Masonic Ritual – On The Level

Masonic Ritual – On The Level

Feb 21, 2023 | Masonic Ritual

MASONIC RITUAL

On The Level

What is meant by “come down on the level”?

What is meant by “come down on the level”?

Do Brothers seated in the sidelines have to come into the main working area of the Lodge to be “on the level”?

The instruction to “come down on the level” is found in the Lodge Opening and Closing Rituals as well as the conclusion of the Middle Chamber Lecture. From a purely technical standpoint, the only parts of the Lodge that aren’t on the level are the stations in the East, West and South. However, when the Ritual calls for the Brethren to come down on the level, all those present should leave their seats and come into the main working area of the Lodge unless it is impracticable for them to do so. What might make it impracticable? A physical infirmity or ailment might make it impracticable for an individual Brother. Or if the Lodge is unusually full, it may be impracticable for those in the second row of seating to come into the main working area of the Lodge due to an insufficiency of space to accommodate that number of Brothers. If it is not legitimately impracticable, all present should come into the main working area of the Lodge to be “on the level.”

“Impracticable” in this use means “extremely difficult to achieve due to practical problems or issues in opposition; effectively if not technically impossible.”

Response provided by RW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey
Chairman, Custodians of the Work, Grand Lodge of New York

Note: This site is an excellent source of information about Freemasonry. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information about Masonic Ritual, please remember that a website is not a substitute for your jurisdiction’s Standard Work or Approved Ritual.
Rebirth

Rebirth

Feb 17, 2023 | Masonic Art

MASONIC ART

Rebirth

by Bro. Ari Roussimoff

“Rebirth” is the title of this painting from 2008. It is the right side panel of my three-painting Masonic triptych titled “Parable of Light and Dark.”
Painted Knights Templar Apron

The Left side panel is named “Foundations” and the middle panel is “Eclipse.” The entire three painting triptych symbolizes the different stages in the life of Freemasonry. These are represented by the legendary origins, the periods of transitional realities and last, the prospective future. This optimistic artwork was prominently exhibited for eight years at the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library & Museum of the Grand Lodge of New York. Images of this exhibit are below.

In “Rebirth,” I show civilization being rebuilt after it had been self-destroyed by centuries of neglect and wrongdoing. At the bottom and amidst the ruins is Master Craftsman Hiram Abiff alongside King Solomon, who like Noah before him, releases a dove out into the future to determine if the time to start building is near. Underneath the winding staircase stands a woman carrying the scales of justice. She is voluptuous, as is truth.

Image: “Rebirth,” right side panel of triptych “Parable of Light and Dark” by Bro. Ari Roussimoff
Pictured: Bro. Ari Roussimoff at the Livingston Library gallery display of his art.
To her left is the mystical priest Melchizedek (King of Righteousness) from the Book of Genesis. He has two sets of eyes, as his vision is deeply spiritual. One pair of eyes represent the soul and heart and the other two eyes represent the mind which is composed of thought, logic and intellect. Holding the Masonic compass, Melchizedek has given his blessing to building up a new and better world. Its foundation would be the great virtues and accomplishments of the old world which subsequently had been needlessly pummeled into ruins. At the very top is the All Seeing Eye of God the Creator, our ultimate judge.

Written by Bro. Ari Roussimoff
www.Roussimoff.com
Consolidated Lodge #31 F. & A.M.
Manhattan, New York

Bro Ari Roussimoff
The Benefits of Freemasonry

The Benefits of Freemasonry

Feb 13, 2023 | Masonic Education

MASONIC HISTORY

The Benefits of Freemasonry

More than just a social club, Freemasonry is an opportunity for personal growth and learning

Freemasonry is a centuries-old fraternal organization that is shrouded in mystery and misconceptions. What is it, exactly, that draws men to join this esteemed organization? Whether it is the camaraderie of Brotherhood, the charitable community involvement, or the opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement, Freemasonry offers something for every man. Additionally, every man has something to offer Freemasonry.

First and foremost, the sense of Brotherhood that comes with being a Freemason is truly unparalleled. The bonds of Brotherhood forged through Freemasonry are unbreakable and serve to strengthen the moral fiber of its members. As men, we often find ourselves isolated in our individual worlds, with few opportunities for genuine connection and bonding with other men. Family and work obligations take over our lives. While those are noble and always come first, Freemasonry provides a space where men of all ages and from all walks of life can come together and form meaningful, lasting relationships. It is a place where we can support each other, both in good times and in bad, and where we can rely on each other for guidance and advice to improve our effectiveness at home and in our work.

More than just a social club Freemasonry is an opportunity for personal growth and learning. The organization places a strong emphasis on moral development and self-improvement then provides resources and guidance for men looking to better themselves. Getting involved with fundraisers or becoming a line Officer you will naturally pick up skills such as public speaking, event planning, and organizational skills.

Many Lodges have charitable foundations that support a wide range of causes. Some Lodges choose to support local baseball teams or give scholarships to the local high school students going to college. Others hold food drives and/or support their local food pantries. Most notably the Masonic Medical Research Institute is an internationally recognized biomedical research Institute founded by the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York. There are always opportunities for community giving and Freemasonry opens a conduit to allow your efforts to reach further than you can imagine.
We cannot talk about the benefits of Freemasonry without mentioning that it is a worldwide organization. Since you can find Lodges in nearly every country on Earth, Freemasonry provides an opportunity to connect with men from all over the globe, and to learn about and appreciate different cultures. Brothers have been known to connect on social media, Zoom call, and online presentations. There is even an internet Lodge recognized by most Grand Lodges. However, more traditionally, Brothers take every opportunity to visit local Lodges when they are traveling for business or pleasure. They reach out to the Lodge and the Lodge does everything they can to welcome their Brother. Supplying dinner, refreshment, and sometimes even lodging. When we meet a Brother Mason, we know we can trust them with our families, and they can trust us equally.
Freemasonry changed the lives of countless men throughout history and continues to do the same today. This positive impact on individual men in turn improves their communities, which improves their countries, and ultimately, the world. Arthur Edward Waite said, “To be a Freemason is to be a citizen of the world, in possession of a key which unlocks the door of Brotherhood and understanding in every land.”

Written by:
WB Todd M. Paterek is Worshipful Master, Lodge Education Officer, Northstar Coach, and Webmaster of Blazing Star Lodge #694 F&AM, East Aurora, New York.

Freemasonry in Puerto Rico

Freemasonry in Puerto Rico

Feb 10, 2023 | Masonic Education, Masonic History

MASONIC HISTORY

A Cycle of Necessity

The history and legacy of Freemasonry in Puerto Rico

My name is René Pérez Liciaga and I’m a native New Yorker, lecturer, published researcher, martial artist, actor and a Freemason of Puerto Rican descent. As a Boricua (the original identifier for Puerto Ricans from the language of the indigenous people of the Caribbean), my parents educated me to be proud of my ethnic background and history. As a child growing up, going back and forth to visit family on the island brought me closer to my raices (roots). My commitment to the cultural representation and the advancement of Puerto Rican heritage has helped to highlight my published papers to a wider audience.

My research has influenced educational institutions, scholars and the general public to rethink the origins and existence of the Taino, who were the first people that Columbus encountered in the Caribbean and who are also part of my admix ancestry. I had the opportunity to feature in the National Geographic Magazine with the help of a close friend to spread awareness to the fact that the Taino were never EXTINCT as most historians falsely claim.

In 2018, I entered my Masonic journey shortly after a transformative period in my life, initiated by my father’s transition. It instituted a pursuit of knowledge, spiritual awakening and more in me. In aligning with the Order, I deepened my esoteric knowledge while forging diverse relationships with brothers in various cities and countries. As a frequent guest speaker, lecturing at lodges throughout the country, I share my expertise on topics that I am most passionate about: astrology, Hermetic and esoteric studies. In tracing my roots, I came to learn that I am the 4th cousin, six times removed, of the first Grand Master of the Grand lodge of Puerto Rico Santiago R Palmer who helped found the first official national lodge of Puerto Rico Logia Adelphia No. 1 in Mayagüez.

This is also the lodge that I had the privilege of visiting back in 2020.

I am working on affiliating with Logia Adelphia as a member soon. While taking a tour of the Grand Lodge of Puerto Rico, I had the honor of standing next to the remains of Grand Master Santiago R Palmer, who I was not aware at the time was my relative. As I researched more on my roots, I discovered another Masonic connection to a well-known politician, medical doctor and prominent Freemason – Dr. Ramon Emeterio Betances, a notable figure in Puerto Rican political history, is also a distant relative.

DR. RAMON BETANCES

Some people claim there is something called “ancestral blood memory” which apparently explains why people are intrigued by a specific topic or spiritual calling. Others will call it “reincarnation” or a term used by the Pythagoreans transmigration. I prefer to call it “A Cycle of Necessity,” a title of one of Manly P Hall’s books.

Pictured: Bro. Rene standing in front of a mural of Santiago R. Palmer in Puerto Rico

A Sufi order called the Order of the Melevites or the “Whirling dervishes” is purported to have encountered the warrior monks known as the Knights Templars. There are other claims that this Order has similarities to Freemasonry. The Order was founded by “Mevlana Jelau’d-din Mohammed el Balkh er rumi” who was a mystic and supposedly developed extraordinary spiritual powers by his sixth year. In Mesnavi I Ma’Navi Book IV Jelau’d-din writes:

 

A stone I died and rose again a plant.

A plant I died rose an animal.

I died an animal and was born a man.

Why should I fear.

 

I truly believe I did not find Freemasonry, but it found me when I needed it. Masonry is about building one’s character to find that stone which the builders rejected. As a martial artist, I recognize that the art and Freemasonry contain similar concepts and principles. While climbing the ranks in Karate you receive a black belt, similar to becoming a Master Mason. However, some individuals get a belt and stop training as if they have received all the secrets and forms in the art or the Craft, not realizing the term Shodan in Japanese means “to begin.” That is when the true work starts. As you climb up the ranks in Karate or any other martial arts, you go through an initiation process as you would in Freemasonry. The word initiation also means “to begin.” Martial arts, like Freemasonry, is a lifelong journey in which you never stop learning and there is always room for improvement.
Pictured: Bro. Rene being accepted in Logia Adelphia No. 1, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
As a child growing up, I was always intrigued by finding a teacher or master who would instruct me on certain secret techniques and lifelong lessons. As I got older, I realized that this person only exists on TV because the true teacher and master I have been looking for is myself. A true martial artist just like a Master Mason is not only a master of the art or the Craft but a Master of himself that is the true stone the builders rejected.
Written by:
Bro. René Pérez Liciaga
George Washington Lodge #285
Manhattan, New York

Masonic Ritual – Forms and Ceremonies

Masonic Ritual – Forms and Ceremonies

Feb 7, 2023 | Masonic Ritual

MASONIC RITUAL

Forms and Ceremonies

MASONIC RITUAL EXPLAINED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CUSTODIANS OF THE WORK

Should the Senior Deacon look around to make sure everyone is on the Sign of Fidelity before attending at the Altar?

No.

Oh, you want more explanation? Sure. He doesn’t do this because it is not, nor has it ever been, a duty of the Senior Deacon to ensure that all present comply with our forms and ceremonies. This duty resides with the Worshipful Master alone.

If a Brother is not at the Sign of Fidelity when they are supposed to be at the Sign of Fidelity, the Master can choose to remind him or choose not to remind him. It’s the Master’s decision. Keep in mind that if you, as the Master, choose to address the Brother who is not at the Sign of Fidelity, you risk breaking the magic of the ceremony. It is wise to remind our Brothers of proper Lodge ritual and etiquette but it is best to keep any constructive criticism until after the Lodge is closed and in private.

Response provided by RW Samuel Lloyd Kinsey
Chairman, Custodians of the Work, Grand Lodge of New York

Note: This site is an excellent source of information about Freemasonry. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information about Masonic Ritual, please remember that a website is not a substitute for your jurisdiction’s Standard Work or Approved Ritual.