Sub Aspects To Our Archetypes

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Randy Sanders

One of many types of guided meditations might include a conversation with a mythical person, an archetype, or possibly a conversation with yourself.  Certain orders have their members choose an archetype for an extended conversation that might last from just a few hours to a year.  Why is that?  Are we deluding ourselves into thinking we’re actually in contact with this person or thought pattern? Or is the exercise the point?  How that particular contemplative exercise works long-term is a bit out of scope for this article, but it is worth exploring on your own.

We use these thought patterns, or archetypes, as symbols in our meditation as a means to gain deeper insight into any given situation.  Consider an issue with jurisprudence within a lodge as an example.  Who better to meditate upon for wisdom in dealing with this than wise King Solomon?  You get the picture.  Many of us have already done this, some many times, some have taken the journey with an archetype for a much longer period, considering what that archetype’s response might be to any current event or situation.  North Carolina’s Middle Chamber education program takes this to a different level, and without giving away what I know of it, let’s say I’m looking forward to booking my flights when the Middle Chamber course is offered again.

Here’s an exercise to consider when you’ve passed the initial work of having that internal conversation with these archetypes.  It really is just a means of exploring ideas beyond your own initial thoughts or normal consciousness.  I would like you to consider sub-aspects to our archetypes. 

Let’s focus on Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty for the moment, although we can use any of our Masonic Archetypal references.  Within Wisdom lies both Strength and Beauty, within Strength lies Wisdom and Beauty, within Beauty lies Wisdom and Strength.  You see here two possible sub-aspects to each archetype to expand your contemplation.

When you meditate upon Wisdom, or possibly Sophia if you get my reference, then what are the aspects that Strength and Beauty bring to Wisdom?  When we meditate and focus on asking King Solomon a question about an issue within the lodge, we focus our thoughts and become more aware of any “response” from King Solomon as the wise course of action.  We may repeat that meditation a few times to fully explore the Wisdom associated with the situation.  Afterward, we might then approach the same question, or meditation, on what response or advice HKOT or H. Abiff might give King Solomon if they were to speak of such things in council.  The same applies when asking HKOT or H. Abiff a question, and considering how the conversation might play out from the other two characters, or archetypes.

Then again, maybe not.  It’s just an exercise in your own contemplation, in your own thinking.

~RS

Bro. Randy Sanders and his wife Elyana live near St. Louis, Missouri, USA. Randy earned a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry with an emphasis in Biochemistry, and he works in Telecom IT management. He volunteers as a professional and personal mentor, NRA certified Chief Range Safety Officer, and enjoys competitive tactical pistol, rifle, and shotgun. He has 30 plus years teaching Wing Chun Kung Fu, Chi Kung, and healing arts. Randy served as a Logistics Section Chief on two different United States federal Disaster Medical Assistance Teams over a 12-year span.

Randy is a 32nd-degree KCCH and Knight Templar.  His Masonic bio includes past Lodge Education Officer for two symbolic lodges, Founder of the Wentzville Lodge Book Club, member of the Grand Lodge of Missouri Education Committee, Sovereign Master of the E. F. Coonrod AMD Council No. 493, Co-Librarian of the Scottish Rite Valley of St. Louis, Clerk for the Academy of Reflection through the Valley of Guthrie, and a Facilitator for the Masonic Legacy Society.

Randy is a founding administrator for Refracted Light, a full contributor to Midnight Freemasons, and an international presenter on esoteric topics. Randy hosts an open ongoing weekly Masonic virtual Happy Hour on Friday evenings. Randy is an accomplished home chef, a certified barbecue judge, raises Great Pyrenees dogs, and enjoys travel and philosophy. 

Gratitude as a gavel

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Erik Marks

Application of the working tools is a constant topic of conversation with my brother. How do we, from moment to moment, choose to use the tools? The reason I put so much emphasis on mindfulness meditation is its utility as a training tool. Over time, the practice helps me stay present in the moment, notice my reactions, and then chose a response to something internal or external. In other words, I grant myself the space to choose what to do next rather than allow a patterned response to take command. 

 
In the gap between event and response, I can choose to be grateful. Gratitude is a key to a positive, transformative, constructive, outlook. The emotions I experience may not be a choice, my response to them can be. It is constant, conscious, choice to work or labor to get to that frame of mind. I think the work is worth the effort. 

 
While holding gratitude for an experience I can remain aware of my outdate reactive responses. I allow myself to see them without judgement: that is beauty. 

 
With gratitude, I can persevere to stay present and accept myself the way I am without harsh criticism or punishment: that is strength. 

 
In the transition as I move on from the moment, I can recognize that something different is possible. I can break off the old, automatic, habitual with the love of gratitude. From there, I can be or act in a new way: that is wisdom.

In moments of distress, gratitude gives access to emotional experiences of connection, positive outcomes, and resilience. By intentionally choosing to remember those bolstering memories in instances of pain, we can “knock off” some of the distress and reactivity and see the truth of each moment.

If an example would be helpful, I’ll offer one. If you’ve already understood my point and don’t need one, stop here.

 
In the past when I was in an accident or was injured in some way, I would get angry, often swear loudly, sometimes hit inanimate objects to express the pain I was experiencing. Somewhere along the way, due to the reactions of family, I realized maybe my anger-pain performance wasn’t necessary. It surely communicated I was hurt and upset about it. But what did it change? Nothing. And it didn’t help anything. In some instances, it scared people—which is not my goal. 

 
I started to train to circumscribe my reactivity, this unfortunate passion that seemed to overtake me. I would go back over old injuries and imagine I could just experience the event without reacting. For a while I switched from swearing to saying “oh yeah that’s good…I’m alive. The pain reminds me everything is working just fine…I’m fully alive.” Sure, it’s ridiculous. It’s also true. More importantly, in that moment, I changed. I planned and when the moment arrived, I chose to feel grateful for the pain and broke the old response off with the gavel of gratitude. I chose to experience the pain as a confirmation of being alive, of my humanness, and the miracle that one part of my body could communicate effectively that it was injured and damaged to my brain. 

I also started to notice things hurt less. The pain didn’t last as long because I wasn’t amplifying it with my pain performance. This insight is still new even if a few years old now. I was able to translate it to a more relational moment the week before writing this. Corinna gave me some important feedback about my words at the family dinner table. She had decided to delay communicating to me a little while after the event. As she spoke, I could feel myself get defensive since the feedback stung a little. She was right on target. Rather than respond reactively, I set the compasses and drew a circle around my reactive response… 

 
Next, I used gratitude for her and the communication of her experience to break off my reaction before I spoke. I reminded myself “this is a person who loves me, who has my, and our kids, best interests at heart.” As I listened to what was previously painful to acknowledge, my old patterned reaction subsided. I heard how my words at dinner furthered a dynamic neither of us want our sons to inherit. Some part of me didn’t want to believe I “did it again.” If I hadn’t accessed gratitude and allowed myself to become defensive in the moment, I would have “protected” myself from the truth through denial. I would have diverted us from light to an argument about my being defensive. I would have missed the painful truth, a blessed gift, a secret that I needed to receive.

~EM

Brother Erik Marks is a clinical social worker whose usual vocation has been in the field of human services in a wide range of settings since 1990. He was raised in 2017 by his biologically younger Brother and then Worshipful Master in Alpha Lodge in Framingham, MA. You may contact brother Marks by email: erik@StrongGrip.org

From The Archives: The Real Strength Of Freemasonry

by Midnight Freemasons Founder

Todd E. Creason, 33°

I've said it many times before.  I was telling somebody the other night that I think one of the great strengths of Freemasonry is that a.) it gives us the opportunity to use skills we wouldn't normally have the opportunity to use, b.) develop skills we wouldn't normally use, c.) use skills we already possess to greater effect, and d.) have the opportunity to improve ourselves as we work together towards making the world a better place.

I went into Freemasonry with well honed skills in leadership, management and organization which I use in a variety of ways.   From Masonry I've gained skills in writing, researching, speaking, networking, and fundraising--as well as some refinements in how I conduct myself and present myself (it should be obvious I've got a lot more work to do there).  And I've been given the opportunity to build on a use some of the skills I have in art in music.

But I never really appreciated the self-improvement aspect of the Fraternity until recently.  I'm aware that I've changed over the years, and gained a lot of wisdom from my mentors and teachers along with a good deal of knowledge from my studies.  I've always worked to pass that along to new members, and I think I've done a pretty good job as a mentor and teacher.  But recently I saw an example that really showed me the potential of what Freemasonry is capable of accomplishing in a man's life when properly applied.

I've been mentoring a young man for about a year now.  He contacted me through the Midnight Freemasons with some questions about the Fraternity, thought it sounded like something he could benefit from, and he's now a  new Master Mason.  He's very enthusiastic about Freemasonry, and it occurred to me in talking with him why.  This is the first time in his life that he's been able to see what he has to offer, see the potential of what he can become, and see what the contributions of just one person can do to make one thing better in the world--and then compound that by joining forces with a group of like-minded men all with that same desire.

The Fraternity has opened his eyes, and there's a good chance he'll never be the same again.  His life was off track when he joined--our original conversations were about whether a Lodge would even want him.  Of course they did, and he joined.  Freemasonry helped put him back on the right track.  He's contributing to the work of his Lodge, he's helping out in his community, he's got a new job he loves, replaced a few bad habits with a few good ones, and is in a new relationship that's much better than the one that got him off track.  He's even begun attending church, which he hadn't done since he was a boy.  He's transformed his life, and it's truly been a marvel to see. 

I might get boos for this, but it isn't all about doing Freemasonry--attending events, degrees, meetings, etc.  It's about living Freemasonry, and when given the opportunity teaching Freemasonry.  Those of us who do, who take those ancient teachings and apply them to our life and help others do the same thing find the greatest strength of Freemasonry--the path to a well-balanced, peaceful and happy life.

This piece was original posted on Todd E. Creason's From Labor To Refreshment blog and originally appeared on the Midnight Freemasons 8/19/16.

~TEC

Todd E. Creason, 33°, FMLR is the Founder of the Midnight Freemasons blog and is a regular contributor.  He is the award winning author of several books and novels, including the Famous American Freemasons series. He is the author of the From Labor to Refreshment blog.  He is the Worshipful Master of Homer Lodge No. 199 and a Past Master of Ogden Lodge No. 754, where is currently serves as Secretary.  He is the Sovereign Master of the Eastern Illinois Council No. 356 Allied Masonic Degrees.  He is a Fellow at the Missouri Lodge of Research. (FMLR) and a charter member of a new Illinois Royal Arch Chapter, Admiration Chapter U.D.  He  currently serves as Excellent Grand Orator of the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of the State of Illinois.  You can contact him at: webmaster@toddcreason.org

Masonic Wisdom: The Sequoia Tree

By Midnight Freemason Contributor

WB Luciano M. Azevedo

Also known as Redwood the Sequoia tree belongs to the genus of the conifers, characterized by its large size, reaching an average of 257 feet in height, having its trunk the diameter of 15 feet or more!

The most remarkable of this botanical species is its longevity, as it can reach between 1,500 and 2000 years.

What accounts for the greatness, fortitude, and longevity of the redwoods? When I visited Muir Woods in San Francisco CA, I had the opportunity to meet the redwoods and inquire about their secret. I found out that they not only deepen their roots, growing quite a ways down; but the redwoods are located in a region where there is constant humidity during summer, rain and snow during fall and winter; which feeds the roots and trunk, and makes them robust and long lasting.

The sequoia is quite a picture of what we should be. In order to be strong, resilient, "upright", we must grow, deepening of our roots in the knowledge of The G.:A.: O .:T.:U, in virtue and justice. In fact, says the Holy Scripture, "whoever meditates on the Word of God is like a tree planted by running water".

It is also necessary that we seek an environment conducive to our moral and spiritual growth; that's why Freemasons should attend lodge. It is evident that life places us in difficult situations, of weariness, of tribulation, of storms, of multiple trials, making imperative the search for the environment of affinity where we recover our energies and obtain qualification to a straight, positive life with integrity.

Companies and the environment have great influence on us. Hence popular wisdom repeats: "Tell me with whom you walk and I will tell you who you are." So important to walk along with our Brothers! King Salomon’s Proverbs says: "...bad conversations corrupt good manners". Let's keep the level of our talks in higher standards and avoid intolerance!

Deep roots, constant food, perfect humidity (good environment), are the secrets of the redwoods.

A good environment is likewise our secret to beauty, strength, fortitude, longevity and happiness.

~LMA

WB Luciano M. Azevedo holds an MBA and Bachelor in Business Administration. He has published several scientific and philosophical essays and articles in the secular world. As a sommelier he wrote his own column for a major wine magazine for many years. In Freemasonry Brother “Lou” has contributed with many articles from a philosophical basic approach to an ethical decision-making in regards to masonic conduct. He is the current Worshipful Master of Zurich Lodge 1089 of A.F&A.M of the State of Illinois. W. Bro Luciano is also a member or the Grand Lodge Leadership Committee of the State of Illinois, a 32 Degree active member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Chicago and a Shrine Noble of the Medinah Shriners.

To Learn. To Subdue My Passions.

by Midnight Freemason Contributor

Bro. Bill Hosler, PM

To learn to subdue my passions. As Freemasons we have heard this phrase many times. Chances are you have even recited it. Have you truly thought about it what it means? 

To be completely honest, when I asked a friend of mine for a petition to join the Craft, I really had no idea what Masonry was about or what it offered. I had never heard the slogan “We make good men better.”,  I just remember some friends of my parents who would come to the house when I was a small child, and several of them wore a Masonic ring. 

Many times since becoming a Master Mason, I've asked myself "How does attending lodge make me a better man?” It can't be the meal we serve or the opening of the lodge. It sure isn't the Secretary reading last months minutes or Brother Treasurer telling the members how much money we have in the bank account. I was beginning to think I was missing the point. 

It finally occurred to me one night while sitting in the lodge room as the lodge officers were opening the lodge. While my premise may be simplistic I feel it is fairly accurate. I also believe all Masons feel these things are important I think the different generations place the importance in different areas for different reasons. 

To learn: You have been learning since your mother gave birth to you. You learned to sit up, talk and eat without assistance before your first birthday. As you progressed in age you attended school. You never quit learning. The question remains, what can you learn from attending lodge? 

As you progress through your degrees you hear certain words and phrases. At first these words sound unusual because they are phrased in a way in which our language is no longer spoken. Understanding what is being said to you is difficult at first to understand because you aren't used to being spoken to in such an old tongue.  I believe this is why the Craft asks you to memorize the work. Repetition and memorization helps your brain convert these words from gibberish to a beautifully spoken and largely forgotten language. 

Sadly today in Masonry we are convinced that the only reason we memorize these works is so we can advance to the next degree or learn the remaining ritual so we can help with the performing of the degree work. I truly believe this is one of the reasons men find it so hard to find what they are looking for in our fraternity. 

In my opinion memorization for advancement is only a small part of the catechism or lesson to be learned. Whether we realize it or not our ritual isn't just a bunch of words thrown together to sound pretty and impress people. The ritual is a roadmap for our journey to the East to find that which was lost. 

Each word of that beautifully phrased script is designed to be studied. I feel the archaic language is designed not to just sound impressive but to peak your curiosity and encourage you to research what you've heard. Each word and syllable should be dissected and studied to find out its meaning. 

Floor work is also very instructive. If you have taken an office in your lodge or filled a chair for an absent officer, I know you have encountered the floor work. 

When I was a young officer I hated floor work. No matter how hard I tried after we closed I had a Past Master approach me to tell me how I was doing the floor work wrong. Sometimes I would have several approach me at the same time to explain my errors and would get into a big argument about how I screwed it up. They would stand there and bicker back and forth about my transgressions and I would walk away and they never even noticed I left! 

These Brethren who were trying to help me have been told since they were new in the Craft how important the proper execution of the floor work is and wanted to stress the importance of it to me. Proper floor work is important for several reasons. First it does impress the candidate and secondly, when properly done, is very beautiful to watch. These Brethren, while well meaning, in my opinion missed the importance of this essential lodge function. 

Whether it is within the opening or closing of a lodge or within degree work, the floor work was designed to teach our Brethren about symbolism. Each step you take or how the deacons and stewards hold their rods is designed to display symbols in which, when researched give you a nugget of information in which you can add to your knowledge and ultimately to your self improvement. Sadly, most of these subtle movements are lost on the brethren who it is meant to instruct. 

Expanding your mind through the study behind the ritual and understanding the symbolism which is hidden within the floor work of the lodge is the first upright step on your journey from the darkness toward the light of self improvement. 

To subdue my passions: The second upright step in your journey to become a better man is learning to subdue your passions. I feel this phrase means learning to do things in moderation. 

We all know the Junior Warden is supposed to watch over the craft assembled and ensure that no one converts “Refreshment into excess” or don't have too much of a good thing. This is a lesson that is important to everyone. I also feel we each have to subdue our passions for different things. 

For some people their passion is alcohol, for others it is relationships or tobacco. You can become addicted to many things. My passion was with food. 

When I was raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason I weighed nearly 500 pounds. I lived a sedimentary lifestyle and The darkness made me feel truly miserable and helpless. 

As I came to light I started to study and read every Masonic book I could find and truly began to embrace the Fraternity and I realized that if I would simply “Try to subdue my passion” and just eat half of what I would normally eat at a meal I would take in half the calories. I started calling this my “Masonic diet”. Eventually, slowly, I began to lose weight and I am now down to a more manageable size. 

Each of us has passions we find difficulty in subduing. In my opinion the self reflection we learn through the study of Masonry and its symbols will help you identify the passion you in which you need to control and place you on the right path to gaining control. I'm not saying it will be easy but since your faith is in God and is well founded with prayer and self control, you will be successful. 

And improve myself in Masonry: Each of these upright steps will help us improve yourself in Masonry. Self improvement, like Masonry is a lifelong journey, one we will never complete. I feel the third upright step is continuing your journey by attending your lodge. 

Each of us, no matter who we are, need help in maintaining the progress we have made through learning and in our fight to subduing your passions. Interacting with Brethren who are on the same journey of improvement as you are should give you motivation to continue your work and help encourage another brother to work harder on his goals. Spreading the cement of Brotherly love does strengthen each of us. 

I know it is hard to see how sitting through a long dreary meeting of minutes and paying bills will make you a better man but if you can look past what Masonry has become and try to see “what has been lost” maybe you can find the working tools in the ritual to help complete your rough ashlar into something that's a bit more perfect.

~BH

WB Bill Hosler was made a Master Mason in 2002 in Three Rivers Lodge #733 in Indiana. He served as Worshipful Master in 2007 and became a member of the internet committee for Indiana's Grand Lodge. Bill is currently a member of Roff Lodge No. 169 in Roff Oklahoma and Lebanon Lodge No. 837 in Frisco,Texas. Bill is also a member of the Valley of Fort Wayne Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite in Indiana. A typical active Freemason, Bill also served as the High Priest of Fort Wayne's Chapter of the York Rite No. 19 and was commander of of the Fort Wayne Commandery No. 4 of the Knight Templar. During all this he also served as the webmaster and magazine editor for the Mizpah Shrine in Fort Wayne Indiana.