MasonicMinute.com

March 18, 2008
aedifico42\| Learning Like a Mason Posted at: 12:41 am Yes it’s been forever since I posted. Moving a law office and life got in the way. But while preparing for my Masonic Education stuff at Lodge for April’s meeting, I started to write some ideas. What you will read here (it ain’t short…deal with it) was the result. Warning…I have not yet figured out how to get regular comments back on this site. Yes that sucks, and I will fix it when I get a chance. For now, just read and enjoy. Learning Like a Mason An Essay by [] AEdifico Introduction: Masonic Learning is probably the most elusive of skill to most Masons. We send our candidates through the three basic degrees of the Blue Lodge only then to let them sail the wide and deep seas of Masonic knowledge with no rudder, no sail and no map. The sail is that set of skills which catch the winds of energy and motivation. These winds are mostly prevalent when the new Mason is given a glimpse of the wide world of Masonic Learning…he is excited to learn and that energy can only be harvested by that sail. The rudder is the guiding force that each man has within him. He can steer his way through those seas to reach the goals he strives for…if he knows that he already has that tool in his hands. This is the free choice that each of us has. We steer our own path and make our own decisions about where we want to go and what we want to learn. The map is the Craft itself. We have no interest in making pottery or weaving yarn…we are builders of that building not made with hands…and we must ask ourselves if we are actually meeting the requirements of our Masonic obligation to learn. Our map, then, is illustrated on the tracing boards of the three degrees, in the tree of life of the Kabbalah, in the sacred writings of the Holy Bible, in the mysterious symbols of the ancient alchemists, even the point within the circle itself is a part of this map. Thus, we begin this journey on Learning Like a Mason. We have no future save that which we prepare for ourselves. When we read, we prepare ourselves to think different thoughts, and to decide for ourselves. Many of us will come across topics which will challenge our own thoughts and perceptions. We will encounter systems and facts which may make us uncomfortable, and which may confuse and befuddle us. This is the beginning of the future of our minds. Thinking about things which others may have told us is taboo…that is the beginning of being an independent and mentally strong Man. Taking the time to read books that profane society tells us are evil…this where maturity and self-control make us better than the average man. Even daring to meditate on the ancient wisdom of other cultures and other people is a step towards that Masonic enlightenment we all should seek. There is no degree or diploma to be received at the end of this journey. Like so many pilgrimages of so many religious faiths, it is the journey itself that counts. In order to claim and honestly hold the title of Master Mason, we must move out of our comfort zone and Work. Some of the work will be hard…like recognizing characters from the Hebrew or the Greek alphabet. Some of the work will be easier…like reaching out to an old friend who we have not contacted for years. But all of this is the work of a Mason…and all of this will be part of Learning Like a Mason. And so, without further ado, we will on this night tread away from the shore in our little boat with the sail full of excitement and the rudder firm in our hands. I will tonight show you the map. I will also attempt to explain to you how it is that Masons can capture that wind of excitement by using the sail. But first, I will attempt to explain to you how you can steer the rudder which is already in your hands. Part I: The Rudder What is it that separates us from the animals? Why is Man more special and more important than, say, a wolf or a whale, a snake or a spider? The answer is clearly described in one word…the answer is REASON. “Reason separates mankind from the other forms of life; it is a gift. The spider may spin a beautiful web but it is not an artist; the bee may dance its messages but that is not ballet; termites construct large dwellings but they are not engineers. Man alone possesses the divine spark of intellect and therefore, reason. The gift of reason is, however, no gift of ease and indulgence – it requires the greatest effort and thus is often dispensed with almost entirely. The great majority of mankind makes little or no use of this divine gift, choosing rather the simple life of physical labor occasionally punctuated by periods of time devoted to hobbies or passive recreation.”[Hutchens, Bridge to Light, p.146] “By reason, we have come to understand the mechanics of the natural world, established societies bound by custom and law, mysteries of the human mind and secured at least a cursory understanding of the nature of Deity and our place in the universal plan. It remains for us to marshal its power to better ends, to alleviate human misery and suffering, end the scourge of war and loose the shackles of vice.” [Id. at 150] It is by REASON, then that we can steer ourselves through the waters. It is this characteristic that allows us to recognize the difference between survival and achievement. We are the beneficiaries of the divine gift described above, and with it we can and should steer ourselves through the waters of life on our journey. And with this we have taken the first step towards realizing our goal for the evening. We are one third of the way towards learning how to learn like a Mason. In case you missed it, let me slightly shift the focus. Knowing that we are not just animals, but the recipients of the gift of Reason, should allow us the capacity to make choices without guilt. We should also not lose sight of the fact that it is by applying this gift to our lives that we will regain that control which we may feel we have lost. We can reason our way through many, if not most, of life’s challenges. We can also use our own mental and character strengths to pick for ourselves where we want our energy and motivation to take us. With REASON as our rudder, therefore, we can think our way through the journey that is Masonic Learning. We can make the best of all that shimmers before us, and we can swim deeply into the water wherever we choose to anchor our vessel. Part II: The Map It would be too easy to give you a stack of books or a reading list and let you go-on and read what I think you ought to in order to be a well-informed Mason. This is insufficient, although the rudimentary necessity to getting our Craft back on the right track. The map to which I speak is more, however, than the Pike, Hall or Mackey. The map is all around you right here, right now. Take, for example, or Lodge room. It is standard fare, no frills, almost Spartan in its appearance. Yet the placement of the seats, their relation to each other, the flag, the Altar, the features on the wall…all of these are elements of the Map. Look to the tracing board for any degree. The ritual itself and the way the candidate is moved from one point to another. Where do we stand, how do we gesture, what words to we speak…all elements of the Masonic Map. The Map gives us direction and shows us where we can stop along our journey. It is the entire catalog of places we can explore and things we can see along our Masonic Learning journey. These are the things all around us – what we wear, what we see and hear – that make-up the subjects for our study. Each of us, however, experiences Freemasonry in a slightly different way. Some have described Freemasonry as Judaism for Gentiles…some have described it as that “moral science, taught by degrees alone” and some simply think it’s a good place to gather and meet friends. None are right and none are wrong. Freemasonry is all of these things to all of these people, and it is more. But the most important thing the Craft gives to us is guidance. For example, we can learn the ritual of the first three degrees by memorizing it all, only to discover that it does not exactly mean what it says. And after mastering the ritual of the first three degrees, we may begin to accept the truths spoken by so many…that the knowledge contained in the first three degrees is hidden by them, not exposed by them. And so it is with the second vital element of this lesson on Learning Like a Mason. We must see where the parameters are, and know that those simple guidelines are only hiding from us the truly boundless and limitless scope of Masonic Learning. All this notwithstanding, a basic foundation is still most necessary prior to moving to more advanced learning. Part III: The Sail Without a sail, there will only be slow advancement dictated by the water right where you are. In fact, without the sail, you and the water where you are move together…and you never really get to see anything differently. The Masonic journey requires something more than mere presence. The Learning of a Mason must have some elemental appreciation for that which captures our imagination, our energy and directs it to a useful purpose. The Sail, then, is truly the most important element of this vessel. It will take us to many different places without the rudder, and even without the map we may run ashore on some distant knowledge which by coincidence may interest us. But without a focusing element…that thing which takes our natural curiosity and shifts it into forward movement…we will never be propelled forward. Where has the Sail been for the last thirty or forty years of Masonry? Its absence has resulted in a vast and open ocean, dotted with unorganized drifters who know they want to get somewhere, but they keep simply going with the flow…only making headway if there is some strange up-swell or odd current. This is where the Lodge comes into play. For a Mason without his Lodge is like a ship without a sail. The ship may be waterproof and may be equipped to be steered. The pilot of the ship may be skilled in reading the map and willing and able to make direction and distance. But without the source of power which allows the ship to move forward…without that complimentary energy-capture which can only happen with the encouragement of your brother…your ship will not move. We are the Sail to each other. In a setting such as this, where we choose to teach and learn, we are the last and most important element to Learning Like a Mason. Teaching is the best way to learn. My exploration of Learning Like a Mason, and the writing of this essay are primary examples of this. I envisioned speaking these very words and outlined a method by which I would share them with you. I found a metaphor which would seem appropriate not only on the surface, but as a source for further contemplation. While learning we must anticipate teaching the subject. We must contemplate the questions from our students and we must be willing to take their commentary…learning from them also. Only then can we re-approach the subject and re-think what we have shared. But you see…without having an audience to share this with, I am only writing for myself. I will not get any benefit, because my perspective is limited to my experiences in life. You are my sail. This Lodge is what helps me to focus my curiosity and my willingness to move in a positive direction. It is for the benefit of my brothers, and ultimately through them to my community, that I do the “work” of a Mason. I am still Learning. I am no longer, however, learning like one of the profane who have yet to experience the magic of our sacred rituals. I am learning like a Mason. Conclusion: It is enough to say, at this point, that the rudder, the sail and the map are the external and vital tools in this metaphor. There are more, and you should contemplate them. But knowing that you have the authority to explore, more importantly, the encouragement of your brothers to explore the world of Freemasonry, you should now dispel any other hesitation you may have harbored. Why do we have a Bible on our Altar? What does the Charter on the wall REALLY mean? Who are the four cardinal virtues…is there more to their story than the first degree lecture tells us? Where did the apron come from? What is the significance of carrying rods for the Deacons and Stewards? Why does the Master sit in the East? Where did the Secretary’s cross pens originate…do they have another meaning? These are all examples of destinations on the map. This Lodge will no longer focus on the color of the paint on the walls or the need for better plumbing. We will begin tonight to act like Masons. We will begin to take the first few steps on that journey. I have helped you push your ships away from the dock…and you know that you are out there floating. Will you use the tools you have? Or will you continue to float without direction. Thank you.
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March 18, 2008

Posted at: 12:41 am

Yes it’s been forever since I posted. Moving a law office and life got in the way. But while preparing for my Masonic Education stuff at Lodge for April’s meeting, I started to write some ideas. What you will read here (it ain’t short…deal with it) was the result.

Warning…I have not yet figured out how to get regular comments back on this site. Yes that sucks, and I will fix it when I get a chance. For now, just read and enjoy.

Learning Like a Mason
An Essay by [] AEdifico

Introduction:
Masonic Learning is probably the most elusive of skill to most Masons. We send our candidates through the three basic degrees of the Blue Lodge only then to let them sail the wide and deep seas of Masonic knowledge with no rudder, no sail and no map.
The sail is that set of skills which catch the winds of energy and motivation. These winds are mostly prevalent when the new Mason is given a glimpse of the wide world of Masonic Learning…he is excited to learn and that energy can only be harvested by that sail.
The rudder is the guiding force that each man has within him. He can steer his way through those seas to reach the goals he strives for…if he knows that he already has that tool in his hands. This is the free choice that each of us has. We steer our own path and make our own decisions about where we want to go and what we want to learn.
The map is the Craft itself. We have no interest in making pottery or weaving yarn…we are builders of that building not made with hands…and we must ask ourselves if we are actually meeting the requirements of our Masonic obligation to learn. Our map, then, is illustrated on the tracing boards of the three degrees, in the tree of life of the Kabbalah, in the sacred writings of the Holy Bible, in the mysterious symbols of the ancient alchemists, even the point within the circle itself is a part of this map.

Thus, we begin this journey on Learning Like a Mason. We have no future save that which we prepare for ourselves. When we read, we prepare ourselves to think different thoughts, and to decide for ourselves. Many of us will come across topics which will challenge our own thoughts and perceptions. We will encounter systems and facts which may make us uncomfortable, and which may confuse and befuddle us. This is the beginning of the future of our minds. Thinking about things which others may have told us is taboo…that is the beginning of being an independent and mentally strong Man. Taking the time to read books that profane society tells us are evil…this where maturity and self-control make us better than the average man. Even daring to meditate on the ancient wisdom of other cultures and other people is a step towards that Masonic enlightenment we all should seek.
There is no degree or diploma to be received at the end of this journey. Like so many pilgrimages of so many religious faiths, it is the journey itself that counts. In order to claim and honestly hold the title of Master Mason, we must move out of our comfort zone and Work. Some of the work will be hard…like recognizing characters from the Hebrew or the Greek alphabet. Some of the work will be easier…like reaching out to an old friend who we have not contacted for years. But all of this is the work of a Mason…and all of this will be part of Learning Like a Mason.

And so, without further ado, we will on this night tread away from the shore in our little boat with the sail full of excitement and the rudder firm in our hands. I will tonight show you the map. I will also attempt to explain to you how it is that Masons can capture that wind of excitement by using the sail. But first, I will attempt to explain to you how you can steer the rudder which is already in your hands.

Part I: The Rudder

What is it that separates us from the animals? Why is Man more special and more important than, say, a wolf or a whale, a snake or a spider?
The answer is clearly described in one word…the answer is REASON.

“Reason separates mankind from the other forms of life; it is a gift. The spider may spin a beautiful web but it is not an artist; the bee may dance its messages but that is not ballet; termites construct large dwellings but they are not engineers. Man alone possesses the divine spark of intellect and therefore, reason. The gift of reason is, however, no gift of ease and indulgence – it requires the greatest effort and thus is often dispensed with almost entirely. The great majority of mankind makes little or no use of this divine gift, choosing rather the simple life of physical labor occasionally punctuated by periods of time devoted to hobbies or passive recreation.”[Hutchens, Bridge to Light, p.146]
“By reason, we have come to understand the mechanics of the natural world, established societies bound by custom and law, mysteries of the human mind and secured at least a cursory understanding of the nature of Deity and our place in the universal plan. It remains for us to marshal its power to better ends, to alleviate human misery and suffering, end the scourge of war and loose the shackles of vice.” [Id. at 150]

It is by REASON, then that we can steer ourselves through the waters. It is this characteristic that allows us to recognize the difference between survival and achievement. We are the beneficiaries of the divine gift described above, and with it we can and should steer ourselves through the waters of life on our journey.
And with this we have taken the first step towards realizing our goal for the evening. We are one third of the way towards learning how to learn like a Mason.
In case you missed it, let me slightly shift the focus. Knowing that we are not just animals, but the recipients of the gift of Reason, should allow us the capacity to make choices without guilt. We should also not lose sight of the fact that it is by applying this gift to our lives that we will regain that control which we may feel we have lost. We can reason our way through many, if not most, of life’s challenges. We can also use our own mental and character strengths to pick for ourselves where we want our energy and motivation to take us.
With REASON as our rudder, therefore, we can think our way through the journey that is Masonic Learning. We can make the best of all that shimmers before us, and we can swim deeply into the water wherever we choose to anchor our vessel.

Part II: The Map

It would be too easy to give you a stack of books or a reading list and let you go-on and read what I think you ought to in order to be a well-informed Mason. This is insufficient, although the rudimentary necessity to getting our Craft back on the right track. The map to which I speak is more, however, than the Pike, Hall or Mackey. The map is all around you right here, right now.
Take, for example, or Lodge room. It is standard fare, no frills, almost Spartan in its appearance. Yet the placement of the seats, their relation to each other, the flag, the Altar, the features on the wall…all of these are elements of the Map.
Look to the tracing board for any degree. The ritual itself and the way the candidate is moved from one point to another. Where do we stand, how do we gesture, what words to we speak…all elements of the Masonic Map.
The Map gives us direction and shows us where we can stop along our journey. It is the entire catalog of places we can explore and things we can see along our Masonic Learning journey. These are the things all around us – what we wear, what we see and hear – that make-up the subjects for our study. Each of us, however, experiences Freemasonry in a slightly different way. Some have described Freemasonry as Judaism for Gentiles…some have described it as that “moral science, taught by degrees alone” and some simply think it’s a good place to gather and meet friends. None are right and none are wrong. Freemasonry is all of these things to all of these people, and it is more.
But the most important thing the Craft gives to us is guidance. For example, we can learn the ritual of the first three degrees by memorizing it all, only to discover that it does not exactly mean what it says. And after mastering the ritual of the first three degrees, we may begin to accept the truths spoken by so many…that the knowledge contained in the first three degrees is hidden by them, not exposed by them.
And so it is with the second vital element of this lesson on Learning Like a Mason. We must see where the parameters are, and know that those simple guidelines are only hiding from us the truly boundless and limitless scope of Masonic Learning.
All this notwithstanding, a basic foundation is still most necessary prior to moving to more advanced learning.

Part III: The Sail

Without a sail, there will only be slow advancement dictated by the water right where you are. In fact, without the sail, you and the water where you are move together…and you never really get to see anything differently. The Masonic journey requires something more than mere presence. The Learning of a Mason must have some elemental appreciation for that which captures our imagination, our energy and directs it to a useful purpose.
The Sail, then, is truly the most important element of this vessel. It will take us to many different places without the rudder, and even without the map we may run ashore on some distant knowledge which by coincidence may interest us. But without a focusing element…that thing which takes our natural curiosity and shifts it into forward movement…we will never be propelled forward.
Where has the Sail been for the last thirty or forty years of Masonry? Its absence has resulted in a vast and open ocean, dotted with unorganized drifters who know they want to get somewhere, but they keep simply going with the flow…only making headway if there is some strange up-swell or odd current.
This is where the Lodge comes into play. For a Mason without his Lodge is like a ship without a sail. The ship may be waterproof and may be equipped to be steered. The pilot of the ship may be skilled in reading the map and willing and able to make direction and distance. But without the source of power which allows the ship to move forward…without that complimentary energy-capture which can only happen with the encouragement of your brother…your ship will not move.
We are the Sail to each other. In a setting such as this, where we choose to teach and learn, we are the last and most important element to Learning Like a Mason. Teaching is the best way to learn. My exploration of Learning Like a Mason, and the writing of this essay are primary examples of this. I envisioned speaking these very words and outlined a method by which I would share them with you. I found a metaphor which would seem appropriate not only on the surface, but as a source for further contemplation.
While learning we must anticipate teaching the subject. We must contemplate the questions from our students and we must be willing to take their commentary…learning from them also. Only then can we re-approach the subject and re-think what we have shared. But you see…without having an audience to share this with, I am only writing for myself. I will not get any benefit, because my perspective is limited to my experiences in life.
You are my sail. This Lodge is what helps me to focus my curiosity and my willingness to move in a positive direction. It is for the benefit of my brothers, and ultimately through them to my community, that I do the “work” of a Mason.
I am still Learning. I am no longer, however, learning like one of the profane who have yet to experience the magic of our sacred rituals. I am learning like a Mason.

Conclusion:

It is enough to say, at this point, that the rudder, the sail and the map are the external and vital tools in this metaphor. There are more, and you should contemplate them. But knowing that you have the authority to explore, more importantly, the encouragement of your brothers to explore the world of Freemasonry, you should now dispel any other hesitation you may have harbored.
Why do we have a Bible on our Altar? What does the Charter on the wall REALLY mean? Who are the four cardinal virtues…is there more to their story than the first degree lecture tells us? Where did the apron come from? What is the significance of carrying rods for the Deacons and Stewards? Why does the Master sit in the East? Where did the Secretary’s cross pens originate…do they have another meaning?
These are all examples of destinations on the map. This Lodge will no longer focus on the color of the paint on the walls or the need for better plumbing. We will begin tonight to act like Masons. We will begin to take the first few steps on that journey. I have helped you push your ships away from the dock…and you know that you are out there floating.
Will you use the tools you have? Or will you continue to float without direction.

Thank you.

MasonicMinute.com: Comments (0)

March 3, 2008
aedifico42\| On The Clandestine… Posted at: 3:37 pm The Regular Grand Lodge of England. The Grand Orient of the United States. The United Grand Lodge of America. Alharam Lodge. Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Democratic Republics. The Grand Lodge of All England. These are not regular organizations. Their titles ring nicely, and they even have a presence on the internet. But to communicate with them, in some jurisdictions, is a Masonic Offense. Many may not know that we have our own system of jurisprudence. Like any other society, one may be expelled or suspended from our fraternity for a variety of reasons (adultery, theft, intoxication…just to name a few). Not all of these actions are un-Masonic…it just depends on the jurisdiction and its particular rules. One of the other reasons that a Mason may have to face charges is (in some jurisdiction) Masonic Communication with a clandestine Mason. So…what is a clandestine Mason? Funny you should ask… The system of recognition currently employed by many, if not most Grand Lodges is a product of years of shifting and changing by the various Grand Lodges of the world. None is beholden to the other, and therefore there is no one singular Supreme Masonic Authority…other than the Grand Lodge of any particular jurisdiction. There is, then, much to be researched and re-researched when deciding which Grand Lodges are legitimate and therefore deserving of recognition. We have, on occasion, seen organizations (usually it’s just a handful of guys with a computer and a nice website) pop-up and claim legitimacy. They tend to go-away, and then they sometimes pop-back-up with a different name. These guys are not regular Masons, and have earned themselves the title “Clandestine”. To be fair, many of these men may not know better…they may be disgruntled…they may just be ignorant. But the title fits nonetheless, and they are not welcome in regularly recognized Lodges. Some of these men may actually be good guys with bad information who would otherwise be perfectly welcome to join regular Lodges. The cases and circumstances are as numerous as the individuals. Each deserves clear and concise judgment by regular Masons, practicing the kind of honest assesment we would expect from the oldest and best fraternity in the world. All that having been said…it is again necessary for the cooler and smarter heads to prevail. Clandestine Masonry is on the rise in the United States, and by virtue of the internet, around the world. Traditional and recognized Grand Lodges would do themselves a favor to be vigilant of the public and internal discourse utilized when dealing with these issues. It is not enough to know who is clandestine and who is not. The duty is to the Craft. Teach your brothers, inform them, educate them and guide them in these issues. The integrity of our Craft requires it, and the perpetuation of our legitimacy demands it.
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March 3, 2008

aedifico42| On The Clandestine…

Posted at: 3:37 pm

The Regular Grand Lodge of England. The Grand Orient of the United States. The United Grand Lodge of America. Alharam Lodge. Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Democratic Republics. The Grand Lodge of All England.

These are not regular organizations. Their titles ring nicely, and they even have a presence on the internet. But to communicate with them, in some jurisdictions, is a Masonic Offense.

Many may not know that we have our own system of jurisprudence. Like any other society, one may be expelled or suspended from our fraternity for a variety of reasons (adultery, theft, intoxication…just to name a few). Not all of these actions are un-Masonic…it just depends on the jurisdiction and its particular rules.

One of the other reasons that a Mason may have to face charges is (in some jurisdiction) Masonic Communication with a clandestine Mason. So…what is a clandestine Mason? Funny you should ask…

The system of recognition currently employed by many, if not most Grand Lodges is a product of years of shifting and changing by the various Grand Lodges of the world. None is beholden to the other, and therefore there is no one singular Supreme Masonic Authority…other than the Grand Lodge of any particular jurisdiction. There is, then, much to be researched and re-researched when deciding which Grand Lodges are legitimate and therefore deserving of recognition.

We have, on occasion, seen organizations (usually it’s just a handful of guys with a computer and a nice website) pop-up and claim legitimacy. They tend to go-away, and then they sometimes pop-back-up with a different name. These guys are not regular Masons, and have earned themselves the title “Clandestine”.

To be fair, many of these men may not know better…they may be disgruntled…they may just be ignorant. But the title fits nonetheless, and they are not welcome in regularly recognized Lodges. Some of these men may actually be good guys with bad information who would otherwise be perfectly welcome to join regular Lodges. The cases and circumstances are as numerous as the individuals. Each deserves clear and concise judgment by regular Masons, practicing the kind of honest assesment we would expect from the oldest and best fraternity in the world.

All that having been said…it is again necessary for the cooler and smarter heads to prevail. Clandestine Masonry is on the rise in the United States, and by virtue of the internet, around the world. Traditional and recognized Grand Lodges would do themselves a favor to be vigilant of the public and internal discourse utilized when dealing with these issues.

It is not enough to know who is clandestine and who is not. The duty is to the Craft. Teach your brothers, inform them, educate them and guide them in these issues. The integrity of our Craft requires it, and the perpetuation of our legitimacy demands it.

MasonicMinute.com: Comments (0)

February 29, 2008
aedifico42\| New Rules for MasonicMinute.com Posted at: 6:52 pm Sorry guys…to make a post now, you must sign-in. We have finally added this restriction because so many of you are complaining about spamalingo. Spamalicious postings will probably go away (at least we hope) and you will no longer have to filter through viagra, xanax, lesbians, poker, insurance and other snake-oil sellers. Thanks for your patience and brotherly love as we continue to learn more about technology and Masonry. Perhaps one day we will be able to just read each others’ minds and bypass the internet completely (although, those of us who are 32 degree masons already can do that…in fact, my fingers are not even touching the keyboard right now…my mind is controlling a little ferret named Randy as he dances across my desk writing even these very words…) Lots of luck…sorry for the inconvenience. New (and relevant) postings coming soon.
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February 29, 2008

aedifico42| New Rules for MasonicMinute.com

Posted at: 6:52 pm

Sorry guys…to make a post now, you must sign-in.

We have finally added this restriction because so many of you are complaining about spamalingo. Spamalicious postings will probably go away (at least we hope) and you will no longer have to filter through viagra, xanax, lesbians, poker, insurance and other snake-oil sellers.

Thanks for your patience and brotherly love as we continue to learn more about technology and Masonry. Perhaps one day we will be able to just read each others’ minds and bypass the internet completely (although, those of us who are 32 degree masons already can do that…in fact, my fingers are not even touching the keyboard right now…my mind is controlling a little ferret named Randy as he dances across my desk writing even these very words…)

Lots of luck…sorry for the inconvenience. New (and relevant) postings coming soon.

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aedifico42\| Spamalot…. Posted at: 10:12 am Any regular visitor to our site knows we have been fighting with some serious spamalot since we started. It sucks. We use WordPress software, and that may have something to do with it…but do any of you have any suggestions? (this is serious…and by the way…I don’t want to read any smartass comments like: “have you tried viagra?” or “asian sex kittens might cure what ails you” or even “state farm insurance might fix that problem”… but thanks anyway.) (unless, of course, you come-up with a really good spamalot zinger…then you can post it. Otherwise….) TIA for any useful input -AEdifico
MasonicMinute.com Comments (1)

aedifico42| Spamalot….

Posted at: 10:12 am

Any regular visitor to our site knows we have been fighting with some serious spamalot since we started. It sucks.

We use WordPress software, and that may have something to do with it…but do any of you have any suggestions? (this is serious…and by the way…I don’t want to read any smartass comments like: “have you tried viagra?” or “asian sex kittens might cure what ails you” or even “state farm insurance might fix that problem”… but thanks anyway.)

(unless, of course, you come-up with a really good spamalot zinger…then you can post it. Otherwise….)

TIA for any useful input -AEdifico

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February 25, 2008
aedifico42\| Corporate Masonry… Posted at: 10:00 am There’s this funny little phenomena which continues to re-surface once every few years in Masonry. You probably recognize it in your jurisdiction. Corporate Masonry. It is a solution to a non-existent problem promoted by men who don’t understand that we are not in the business of business. Things like ‘effective communication strategies’ and ’synergistic leadership’ are all great if you have a room full of corporate slaves focused on their particular brand of widget. We are not widgets. Business models do not translate well to Freemasonry. We are about personal relationships which do not benefit the bottom line of some company. We are about developing true lifelong learning and teaching relationships where philosophy and esoterica breed interest and curiosity. No profit motives, thank you very much. Good intentions. I will give that. Businessmen who are successful have a great deal to offer to our Craft, in certain ways. But when somebody starts telling me about how to keep your cheese from being moved or which step to success they are working on today, I cringe. Freemasonry is a throwback to the days when there were no corporate boards (as we know them), there were no quantifiable statistical models to anylize and spreadsheets were for sleeping in. Please, my brothers…let Masonry be the slow, old-fashioned, mouth-to-ear and deep-thinking Craft it should be. Enough with the super-meta-organization techniques. Enough with the sales pitches (which we cleverly market as friend-to-friend nights). We don’t need all that garbage. What we need is better ritual, better education, better mentors and clear-thinking leadership. The tricks and sleight-of-hand is what got us to where we are… Hard work will get us to where we ought to be.
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February 25, 2008

aedifico42| Corporate Masonry…

Posted at: 10:00 am

There’s this funny little phenomena which continues to re-surface once every few years in Masonry. You probably recognize it in your jurisdiction.

Corporate Masonry.

It is a solution to a non-existent problem promoted by men who don’t understand that we are not in the business of business. Things like ‘effective communication strategies’ and ’synergistic leadership’ are all great if you have a room full of corporate slaves focused on their particular brand of widget.

We are not widgets.

Business models do not translate well to Freemasonry. We are about personal relationships which do not benefit the bottom line of some company. We are about developing true lifelong learning and teaching relationships where philosophy and esoterica breed interest and curiosity. No profit motives, thank you very much.

Good intentions. I will give that. Businessmen who are successful have a great deal to offer to our Craft, in certain ways. But when somebody starts telling me about how to keep your cheese from being moved or which step to success they are working on today, I cringe. Freemasonry is a throwback to the days when there were no corporate boards (as we know them), there were no quantifiable statistical models to anylize and spreadsheets were for sleeping in.

Please, my brothers…let Masonry be the slow, old-fashioned, mouth-to-ear and deep-thinking Craft it should be. Enough with the super-meta-organization techniques. Enough with the sales pitches (which we cleverly market as friend-to-friend nights). We don’t need all that garbage.

What we need is better ritual, better education, better mentors and clear-thinking leadership.

The tricks and sleight-of-hand is what got us to where we are… Hard work will get us to where we ought to be.

MasonicMinute.com: Comments (1)

February 21, 2008
aedifico42\| Must See Video… Posted at: 1:04 pm I can’t take credit for this…but I recommend this as a short presentation for discussion at your next Lodge meeting. Poigniant is an understatement.
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February 21, 2008

aedifico42| Must See Video…

Posted at: 1:04 pm

I can’t take credit for this…but I recommend this as a short presentation for discussion at your next Lodge meeting.

Poigniant is an understatement.

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February 20, 2008
aedifico42\| On Courage… Posted at: 10:07 am Of all the values and traits addressed in our Ritual, the most neglected…and one of the most important is Courage. The strength to make change, the strength to say no…the strength to stand-up and be a man…these are the things that make leaders. The underlying characteristic required here is Courage. I do not wish to imply that rashness or irrationality are what is necessary. Sometimes it takes a lot of guts to keep your mouth shut. But in the world we know as Freemasonry, there are numerous situations where friendships must be challenged. It takes Courage to do this. It takes Courage to tell a good friend that he is not ready to perform this or that task. It takes Courage to hold a position contrary to those of your father-in-law…or brother…in Lodge. It takes Courage to stand for what is right when others clamor for what is easy. It is through Courage that positive progression is achievable. It is with internal fortitude, dedication and follow-through that the small tasks build upon each other, and eventually the large projects are complete. Without these, there are no achievements…there is no learning…we have no Masonry. It is a theme that has been addressed time and time again on this site, and will be recurring as time marches on. But there is a certain kind of comfort knowing that Courage is not something that we all have in isolation. In fact, most Courage is coupled with support from one or two true friends, willing to stand at your side through thick and thin. The truest test, however, is having the Courage to tell even these close friends when they are falling short. That is something we ALL need to work on.
MasonicMinute.com Comments (2)

February 20, 2008

aedifico42| On Courage…

Posted at: 10:07 am

Of all the values and traits addressed in our Ritual, the most neglected…and one of the most important is Courage.

The strength to make change, the strength to say no…the strength to stand-up and be a man…these are the things that make leaders. The underlying characteristic required here is Courage.

I do not wish to imply that rashness or irrationality are what is necessary. Sometimes it takes a lot of guts to keep your mouth shut. But in the world we know as Freemasonry, there are numerous situations where friendships must be challenged. It takes Courage to do this.

It takes Courage to tell a good friend that he is not ready to perform this or that task. It takes Courage to hold a position contrary to those of your father-in-law…or brother…in Lodge. It takes Courage to stand for what is right when others clamor for what is easy.

It is through Courage that positive progression is achievable. It is with internal fortitude, dedication and follow-through that the small tasks build upon each other, and eventually the large projects are complete. Without these, there are no achievements…there is no learning…we have no Masonry.

It is a theme that has been addressed time and time again on this site, and will be recurring as time marches on. But there is a certain kind of comfort knowing that Courage is not something that we all have in isolation. In fact, most Courage is coupled with support from one or two true friends, willing to stand at your side through thick and thin.

The truest test, however, is having the Courage to tell even these close friends when they are falling short.

That is something we ALL need to work on.

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February 14, 2008
aedifico42\| Masons Promoting Democracy?!?! Posted at: 12:55 pm Yes, I know. We are not supposed to talk about politics. This is not about politics. This is about our Representative Democracy, and what it takes to keep that machine moving. So, in the spirit of this 2008 election year, and without giving two hoots about the winners/losers, we would like to ask a simple question about how you use your facility to promote good citizenship… n n Is your Lodge a Polling Station for elections? yes! no. we never considered that. no. we don't want to do that used to be...but not now. View Results
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February 14, 2008

aedifico42| Masons Promoting Democracy?!?!

Posted at: 12:55 pm

Yes, I know. We are not supposed to talk about politics.

This is not about politics. This is about our Representative Democracy, and what it takes to keep that machine moving.

So, in the spirit of this 2008 election year, and without giving two hoots about the winners/losers, we would like to ask a simple question about how you use your facility to promote good citizenship…

Is your Lodge a Polling Station for elections?

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February 13, 2008
aedifico42\| Too New to be Master… Posted at: 1:52 am Sometimes I wonder if my 13+ years as a Mason is enough. Being Master of a Lodge is a huge responsibility…if you are doing it right. But how do you know you are doing it right? More importantly, how do you know if you are ready? These are questions that many twenty and thirty-something pillar officers are asking themselves. Brothers, you can do the impossible. You can say ‘no’. If you are less than three years in Freemasonry, you should probably not be a Warden. Not that you can’t handle it…and not that you are not ‘ready’…but generally speaking, you can do your Lodge more good by saying ‘no’. I speak to the man who is raised one night and a week later is a Deacon. I speak to the man who is a three year Mason and sits in the Oriental Chair. I speak to my generation (in age, not Masonic experience) when I tell you that you can, and probably should, say ‘no’. If your Lodge is truly in an emergency, perhaps you should take the office. But if not, what’s the harm in waiting…soak it in a while…learn the language…just be a Mason. Empower yourself from the beginning, and gain some respect from the Lodge, by refusing an office. You need time to learn lessons, ritual, language and culture. Freemasonry is a completely separate society from the rest of the world. In all honesty…you are probably not ready. Are the Lodge members pushing you to take an office because they don’t want it? Is this the best thing for the Lodge? Would it be better if you said no for now, and made them do some real work instead of leaning on the new guy for leadership? These are some heavy considerations. Sometimes honesty with one’s self is the most difficult type. But don’t let peer pressure or guilt drive you to make a bad decision. Again, sometimes it is the best thing for you and the Lodge if you just jump right-in. But by maintaining control and self-discipline…not advancing until you truly believe you are ready…you are making a powerful statement about who is in control. That’s the type of real leadership we lack. Take control of yourself…just like the compasses require. And when your time comes…when the time is right…then you can step-up to the plate with confidence knowing that you are ready to lead and achieve. Maturity comes in all shapes and sizes my friends. Do you have what it takes to tell them ‘no’?
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February 13, 2008

aedifico42| Too New to be Master…

Posted at: 1:52 am

Sometimes I wonder if my 13+ years as a Mason is enough.

Being Master of a Lodge is a huge responsibility…if you are doing it right. But how do you know you are doing it right? More importantly, how do you know if you are ready?

These are questions that many twenty and thirty-something pillar officers are asking themselves. Brothers, you can do the impossible. You can say ‘no’.

If you are less than three years in Freemasonry, you should probably not be a Warden. Not that you can’t handle it…and not that you are not ‘ready’…but generally speaking, you can do your Lodge more good by saying ‘no’.

I speak to the man who is raised one night and a week later is a Deacon. I speak to the man who is a three year Mason and sits in the Oriental Chair. I speak to my generation (in age, not Masonic experience) when I tell you that you can, and probably should, say ‘no’.

If your Lodge is truly in an emergency, perhaps you should take the office. But if not, what’s the harm in waiting…soak it in a while…learn the language…just be a Mason. Empower yourself from the beginning, and gain some respect from the Lodge, by refusing an office. You need time to learn lessons, ritual, language and culture. Freemasonry is a completely separate society from the rest of the world. In all honesty…you are probably not ready.

Are the Lodge members pushing you to take an office because they don’t want it? Is this the best thing for the Lodge? Would it be better if you said no for now, and made them do some real work instead of leaning on the new guy for leadership?

These are some heavy considerations. Sometimes honesty with one’s self is the most difficult type. But don’t let peer pressure or guilt drive you to make a bad decision. Again, sometimes it is the best thing for you and the Lodge if you just jump right-in.

But by maintaining control and self-discipline…not advancing until you truly believe you are ready…you are making a powerful statement about who is in control.

That’s the type of real leadership we lack. Take control of yourself…just like the compasses require.

And when your time comes…when the time is right…then you can step-up to the plate with confidence knowing that you are ready to lead and achieve.

Maturity comes in all shapes and sizes my friends. Do you have what it takes to tell them ‘no’?

MasonicMinute.com: Comments (7)

February 6, 2008
aedifico42\| Walking into Lodge… Posted at: 1:07 pm …last night, and I saw something that confirmed for me the path Freemasonry is on…for the long term. Stated Meeting night and I walked in after taking care of some business right before calling the meeting to order. What I saw was a picture worth a thousand words [thankfully, I think I can describe it in less than 500 words]. Standing West of the Altar wer 6 men. All but one was wearing a tuxedo (the odd-man out was wearing a black suit with a very nice tie). Four of them were wearing white gloves. They were all wearing aprons. The average age of that group was about 37. Sitting along the sideline west of the JW chair were a similar size group of men…one was in a suit. The rest of them were dressed in jeans, some in nice pants. The one in the suit also wore a tie. Their average age was well-over 60. As I walked into the room and saw these men, I realized that a new day is dawning. There are no greivances between the groups…on the contrary…we all get along pretty well. The younger men often turn to the older men for advice, and the older men are not shy about taking one of the younger guys aside and sharing a lesson now-and-then. But the stark contrast in what they wore, where they stood (or sat) and how they interacted was severe. It plainly taught me that, as Master, I am in the middle of a perfect storm. I have the heavy responsibility, at this critical time, of balancing the youthful energy and exhuberance of our newer and younger brothers with the mellowed experience of the older members. We are all still brothers, and we all love our Lodge and our Craft. Divisions are not very aparent at this point, and many of our older members are quite excited to see the influx of energy that is waiving over our Lodge. It is a delicate balance. Our thought for this MasonicMinute, then, is the awful reality that there is a 20 year gap in the average age of our craft. The tuxedos and regular clothes do not make the men…but they illustrate a glaring situation which must be carefully guided for the benefit of the Craft. The picture was stark. It was hopeful. It could be interpreted through a negative and divisive lens. This should never be the case. Unity does not require uniformity. Strength through diversity, be it age, race, religion or social status, should be a goal clearly communicated and openly welcome. Together, we can harness the energy and wisely guide it to a bright future. Or we can simply call it division, and take the easy path to conflict and negativity. Where ARE we going?
MasonicMinute.com Comments (2)

February 6, 2008

aedifico42| Walking into Lodge…

Posted at: 1:07 pm

…last night, and I saw something that confirmed for me the path Freemasonry is on…for the long term.

Stated Meeting night and I walked in after taking care of some business right before calling the meeting to order. What I saw was a picture worth a thousand words [thankfully, I think I can describe it in less than 500 words].

Standing West of the Altar wer 6 men. All but one was wearing a tuxedo (the odd-man out was wearing a black suit with a very nice tie). Four of them were wearing white gloves. They were all wearing aprons. The average age of that group was about 37.

Sitting along the sideline west of the JW chair were a similar size group of men…one was in a suit. The rest of them were dressed in jeans, some in nice pants. The one in the suit also wore a tie. Their average age was well-over 60.

As I walked into the room and saw these men, I realized that a new day is dawning. There are no greivances between the groups…on the contrary…we all get along pretty well. The younger men often turn to the older men for advice, and the older men are not shy about taking one of the younger guys aside and sharing a lesson now-and-then.

But the stark contrast in what they wore, where they stood (or sat) and how they interacted was severe. It plainly taught me that, as Master, I am in the middle of a perfect storm. I have the heavy responsibility, at this critical time, of balancing the youthful energy and exhuberance of our newer and younger brothers with the mellowed experience of the older members.

We are all still brothers, and we all love our Lodge and our Craft. Divisions are not very aparent at this point, and many of our older members are quite excited to see the influx of energy that is waiving over our Lodge. It is a delicate balance.

Our thought for this MasonicMinute, then, is the awful reality that there is a 20 year gap in the average age of our craft. The tuxedos and regular clothes do not make the men…but they illustrate a glaring situation which must be carefully guided for the benefit of the Craft.

The picture was stark. It was hopeful. It could be interpreted through a negative and divisive lens. This should never be the case.

Unity does not require uniformity. Strength through diversity, be it age, race, religion or social status, should be a goal clearly communicated and openly welcome. Together, we can harness the energy and wisely guide it to a bright future.

Or we can simply call it division, and take the easy path to conflict and negativity.

Where ARE we going?

MasonicMinute.com: Comments (2)

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