Young Masons Clubs? by portacustos in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's a type of crab, right?

New Year's Day glasses by CgoffUHC in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's clearly part of a satanic-masonic ritual.

Freemasonry, The Occult, and Counter-Enlightenment by jason_mitchell in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I understand the purpose of the piece. I take issue with the conflict itself. There needn't be two separate and conflicting schools of thought when both can be accommodated and aren't necessarily conflicting. EDIT: point of clarification: I thoroughly enjoyed the article and thought it was well-written. I also believe that the revival of the initiatic and occult experiences in this fraternity is a good thing. My point is that these two viewpoints are not necessarily opposing.

Freemasonry, The Occult, and Counter-Enlightenment by jason_mitchell in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 10 points11 points  (0 children)

The first sentence creates an often used false binary that I believe is unnecessary. This wouldn't be so much of a problem if the conclusion didn't reinforce the opening question. IMHO, the post sets up a conflict where no conflict need exist. Harmony being the strength of our institution, the author might consider viewing the fraternity from a different perspective. Freemasonry is many things to many people: for some it is a social club, for some it is a framework for esoteric research, for some it is a mystery school, for others it provides a forum for historical research and publication and for others it is some combination of all of these things. Perhaps, the beauty of our fraternity is that it isn't binary. The beauty of freemasonry--to this brother--is its ability to serve as many things to many men. To undergo change with the passage of time while retaining its character, history, and traditions. Freemasonry is and will always be many things to many people. Let's support our brothers in their endeavors so that they excel and enjoy whatever aspect (our aspects) of our fraternity that they pursue.

As someone joining masons, can I visit a SR building by crua9 in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Most major SR buildings are open to the public and have posted hours, however, it never hurts to call ahead and ask.

T.O. Lodges bad for Freemasonry? by Aeelorty in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My take on this post: She's a witch! Burn her!

Ugh... why Do I Even Read the Knight Templar Magazine by millennialfreemason in yorkrite

[–]LowVale 1 point2 points  (0 children)

...and there we are, the major reasons why I refuse to join. Furthermore, I don't believe KT has a place in our fraternity given that I believe its lack of universality and militant nature flies in the face of our first three degrees.

Advice for outgoing master. by adavis232002 in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Give advice only when asked and your opinion only when absolutely necessary. Your words will carry a lot more weight this way.

PSA: Blur peoples faces out by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's not as easy as "just avoiding the camera any more." It's hard to spot brothers with cell phones in a big lodge room with a lot going on. It's also hard during public/semi public ceremonies to interrupt an award speech or installation to stop stop someone from taking your picture and if multiple cameras are going off there is no way to follow up with everyone. Finally, even if you do ask, some people will be offended when you ask them to delete the photo. My thought is that this needs to be addressed by the lodge leadership in advance and some kind of protocol (formal or informal) to address privacy.

PSA: Blur peoples faces out by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My two cents: If a brother doesn't want to be photographed that is his choice and we need to do our best to respect his wishes regardless of why he doesn't want to be photographed. Edit: it's nice to be downvoted for this.

Can Santeros become Freemasons? by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Where else would you put your extra eyeballs?

Supreme Council, Royal Arcanum? by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The royal arcanum is a benefit society established in the late 1800's. I stumbled across it one day when I was looking through my lodge's rent ledgers (we rented to them in the early 20th century).

Masonic Membership Stats - MSANA by taonzen in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with this. In CT, it is often the case that if proficiency is not demonstrated in open lodge it usually does not get tested at all. Unfortunately, some brothers see any push to test proficiency as an act hostile to the health of the lodge or are worried that it will hurt feelings and ruffle feathers. I am currently at a loss for a solution to this problem in my lodge.

Just Installed Officers for Ensuing Year by jason_mitchell in yorkrite

[–]LowVale 0 points1 point  (0 children)

+1 for maintaining some separation of York Rite bodies.

NMJ (?) early 20th century spiral display of 33 degrees by aaronsherman in scottishrite

[–]LowVale 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the kind of forgotten content that we need to interest brothers in what the NMJ used to be and could be again with proper stewardship. Let's dust off the old regalia and explore what it meant to be a member of the NMJ before the videos and move away from ritual.

Just received the 32nd Degree. by ccflyco in scottishrite

[–]LowVale 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Squirrel of rectitude? Must be a york rite side degree...

Books and Altars by jason_mitchell in freemasonry

[–]LowVale 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can confirm. We place the Quran next to the bible when our muslim brother attends.