This week, we're talking about the things we don't do. We will explore the Five ES of a Successful Lodge with fellow Masonic education enthusiast, Illinois Freemason, and Education Committee member Jordan Kelly. How can you ensure your candidate is coming back for more? Here's a clue--it's not by teaching them about how to do floor work or dubbing them with the title of Apprentice Pancake Flipper. Jordan brings his professional expertise to a much-needed conversation about a successful Masonic L...
Feb 14, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 532
This week, we have a great interview. The Fraternal Review names Masonic scholar and author Angel Millar as its interim Editor-in-Chief and announces the 2022 themes for the Fraternal Review publication. Fringe Masonry. The Festive Board Tradition, The Temple of Solomon, The Taxil Hoax, The Ancient Mysteries, The Masonic Influence of Tattoo Art, Moby Dick and Freemasonry, Freemasonry, and the Working Class Hero, Freemasonry and Extraterrestrial Life, Kabbalah and Freemasonry Pt. 2, and Hermetici...
Feb 07, 2022•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 531
This week, an all-new Masonic Minute with Illustrious Brother Steven L. Harrison--does the vice-presidential oath of office look a little too Masonic? Then we've got a great new interview with Illustrious Brother Frank Conway, the author of The Masonic Pageant--the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction's answer to the Scottish Rite Ritual and Monitor of the Southern Jurisdiction. Or rather, it's the closest we have. This is an exclusive interview set up by our Legacy Partner, Worshipful Brother Chris St...
Jan 31, 2022•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 530
This week, we look at the Cult of Mithras, and by the end of the article, you'll have felt that perhaps, you are a "Raven." Then, we'll hear from WB:. Bro. Patrick Dey, in the next installment of Masonic Myth Busters. There's a lot to say about McGregor Mathers and his translation of the Abramelin. Patrick takes the question head-on--did MacGregor Mathers pick the worst possible translation to work from? Then we'll take a look at the continuing series of Whither Are We Traveling, with a somewhat...
Jan 24, 2022•56 min•Ep. 529
This week, we hear Darin A Lahners' continued op-ed on "Whither are We Traveling." Can we expect Freemasonry to retain its past glory and prestige unless the level of leadership is raised above its present position? Darin has a unique perspective on this. Having been a master of a couple of different Lodges in a great mix of both city and rural areas. You're not going to want to miss it. Then we hear from Illustrious Brother Steven L. Harrison in an all-new Masonic Minute. Who is Elvis Wingo? We...
Jan 17, 2022•45 min•Ep. 528
This week, we explore the first part of "Whither Are We Traveling?" a multipart series by Brother Darin A Lahners. In this exploration, Darin dives into Dwight L Smith's seminal work "Whither Are We Traveling?" and asks some very pertinent questions. While this particular paper was the subject of "Laudable Pursuit" many years ago, what can we say about it today? Brother Darin has some ideas. Then, we'll hear from Worshipful Brother Patrick Dey in this first installment of Masonic Myth Busters. D...
Jan 10, 2022•58 min•Ep. 527
This week, we conclude the chapter on the Ineffable Name, coming from The Symbolism of Freemasonry. What does the word truly mean? What is the actual word? According to one Brother's theory, it's a word that we have never talked about before. It comes directly from the Kabbalah. We even discuss what each attribute might stand for--the tetragrammaton, the triangle, the all-seeing eye. Plus, some exclusive news toward the end of the show! Don't miss out! Stay tuned! Links: WCY Podcast YouTube Chan...
Dec 20, 2021•32 min•Ep. 526
This week, we dive further into the idea of the ineffable name, the Elohim. Then we take a more objective look at the ineffable Word of God. Is it a name, a phrase, an action? What could it mean? And finally, we'll wrap it up with a discussion on a new Tarot card, draw from a new deck. Stay tuned! Double Eagle Con! http://www.tinyurl.com/doubleeaglecon2021 Elohim Pt 2 https://blog.philosophicalsociety.org/2021/05/24/the-elohim-part-ii-a-crooked-path/ GL RI Ineffable https://www.rimasons.org/tres...
Dec 13, 2021•33 min•Ep. 525
This week—Great news about a great Brother who is now Worshipful Master. We've also got illustrious Brother Harrison, who stops by for on new Masonic Minute. The movie Peggy Sue-- Kathleen Turner, Nicolas Cage, and…the Freemasons? Then a piece that explores the idea of the Elohim. What is it? Or they? Or him? Finally, we draw a Tarot card and discuss its implications on revelation, change, and necessary destruction. Soul growth is imminent. Stay tuned… Links: Masonic Philosophical Society https:...
Dec 06, 2021•35 min•Ep. 524
This week, some things are grinding Bill Hosler's gears. What could those things be? Women, Freemasons? Points in or out? Green beans? Alcohol in lodge? You'll have to listen to find out. Then we'll ask an age-old question. Who the heck was Enoch? What does it mean when he says that he walked with God? Kristen Wilson-Slack's got an excellent post on this. She explores the various facets of what we know about him, where we can read more, and she also discusses the origin of "Enochian" --Ed Kelly ...
Nov 29, 2021•47 min•Ep. 523
This week, we explore the symbol of one of the lesser-known in Freemasonry--the Moon. We often think it means just relating to the equilibrium of ruling a Lodge, but could it mean more? Is the secret pertaining to divine feminine energy? And can it also have a historical and practical purpose within our ritual? We've also got a great, all-new Masonic Minute segment with Illustrious Brother Harrison. What happens when Steve sits down for lunch and realizes the Brothers he's talking to have never ...
Nov 22, 2021•44 min•Ep. 522
This week Darin Lahners sheds some light on some of the wild conspiratorial manifestos that have been dropped off at Masonic lodges all over Illinois. How does this speak of the collective thoughts on Freemasonry today, and what are its dangers? And what is the possible threat specifically affecting Freemasonry? Then, we'll travel nearly 70 years in the past to take a look at how Freemasons were persecuted during the Holocaust. We're not going to talk about the "Forget Me Not" at all. We'll talk...
Nov 15, 2021•42 min•Ep. 521
This week, we look at the history of the Tarot. Where it came from, who used it and what it was used for. We'll have an article from Jamie Paul Lamb about the Tarot as well, giving his high-level overview on the tarot significance. We also get a great look at the Tarot from a quasi-Masonic point of view. And if that's not cool enough, we will draw a card and see what that card could mean for us. We've also got Illustrious Brother Harrison stopping by for an all-new Masonic Minute; stay tuned! Li...
Nov 08, 2021•53 min•Ep. 520
This week, we have a special guest, RW:.Brother, Christopher Earnshaw. RW:. Earnshaw is a Past Grand historian for the Grand Lodge of Japan, Past Master of the Lodge of Research for the Grand Lodge of Japan, a Past Chairman of Education! Brother Earnshaw takes us deep into the alchemical symbolism represented in Freemasonry through the East. Freemasonry often claims that light comes from the East, but just how far? Could the origins of Freemasonry be from China? We’ll talk to RW:. Earnshaw about...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 519
This week, we travel back to 1915 with the birth of a National Masonic Research Society. That's right, the Builder Magazine. We'll read from Brother Joseph Fort Newton, who lays out the mission of this new organization. Then we'll hear from Ill. Bro. Steve Harrison in a segment all about reaching the East. What happens when we leave? Are we valued anymore? Do people still need us? Where can we find where we fit in after the East? We'll have an all-new segment from Bro. Matt Gallagher--he talks a...
Oct 25, 2021•58 min•Ep. 518
This week, we look at society's decline through perhaps one of the most influential platforms in our lives today--social media. Brother Greg Knot talks about this issue and how Freemasonry can bring society back together. Then we've got a brand-new segment from Brother Matt Gallagher. In his segment on Practical Freemasonry, he talks about just what is "Practical Freemasonry" and some of the dangers of not knowing your audience. We'll wrap it up with an exploration of science. Just what is scien...
Oct 18, 2021•42 min•Ep. 517
This week, we talk about the magic in ritual. Is it truly magic, or is it a psychological change that rearranges how man thinks about life? In this great piece from Brother Akram R. Elias, PGM, we talk about the "magic" of ritual. Then, we'll hear the tale of William Dodd. A Freemason who got into some trouble, forged his signature in order to pay back some debts, and got caught up in a wild tale you're not going to want to miss in an all-new Masonic Minute from Illustrious Brother Steven L. Har...
Oct 11, 2021•42 min•Ep. 516
This week, as we travel through the year Masonically, sometimes things become a little laid back--things become not exciting, and then one day, our thumbs stop scrolling. We see something inspiring, and that's just what Brother Randy Sanders has in store for us as he talks about inspiring events happening in Freemasonry. What could it mean for all of us? Then we'll hear from Brother Matt Gallagher in his exclusive, Practical Freemasonry segment. Why should you be a Mason? And perhaps, why you sh...
Oct 04, 2021•36 min•Ep. 515
This week, we ask the question, what is moral courage? How many of us have moral courage in the lodge room? Can we stand up for what's right regardless of who is infringing on the rules of Freemasonry? Then, we'll hear the story of one of the most prolific computer programmers ever to be on this planet in an all-new Masonic Minute from Ill. Bro. Steve Harrison. Finally, we wrap it up with a great new segment, Practical Freemasonry with Matt Gallagher. In this episode, he'll take us through the w...
Sep 27, 2021•31 min•Ep. 514
Does Freemasonry have a mascot? If it had a mascot, What would it look like? What would it represent? What does it send as a message to the outside community? Then, we’ll talk about the origin of the human species. What traits does the Homo sapien have, and how did they lead to our current state of modern survival and comfort? And likewise, what are the virtues that have been collected over time to form the civil societies that we live in? Does Freemasonry have something to do with it? Did it co...
Sep 20, 2021•36 min•Ep. 513
This week we explore what the New Age Magazine once thought about Martian life and how to communicate with Mars. A Masonic magazine talking about communications with Mars? That's right. We'll be shooting for the stars as we check out this awesome article from Dr. John Bozeman. Then, we hear from Illustrious Brother Steven L. Harrison as he gives us the perfect recipe for putting on a Masonic event. We'll wrap it up with a discussion on fear and how Freemasonry can help us overcome our base fears...
Sep 13, 2021•56 min•Ep. 512
Join us this week for an incredible interview with Brothers Dago and Ian of the Fraternal Review! In this episode, we discuss the results of the latest book poll, "The Best Masonic Books of the Millennium...so far." We also have a candid conversation about the role of literature in Masonic culture and the importance of recognizing what today's Freemasons are reading. What can we learn about growing our fraternity by knowing what is being actively read? Tune in and find out! Links: The Southern C...
Sep 06, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 511
This week we explore a conundrum about Lodges. For those of us out there who have no specific dogma in our religions, if we even have one, could Lodge be considered a church? We'll explore this question in great detail. Then, what do female hummingbirds and their flashy feathers have to do with Freemasonry? Here's a clue, flashy colors equals lapel pins and medals. How do we use those? How do we define titles? And should we get rid of titles altogether? All this and more in this edifying episode...
Aug 30, 2021•35 min•Ep. 510
This week, we ask the question, “Is honesty the best policy? Or is there something else?” Then, we hear about an organized protest in 1874 from the nefarious Ezra A. Cook. What was he protesting, and why? We’ll dive into this and uncover the proverbial storm over a corner laying ceremony. All this and a little bit more in this episode of “Whence Came You?” Stay tuned! Links: Illinois Lodge of Research www.IllinoisLodgeofResearch.org The Craftsman+ Journal and Pen http://www.wcypodcast.com/the-sh...
Aug 23, 2021•23 min•Ep. 509
This week, we continue the conversation about ritual--its importance and meaning, as we read a piece from New York Mason. In it, he reveals the secrets of past rituals and rites, what those rites of passages do for modern and contemporary society, and mostly lays bare one of the greatest threats to Craft Freemasonry. Then we'll hear from Ill. Bro. Steve Harrison as he tells a fantastic tale of Sammy, a Master Mason, who does some incredible things, and later, it turns personal. We'll wrap it all...
Aug 16, 2021•52 min•Ep. 508
This week – we have a special guest, Bro. Cesar Rubio, the host of the new Masonic podcast Masonic Muscle. Bro. Cesar has a unique angle—personal health and fitness as it relates to Freemasonry and building our Temple. Personal health, followed by a relentless push for success—Bro Cesar and I have an aggressive conversation the likes of which we’ve never had before. Nothing is off the table in this no-holds-barred look at the problems affecting our Craft today… What are those problems? There's a...
Aug 09, 2021•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 507
This week we ask just what it takes for you to commit to going back to Lodge. Greg not applies some tough filters to his lodge experience. Then, Brother Randy Sanders asks, “When's the last time you had a festive board for the heck of it?” He's got some great recommendations and I'll give you some of my own personal insights on the festive board event and what it brings to the Masonic experience. Finally, we'll ask the big question, ‘Does all that memory work really ever pay off--making a good m...
Aug 02, 2021•37 min•Ep. 506
This week, a recent 3,000-year-old inscription was found in Israel. A name is produced. What is the history of this name? And what's its connection with Freemasonry? Then we'll hear from Illustrious Brother Steven L. Harrison in an all-new Masonic Minute. We all hear that George Washington won the presidency unanimously--but is that factually correct? Steve Harrison puts it all on the line and will make us all a little better informed. All this and a little bit more in this episode of Whence Cam...
Jul 26, 2021•24 min•Ep. 505
This week we have news—an ancient play of initiation is coming back to life! Then We’ll get into the education--get in a time machine and heading back to the first time Midnight Freemason contributor Darin Lahners goes to the East—over and over again. We’ll explore the history of the often confounded Tracing Boards & Trestle Boards. We’ll wrap it up with a practical example of planning your year in the East from W.B. Adam Thayer. All this and more in this crash course in taking the East. Sta...
Jul 19, 2021•58 min•Ep. 504
This week, we take a look at death. What are some of the oldest death rituals we have in the archaeological record? What happens when you die, and you don't follow a particular religion? We're all familiar with what funerals look like in the Western world, but what do they look like everywhere else? And finally, what is a Masonic funeral service? And why do we have them? All this and a little bit more in this reflective episode of the Whence Came You? Podcast-- stay tuned! Links: 78, 300-Year-Ol...
Jul 12, 2021•35 min•Ep. 503
