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Masonic Ritual – Gavel Raps
Knocking Three Times – What is the symbolic significance of the three (or two or one) gavel raps given by the principal officers during the Rituals of Opening and Closing?
Masonic Ritual – Knocking Three Times Symbolic Significance
Knocking Three Times
What is the symbolic significance of knocking three times?
Masonic Ritual – Seeking Admittance
Knocking Three Times
Why do we knock three times on the inner or outer door when seeking admittance?
Beyond Ritual – Traveling with the Masters Word
Embark on a remarkable journey into the rich symbolism at the heart of Freemasonry. As we explore the cryptic depths of our beloved fraternity, we will discover the profound importance hidden within the question, “What induced you to become a Master Mason??” This query’s solution contains layers of symbolic meaning that guide us through hallowed passages in our time-honored traditions.
Masonic Ritual – When to give Sign of Fidelity
Masonic Ritual – When should the Sign of Fidelity be given?
Masonic Ritual – Conducting During Degrees
Other than conducting, why are we not allowed to touch candidates during Degrees?
The Masonic Hall: Getting to Know a Crucial Author
Dive into the enigmatic world of Manly P. Hall, prolific author, mystic, and founder of the Philosophical Research Society. Explore his influential ideas on symbolism, astrology, and hidden wisdom across cultures.
Masonic Ritual – Open Ritual Book
Can an open Ritual Book be used to provide cues when the Lodge is at Labor?
Masonic Ritual – Chamber of Reflection
The Chamber of Reflection is an idea that originated in French continental Masonry. As with many elements of French Masonry, this idea was borrowed by Albert Pike and described in his book “The Porch and the Middle Chamber: Book of the Lodge.”
Masonic Ritual – The Master’s Work
What is the Master’s Work? How should a Brother be acknowledged when performing part of the Ritual?
Masonic Ritual – Printed Text
What parts of the Ritual can be read from a printed text?
The 1784 St. John’s Day Sermon
Read the review of the four key points of the 1784 St. John’s Day Sermon, delivered by Rev. Uzal Ogden, on St. John the Evangelist Day 1784 in Morristown, New Jersey.
Masonic Ritual – Position of the Square & Compasses When Closing
When closing the Great Light In Masonry, is there a particular way we should arrange the Square and Compasses on the cover of the Holy Bible?
Masonic Ritual – Position of the Square & Compasses
How should the Square and Compasses be positioned on the Holy Bible when it is open?
Masonic Ritual – “Apron Change”
How should a Brother change his Apron when he is in a tiled Lodge at labor?
Masonic Revival and Unity
On October 21, some 150 Freemasons assembled at Masonic Hall in New York City for the first Metropolitan Region Table Lodge, a ritualized communal meal exemplary of Masonic tradition.
Masonic Ritual – “pillar officers”
Who are the “pillar officers” of a Lodge?
George Washington’s letters to the Jews of Newport
It is “to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance” that is most remembered from these letters from George Washington, partially because it is communicated by both writers, but I think mostly because it powerfully summarizes what is at stake.
The Double-Headed Eagle: “The Great Work”
The Double-Headed Eagle is a symbol dating back to ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, Babylonians, etc. The oldest such motif ever discovered was found in Jiroft, Iran and dates back to 3000 B.C. The symbol is known to have esoteric and alchemical connotations.
Masonic Ritual – DDGM About To enter
The District Deputy Grand Master is always announced as “about to enter” for his official visits. Does this mean he seeks admittance on other occasions in his District?
Masonic Ritual – Sign of Fidelity
When does a Mason come to the Sign of Fidelity? How can you tell when you’re being directly addressed and are therefore required to come to the Sign of Fidelity?
Masonic Ritual – Three Great Lights
Why do some systems of Masonry place the Three Great Lights directly in front of the Master in the East, while others such as ours situate the Three Great Lights on a centrally located Altar?
PRESS RELEASE: SHADOWS IN THE CITY
MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art in New York is presenting international painter/filmmaker Ari Roussimoff’s 1991 Expressionist-Surreal-Horror-Art movie “Shadows In The City”. The film will run from October 5 to 11, 2023 at the museum, 11 West 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019.
Masonic Ritual – three principal officers
If all three principal officers are absent from a Communication, can a Past Master or some other designated member open the Lodge?
Masonic Ritual – Extinguished Altar Light
What should a Lodge do if one of the Altar lights goes out?
Secret History of New York Freemasonry
The Secret History of Freemasonry in New York State as told by the Brethren of Huguenot Masonic Lodge No. 46 in Westchester, New York.
Celebrating 100 Years – Freemasonry In Finland
On May 2, 1922, the Grand Lodge of New York, in the spirit of Fraternity, assisted in the founding of the Grand Lodge of Finland. On August 18, 1922, MW Tompkins and four other Masonic representatives from the Grand Lodge in the State of New York led the ritual in the Säätytalo at the first Masonic session of independent Finland where 27 Brothers received all three degrees on the same day.
Shriners 149th Imperial Session Held in Charlotte, NC
This year the 149th Imperial Session was held in Charlotte, North Carolina. Shriners from all over the world came together to do the annual work of Shriners International.
CONGRATULATIONS GRAND MONARCH VICTOR MANN
Hailing from the great State of New York! Congratulations Grand Monarch Victor Mann and Lady Angelique.
Masonic Ritual – Absence of The Chaplain
In the absence of the Chaplain, should the Master appoint a Chaplain pro tem or should he deliver the Chaplain’s lines himself?
Masonic Ritual – Meeting of the Deacons
Where should the Deacons meet when approaching the West to communicate the word/password to the Senior Warden as part of purging the Lodge?
The Standard Work and Lectures does not detail this with any specificity, but rather allows each Lodge to decide how and where the Deacons meet.
A Brotherhood of hearts
Freemasonry has the power and potential to uplift, inspire, and nourish the soul on its lifelong journey of self-discovery and spiritual evolution.
Masonic Ritual – What is the minimum number of officers required to open a Lodge?
What is the minimum number of officers required to open a Lodge?
This is an area in which the Masonic Law and the Masonic Ritual are in conflict, and when that happens the Law prevails.
Masonic Ritual – Does the Tiler need to be a Master Mason, even when the Lodge is opening on the First or Second Degree?
Does the Tiler need to be a Master Mason, even when the Lodge is opening on a lower degree?
Masonic Ritual – How many make a master Mason Lodge?
How many make a Master Mason Lodge?
Masonic Ritual – When should the Letter G be turned on?
Is the Senior Deacon the only Brother allowed to touch the Square and Compasses?
Masonic ritual – In what order should the altar candles be turned on and off?
Is the Senior Deacon the only Brother allowed to touch the Square and Compasses?
The Transformative Influence of Freemasonry
Freemasonry has the power and potential to uplift, inspire, and nourish the soul on its lifelong journey of self-discovery and spiritual evolution.
Masonic ritual – What does the Ritual tell us we should do to help improve society?
Considering all the bad behavior we observe in our daily lives, what does the Ritual tell us we should do to help improve society and the human lot?
Traveling Man – White House Plumbers
Our Traveling Man, RW Anthony Prizzia, is also an extra in the HBO hit series “White House Plumbers.”
Masonic ritual – Why do Brothers sometimes say that “the Ritual is for the Candidate”?
Why do Brothers sometimes say that “the Ritual is for the Candidate”? What about the Brethren?
I-Thou and the Promise of Masonry
In his 1923 book “I and Thou”, the philosopher Martin Buber outlined the two primary ways in which we relate to people and the world around us.
Masonic ritual – Are all present in possession of the secrets?
The Master asks if all present are Entered Apprentices or Fellowcrafts when the Lodge opens on the First or Second Degree respectively, so why does the Tiler have to be a Master Mason?
Fez Friday, Bermuda Peppercorn Ceremony
The Bermuda Peppercorn Annual Ceremony is a long-standing tradition that holds a special place in the history of Bermuda. The history of this ceremony dates back to 1816.
Eclipse
“Eclipse” is about individuals who search for light even under the most unfortunate circumstances. They take a unique journey within themselves, a journey that will eventually benefit all humankind.
Masonic ritual – Receiving The Candidate
What should the Senior Deacon use to receive the Candidate in the First Degree?
Masonic ritual – Is The Tiler Required?
Is the Tiler among the officers required to open a Lodge?
Masonic ritual – Attending at the Altar
Is the Senior Deacon the only Brother allowed to touch the Square and Compasses?
Masonic Ritual – The Master’s Carpet
The short answer is that the space between the Altar and the East should not be called the Master’s Carpet. The medium answer would direct your attention to the Glossary entry in the Ritual book.
Masonic ritual – Communicating the Password
Why do the Deacons come to the Sign of Fidelity before communicating the word/password to the Master?
My Brother
Saying we are Brothers is not enough; I want to know that if I were to pass away tomorrow, you would shed a tear and that I would do the same for you. The true goal is not the tears that fall for a lost Brother, but to form a strong bond of Brotherhood while we are still together.
Masonic Etiquette – Saluting the Altar
Why don’t candidates salute at the altar when re-entering for the Middle Chamber Lecture and Raising?
Masonic Ritual – Displaying the Great Light
What is the significance of opening the Great Light to a different page for each Degree? What Biblical pages should be used for alternative sacred scriptures?
The Lincoln Degree
Members of the Valley of Rockville Centre AASR NMJ performed “The Last Full Measure” aka the Lincoln Degree. The title is an important line in the Gettysburg Address.
Masonic Ritual – Escorting Masonic Dignitaries
Why are Masonic dignitaries and other Brothers escorted to the East along the north side of the Lodge?
St. Patrick, Freemasonry & The Revolutionary War
The connection between St. Patrick, the Revolution, and Freemasonry becomes clearer when considering the situation of the Continental Army at Morristown, NJ during the winter of 1779-1780.
Apron of the Rose
Each time I create a painted Masonic Apron, I intend for it to be a statement in more ways than one. This way the great Masonic history of aprons is being brought into the here and now and therefore also into the future.
Masonic ritual – Empty Warden Chair
If a Warden momentarily vacates his chair, should another member be directed to occupy that station in his absence?
My Grandfather’s Jewel
I have just found my grandfather’s Past Master jewel inside of a box. I can make out the “HGCW” monogram on the jewel.
Masonic Ritual – Deacons and Taking the Password
Why don’t the Deacons take the word or password from the Wardens, Treasurer, Secretary and any Grand Lodge officers seated in the East when purging the Lodge?
Masonic Ritual – Crossing the East During Labor
Why can’t we cross the space between the Altar and the East when the Lodge is at labor?
Observant Masonry comes to Northport, Long Island
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?
Masonic Ritual – 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”?
Rebirth
“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.”
The Benefits of Freemasonry
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?
Freemasonry in Puerto Rico
Bro. René Pérez Liciaga explores his Puerto Rican heritage and the history of Freemasonry in Puerto Rico.
Masonic Ritual – Forms and Ceremonies
Should the Senior Deacon look around to make sure everyone is on the Sign of Fidelity before attending at the Altar?
Start with WHY
In 2009, Simon Sinek’s bestseller, “Start with WHY” changed the basic principles of brand marketing. Starting with your why creates an opportunity to share your passion and form an authentic connection.
Brother Robert Burns
Robert Burns, celebrated Scottish poet, is considered a seminal figure in 18th century literature.
From Operative to Speculative
Operative Freemasons were skilled craftsmen who honed their abilities in building to provide shelter from the elements and to create works of art that conveyed a sense of unity and harmony.
Masonic Ritual – Master Mason Without
As described in our Ritual, the Lodge is tiled by a “Master Mason without.” Does this mean an EA or FC can sit in an officer’s chair?
Freemasonry As a Way Of Awakening
France’s Rémi Boyer has immersed himself for decades in studying philosophies and initiatory rites, among other things, and has authored a book for understanding Freemasonry.
Traveling Man – Christmas Magic
Our Traveling Man, RW Anthony Prizzia, shares a magical Christmas experience hosted by Brothers in Tampa, Florida.
History of Western Star Lodge #15
The history of Western Star Lodge #15 dates back to the early settlement Oneida County. The lodge first met in 1796, in a location that was known as Farwell’s Hill.
Top Five Esoteric Books for 2023
Bro. Rene Perez shares five esoteric books that Freemasons should read this year.
Freemasonry in New York State
No one knows exactly when the first Mason stepped foot on the shores of the new world, but Freemasonry was established in the British colonies of North America began sometime in the 1730s.
Holiday Drinks for 2022
In case you need a few suggestions for a wine/spirit to bring to an event, because you can’t show up empty handed here are a few suggestions.
Masonic Thanksgiving
While President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to be held on the last Thursday of the month of November, it may not surprise Masons to learn that Bro. George Washington was the first to issue a Presidential Proclamation in 1789.
St. Albans Lodge # 56 History Of Gatherings Named St. Albans
A Gathering was held recently marking the 69th Annual Gathering Of The International Masonic Lodges Named For St. Alban- Hosted by St. Albans Lodge # 6, F. & A. M. Bristol Road Island USA.
Diversity of Thought
MASONIC MENTORINGDiversity of Thought How Freemasonry encourages collaboration and the exchange of personal viewpointsFreemasonry is a social activity. I am a member of a Puerto...
Why Your Lodge Should Do A Joint Degree
While there are lodges who have members who can fill every degree role, some feature a bench so deep with alternates and backups – just in case.
Freemasonry Can Found Anywhere And In Everything
“Freemasonry can found anywhere, and in everything, you can find Freemasonry.” By applying the lessons in our degrees, we can apply that knowledge to our hobbies and interests to bring joy in our life.
Freemasonry’s Missing Rings: Thaddeus Kosciuszko
Thaddeus Kosciuszko possessed the two masonic principles that we are charged to embrace: Fidelity and Integrity. Yet, even with his close connection to known Freemasons, we cannot confirm his membership in The Craft.
Digital Marketing in Freemasonry
Ready to start building your digital presence? Here are the four fundamentals in digital marketing that improve your Lodge’s website.
Lemons to Haggis – A Hybrid Burns’ Night Supper
Learn how Joshua Lodge No. 890 had its hybrid Burns’ Night, complete with haggis, cranachan and virtual toasts!
The Great Secret of Masonic Education
The Great Secret of Masonic Education: Leave it Alone. Here are three key takeaways in teaching Masonic Education to new members.
Masonic Reading Groups
A Masonic reading group is the perfect way to stay connected with your Brothers during the summer months. Here’s a quick start guide!
Traveling Man – George Washington National Masonic Memorial
Bro. Michael Arce, a traveling man, shares his visit to the George Washington National Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia.
Traveling Man – Kismet Shriners Temple
RW Anthony Prizzia, the Traveling Man, shares his trip to the Kismet Shriners at the American Legion Hall – Post 1066 in Massapequa, New York.
Fez Friday, Khartum SHRINERS
The Shrine fez bearing the name Khartum, so familiar to many people in Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario today, was relatively unknown until 1905 when Khartum Temple was introduced, established, and chartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, through the efforts of members of the Masonic Order, Scottish and York Rites and the Shrine of North America.
Fez Friday, Sphinx Shriners
Sphinx Shriners came into being because there was a need for a Shrine Temple in the rapidly growing Hartford area at the turn of the nineteenth century. Looking to the future, Sphinx Shrine is actively seeking new members who will continue to support Shriners Hospitals for Children® and build upon the many accomplishments of the past 120 years.
Fez Friday, El Zaribah Shrine Temple
On June 24, 1896, a charter was issued to El Zaribah Shrine Temple in an area identified as the Arizona Territory. El Zaribah is said to be translated into “Hunter’s Paradise.”
Fez Friday, India Temple
On July 25, 1894, a charter was issued establishing India Temple as the 65th temple to be organized. India’s rich and colorful heritage has touched and left its influence on two centuries as well as two cultures, territorial and state.
Bethany Lodge #821 Celebrating 125 Years of Freemasonry
Bethany Lodge #821 was organized under Dispensation on December 11, 1896. As a Lodge, we look forward to our next 125 years with renewed excitement!
Traveling Man – Metropolitan Opera House
RW Anthony Prizzia, the Traveling Man, shares his first trip to the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City.
A “Masonic” Wedding
March 5, 2022: The First “Masonic” Wedding in Jephtha Lodge, Huntington, NY
Fez Friday, Ararat Shrine
Ararat Shrine was chartered in 1888 by the Imperial Council of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, later to be renamed Shriners International. Ararat was the 38th Shrine Temple to be granted a charter.
Fez Friday, Isis Shrine
On March 19, 1887, 14 elected officers sent a petition to the Imperial Counsel for a dispensation for a Temple to be known as Isis Temple, and it was granted on March 29, 1887.
Fez Friday, Abdallah Shrine
The Abdallah Shrine was founded on March 28, 1887, and chartered on June 20 in Leavenworth, Kansas.
Solidarity with the Grand Lodge of Ukraine
The Grand Lodge of New York answering the call of the distressed in providing a source of much-needed help to those adversely affected by these unprovoked acts of violence and war.