Feed aggregator

“Ghidul Vorbitorului in Public”, scris de F.’. Mircea Chira, un tanar prosper om de afaceri transilvanean, specialist in Comunicare, Management si Practical Leadership, este un adevarat manual plin de sfaturi profesioniste, insa bazat si pe unele experiente personale. Cartea te indruma cu tact pedagogic de la cum sa tii o simpla cuvantare cu ocazia unei aniversari si pana la discursuri

The Art of Memory in Freemasonry. Why is memory so important to Freemasons? An interpretive aspect of the art of memory. In this brief paper, the author sketches out three interrelated areas in which memory may - whether consciously or inadvertently - be of significance to Freemasons. A short essay by W.Bro. J. Scott Kenney, Burns Lodge No.10, Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Follow us on  Facebook   Twitter   Google+   RSS News Feed © 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved

The history of the evolution of our Craft supports my argument that many of the Biblical passages in the ritual actually dates from the time around the Enlightenment period to suggest in a subtle way the need to intellectually break free from the stranglehold the Church has on the mind of the time, thus freeing the minds and brought about the flourishing of science and technology that we see today. A paper by W.Bro. Ronald Paul Ng, Lodge of St. George No. 1152, United Grand Lodge of England.

Follow us on  Facebook   Twitter   Google+   RSS News Feed © 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved

Bucureşti, România. Ducele de Kent a vizitat ieri Transilvania şi a avut întâlniri cu mai multe autorităţi locale. Vizita nu a avut un caracter masonic, iar prezenţa acestuia în România nu a fost efectuată în calitate de Mare Maestru al Marii Loji Unite a Angliei.

The most outstanding and manifest features of King Solomon's Temple are the two stalwart pillars of Boaz and Jachin. As our lodges are a representation of King Solomon's Temple, what is the meaning of the two pillars? A paper by W Bro William M Larson 33, Portland Lodge #55, Grand Lodge of Oregon.

Follow us on  Facebook   Twitter   Google+   RSS News Feed © 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved

În România funcţionează însă cea mai veche Mare Lojă Feminină din Lume, fondată în urmă cu 90 de ani. Primele femei iniţiate în ritualul masonic au fost soţiile şi fiicele unor masoni. Ele se pot constitui în loji de adopţiune, recunoscute de masoneria clasică. Marea Loja Feminină a României este cea mai veche dintre Marile Loji Feminine de Rit Scoţian Antic şi Acceptat din întreaga lume,

No Atheist May Be Made a Freemason. This paper illustrates exactly why Freemasonry does not allow atheists to join the Fraternity. There is a universal Masonic requirement of belief in Deity, which is followed by all regular Grand Lodges of the world. A paper by Bro. Joshua L. Rubin, 32, winner of the Pythagoras Lodge of Research Award for Excellence in Masonic Research.

Follow us on  Facebook   Twitter   Google+   RSS News Feed © 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved

No Atheist May Be Made a Freemason. This paper illustrates exactly why Freemasonry does not allow atheists to join the Fraternity. There is a universal Masonic requirement of belief in Deity, which is followed by all regular Grand Lodges of the world. A paper by Bro. Joshua L. Rubin, 32, winner of the Pythagoras Lodge of Research Award for Excellence in Masonic Research.

Follow us on  Facebook   Twitter   Google+   RSS News Feed © 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved

Occasionally we receive comments, questions and rants on Freemasonry and the Freemason Conspiracy. We enjoy them and thought you might too. Feel free to join the discussion.

The Grand Lodge of Massachusetts has just enacted new rules concerning the use of Social Media by Massachusetts Freemasons.

Social Media Code of Conduct for Massachusetts Freemasons

• A Mason should conduct his Social Media activities in a way that reflects his membership in the Craft.
  He should act in a way that presents a positive image of his membership in Freemasonry to the world.
• As a Mason, he must be aware that his postings are a permanent record; therefore, his conduct may
  influence the world with a positive or a negative opinion about him personally and also about any organizations to which he belongs.
• His actions on the various Social Media outlets should reflect the highest standards of morality and integrity he would practice within the Lodge.
• To ensure our fraternity represents itself to the high standards we believe in, we must regulate our actions through Brother-to-Brother intervention. As a Mason, you should advise a Brother if you feel that what he has posted is improper within the framework of our Grand Constitutions, rules, regulations, and edicts.
• Do not identify any Freemason as a member of the Craft unless he has provided his consent, or has already identified himself as such.
• Lodge notices, and information contained within Lodge notices beyond the time and place of meeting, should not be discussed.
• There should never be discussion related to the application, background or investigation of an applicant.
• There should never be discussion regarding the ballot of an applicant.
• There should never be discussion related to the business of a Lodge and what is discussed within our tyled doors.
• The posting of pictures or videos of Lodge events must comply with the Grand Constitutions, rules, regulations, and edicts.
• Information about Lodge or District social activities must comply with the regulations already in place for Lodge Notices (for example, no reference to alcohol or games of chance).
• The posting of social activities of a Lodge or District should comply with the regulation standards already in place for the distribution of Lodge Notices and inserts.
• No official communication with other Grand Lodges or their subordinate Lodges may take place online. Contact must be conducted through the Office of the Grand Secretary.

May 1, 2012

Social Media Committee

google_ad_client = "ca-pub-2644227641076265"; /* FmI post middle */ google_ad_slot = "4428440695"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 250;

You can read the original Massachusetts Freemasons Social Media Code of Conduct PDF document here.

While most of these regulations are common sense rules promulgating proper protocol and etiquette, still there seems to be the continued penchant for Grand Lodges to feel that they have to control the behavior of their members. It was not so long ago that some Grand Lodges forbade its members to operate their own Masonic websites.

The regulations on videos, references to alcohol and games of chance, and the prohibition of communication with other Lodges and Grand Lodges using social media seems to be a bit draconian and to harken back to an era of stricter public moral regulation.

Freemasons are free thinkers and free – free from the restraints of conservative sectarian religious dogma. The attempt to CONTROL the daily lives of Freemasons rather than merely offering a pathway to enlightenment is a disturbing use of Grand Lodge power, especially in the 21st Century.

Related articles

• Would you want to be a Freemason?(bbc.co.uk)
• Book Review – REGULARITY OF ORIGIN Written By: Christopher Haffner(blue-lite.com)

The hidden meaning of this Masonic symbol. The figure representing this symbol contained not only a point within a circle, but also two straight vertical lines touching the sides of the circle. It was explained during the ensuing lecture that these lines represented the two Holy Saints John, namely John the Baptist, and John the Evangelist. This struck me as peculiar to say the least, and I have been trying to figure out this peculiarity ever since..... A paper by Bro William Steve Burkle KT, 32

Follow us on  Facebook   Twitter   Google+   RSS News Feed
© 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved

The hidden meaning of this Masonic symbol. The figure representing this symbol contained not only a point within a circle, but also two straight vertical lines touching the sides of the circle. It was explained during the ensuing lecture that these lines represented the two Holy Saints John, namely John the Baptist, and John the Evangelist. This struck me as peculiar to say the least, and I have been trying to figure out this peculiarity ever since..... A paper by Bro William Steve Burkle KT, 32

Follow us on  Facebook   Twitter   Google+   RSS News Feed
© 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved

Bucureşti, România. Anca Nicolescu (Mare Maestră a Marii Loji Feminine a României) a anunţat astăzi la canalul de ştiri al Televiziunii Române faptul că MLFR sărbătoresşte în a doua jumătate a acestei săptămâni 90 de ani de la fondare.


În interviul acordat TVR Info, Anca Nicolescu a vorbit despre Reuniunea Masonică Internaţională şi despre faptul că la eveniment participă reprezentanului Comisiei Europene şi diferite autorităţi române.

This essay attempts to project the symbolism of Freemasonry through the vivid imagery of the Upanishads. This paper was awarded the second prize in the annual essay competition conducted by the Grand Lodge of India.

Follow us on     
© 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved

The Salon is an off topic collection of conversation starters to be taken with a snifter of brandy, a fine cigar, and a grain of salt.

Found this snippet on the blog Brain Pickings and immediately it capture my attention.

It would seem the monks who saved Christendom by their meticulous hand copying of the Gospels were also human and had their own complaints which they doodled into the margins of the texts they copied.  Not surprising, the things they wrote weren’t so different than the ones you and I might post today on social media.

A few of my Marginalia favorites from Brain Pickings:

I’m very cold.

New parchment, bad ink; I say nothing more.

The parchment is hairy.

Now I’ve written the whole thing: for Christ’s sake give me a drink.

Of course, most marginalia are notes on the text, but who hasn’t scribbled a complaint or doodled a bit in the margin.  Sometimes it was intentional and meant to inspire, or maybe just titillate while in study as with the Rothschild Canticles, produced for a nun at the turn of the fourteenth century that the blog Got Medieval showed us.

Image from Got Medieval

Got Medieval cites one scholar on the marginals as saying of them that they bring a “powerful counterpart to the framed images” while failing to explain why they were included.

Below are a few examples of marginals from monks of the period, some simple sketches, some elaborately executed.

The notations got me thinking about other margin drawings, and quick Google search and who knew that there was a whole philosophy of understanding to their meaning complete with Philosophical ideas about them.  Doodles like this, it seems, have links to Freudian psychology characterizing it, in part as paralleled with syncope and intimate revolt.

Looking back at some of my lesser doodles during school, I think I could be persuaded to probably agree.

My favorite modern day marginalia (now called marginals) comes in the form of the tiny illustrations of Sergio Aragonés in MAD Magazine.

Looking at a few of them makes me think of the monks scribble of lament “That’s a hard page and a weary work to read” the relief from which I always found when reading MAD by looking at Aragonés scribbles in the corners.

Looking at them again make me think of the monks lament on how much easier they make looking at the page.

What do you scribble as your marginals?  Are you a doodler or a scribbler in the margins?

Opening Ode

Hail! Eternal! by whose aid
All created things were made; 
Heaven and earth Thy vast design; 
Hear us, Architect Divine!

May our work begun in Thee, 
Ever blest with order be; 
And may we when labours cease, 
Part in harmony and peace.

By Thy Glorious Majesty-  
By the trust we place in Thee-
By the badge and mystic sign-
Hear us! Architect Divine!

So mote it be

Read more lyrics

© 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved
Follow us on     

I joined Freemasonry when I was 30. I've been a Mason for three years. It improves social skills and confidence in more ways than any other social outlet

The Old Past Master loved to get to Lodge early. There was something about opening that Lodge room door and gazing on that altar when all was quiet. And then sitting down in a seat on the sidelines and just thinking and mediating about all that had gone on over the many years in that room. It sent shivers down his spine.

All the Masters gave him the keys to the Lodge. They welcomed someone dependable who could open everything up in case they were running late. This evening Master Reynolds was early coming in right on the heels of the Old Past Master. Worshipful went right to the office and plumped down in the chair at his desk. The look on his face could have frightened a scarecrow.

“What’s troubling you, Worshipful,” the Old Past Master softly ventured.

“It’s this darn letter from the Grand Lodge. They are instituting new financial reporting rules. Seems like every year that goes by Grand Lodge has more rules and regulations to impose on us,” replied Worshipful Reynolds.

“What are they looking for,” queried the Old Past Master.

“They want a complete evaluation of our property, the building and everything that’s in it, certified by a reputable estimator. Furthermore, and this is the real kicker, they want statements from our banks and brokerage houses as to exactly how much money we have, after which they want a complete written rundown on how we have spent every penny.”

“Do they explain why they feel that they need to have this information?”

“Grand Lodge says that if one of its constituent Lodges is sued that the litigators will always include Grand Lodge in the suit. Some of these suits are for embezzlement or suits when the Lodge gets in financial difficulties. The Grand Lodge feels that it needs to know our financial standing and that we are following acceptable accounting practices.”

“And what do you intend to do? It feels as if you are wrestling with a tough decision.”

“I intend to tell them to go fly a kite but I’m a little nervous about doing that”

“Who are you going to tell to go fly a kite,” asked Secretary Levin as he stepped into the office.

“Oh, nobody special,” piped up the Old Past Master, “Just Grand Lodge.”

After the two filled him in, he retorted, “I’m not surprised. Last year Grand Lodge issued rules on exactly how candidate instruction was going to be performed and what material was to be covered. The year before they required all Lodges to have both property and liability insurance and that it be purchased by the Grand Lodge provider.”

“Well it’s time to open Lodge,” Master Reynolds declared, “I think this issue should go before the entire Lodge. We will discuss it tonight and I would appreciate support and help from both of you. Oh, and Secretary Levin please post this issue in the next summons.”

“Right,” replied Secretary Levin.

“We have your back,” added the Old Past Master.

After opening the Lodge, Worshipful Reynolds dispensed quickly with the minutes, sick brethren concerns, charitable events, and other petty business. He then read the letter from Grand Lodge, explained his reluctance to comply and opened up the floor for discussion.

“The Chair recognizes Secretary Levin”

“Last year Grand Lodge issued rules on exactly how candidate instruction was going to be performed and what material was to be covered. The year before they required all Lodges to have both property and liability insurance and that it be purchased by the Grand Lodge provider,” exclaimed Levin. I say it is time for us to put our foot down and call their bluff.”

“Let’s not forget what has been going on in other jurisdictions,” added Brother Garcia as he rose and was recognized by a nod from the Master. We have the racial mess at Gate City Lodge #2 in Georgia where they sought to expel the Master, the expulsion of Past Grand Master Frank Haas in West Virginia, the almost expulsion of Derek Gordon in Arkansas, the expulsion of Mike McCabe in New Jersey, the recent expulsion of Past Grand Master Neal Bidnick of New York and the expulsion of the Deputy Grand Master of Arizona to name just a few. Could you be headed for expulsion, Worshipful, if you refuse to go along with Grand Lodge?”

“I can’t rule out the possibility,” replied Master Reynolds. “And if I choose that route I don’t want to bring any of you others with me.”

“Oh, I will gladly go down with you and the ship,” the Old Past Master replied.

“Here, here,” rang up a chorus from the Lodge room.

Rising the Senior Deacon, Brother Jackson pointed out, “What is really so very wrong and un-Masonic about many of these prominent Masonic expulsions is that they are done without a Masonic Trial, probably because there was no due cause for them in the first place. In the case of PGM Haas the Grand Master lured him into his Lodge on false pretenses and then before his Father expelled him without due recourse.”

Rising and being recognized Brother Brown chips in, “Are we going to all make a decision and all go along with that decision or are we going to let the Master, alone take the fall if we choose to fight Grand Lodge on this issue.”

“The chair recognizes Past Master Hathaway.”

“As you all know I just received my 50 year pin so I have been around awhile, explained Hathaway. It didn’t used to be this way. Grand Lodge was our ceremonial head much like the Queen of England is to the government of Great Britain. It required a uniformity of ritual and sent out District Deputies to insure compliance. We were all inspected but in the vast majority of cases if we were abiding by the Landmarks it was routine. We had our reports to file, but it wasn’t information that Grand Lodge used against us. Grand Lodge’s job was to represent us across the nation and worldwide, to charter new Lodges and approve of mergers and to offer instruction and help. It was not to micro manage the daily affairs of every constituent Lodge. Today Grand Lodge has become a control freak.”

“And it has to stop here and now,” yelled Brother Renault without being recognized.

The Master frowned at such an outburst but then looked over at the Old Past Master inviting him with his body language to take the floor and provide some leadership.

“Well before we go off half cocked,” said the Old Past Master as he rose with a nod from the Master, let’s pursue avenues of accommodation. Let’s discover how pliable Grand Lodge will be. Perhaps we can meet Grand Lodge halfway, they give a little and we give a little. I think that we should try to settle this amicably with a meeting of the minds.”

“So be it,” declared Worshipful Reynolds. I will schedule a meeting with the Grand Master if he is willing and try to work out some sort of middle ground solution. In the meantime I would like a committee to explore other possibilities should the ax fall and come up with an escape route. Old Past Master would you chair such a committee?”

“Aye, Worshipful, I will do just that,” answered the Old Past Master.

“I will appoint Secretary Levin and Past Master Hathaway to that committee. Old Past Master please enlist up to two more Brothers of your own choosing,” said Worshipful Reynolds. The measure is tabled until our next Communication which will be a Special to be convened two weeks from today. Now let us adjourn.”

 

TO BE CONTINUED

Related articles

• When it Reigns…(freemasoninformation.com)
• 2nd Response To Preventing Lodge Foreclosures(beehive135.blogspot.com)
• 4th Response To Preventing Lodge Closures(beehive135.blogspot.com)
• Preventing Lodge Foreclosures(beehive135.blogspot.com)

Are Freemasonry and Islam compatible? A paper by W.Bro. Shaikh Hatim Fidahussein Nakhoda PM, Research Lodge St. Michael No. 2933, Singapore, District Grand Lodge of the Eastern Archipelego, UGLE.
....Islam has been much in the limelight these days. I have been diligent in attending to my duties as both, a Mason and a Muslim and have come to realise that Islam and Masonry are indeed compatible. Freemasonry may even be considered complementary to Islam as its principles only go to reinforce a Muslim brother’s own faith; contrary to the misconceptions widely held among my Muslim brethren from various sects. The distrust perhaps arises from the fact that masonic symbols are derived from segments of the Old Testament such as the Temple of King Solomon, which gives the uninstructed world the erroneous impression that masons are Zionists...

© 2012 - Pietre-Stones Review of Freemasonry - All rights reserved
Follow us on     

Found this on Vigilant Citizen.

Want to be a member? Want to be a member?  Want to be a member of the Order of the Ohhhm-Bo-bahcha-cha- Ohhhm-Bo-bahcha-cha?

If all initiations ended like this one, I bet most fraternities would be teeming with members.

It reminds me of the pranks in the Demoulin catalog of Fraternal Supplies from the 30′s.  I wonder if it was the inspiration for the short film.

I’m not entirely clear why some would think this short was to indoctrinate children into secret societies, but, I suppose you can make what ever connections to you want from it.

Want to be a member?  Want to be a member?  The tune will stick with you for the rest of the day.

Look for the quick glimpse of Mickey near the beginning as a little Easter egg.

VC says that the video is so full of symbolism that ” we realize that those who produced it were obviously ‘in the know’. The cartoon is therefore yet another example of occult symbolism that can be seen by all, but meant to be fully understood by few.

Maybe so.