Last night I had the opportunity to sit down with the organizers and presenters of last weekend’s Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference. The plan is to start planning next year’s conference now.
If you were able to attend this year, what did you love about it, and what do you want to see more of?
Did you encounter any challenges or things that could be improved?
If you didn’t attend, what could the organizers do to convince you to attend next year?
If you are a leader of your Lodge, it is likely that at least a handful of your Lodge members are interested in the esoteric side of Masonry. How could the organizers help you notify your members about the conference?
Is there any specific topic that you would really like to see included in the presentations?
Well, for me, most of the topics, while interesting and well presented I'm sure (I didn't attend) just didn't really relate to esoteric discussion. Astrology doesn't really interest me at all and a presentation on co-masonry is the last thing I want to hear about. If the conference bills itself as an esoteric masonry conference, then it should focus topics on that.
I'm sure it was a fun and informative conference, don't get me wrong and I do appreciate the work the guys at esoterika lodge (and others) do.
If you look past preconceived notions of astrology, you may find its indisputably part of the fabric of Masonry. For example look at the Royal Arch illustration with its seven zodiacal symbols.
In the Blue Lodge, it is known that the ruler is the sun, which opens and closes the day; at its meridian, it is observed. The Sun is called a 'planet' in the chart of astrology as it symbolizes one's outer thoughts and sense of vitality. It is observed at the meridian; which can indicate an introspection of the higher self. Without self-observation, you will not come to know yourself, and if you don’t come to know yourself, then you live in poverty and are poverty.
(The Temple)- The architectural conception of ancient megalithic edifices rested on a working knowledge of geometry, as does architecture today. Geometry, in turn, was predicated on an understanding of astronomy, since geometry (literally, Earth measurement) could only be perceived and calculated vis-à-vis the Earth’s relative position to the fixed stars and the triangulation of coordinates thereby. It is important to note the juxtaposition of the terrestrial and celestial globes atop the Masonic Lodge’s Brazen Pillars and that the Fellowcraft Mason’s attention is directed to them and he is told that “they are the noblest instruments for improving the mind.”
The pillars have a rich tradition that goes back further than Solomon’s Temple - to the Pillars of Enoch and further back to Seth (son of Adam), whose name means “Anointed” or “Placed.” In the Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus refers to Seth as virtuous and of excellent character, and reports that his descendants invented the wisdom of the heavenly bodies, and built the "pillars of the sons of Seth", two pillars inscribed with many scientific discoveries and inventions, notably in astronomy.
Astrology has never been my thing either. There were two different presentations on the subject, one open to the public, the other Tiled, for Master Masons only.
One of the guys from my Lodge is really into Astrology and its connection to Freemasonry. He ate up both presentations.
Having virtually no background in the subject, I found that the first presentation (open to the public) gave me some of that background, and some good perspective about why some Freemasons, like my Lodge Brother, view our Craft through that lens.
But the second Astrology presentation, the one only open to Masons, I found to be absolutely superb. Superb enough that after it was over I ran out to the book table and bought the presenter's books. I know myself well enough to know that I'll probably never view our Craft primarily through an Astrological lens. But, I found the correspondences to be absolutely fascinating.
What did you loved about it: The diversity in subjects and seeing Masonry through different lenses. Ken and the that devil dude, have been doing this for a while and I have enjoyed each year, and its a needed niche to fill; so glad they give their own time to put these events together.
Challenges or things that could be improved: My biggest grip in any lodge setting is sitting on a pew for any long length of time, particularly having to look sideways the whole time. If the presenters are going to be presenting on Zoom, I’d rather be sitting on my cushioned chair at home. Also it would be nice to not be rushed with breaks or lunch time. It was enough to try to figure out where to eat and quickly get there and back. Lastly, as unpopular as it may make me, I think there should not be any hard alcohol offered at these events or lodge premises (I don't think the antients intended that as the 'spirits' we should conjure). This could encourage some to drink too much and when it does it affects others. Contrary to some drinker’s belief, it does not make one wiser or funnier.
Is there any specific topic that you would really like to see: I would like to see Gnosticism (Johannites) in Freemasonry, by scholars such as Tobias Churton.
I'm not one of the organizers of the Conference, I'm just along for the ride, so take this with a grain of salt, but:
I too am not a great lover of Zoom, but I think it is a good tool for us to have. If a Brother is sick or what have you, I'd rather be able to hear his presentation over Zoom than to have it scrapped altogether.
The too short of Lunch Breaks was noticed by all. They are working out a plan to improve this next year. A couple of different tracks were mentioned, both of which will improve that particular situation.
Thank you for the topic suggestion. I'll make sure that it gets to the organizers.
If you were able to attend this year, what did you love about it, and what do you want to see more of?
First, I loved that it happened at all, and I appreciate the effort of those who put it on. I enjoyed the presentations and I loved seeing my fellow Masonic esotericist. Second I would say the presentations of Brothers Duquette and Lamb were my favorite, based on topic. Brother Wallace’s presentation of the Middle Chamber Program was likely the most important.
Did you encounter any challenges or things that could be improved?
As I don’t live in Seattle, the only real challenge was getting there. To that end, there is one thing that I would love to see. There was some talk, on the side lines that indicated it was possible. That is merging this conference with the esoteric book fair and occult conference normally held in Sept, but which has been absent since covid. There are several ways I can see it being done, and for the out of town person, combining them would be GREAT and it would save me hundreds of dollars, which I would likely spend on books!
If you didn’t attend, what could the organizers do to convince you to attend next year?
N/A
If you are a leader of your Lodge, it is likely that at least a handful of your Lodge members are interested in the esoteric side of Masonry. How could the organizers help you notify your members about the conference?
It’s all about getting the word out. More advertising, maybe a presentation that could go on circuit. Also maybe setting up a block of hotel rooms?
Is there any specific topic that you would really like to see included in the presentations?
A panel on why there is not an enduring esoteric tradition in most jurisdictions, with so many Masons interested, why is it a perennial challenge.
A presentation on the various esoteric orders derived from Masonry or formed by Masons.
A panel with several esotericists discussing a magical life, what is it like to live a magical life. In line with DuQuette’s “ My Life With Spirits”.
I had wanted to go, but work conspired to bring me to Ohio instead. I am fully planning on attending next year.
Excellent!
Well, for me, most of the topics, while interesting and well presented I'm sure (I didn't attend) just didn't really relate to esoteric discussion. Astrology doesn't really interest me at all and a presentation on co-masonry is the last thing I want to hear about. If the conference bills itself as an esoteric masonry conference, then it should focus topics on that.
I'm sure it was a fun and informative conference, don't get me wrong and I do appreciate the work the guys at esoterika lodge (and others) do.
If you look past preconceived notions of astrology, you may find its indisputably part of the fabric of Masonry. For example look at the Royal Arch illustration with its seven zodiacal symbols.
In the Blue Lodge, it is known that the ruler is the sun, which opens and closes the day; at its meridian, it is observed. The Sun is called a 'planet' in the chart of astrology as it symbolizes one's outer thoughts and sense of vitality. It is observed at the meridian; which can indicate an introspection of the higher self. Without self-observation, you will not come to know yourself, and if you don’t come to know yourself, then you live in poverty and are poverty.
(The Temple)- The architectural conception of ancient megalithic edifices rested on a working knowledge of geometry, as does architecture today. Geometry, in turn, was predicated on an understanding of astronomy, since geometry (literally, Earth measurement) could only be perceived and calculated vis-à-vis the Earth’s relative position to the fixed stars and the triangulation of coordinates thereby. It is important to note the juxtaposition of the terrestrial and celestial globes atop the Masonic Lodge’s Brazen Pillars and that the Fellowcraft Mason’s attention is directed to them and he is told that “they are the noblest instruments for improving the mind.”
The pillars have a rich tradition that goes back further than Solomon’s Temple - to the Pillars of Enoch and further back to Seth (son of Adam), whose name means “Anointed” or “Placed.” In the Antiquities of the Jews, Josephus refers to Seth as virtuous and of excellent character, and reports that his descendants invented the wisdom of the heavenly bodies, and built the "pillars of the sons of Seth", two pillars inscribed with many scientific discoveries and inventions, notably in astronomy.
Astrology has never been my thing either. There were two different presentations on the subject, one open to the public, the other Tiled, for Master Masons only.
One of the guys from my Lodge is really into Astrology and its connection to Freemasonry. He ate up both presentations.
Having virtually no background in the subject, I found that the first presentation (open to the public) gave me some of that background, and some good perspective about why some Freemasons, like my Lodge Brother, view our Craft through that lens.
But the second Astrology presentation, the one only open to Masons, I found to be absolutely superb. Superb enough that after it was over I ran out to the book table and bought the presenter's books. I know myself well enough to know that I'll probably never view our Craft primarily through an Astrological lens. But, I found the correspondences to be absolutely fascinating.
What did you loved about it: The diversity in subjects and seeing Masonry through different lenses. Ken and the that devil dude, have been doing this for a while and I have enjoyed each year, and its a needed niche to fill; so glad they give their own time to put these events together.
Challenges or things that could be improved: My biggest grip in any lodge setting is sitting on a pew for any long length of time, particularly having to look sideways the whole time. If the presenters are going to be presenting on Zoom, I’d rather be sitting on my cushioned chair at home. Also it would be nice to not be rushed with breaks or lunch time. It was enough to try to figure out where to eat and quickly get there and back. Lastly, as unpopular as it may make me, I think there should not be any hard alcohol offered at these events or lodge premises (I don't think the antients intended that as the 'spirits' we should conjure). This could encourage some to drink too much and when it does it affects others. Contrary to some drinker’s belief, it does not make one wiser or funnier.
Is there any specific topic that you would really like to see: I would like to see Gnosticism (Johannites) in Freemasonry, by scholars such as Tobias Churton.
I'm not one of the organizers of the Conference, I'm just along for the ride, so take this with a grain of salt, but:
I too am not a great lover of Zoom, but I think it is a good tool for us to have. If a Brother is sick or what have you, I'd rather be able to hear his presentation over Zoom than to have it scrapped altogether.
The too short of Lunch Breaks was noticed by all. They are working out a plan to improve this next year. A couple of different tracks were mentioned, both of which will improve that particular situation.
Thank you for the topic suggestion. I'll make sure that it gets to the organizers.
If you were able to attend this year, what did you love about it, and what do you want to see more of?
First, I loved that it happened at all, and I appreciate the effort of those who put it on. I enjoyed the presentations and I loved seeing my fellow Masonic esotericist. Second I would say the presentations of Brothers Duquette and Lamb were my favorite, based on topic. Brother Wallace’s presentation of the Middle Chamber Program was likely the most important.
Did you encounter any challenges or things that could be improved?
As I don’t live in Seattle, the only real challenge was getting there. To that end, there is one thing that I would love to see. There was some talk, on the side lines that indicated it was possible. That is merging this conference with the esoteric book fair and occult conference normally held in Sept, but which has been absent since covid. There are several ways I can see it being done, and for the out of town person, combining them would be GREAT and it would save me hundreds of dollars, which I would likely spend on books!
If you didn’t attend, what could the organizers do to convince you to attend next year?
N/A
If you are a leader of your Lodge, it is likely that at least a handful of your Lodge members are interested in the esoteric side of Masonry. How could the organizers help you notify your members about the conference?
It’s all about getting the word out. More advertising, maybe a presentation that could go on circuit. Also maybe setting up a block of hotel rooms?
Is there any specific topic that you would really like to see included in the presentations?
A panel on why there is not an enduring esoteric tradition in most jurisdictions, with so many Masons interested, why is it a perennial challenge.
A presentation on the various esoteric orders derived from Masonry or formed by Masons.
A panel with several esotericists discussing a magical life, what is it like to live a magical life. In line with DuQuette’s “ My Life With Spirits”.
>>>A presentation on the various esoteric orders derived from Masonry or formed by Masons.
I agree, this would be awesome!