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While Orwell’s dystopia once felt like a distant nightmare, 2024 has brought us closer to its unsettling reality. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced tools that simplify our lives but quietly redefine how we think, speak, and express ourselves.
AI is everywhere. It drafts emails, suggests headlines, and finishes our sentences. Each time AI “polishes” your words, it subtly nudges your thoughts into patterns it deems efficient and rational, but often devoid of human nuance. Over time, this influence risks creating a newspeak of AI-approved language, thus narrowing our ability to express original ideas and fostering conformity.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) Words are sacred—they are the foundation of creation, connection, and thought. Without words, there is no expression of ideas, no reflection of self, no sharing of truths. Philosophically, language is the bridge between thought and reality, enabling us to shape the world around us and ourselves in return.
Allowing AI to subtly shape our language risks surrendering that power. It becomes easier to communicate with polished efficiency but harder to think deeply, question boldly, or create freely. If we lose the richness of our language, we risk losing the richness of our humanity.
2024 is drawing to a close marking a year of profound change: a pivotal US election, Elon Musk’s growing influence on global conversations—underscored by his recent appointment to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (or simply DOGE, of course)—and intensifying debates within the AI sphere about trust, transparency, and accountability. These events aren’t just headlines; they underscore the urgent need for us to actively shape how we think and express ourselves. This is a defining moment, not a fleeting trend.
AI is a tool, not a master. To ensure it serves your voice, not defines it, use it thoughtfully—question it, challenge it, and maintain ownership of your thoughts. Understanding how AI shapes language is the first step to preserving individuality.
Reclaim your voice by joining groups that celebrate spoken and original expression. Organizations like Toastmasters provide a platform to refine your public speaking and communicate ideas with clarity and authenticity. Similarly, Freemasonry fosters deep thought and dialogue, where the spoken word is revered as a powerful tool for connection and self-expression.
This movement needs your support. By purchasing an item from our 1984/2024 Collection, you’re not just acquiring a product—you’re fueling the fight to keep humanity at the center of innovation. This isn’t charity—it’s my livelihood. Every purchase sustains this effort to spark critical conversations, protect individuality, and inspire a future where creativity, authenticity, and human connection thrive.
As we move into 2025 and beyond, let’s ensure innovation uplifts humanity, not controls it. Together, we can secure a future where our words remain our own and our voices, uniquely human.
This is #TheTieThatBinds.
As a Christian Freemason, I’ve encountered a slew of wild accusations about Freemasonry—mostly from fellow Christians. It’s disheartening to see how much confusion persists, particularly among those who rely on incomplete or outdated sources rather than engaging directly with accurate information. I’ve used the term "moròns" (yes, with an accent) not out of malice, but to jolt them into recognizing the absurdity of these claims. Shock tactics can be effective for challenging deeply ingrained misconceptions, much like how being called out by an elder in my youth, though painful, ultimately helped me grow. Let’s address the five biggest misconceptions about Freemasonry:
Fact: Freemasonry isn’t a religion. It doesn’t offer salvation—that’s between you and God. Members are required to believe in a Supreme Deity, but Satan? Absolutely not. Satanists don’t worship Satan like people think; for them, Satan represents opposition, and most Satanists are actually atheists. Since atheists don’t believe in a Supreme Being, they can’t be Freemasons*.
(*In some jurisdictions, like the Grand Orient of France, atheists are accepted, but that’s not the case in most.)
Fact: This one’s as absurd as it sounds. Freemasons can’t be convicted felons, and child sacrifice? That’s pure fiction, dating back to ancient myths about Moloch, but modern fearmongers have blown it out of proportion. Freemasons are focused on community service and personal growth—not the stuff of horror movies.
Fact: The majority of Freemasons are Christians. Freemasonry places the Bible—the Great Light—at the center of its rituals. Members take personal oaths on the Bible, but not to commit to anything sinister. These oaths are about self-improvement: bettering yourself every day, in every way. The values Freemasons strive for—charity, integrity, kindness—are deeply aligned with Christian teachings. If we’re anti-Christian, we’re doing a terrible job of showing it, considering the Bible is central to everything we do.
Fact: If Freemasons ran the world, you’d think we’d at least get our Lodge meetings to start on time. Yes, there have been influential Freemasons throughout history—presidents, politicians, inventors—but that’s because Freemasonry attracts ambitious, thoughtful individuals who care about personal growth, tradition, and community service. We love the rigidity of ritual and preserving tradition, but world domination? That’s a stretch.
Fact: Symbols like the Square and Compasses are tools for teaching, not for worship. They help members learn about fairness, integrity, and good character. And if you’re concerned about pagan symbols, you might want to take a second look at the days of the week. Monday for the moon god, Thursday for Thor, and Saturday for Saturn. Yep, you’ve been unknowingly living in a pagan worship calendar this whole time. Relax, though—we’re not here to judge.
Why do these myths persist? Because people love to be afraid. It’s the same reason we pay to see horror movies or ride rollercoasters. Fear is exciting, but the truth about Freemasonry is much more grounded: it’s about personal growth, community service, and living by a moral code. Let’s be real—the truth is way more interesting than these wild conspiracy theories.
About the Author
Authored by Brother J. Paul Gomez, a devoted father of four, Senior DeMolay, Past Master, and Christian, this piece reflects my personal insights and experiences. My perspective is shaped by my journey and understanding within both Freemasonry and my faith.
Disclaimer
The views expressed in this writing are solely those of the author and do not represent the official stance of my lodge, my grand lodge, or Freemasonry as a whole. The intent is to provide a personal perspective and stimulate thoughtful discussion rather than to speak on behalf of the broader Masonic community.
One of the more absurd accusations levied against Freemasons in online forums is the claim that they are intellectually deficient. This baseless accusation stems from the misguided belief that high-level Freemasons engage in occult practices and conspire to bring about chaos and suffering in the world. Skeptics wonder if Freemasons are indeed naive, as they perceive themselves to be enlightened about the so-called 'truth' while Freemasons remain oblivious.
While occasional banter can be entertaining, the purpose of this blog post is not to engage in frivolous exchanges. Instead, it aims to showcase the timeless wisdom possessed by some of our Masonic Brothers.
In today's fast-paced world, filled with myriad challenges and constant distractions, navigating life can be overwhelming. In such times, we can turn to the timeless wisdom of Brother Benjamin Franklin, a polymath whose legacy continues to inspire generations. As a distinguished member of the Lodge of Nine Muses, also known as the Tun Tavern Lodge, Franklin's insights resonate deeply with the ethos of Freemasonry, embodying principles of industry, wisdom, and resilience.
Numerous studies have shown that adhering to a natural circadian rhythm, aligning sleep patterns with the day-night cycle, promotes optimal health and cognitive function. Prioritizing restorative sleep is essential for physical vitality and mental acuity.
Stoic philosophy emphasizes the importance of mastering one's impulses and nurturing virtuous qualities. By practicing self-discipline and moral excellence, individuals can overcome destructive habits and cultivate inner strength, enabling them to weather life's storms with resilience.
Procrastination often hinders productivity and personal development. Addressing tasks promptly and efficiently helps reduce stress and maintain a sense of control over responsibilities. Embracing a proactive mindset empowers individuals to seize opportunities and unleash their full potential.
Maintaining a positive outlook and refraining from unnecessary worry are essential for mental well-being. By focusing on the present moment and fostering optimism, individuals can navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience, approaching each day with renewed energy and enthusiasm.
Incorporating these pearls of wisdom into our daily lives enables us to cultivate balance and tranquility, even amid life's chaos. Let Franklin's sage counsel serve as a guiding light, illuminating our path toward inner peace and fulfillment.
If you're considering joining Freemasonry but live in a country where the government maintains tight control over civic institutions, it's essential to understand that Freemasonry is often not permitted to operate within such authoritative domains. There may be individuals attempting to recruit you, but it's crucial to be cautious (trust your instincts). If this sounds familiar, read on.
Below is a categorized list of countries where Freemasonry is either not officially recognized or banned. Seeking Masonic membership from these countries could get you frowned upon, fined, jailed, or worse.
Verification and Conclusion:
Things and perceptions can change, so it's important to verify the status of Freemasonry in your country. You can use resources like the list of Foreign Grand Lodges compiled by the United Grand Lodge of England. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and feel free to comment below if you think something is not accurate.
In the 🇵🇭, my birthplace, memories linger of a time before we all took a 'byte' out of the Forbidden Fruit of Knowledge, a.k.a. the Internet. Back then, the archetype of white surfer dudes with long blond hair and blue eyes seemed to ride the crest of the proverbial White Male Privilege wave. In those days, snake oil salesmen and enterprising faith healers would promise that they'd seen Jesus in person, describing him exactly as blond-haired and blue-eyed — now you're MESMERized... they then take your money away while showing compassion in their eyes (but laughing like a devil in the inside).
Rewind to the ghost of 300 years of European colonial rule, a chapter of Filipino history we often attribute to misconceptions about Jesus' appearance. Those colonizers brought not only their culture and beliefs but also an unintentional artistic interpretation of our beloved Jesus. I hesitate to lay blame; the European artists of the time likely had no blueprint for the real Jesus aesthetic. Consequently, the enduring image became one of a kind-looking, blond-haired, blue-eyed Jesus.
Yet, our evolving understanding, fueled by a knowledge surpassing our own (I'm talking AI), is reshaping this perception. It's beginning to solidify that Jesus might just resemble a Palestinian.
What if the "2nd Coming of Christ" isn't a solitary return, but a reemergence in his "final form" — a timeless message of pure Love?
Let's not take sides; after all, I count great friends from all walks. The devastating impact of war, especially on the vulnerable, is clear. Witnessing lifeless children day after day fuels a call for change.
Global leaders, spiritual guides, and, yes, even social media influencers, bear a shared responsibility to craft solutions. Continue entertaining, promoting, but also wield your influence to spark meaningful conversations. Let's find creative ways to shield innocent civilians, particularly mothers and children, from harm's way. #thetiethatbinds #palestine #christianity
According to the ancient tradition, as the soul journeys through the afterlife, their heart will be placed on a scale against an ostrich feather. If the heart is as light as the Feather, the soul will be welcomed to the Field of Reeds, a place of eternal happiness. Otherwise, the soul will be devoured by a fearsome beast.
In a sense, they're saying that if you live your life in harmony with those around you, you'll feel light and at peace with yourself and everyone else. But if you live your life with wrongdoings and bad deeds due to vanity and avarice, your heart will be heavily burdened.
Nobody really knows if there's such a place as heaven or hell, but we can experience these things while we're still on this material existence. Do good and experience happiness, do bad (and it may make you happy for a brief moment), but you will suffer in the end.
As a gentle reminder of this lesson, we revive our Heart Light As A Feather collection beginning with this eco-friendly (fully certified) hoodie available in black and white. I personally redesigned the logo using the Square and Compasses to ensure good looks and excellent embroidery. Enjoy 10% OFF with discount code FEATHER when you order now—act fast because this promo ends at midnight tonight! Click this link to shop now!
This hand-carved wooden block is the stamp we used to print our Memento Mori logo on the certificates of our 2014 wooden watch collection. It was meticulously hand-carved by our designer, Bro. JP.
The block proudly displays our old crossbones logo, which we will be retiring this year to make way for our new logo. We are excited to announce that we are auctioning this one-of-a-kind item to support our fledgling Masonic regalia business, www.hirams.ca.
Our motivation to grow Hiram's stems from our observation that the quality of Masonic Regalia, particularly the Masonic apron, available in the market is steadily diminishing. Therefore, we have embarked on a journey to find the right suppliers, artisans, and manufacturers to partner with.
However, this pursuit has placed a significant financial burden on us as we endure countless trials and errors in search of the perfect partners. After two years of searching, we have finally discovered three key partners that we are delighted to work with. We now have access to excellent ethically sourced and high-quality lambskin, experienced embroiderers, and award-winning carvers. Nevertheless, we still require your support to continue funding this new endeavor.
You can help us by participating in our auction or by sharing this with any Freemason you know who values quality over quantity. To participate in the auction, please click on this link. We've included additional photos of the wood block below for your enjoyment.
So I was in the basement sorting out old and forgotten FraternalTies stuff. I need to figure out which things must go (to the trash) and which ones to keep. Every once in a while a rare gem shows up-like the content of this dusty Space Odyssey Monolith looking cardboard box.
The moment I saw the first line in my own handwriting, I knew exactly what it means. But the next line momentarily mystified me. It says, "Wrong tip- Denver 5". I remember that in 2015 we made a custom lodge necktie for Denver Lodge No. 5, the oldest Masonic lodge in Denver, Colorado, but I still recall that the design is definitely not paisley.
I'm not really that big of a fan of using adjectives pertaining to luxury but I can't come up with other words to describe this necktie. Sure a bit of designer bias is probably there but it literally took me about 2 years of making small and incremental adjustments to the design. Each failed fabric swatch is a punch to the gut (and our pocket) but eventually we arrived at the perfect formula.
Here's one of the earliest fabric swatch that is a total failure.
At a glance, the tie looks like just a simple and well-made paisley tie. The looker will now it's not an average cheap tie because it exudes a luminous iridescent sheen especially at various angles. Upon closer inspection, one will peculiar symbols beginning with one (the Eye being the most obvious), and then two, and three... and so on.
In the world of numismatics, coins with mistakes are called "mint errors". This errors end up being the most sought-after because of their rarity. Following this logic, this "First ed." Masonic paisley tie is a true collector's item because of a particular error in weaving. Look closely and you'll see that the letter G in the centre of the Square and Compasses is reversed. While the collectors loved it, I was irked by it especially that it took us over a year of trial and error to arrive at this weave and we didn't notice the error until it was too late. Thankfully, only a small batch was made.
But one thing that makes this a genuine rare tie is, as mentioned on the box, it has the wrong tipping. The so-called tipping is the diamond shape are at the back of the widest tip of a necktie. Traditionally, and to save cost, this part is usually just a plain black piece of polyester. We usually have this part made with the same fabric as the rest of the tie (more expensive but worth it), and sometimes we put customized embroidery on it. Our manufacturer made a one-off mistake and made one of the first-edition paisley ties with a different tipping.
Denver Lodge No.5 Is Colorado's Oldest Masonic Lodge and we are proud to have made a few batches of custom silk ties for them. But this paisley tie is not made for Denver 5. Of the 100 1st edition paisley ties that were made, this particular one ended up with a Denver 5 tipping instead of being self-tipped (tipped with the same fabric as the rest of the tie).
We are putting this rare tie up for auction to help raise funds for Hiram's Regalia- a new business that Rechelle and I have dreamed of setting up many years ago. Our stated mission is "to enhance the Masonic Initiatic experience, one good man at a time." We aim to do this by supplying the Brother with only the best quality lambskin apron (and other regalia products) that we can make. By bidding on this, you are directly helping us achieve our mission.
>> Click this link to bid now. <<
In case you're wondering what the rest of the Denver Lodge No. 5 necktie looks like, I found this image along with a Testimonial from W. Bro. Rossi.
I certainly can't speak for other Canadian Masonic lodges out there but based on what's going on with my lodge (Doric Lodge No. 316 in Toronto), I'd say that there is a resurgence in Freemasonry here in Canada.
As a local artist and craftsman, this is good for our livelihood. In a time when everyone with internet access can get into the dropship business, the Freemason consumer is getting wary of buying Masonic products online. More attention is going back to original artist and creators who actually spend time honing their craft.
Sure our creations are not as cheap and mass produced as what can be bought from Alibaba or Amazon or that shameless "Masonic" store BricksMasons (they're IP thieves, not to mention that they dropship directly from China to you)—what we lack in quantity, we make up for the time and passion that we put in our work.
As the WM of my lodge, this is good for our lodge. For years (even before the pandemic), we suffered from dwindling membership. Forming a lodge was a struggle as we couldn't even form a quorum. The lockdown that followed made things more depressing but looking back now, it seems that the pandemic may have been the best thing that ever happened to us.
The extra time in our hands forced us to remain connected online by chat groups and we have gotten to know each other better. From the talks that we had, a new passion emerged and so we implemented many changes—from changing our almost 150yr old logo all the way to the way we run our banquet (see photo below).
We learned that setting up the banquet in such a cinematic way (thanks WB Stefano) really brings people in. Once more, this is good for local businesses because dressing up the banquet as such requires certain products and resources that can be provided by artists, chefs, and businesses within our own district.
Talking about local business and Masonic merchandise, one of the things that Rechelle and I are proud to announce is the reintroduction of our stickers product line beginning with this nice 2"x2" holographic permanent stickers that is designed by us and made right here in Toronto by local hands. The design is inspired by the iconic Square and Compasses on the Canadian red maple leaf symbol that is used all throughout Canada for decades. A specific version of this design, as of last year, is also now the official logo of the Ontario Masons.
Unlike the cheap stickers from offshore, these stickers are made in compliance with Canadian manufacturing standards. The result is a high-quality product that is joy to look at. We took several photos of it from various angles to show how the colours shift depending on how the light hits the surface.
Where to buy the Canadian Masonic Stickers?
We produce in limited batches only but as of this writing we have quite a few of them. They are currently available in pack-of-seven (free-shipping). Click this link to access the product page.
It has been 3 years since I first put on my precious FraternalTies 357 Acacia watch. I have worn in almost every day since. It has served as my faithful timekeeper with all sorts of activities from lodge night to anything that I enjoy with my family from kayaking, to skateboarding, to hiking, to gardening, and even boxing!
The FraternalTies automatic is equipped with a 21-Jewel Japanese precision movement. It cannot do anything on its own but once charged with my own kinetic energy, I know I can count on its sharp timekeeping. The movement can keep accurate time between 24-48 hours. If I wear it once everyday, it will keep on running forever no batteries required.
I can't lie. I have a love-hate relationship with the straps. I love it because after 3 years of rugged use, it has developed a beautiful patina. I hate it because it tends to stain my white dress shirt especially during humid nights at lodge. I researched how to prevent leather from staining my clothes and I find that in my case, it is completely unavoidable- basically you have to keep it dry all the time. To avoid dye transfer to clothes is to stay dry and keep your leather surface from getting rained on, wet, or sweaty.
I probably won't wear it while scuba diving but it survived rainy seasons and swimming in the lake with me. The leather straps now looks seasoned (very handsome) because of the water abuse but the watch itself is impeccable and shows no signs of moisture buildup on the inside.
Designer bias aside, I am very happy and very satisfied with this watch. I continue to receive many compliments about it. People love the way the natural acacia face looks and how its color seems to shift depending on how the light is hitting the grain. We made only a hundred of these and they're long sold-out but one day we will make another acacia watch with the same automatic mechanism that we trust but with a different dial design.
When outsiders talk about 33rd degree Freemasons they are oftentimes unknowingly referring to one of the two main branches of mainstream Freemasonry. This branch is called the Scottish Rite. Some consider it more esoteric compared to the other branch which is the York Rite.
The highest degree in Masonry, the so-called Sublime Degree is the 3rd Degree or Master Mason degree. The 33rd Degree is simply an honorary degree within the Scottish Rite.
The Scottish Rite was originally an obscure Masonic Rite in the mid-19th century to an international fraternity that it is now today. A controversial and influential figure, Albert Pike, is often credited as the man responsible for making the Scottish Rite well known within Masonic circles. Employing staged plays, they expand and continue the teachings derived from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degrees of Freemasonry which is known as Blue Lodge or Craft Lodge. (Photo credit: Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction)
One has to be a Master Mason (3rd Degree) in order to join the Scottish Rite. The Lodge Master or the Secretary would usually know where to refer a Mason seeking admission to the Scottish Rite.
As of this writing, the Silver on Black Scottish Rite Necktie is available but in very limited quantities. It's made of high-quality natural silk that we personally select. Since it's Jacquard-woven, the fabric has a nice texture and produces a shiny ombré effect that shifts according to how the light hits it.
