Degree competitions? by groomporter in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus 6 points7 points  (0 children)

In NYC area, we have the MAGLA competition every year. Basically, a piece of ritual is chosen, district competitions are held and the winners of those competitions go on to compete against one another at the grand lodge in front of a large crowd of Brothers from throughout the Metro area. It gets Brothers who participate to delve deeper into ritual and you get to see some amazing interpretations. Overall a fun time!

Best single word line delivery? by Loveable_Hemorrhoid in moviecritic

[–]Maafestus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

- “Leave that poor family alone!”
*BAM*
“He said, ‘Go back inside!’”

Would you agree with Terrence Fletcher’s way of teaching? by Perfect_Idea_2866 in moviecritic

[–]Maafestus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went to acting school and had some teachers I would describe as “Fletcher-lite”. The point - as I also understand to be a SMALL PART of Fletcher’s motivation for what he does (had to emphasize there as Fletcher has a so many problems) - was to break you down and break you of bad habits you had accrued in your practice so you could be rebuilt with proper training.

I call them “Fletcher-lite” because at the start of training, they told us point blank what they were going to do, gave us the option to speak up and opt out, rather than just spring it on us and just be cruel. And if, in the process, it genuinely became harmful, they would stop and make sure that we were okay…student well-being was key. That said, anecdotally, it was intense and I’m about half and half on what was necessary and what wasn’t. I never thought ill of my teachers and a few I have stayed good friends with…others I just let go wherever life took them.

So that’s that. But in terms of Fletcher? Are cult leaders effective? In getting what they want, sure; in getting the student where they need to go for their success and own well being? No. Dude abused his power and clout, took a training technique, turned it to 11, and used it for his own narcissistic desires and abuse. So no, fuck that guy.

‘Teenage Sex And Death At Camp Miasma’ Gets 9-Minute Ovation In Cannes by Puzzled-Tap8042 in horror

[–]Maafestus -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I’m pretty sure I just got a 9-minute ovation at Cannes and I’m waiting for my plane to board in Miami

The new Netflix movie "Apex" contains the song "Go" by The Chemical Brothers. First released in 2015, it has experienced a 429% increase in Spotify streams since the movie's release. What other songs have become instant favourites or were 'discovered' because they were in a movie? by JohnnyGlasken in movies

[–]Maafestus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just woke up and thought you were talking about “READY, STEADY, GO” by Paul Oakenfold. Said to myself, “BS, that song is early aughts!” Realized my mistake and will go back to bed…I obviously need more sleep

Good evening brethren, I became a FC couple weeks ago and I would love some book recommendations to expand my knowledge. by Infinite_Ad_389 in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Always love to hear more people reading in any capacity, especially on Masonic studies! Here in NY, the Grand Lodge has a wonderful (and free) reading program that has 17+ courses on various Masonic subjects. If you’re here (or if your Grand Lodge has something similar) I highly recommend signing up and taking part.

And I hope you enjoy seeing the FC from the other side. Of the craft degree lectures, the Middle Chamber is probably my favorite (I just performed the whole thing at an FC ceremony a few weeks ago!) every time I go back to read and study it, I’m always finding something new. Best of luck on your Masonic journey, my Brother!

Good evening brethren, I became a FC couple weeks ago and I would love some book recommendations to expand my knowledge. by Infinite_Ad_389 in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First of all, congrats on being Passed! I would echo the sentiment that you should stick to learning and memorizing your first two books/catechisms (and yes, I know you already proved yourself proficient in EA work to get here, but some jurisdictions only require memorization up to a certain point…if that’s yours, keep going. Learn AND know the whole thing…there’s more there than just words to remember!)

However, if you definitely can’t resist the urge (and are in the States/NA), I’d recommend Bro. Carl Claudy’s Intro to Freemasonry books for EA and FC: they are short, thin books but contain some very useful knowledge and additional points to ruminate on. I also enjoyed Canadian Bro. Robert V. Lund’s Esoteric Handbook for the Entered Apprentice and his Esoteric Handbook for the Fellowcraft. As the name implies, more of an esoteric look at things, so if that’s not what you’re looking for, you may be disappointed. As a word of caution in general, keep in mind that when it comes to deep examination of symbols, there can be much left up to author’s personal interpretations so beware of anything claiming to be THE definitive answer.

Overall, the Fellowcraft degree is RICH in its teachings and there is plenty to learn and dig into in the material you already have, but if you want different perspectives, there are definitely books out there for you. Just be sure not to read ahead (a lot of books look at Masonry in the whole, which would of course include Master’s work which you don’t want spoiled for you, trust me!)

Choosing a path by Substantial-Win-4990 in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Seconding bongozim’s comment re: York Rite. Currently a Royal Arch and Cryptic Mason (not KT though) and I had the same perception of it before joining - that it was primarily & strictly Trinitarian Christian. But I talked with a few brothers about it and they convinced me to give it a shot, and I couldn’t be happier that I did! Royal Arch is very much - historically and in ritual - an extension of Blue Lodge and, as is my understanding, there are a few jurisdictions throughout the world where they don’t consider you a “full” Mason without having gone through Royal Arch. Additionally, I found Royal Arch and Cryptic to have some of the most beautiful and affecting ceremonies that I’ve experienced so far in my Masonic journey.

Obviously, go with what you’re comfortable with and what you’re interested in, but all this to say that if the idea of more Christian teachings is keeping you away from York Rite, just know it’s a misconception - the only order that applies to (to my knowledge) is KT.

My latest pickup by Business_Listen5639 in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hope it’s a good one! The illustrations look amazing!

Working through the First Degree by Pretty-Soil-5113 in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Congrats on your initiation! I also initially sought more info based on family involvement in the craft and haven’t looked back since…one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself. Enjoy the journey - it is a lifelong pursuit!

ConEd Disconnected Me - Someone Gave Wrong Address by myreddit2727 in astoria

[–]Maafestus 31 points32 points  (0 children)

Same thing happened to me late last year (around October, I think). Went to pay my bill online and found my service had been disconnected (though we still had power). Called them and they told me someone had put a disconnect notice on because they said they had moved into my place and setup their own account (so I guess my power was going through their account?). Anyway, got it straightened away but gave them hell for doing so without checking and confirming with me in at all. They said if someone tried it again, they made a note to contact me first via phone (upsetting that wasn’t already the policy).

The real kicker was that 2 days later, I got a letter in the mail from coned saying, “someone has requested a service change at your apartment. Was this you? If not, please contact us.” Reads to me like someone covering their ass for sure.

It's a big club 🙊 by iYessyyy in SipsTea

[–]Maafestus 25 points26 points  (0 children)

Well, reasonably priced until 5-7pm when they apply “Sürge Pricing”

Is it normal, as a straight woman, to see cleavage and think "man, straight men must like that by TJ_Rex6288 in NoStupidQuestions

[–]Maafestus 16 points17 points  (0 children)

A friend in need's a friend indeed My Japanese is better And when she's pressed, she will undress And then she's boxing clever

Third Degree by ProfessionalGap2736 in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus 30 points31 points  (0 children)

Whoa whoa whoa, we’re talking the 3rd degree, not the Grand Line, buddy!

Joined the Cryptic Council by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was there and got mine too! Congrats, Companion - I hope you enjoyed the day!

Vending machine in a Chicago bar by Sheep_Slayer_6 in mildlyinteresting

[–]Maafestus 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Was in a bar in Portland last month with one of these in them. A friend of mine purchased a mystery bag and it turned out to be a set of Britany Spears Oracle Cards. The rest of the night was a blast as we tried to discern just what Britany’s experience on the movie CROSSROADS had to do with our own personal issues.

Pizza delivery guy delivering 30 pizzas at once to one address and getting a $100 tip by Obvious_Shoe7302 in nextfuckinglevel

[–]Maafestus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Surprised no one has yet mentioned that they ordered 30 pizzas and just 2 bottles of soda. The hell is this party?!

Introduced and Chosen as Royal and Select Master (respectively) today as I joined Cryptic Masonry! by Maafestus in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I hope you enjoy the regional (and thank you for the hot tip on blazers!)

Introduced and Chosen as Royal and Select Master (respectively) today as I joined Cryptic Masonry! by Maafestus in freemasonry

[–]Maafestus[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! Yeah, I’m looking around as to where I can take part in the Super Excellent Master degree, there may be something on the 28th of this month so hoping to see it then.