Admittedly it is looking a bit like ‘2020: the Sequel’ but there’s light at the end of the tunnel – we have a vaccine! It’s not a cure, but it may well allow us to start getting back to doing some increasingly distant pursuits, such as travelling, socialising and of course, going back to lodge.

But if it doesn’t, we have all learnt a whole new raft of adaptions and coping strategies and techniques – we have had to be creative, innovative, and I think Freemasonry has really stepped up in this regard.

The amazing transition from dusty lodges to fabulous Zoom rooms would have been unthinkable a few years ago but it is flourishing.

Aside from initially being distracted by the contents of participants’ bookshelves, occasionally dodgy backgrounds, or the various Zoom-bombings by cats/dogs/children etc., it’s been a bit of a Masonic renaissance – enter ‘The Age of Technology‘!

So, not only has it allowed members to keep in contact – checking in with each other has never been simpler and more fun – it has also been virtual nourishment; a smorgasbord of sharing Masonic knowledge and debate.

Personally, I think this is the way to go – not to replace lodge meetings of course but to strengthen, and expand upon, the need for Masonic learning outside the lodge room and within our daily lives.

The sheer amount of innovation, new resources and online talks available to all is admirable and just shows how the evolution of Freemasonry is upon us.

With that in mind, we have the final part of Gerald Reilly’s innovative ‘Science and Citizenship‘ series, which has opened our eyes up to the possibilities of new ‘Freemasonries’ for the future and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

We shall no doubt hear more from Gerald, and we thank him for his enlightening and thought-provoking contributions.

what we plant in the soil of contemplation,
we shall reap in the harvest of action

– Meister Eckhart (13th century theologian and philosopher)

As always, a New Year brings up the dreaded ‘Resolutions’ subject.

So, rather than an endless list of resolutions that we never achieve – perhaps 2021 is the year to take little steps – we are surely now used to rules and situations turning on a dime, so we should have a resolution revolution and become adept at the art of changing small things where we can; appreciating the simple pleasures in life and not going too big, too soon with anything…just yet!

Our article on ‘Masonic Meditations‘ sets out a way we can become more mindful in our Masonic lives and how we utilise and implement the lessons within the rituals.

Meditation is not all sitting cross-legged surrounded by a haze of incense, it’s come a long way and we could all do with taking a few moments of peace and relaxation to contemplate the age-old wisdom and symbolism encapsulated within Freemasonry.

Create your own Chamber of Reflection and decide what Freemasonry means to you and crucially, what you want to contemplate and implement in your daily life.

We’ve got all creative this month and have three articles related to Masonic art. A new series from ‘Brother Hogarth’ explores the intriguing hidden (and sometimes not so hidden) symbolism within his namesake’s great works – delve into part one of Hogarth’s Harlot Reveals All to see what you can find.

Then we discover the sublime ‘Masonic Art of Ari Roussimoff’ via Elena Llamas‘ interview with this magical artist.

Last but not least, a ‘Portrait of the Artist‘ – Travis Simpkins who has taken the Masonic world by storm and created stunning portraits of many recognisable Freemasons from around the globe.

We hope you enjoy the myriad of other articles and features in this months’ issue, all designed to entertain, inform or enlighten.

Until next time, take care –

Philippa Lee

EDITOR

editor@thesquaremagazine.com

Books by Philippa