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Masonic Ritual – Gavel Raps

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?

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Beyond Ritual – Traveling with the Masters Word

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.

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Masonic Ritual – Chamber of Reflection

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.”

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The 1784 St. John’s Day Sermon

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.

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Masonic Revival and Unity

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.

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George Washington’s letters to the Jews of Newport

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.

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The Double-Headed Eagle: “The Great Work”

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.

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Masonic Ritual – Three Great Lights

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?

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PRESS RELEASE: SHADOWS IN THE CITY

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.

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Celebrating 100 Years – Freemasonry In Finland

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.

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Masonic Ritual – Meeting of the Deacons

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.

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A Brotherhood of hearts

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.

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Eclipse

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.

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Masonic Ritual – The Master’s Carpet

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.

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My Brother

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.

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The Lincoln Degree

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.

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Apron of the Rose

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.

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Masonic Ritual – On The Level

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”?

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Rebirth

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.”

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The Benefits of Freemasonry

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?

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Start with WHY

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.

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From Operative to Speculative

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.

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Freemasonry As a Way Of Awakening

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.

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History of Western Star Lodge #15

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.

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Freemasonry in New York State

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.

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Holiday Drinks for 2022

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.

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Masonic Thanksgiving

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.

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Diversity of Thought

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...

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Masonic Reading Groups

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!

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Fez Friday, Khartum SHRINERS

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.

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Fez Friday, Sphinx Shriners

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.

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Fez Friday, El Zaribah Shrine Temple

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.”

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Fez Friday, India Temple

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.

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Fez Friday, Ararat Shrine

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.

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Fez Friday, Isis Shrine

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.

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