Welcome to the March issue of The Square
February has been a month of upheavals with a lot happening across the world extreme weather has hit many parts of the globe, political unrest and financial crises are being faced by a whole host of countries, and the far darker shadow of war between Russia and Ukraine, which of course will impact many millions.
After nearly two years of global instability and uncertainty caused by the worldwide pandemic, perhaps we were hoping that some unity would be the outcome; sadly that does not appear to be happening.
Many of this month’s articles are looking at solutions to problems and how we can work together to take not only our Fraternity forwards, but also our daily lives.
We all know we need to adjust to the rapidly changing world – on so many levels. As humans, having taken millions of years of evolution to get the point we are now, it seems we must evolve at an even faster pace to keep up with the almost impossible tasks and ideals we have created for ourselves.
Unfortunately, we have outpaced ourselves and many are suffering the consequences of not only burning the candle at both ends but also incinerating the middle.
We are becoming more polarised, just when we need to connect; more divided when what we need is unity.
When I read Craig Weightman’s new article ‘Unity and Duality’, I experienced a deep breath – quite literally.
He writes that,
In the modern age, this way of being is even more exacerbated by social media, which convinces us that we are living in a connected world, when this couldn’t be further from the truth. We are accelerating to the opposite pole to connectedness, and the brakes don’t seem to be working…Within this stormy sea of battling opinion and confusion, however, there is an island called Freemasonry.
We really need that island! So, wherever you are in the world, take a trip through this literary island of Freemasonry and experience a few blissful hours in an oasis of Masonic knowledge.
Unity and Duality Craig Weightman is back with a new article which continues his previous exploration into the ‘hero’s journey’ through life’s travails; this month we discover how within the stormy sea of battling opinion and confusion, there is an island called Freemasonry.
Here’s what we have for you this month:
An Opportunity to fix the Sussex Fudge Is there a value proposition for members, that under English Constitution Freemasonry, we have a 4 part offering; Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft , Master Mason and Companion, conducted in a single craft lodge ?
Sir Joseph Banks – The botanical Freemason Banks was also the first Freemason to set foot in Australia, who was at the time, on a combined Royal Navy & Royal Society scientific expedition to the South Pacific Ocean on HMS Endeavour led by Captain James Cook.
Initiation and the Lucis Trust The approach of the Lucis Trust to initiation may differ slightly to other Western Esoteric systems and Freemasonry, but the foundation of training for the neophyte to build good moral character and act in useful service to humanity is universal.
So mote it be The phrase appears in the Regius Poem. It is customary in contemporary English to end prayers with a hearty “Amen,” a word meaning “So be it.”
It is a Latin word derived from the Hebrew word – Short Talk Bulletin – Vol. V June, 1927, No.6
Freemasonry in the metaverse series continues to gather pace.
Nicholas Broadway reports on two Independent Grand Lodges building out Freemasonry in the metaverse projects. One located in Croatia, the other in Portugal.
These projects, all be it at early stages of development, clearly demonstrate a growing interest in metaverse Freemasonry.
At some point in the near future, there will be an additional choices for people who wish to join Freemasonry without the baggage of a bricks and mortar lodge.
Digital Freemasonry All Freemasons In One Digital Lodge; Is this viable?, is it practical ?, is it even possible ?
To answer this question we need to under the problem “Digital Freemasonry” aims to fix.
The Masonic Temple is a platform where both Freemasons and non-Masons, enthusiasts of real art and spiritual growth, connect to the new world of the metaverse.
A Freemasonry in the metaverse project, based on regular freemasonry principles.
More from our regular contributors…
Pure Ancient Masonry; P2. A Fellow of the Craft Building Better Knowledge. Semantics aside Pure Antient Masonry consists of four parts. ‘Building the Temple’ is the fundamental Masonic allegory for building better people to build a better world.
This must be understood as a seamless whole: why not confer each part in a Lodge opened in four stages? Yes, this series is proposing a practical unified, unifying, theory of Three Degrees and the Royal Arch.
The Schaws of Sauchie Tower Kenneth Jack invites us to discover the powerful family of William Schaw.
Most Freemasons in Scotland, and indeed around the world, are familiar with William Schaw, considered by many to be the “father” of Scottish Freemasonry, perhaps Freemasonry in general.
Jacob’s Ladder On the First Degree tracing board the most dominant feature is Jacob’s Ladder stretching from Earth to Heaven.
Being straight, it is the shortest and quickest way to reach heaven, and being straight you can see the end goal. – Tutorial series 2 by Stephen J. Goulding
Meet The Author – Darren Lorente-Bull is the author of ‘The Other Brotherhood: When Freemasonry Crossed the English Channel’ and five other books. Here he talks to Philippa Lee about his beliefs, his Freemasonry, and books. See book review in this issue.
As always, we also have the usual features of old books, new books, reviews of books, and a whole host of Masonic knowledge to keep you busy with your ‘daily advancement’.
We hope you enjoy this month’s issue. If you do – or if you don’t – drop me a line at editor@thesquaremagazine.com
Until next time, stay safe and well.
Article by: Philippa Lee. Editor
Philippa Lee (writes as Philippa Faulks) is the author of eight books, an editor and researcher.
Philippa was initiated into the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) in 2014.
Her specialism is ancient Egypt, Freemasonry, comparative religions and social history. She has several books in progress on the subject of ancient and modern Egypt. Selection of Books Online at Amazon
Books by Philippa
