my future lodge came out to interview me & hand me a petition.
I was entered on October 25th, 2006
I was passed on November 29th, 2006
& raised on January 24th, 2007
Shortly after my raising I traveled to Masonic Week 2007 where I met and Traveled with Bros. Reed Fanning, Justin Budreau & Sis. Jenna. While there I also met masonic author Chris Hodapp and the Bros who put on the SNIPE degree.
I started educating a young EA on his proficiency around March/April (who now acts as a J/SS). In July of 2007 I was installed as chaplain and have also taken on another candidate who currently is awaiting to be proven proficient so he can be raised to the sublime degree of MM during a Past Master's night this June.
Did I mention I am webmaster for the lodge website and an administrator at The Sanctum Sanctorum?
In my free time masonically I enjoy studying esotericism, finding brothers who would have otherwise "remained at a perpetual distance" & writing this blog.
In my other free time I enjoy being in a relationship, playing guitar/piano, watching NFL/NHL & am studying to pass my A+ exam (to work with computers). You can find more about me personally here.
I was entered on October 25th, 2006
I was passed on November 29th, 2006
& raised on January 24th, 2007
Shortly after my raising I traveled to Masonic Week 2007 where I met and Traveled with Bros. Reed Fanning, Justin Budreau & Sis. Jenna. While there I also met masonic author Chris Hodapp and the Bros who put on the SNIPE degree.
I started educating a young EA on his proficiency around March/April (who now acts as a J/SS). In July of 2007 I was installed as chaplain and have also taken on another candidate who currently is awaiting to be proven proficient so he can be raised to the sublime degree of MM during a Past Master's night this June.
Did I mention I am webmaster for the lodge website and an administrator at The Sanctum Sanctorum?
In my free time masonically I enjoy studying esotericism, finding brothers who would have otherwise "remained at a perpetual distance" & writing this blog.
In my other free time I enjoy being in a relationship, playing guitar/piano, watching NFL/NHL & am studying to pass my A+ exam (to work with computers). You can find more about me personally here.
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