Archive for the ‘Discussion’ Category
The Mysterious World of a Freemason’s wife
Posted by Admin in Discussion on August 23rd, 2009
Phillip Faulks has written a book about life as a Freemason’s wife, the EDP24 website (Norfolk News) has written a article about it. A Summary of which is published below.
Freemasons have been shrouded in secrecy for centuries. The international network of many thousands of men, linked by strange handshakes and solemn vows, has intrigued, and sometimes incensed, outsiders. And until now, even their own wives were often outsiders.
But when Philippa Faulks’ husband decided to become a mason, she wanted to know more and spoke with a number of other wives who had no idea what it was all about, or didn’t want to know! but Philippa very definitely did want to know.
She was already fascinated by the history of magic and when her husband, began finding out more about freemasonry she became more and more interested. Every time her husband returned from a meeting she would quiz him about what he had seen and done, intrigued by the rituals, the costumes, the philosophy – and the myths and misconceptions.
Now she has written a book about freemasonry – aimed at other wives.
“It’s for wives, partners, friends, family, potential freemasons…It’s a very basic outline of what freemasonry involves,” said 40-year-old Pip, who has previously written books on meditation and magic.
Philippa Faulks at the Masonic Temple in Norwich with her husband Martin
 |
| Philippa with her book. |
I think it was the history that drew me in first,Over the last century there was a heck of a lot of persecution of freemasons, which reached a peak with Hitler. The majority of people don’t know that Hitler hated freemasons as much as he hated Jews and gypsies.
Then, as her husband progressed through the various stages of initiation she gleaned as much as she could of modern day masonry.
I must admit, it was like ‘go on, go on…’ whenever he was talking about it!”
And she liked what she was learning.
It’s about teaching men to be better men, It’s not some kind of sinister gathering where they conspire to rule the world. The truth is that they sometimes find it hard enough to run a meeting!
For Phillipa’s husband Martin Freemasonry is very definitely a force for good.
It’s like boy scouts, but on steroids! I first read about free-masonry as a teenager. The idea of this secret society that had been instrumental in promoting, learning and science and freeing slaves…For me these secret, virtuous protectors of the universe were so cool, and they’ve even got a super-hero uniform!”
It is the ritual, history, training and brotherhood of freemasonry that fascinates him. He believes the formal initiation ceremonies are, like many martial arts, another path towards self-improvement.
For me they are so beautiful and inspiring
When asked has the mass of interest in Dan Brown generated more curiosity about freemasonry? Phillipa replied
Very much so, I think it has opened up a new wave of interest that has generated both positive and negative feelings towards the craft. It has made it seem more mystical to some, which again has had a double edged effect. One great thing about writing The Handbook for the Freemason’s Wife, was being able to dispel the majority of ridiculous and often downright damaging myths that have surrounded Freemasonry for so long.
As she researched freemasonry, and watched her husband being drawn into its ancient embrace, she fell for its combination of mystery and brotherhood.
I love freemasonry! I believe it is a powerful force for good in a society that has really lost its way, I often wished I could do it too.
She has considered joining one of the break-away European lodges which welcome women members and has written another book about the self-styled masonic magician who helped found them but she does not resent being excluded from the UK masonry. “It doesn’t really bother me as the whole system of freemasonry per se is geared up towards making men better men”
Secrets of the Freemasons
Posted by Joe Negron in Discussion, Masonic History on March 3rd, 2009
What Are The Secrets of the Freemasons?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked that very question, mostly by friends and family after learning about my involvement in The Fraternity. Usually it’s after they saw that documentary on the History Channel or read something on the internet. You see (although I would never profess to be), to them, I am an expert. So, every time I get asked that question, I take a deep breath, look around as-if to see that no one else is listening, take a half-step forward, and subconsciously prepare them to receive a precious gift. For my response…
I always lower my voice & s p e a k v e r y s l o w - l y.
Here’s how I answer: Sometimes I use the canned response, “Making good men better!”, but, I don’t particularly like that one… Sometimes I answer vaguely and say “well, that depends on you… it’s different things to different people”, they don’t usually like that answer; other times, I answer flippantly and say “If you have to ask, you’ll never know.”, and with that I get a similar response; sarcastically, “Haven’t you seen the DaVinci Code?” -or- “I can tell you but then I’d have to kill you.” ; zen-like, “The secrets ARE Freemasonry.”; militarily, “That’s strictly on a need to know basis…” No matter what my answer is, for some reason, I always get a raised eyebrow & crooked lipped smirk. As a single man, I’ve even managed to get smacked, once or twice, from my reply. Decorum and etiquette prevent me from publishing those secrets here.
How do you answer The Question?
One brother made a great analogy and referenced a Chinese proverb. He explained:
“The true secrets of Masonry are ‘like a finger pointing up at the stars. If you concentrate on the finger, you may miss out on all the heavenly glory.’ Some cultures have made up stories about what they see when they look up at the night sky. These stories have meaning – to them.” He went on to say, “We (as Free and Accepted Masons) use the heavens as an opportunity to learn and respect every culture’s perspective. When doing so, we realize how small WE ARE, in relation; we must remain open minded enough to seek more light on any & every subject, and still be able to enjoy the light in it’s essence – just for the sake of it’s beauty.”
There’s a simple point: What people believe (however absurd) is true to them. The word “absurd” in Latin (literally translated) means “out of tune”, just like the word “karaoke” in Japanese. It all makes sense if you think about this: Some of the most absurd things you’ve ever heard were usually coming from people singing someone else’s song – and (like karaoke) doing it out-of-tune. Now, let’s remember some of these other absurdities:
- Socrates was tried, convicted, and executed on a charge of corrupting the youth into disbelieving in the Greek deities.
- Jacques DeMolay was burned at the stake on Friday the 13th for Witchcraft.
- Christopher Columbus suffered through near mutiny because the crew was scared they may sail off the edge of the earth.
- Galileo was accused of blasphemy by the Catholic Church when he said the Earth revolved around the Sun.
- Darwinian Evolution is still causing controversy.
- Newton’s laws of physics are contradicted by Einstein’s E=MC2!
- Some people believe that this planet contains the only intelligent life in the Universe.
- Others threw themselves out of windows when Orson Wells performed “War of the Worlds” over the radio…
The Point: As we learn more, as humans, our perspectives will inevitably change. We must remain open minded enough to either adopt or reject that change, and still leave enough room for others to have a different opinion. That’s no secret!
Bro. Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) said it best, “Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please.”
Having said that… I’m sure you are aware that although some of the things you find on the internet (or any other media) regarding Masonry are based in truth; others, may not be. The degree to which it is true – may also be a matter of speculation. It’s all karaoke. That is, consider the source. Some information can have a religious or political spin. Many of these are blatantly inaccurate. Some are outright lies! While some of these nuts are too simple minded to have their own opinions and are just blindly regurgitating other people’s out-of-tune belief’s, some of them (like the crew of the Nina, Pinta & Santa Maria) truly believe the absurdities they are spewing. These people are rationally paralyzed in fear for their lives -or- even worse, scared that everything they ever learned may be completely invalid. Empathetically, I admit it: That’s a downright frightening thought. So, just like Christopher Columbus, I acknowledge their opinions, and… I respectfully disagree! Unfortunately, beating them into submission is no longer politically correct.
Much like Mark Twain, I have my own philosophy: Realize how little you actually know. Read everything you can get your hands on. Watch, view, listen, learn and ask questions about everything else. Digest EVERY possible perspective. Make up your own darn mind! And always, leave room for dessert…
Oh yeah, I almost forgot to add the link, that you most likely came here for… Now, If you have not seen this video, you should! Without the commercials it’s less than 45 minutes long and a great investment of your time. The Secrets of Freemasonry, includes: History, Degrees, Scottish & York Rites, Raising & Installation Rituals, Anti-Masonry, Conspiracy Theories and many other (so called) secrets. It is available by following the next link made available through Google Video.
Plato said, “False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.” The words and topics contained therein (whether they be true or false) are not necessarily the ideas or beliefs of Munn Lodge, The Grand Lodge of New York, or Freemasonry, in general. Rather these are the beliefs of the producers of the video. To put it simply, it was on TV – so, many people have seen it and some will eventually want to confront you about it, as one of the only experts on Freemasonry they know. Now you know: they know & what they know. Ya’know? People hear what they want to hear to validate their preconceived notions of what Freemasons are about. Use that to your advantage. In the words of General Sherman, “A tactic known is a tactic blown!”
For what it’s worth, please enjoy this video… but, we as Free and Accepted Masons are taught to use it for the more noble and glorious purpose of shaping our minds… Much like my writings – true, false, valid or invalid: it is (none-the-less) entertaining. There is, also, a wealth of knowledge within it. The degree to which that knowledge is fact – remains to be seen. However, it is presented in such a way that does appear to be logically valid, albeit somewhat melodramatic. It can’t really be proven, one way or the other. Some of it directly contradicts what I have learned in my Masonic Travels. Some of it may very well be true… I saw at it as a dramatic production of historical fiction with a documentary-like presentation. If you have a different view, please feel free to add your comments below. The difference of opinion (in it’s essence) and the seeking of further enlightenment are some of the fundamental precepts of Freemasonry. Furthermore, the sharing of that knowledge is the primary purpose of this forum.
“The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways — I to die, and you to live. Which is better God only knows… it is the greatest good for a man to discuss virtue every day and those other things about which you hear me conversing and testing myself and others, for the unexamined life is not worth living…”
–Socrates, before he drank the cup of poison hemlock.
Brethren, I look forward to learning your opinions. The great architect of this website made it so your comments are automatically emailed to me. You can also choose to subscribe to further comments when you add one yourself…
And.. You Know That’s ALL On The Level!
Bro. Joe Negron
Masonic Conduct
Posted by Joe Negron in Discussion, Introduction on February 16th, 2009
The conduct of every member of the fraternity, as well as those publications that discover the principles which actuate them, may tend to convince mankind that the grand object of Masonry is to promote the happiness of the human race.”
~Bro. George Washington
Foreword by: Bro. Joe Negron
Webmaster, Munn Lodge ~ NYC
The following (Short Talk Bulletin: STB-86-06) article was originally published in June of 1986, before I even graduated from High School. Oddly enough, I remember the first time I saw it. I don’t remember exactly how or why but for some reason I was in a Masonic Lodge in my home town of Perth Amboy, NJ — a small town, twenty-something miles from Manhattan and less than 1-mile out of the southern-most Borough of NYC. I was waiting for my friend Anthony who was picking something up from the Mayor of Perth Amboy, I think Tony’s mom worked for him. In any case, I had the luxury of seeing the inside of our Masonic Hall and boy was I impressed… The atmosphere, architecture, ambiance, men walking around in tuxedos, and for me, the most important thing: the bar & pool table… (I mentioned I was 17, right?) – I didn’t know too much about the Masons. I had read a little about some of the Freemasons in American History. They had a huge portrait of George Washington on the wall, like the one above. Then there was Ben Franklin, another one of my idols; I had just finished reading his autobiography. And then there were a whole bunch of other old men (in tuxes & top-hats) that I didn’t know.
Right behind the pool table were twin stairways with a signs that read “Members Only Beyond This Point”, but I didn’t think too much of it, at the time. There were portraits going all the way up to the mezzanine. Well as fate would have it, This little blue pamphlet was laying on the coffee table right, next to where I was sitting. Someone must have accidentally left it behind. I picked it up & read it to help pass the time. I remember after reading it I didn’t know what half of it meant. But I remember saying: “Wow, I want to be like that!” When the Mayor came out, I asked him about it & how I could join this club? My friend gave me a look — like I had breached the protocol, talking directly to the mayor. He said something like “Joe!!! Uncle George, err, Mr. Mayor, err, Sir.. Your Honor… Please forgive my friend…” The mayor laughed & said, “don’t worry, come back in a few years — we’ll make sure both you boys get in…”
Fast Forward 20+ years: The Masonic Hall in Perth Amboy, NJ is no longer there. The building is, but now it’s an office or something. At the time of this writing, the one in the next town over, South Amboy, has got a “For Sale” sign in front of it. For that matter, I’m not sure where are any in Middlesex County. If I wanted to go to a Lodge any where near there, I think I’d have to go to Union County. [I'm gonna hafta look that up...]
Right now, I write articles and publish web logs (blogs) to spread the message, and maybe inspire other young men. I’m proud to be a Freemason and amazed at how something comes full circle some 20 years later… Now I have the luxury of sharing this article with some young man who may end up joining our lodge, or yours… Or maybe even someone who can help me restore the Perth Amboy or South Amboy lodges and Masonic Halls to their former grandeur and magnificence… Who knows what someone influenced by MY writings will do for The Fraternity in another 20 years — or 200.
What do you do to help grow The Fraternity & “the Happiness of the Human Race?”
What have you done? What will you do? What will be done?
[Please feel free to add your comments at the end]
STANDARDS OF MASONIC CONDUCT
“We must constantly remember that in every moment of our life – in public – at work – at pleasure – with our families – even when you are alone – You are a Mason!
Before we can expect to attract good men to the fraternity by our conduct and reputation in public, we must learn to conduct ourselves with propriety in the Lodge. One of our first duties shall be loyalty to the fraternity and obedience to its laws. This is a fundamental requirement.
In this paper we will discuss the principles, traditions and ideals that should guide our conduct as Masons. This paper does not present a list of Masonic do’s and don’ts. Such an attempt would fail for at least two reasons: first, no one would read it, and second, as Masons, each of us is expected to apply the tools and principles of our Craft to our own lives.
“We can’t expect our Brothers to know these principles if we don’t teach them and practice them. This is Masonic education in its finest sense. It is not from the lack of desire to learn that the Craft suffers, but rather from the lack of instruction.
Masonry does not exist for the mechanics of ritual alone. Just as important is the learning, interpretation and exemplification of that ritual and of the basic principles of our Order. Equally important, too, for the candidate and for every member is the need to fully understand these principles, as well as our responsibilities as Masons.
What is required of every single one of us is the dedicated and devoted application of the high moral principles of Masonry. By these simple methods, we develop the character that guarantees our own self-improvement and discharges the duties of God, our country, our neighbors and ourselves.”
Since officers set the example for the whole Craft, before seeking or accepting a line position a man should be certain that he is willing to demonstrate the highest standards.
“My Brethren:
A candidate is about to be raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. The Lodge room will be used as a stage to enact a drama which, symbolically unfolds the great lesson of the immortality of the soul.
To properly impress the candidate with the seriousness of this ceremony, there must be no talking, whispering, laughing or other commotion during the conferring of the degree. Bear in mind the fact the Temple, for this portion of the degree, is supposed to be silent and unoccupied.
Only the participants in the drama are to speak, and they are instructed to make no facial expressions, gestures or other unusual deliveries which might induce levity. The cooperation of each one here present is EXPECTED.
An adherence to these instructions will help serve as an impressive climax to the candidate’s progress in Freemasonry and this section of the degrees could well be one of the richest experiences of his life.”
The principles contained in this statement are equally appropriate for all degree work, lectures, preparations and gatherings connected with the degrees. Nowhere does Masonry give any man license to take liberties with another. Comments that are intended to arouse a candidate’s concern for his personal dignity or safety are among the most discourteous acts that can be inflicted upon a candidate. Such actions are a gross misrepresentation of the Craft and are disrespectful to all of its members.
There is one form of disruption of degree work which comes from the best of intentions – side-line prompting. How often have we seen a forgotten word, or even a dramatic pause, produce an uproar as a number of concerned Brothers attempt to help the speaker. Prompting should be done only by the Worshipful Master or the one designated by him. The Masonic virtues of silence and circumspection are nowhere more appropriate than in this situation.
The perfect points of our entrance, as reflected in the four cardinal virtues of temperance, fortitude, prudence, and justice, provide us with a complete guide for truly Masonic action. It behooves each of us to periodically evaluate ourselves against these four standards, to see where we have those rough corners to which the common gavel can profitably be applied.
Am I temperate in my relations with others, or have I been excessive in my actions toward someone? Have I displayed fortitude in pursuing the excellence I can achieve, or have I chosen to do as everyone else does? Do I direct myself wisely and prudently, or do I sometimes go beyond the bounds of courtesy and good taste? Have I given to each Brother, candidate, friend, and associate the consideration, help, and respect which they justly deserve, or have I let my own pride, comfort, and desires blind me to their needs?
‘
Short Talk Bulletin 86-06 As published by: Bro. Joe Negron of Munn Lodge NYC
.
.
.