Masonic Observations

The term "esoteric" has been getting a lot of flak lately due to misuse of the word. What exactly is the meaning of it?

Merriam-Webster defined it as something that is...

"designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone"

or

"requiring or exhibiting knowledge that is restricted to a small group"

 

If you're a Freemason who has attained the rank of a Worshipful Master and perhaps you're looking for a deeper meaning in your journey- something that is truly esoteric, I strongly recommend this book by my good friend Worshipful Brother Marshal Kern. He is a Past Master of Victoria Lodge No. 56 and a Fellow of the College of Freemasonry. 

I have known brother Kern since 2012 when I was still an assistant officer. Although we haven't personally met each other at the time, one can tell that he is one of those people who are just genuinely warm, friendly, and generous. He's always there to give advice and assistance, especially during difficult times. He is the embodiment of Freemasonry. 

On the 3rd Wednesday of September 2019, he drove for over 3 hours covering the distance of almost 300 km to attend my Installation (and another 3hrs drive to go back home). He brought me a special personal message and a copy of his book. I consider the book and his friendship treasures that I will keep in my heart forever. 

To get a copy of the book, please visit brother Kern's website at www.mastersemblem.com. You may also follow him on Facebook by clicking here. 

We had hoped to finish production before Christmas but unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, our target completion time will be delayed. Please read on.

It's no secret that we are a small business operation so when a prominent Italian fashion house decided to purchase a whole lot of Japanese Miyota 82S0 movement that caused an industry-wide shortage of the calibre, we had no choice but to consider switching to other mechanisms. We simply do not have the purchasing power to compete with a big company. 

Our manufacturer suggested using another Japanese movement of the same quality- the Seiko Caliber NH38A. After consulting with those who have already pre-ordered, we decided to greenlight the change. It took us several days to realize that changing the movement also meant modifying the design of the dial- the aperture or that small round window has to be moved from the 6 o'clock to 8 o'clock position. With NH38A, it's physically impossible to keep the aperture at 6 o'clock because doing so means moving the crown above the 12 o'clock spot. Please see the illustration below. 

Some may consider this a minor adjustment but as the designer, I find this proposed change unpalatable. Every part of this watch has a deep symbolic meaning to me as it embodies my interpretation of the Masonic ritual. There's a reason why I want to keep the Compasses, the center of the dial, the beating heart (seen through the aperture), and Square in perfect alignment.

 

Designing this watch has been a labour of love. It would have been a lot easier, faster, and economical to just go for stock parts but we decided to go with fully customized according to our specifications. Getting things right can be a painful journey but we're willing to take that route in pursuit of betterment.  

In conclusion, it is with a heavy heart that I must say that we're breaking our original promise to deliver the watches by Christmas. Since we cannot compromise our design principles and since we already have the important parts made (the dial, case, hour symbols, etc), we have no other choice but to wait until Miyota supplies us with enough movement to finish the production. With that said, if you wish to refund your order, please let us know. If you decide to keep it, please accept our sincerest thanks. We appreciate your patience. Looking to pre-order the watch? We hope to deliver within the first quarter of 2020. Payment plans are available. Click here to pre-order. Pre-order now and get a free leather strap (limited supply).

No batteries required. It has a beating heart that is powered by your own. #fraternalties #thetiethatbinds

 

Tomorrow my adoptive mother Canada turns 152. As a family man and an immigrant (who became a citizen very recently), I am feeling an intense sense of gratitude towards this beautiful country and her citizens. I hope that everyone in my family lives up to the standards set by all good and law-abiding Canadian citizens and serve the country well. As a Freemason, I am feeling very proud to be a member of this Brotherhood (or Gentle Craft, as some Masons endearingly call her) that seem to attract men of respectable character. Us younger Masons will never run out of inspiring men to look up to.

Without further adieu, I present to you part 1 of 24 Famous Canadians You Didn't Know Were Freemasons.

1. Sir John A. MacDonald – First Prime Minister of Canada

   
   Tomorrow's celebration would have not been possible if not for this guy- Sir John Alexander Macdonald. The dominant figure of the Canadian Confederation, he had a political career that spanned almost half a century. He was the leading figure in the subsequent discussions and conferences, which resulted in the British North America Act, 1867 and the birth of Canada as a nation on 1 July 1867- a day that we now call Canada Day. He was a member of St. John's Lodge No. 758, Kingston, Ontario.
   
   Edit: I recently learned through a fellow Canadian Brother that the legacy of John A. Macdonald is wrapped in controversy. 

2. John Molson – Founder of Molson Breweries

   
   Well, what would Canada Day be without a cold one? For that, we have Brother John Molson to thank. While his name is synonymous with the refreshing Canadian beer brand, did you know that he also built the first steamship and the first public railway in Canada? He was a member of St. Paul's Lodge, No. 374 UGLE in Montreal and served as Past Provincial Grand Master.

3. James A. Naismith – Inventor of Basketball

   
   On June 2019, everyone in Canada literally became basketball fans. But not many knew that the inventor of basketball was a Canadian. Even within the Masonic community, not many knew that he was quite an active Freemason (see that Square tool fob around his waist on the photo above- this indicates that he served as Master of his lodge).
   
   How did the game come to be? While looking for creative ways to keep his class of rowdy students pre-occupied, Brother Naismith invented an indoor game that is meant to provide an "athletic distraction" to keep track athletes in shape. Using a soccer ball and a peach basket, he created a game that later on became beloved all over the world! He was a member of Roswell Lee Lodge in Springfield, Massachusetts and affiliated with Lawrence Lodge No. 6 in Kansas City.

4. Nathan Phillips – Beloved Toronto Mayor. Nathan Phillips Square was named in his honour

   
   Last year I had the privilege of delivering the 2nd Degree Final Charge to a Brother that is related to Brother Phillips. I arrived late and had a chit-chat with an elderly Brother serving as the outer guard that night. He told me a story that happened when he was a young man in his teens. A chance encounter with the white-haired mayor who spoke to him in such a way that made him feel mature and in charge of his own life. He attributed his quest to become a better citizen as well as his Masonic journey to Worshipful Brother Phillips.
   
   
   Nathan Phillips is best remembered as the driving force behind the construction of Toronto's New City Hall and the selection of a striking avant-garde design by Finnish architect Viljo Revell. Nathan Phillips Square was named in honour of the mayor. Does the building look familiar to you? It's because it was featured on a number of Hollywood films such as Resident Evil: Apocalypse and The Sentinel.
   
   
   Mayor John Tory at the Nathan Phillips Square during the Toronto Raptors' NBA Champions Parade. 

5. Tim Horton – Hockey Star and Businessman

   
   As of late, it became fashionable among some Canadians to bash the ubiquitous Tim Horton's coffee and donut shop but nobody can't deny that it's an iconic brand that is synonymous with Canada. The founder Brother Miles Gilbert "Tim" Horton a.k.a. the likeable "Ice General" was considered by many as the "the strongest player ever to play professional hockey". He was a member of Kroy Lodge No. 676, Thornhill, Ontario. Kroy Lodge is still alive today. My mother lodge Doric No. 316 shares building with them.

6. John B. MacLean – Founder of MacLean’s Magazine

   
   You see this magazine everywhere there's a newsstand in Canada. It was founded by Brother Lieutenant Colonel John Bayne Maclean. He was a member of Ionic Lodge No. 25 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This lodge is still around and I personally know some members. One of them, in particular, inspired me to be good at ritual delivery. Thanks, Brother Art D!

7. Colonel R. S. McLaughlin – General Motors of Canada

   
   Brother McLaughlin was a Canadian businessman and philanthropist. Founder and President of the McLaughlin Carriage Co. (later became General Motors of Canada). He developed and patented a fifth-wheel mechanism which greatly improved the comfort and safety of vehicles. He was a member of Cedar Lodge No. 270, Oshawa, Ontario and served as Grand Steward in 1945.

8. Thayendanegea – The Noble Savage

   
   Brother Thayendanegea, meaning "he places two bets", or Joseph Brant was a Mohawk interpreter and war chief served who as Principle Chief of the Six Nations Indians. He famously saved the life of war prisoner Capt. John McKinstry, a member of Hudson Lodge No.13 of New York, after McKinstry gave him the Masonic sign of appeal at the hour of danger. They became friends for life and together visited the Masonic Lodge in Hudson, New York. Thayendanegea's portrait still hangs there.
   
   He translated the Gospel of St. Mark into the Mohawk language which was published in 1787. He received his Masonic degrees in either Falcon Lodge or Hiram's Cliftonian Lodge in London in April 1776. He had the distinction of having his Masonic apron given to him from the hand of King George III. He became affiliated with Lodge No. 11 at the Mohawk village at Grand River of which he was the first Master and he later affiliated with Barton Lodge No.10 at Hamilton, Ontario.

Stick around for parts 2 and 3.

Related articles 

• 18 Popular Brands You Didn't Know Were Founded By Freemasons
• 10 Famous Men You Didn't Know Were Freemasons

Related products:

Canadian Freemason Paisley Necktie

Canadian Freemason Necktie V1

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Last week I became the Worshipful Master-elect of Doric Lodge No. 316 in Toronto (Thornhill to be precise). Our lodge, like many Freemasonry lodges all over the world, is being threatened with the prospect of "going dark".

What does to "go dark" means? Most of the time this simply means that the lodge will take a break from regular monthly meetings. This temporary "dark" period traditionally happens during the summer months to allow the members to harvest their crops.

 

Enlightenment (aka regular meetings) resume once more at the beginning of fall. In other words, Masonic lodges "going dark" is a transient occasion for the most part. But in some cases it is permanent. Dwindling membership, lack of interest and active participation, financial issues, etc., etc., contribute to the death of a Masonic lodge. 

There are ways to prevent this permanent lodge closure from happening. One of them is to amalgamate with another lodge that is also experiencing similar issues. This marriage between two Masonic lodges can become complicated and at times downright frustrating because each lodge have their own culture and traditions and not to mention their own line of officers waiting for their turn to sit on that venerated chair in the East. 

We were in talks with amalgamating with Huron-Bruce Lodge No. 611 (Toronto Don Valley district) but unfortunately, that lodge went permanently dark last year. I attended the Extinguishing of Lights Ceremony last December and it was a solemnly sad experience that I will never forget. If things don't turn out well in my term, we will be next to go dark forever.

Besides amalgamation which doesn't always work, how do we prevent Masonic lodges from going dark? Here is a summary of some of the ideas that our learned Brethren from Reddit /r/Freemasonry, Instagram, and Facebook shared with me.

1. Festive Board BEFORE Meeting: A Masonic regular meeting lasts at least a couple of hours or even more special when there's a degree work. Making sure that everyone is well fed before labour is a good way to ensure enjoyment. One lodge swears that doing so doubled the number of people showing up to their meetings!

2. Lodge Website and Social Media: Whether you like it or not social media is here to stay. If you want lodge longevity, the power of social media must be harnessed accordingly. Having an active online presence can attract new members and those looking to affiliate within their area.

3. Social Nights: As the saying goes, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy." Make sure to make time for social events such as ladies night, beer tasting event, axe throwing competition, jam sessions, etc. A happy lodge will live long and prosper.

4. Get Involved in the Community: Donate blood, plant trees, pick up trash, help the elderly with moving heavy stuff, the list goes on. Not only that activities such as these can help attract the right prospects, but it's also good for bolstering the image of Freemasonry.  

5. Know the Ritual Work by Heart: This is a no-brainer but many lodges fall short when it comes to this. A lousy ritual work is boring and will not inspire the candidate nor anyone in the room. Improve your ritual delivery and word will travel about how good your lodge is.

 

The Royal Arch Masonry is the first order a Master Mason joins in the York Rite. The Grand Emblem of Royal Arch Masonry is The Triple Tau.

The Triple Tau symbol is prominent on the design of our Royal Arch Masonry necktie but there are other inspirations from nature that I used in the pattern design such as the honeycomb. Honeycomb with eggs and larvae By Waugsberg (talk · contribs) - Self-photographed, CC BY-SA 3.0,https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2009806

The hexagon is one of the three geometrical figures with equal sides that can fit together on a flat surface without leaving gaps- the other two are the equilateral triangle and the square. The bees instinctively chose this figure perhaps because it's the most stable and most efficient of all shapes.

The Trivium (grammar, logic, and rhetoric) is the lower division of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. The Masonic Trowel is also one of the symbols that you can see in this particular design. 

This black-on-blue edition of Royal Arch Freemasons necktie is the 2nd edition in our Royal Arch Masonry necktie series. The first edition is the red-on-black version below (currently sold-out).

We also had a gold-on-red self-tie bowtie version.

As of today June 29th, 2019, we have a limited number of the blue-on-black version. You may purchase it by clicking this link. If in case that it is already sold-out by the time you read this, please make sure that you subscribe to our newsletter (scroll all the way down and sign up) to receive our future offers. 

Today is the National Flag Day of my country of origin- the Philippines. This nation's flag design has deep Masonic roots. Designed by a zealous Freemason Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo- the first President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Pay attention to the 3 colors (royal blue, crimson red, and gold) and the symbols (white equilateral triangle with the sun in the middle. There are three 5-pointed stars at each vertex of the triangle.

"With God to illumine them, and Masonry to inspire them, they fought the battle of emancipation and won." -Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo (Freemason and 1st President of the Philippines) speaking of the 1896 Filipino revolutionists.

"The Bonifacio Mural" (1964) painted by Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco.

"The successful Revolution of 1896 was masonically inspired, masonically led, and masonically executed. And I venture to say that the first Philippine Republic of which I was its humble president, was an achievement we owe, largely, to Masonry and the Freemasons." - Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, 1st President of the Philippine Republic. 

President Aguinaldo in his 60's with the original flag.

 

Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by signs and symbols. The most visible of these symbols are the Plumb, Level, Square, and Compasses.

Some symbols are enacted- meaning they're not visible at all to those outside of the lodge. One of these enacted symbols- the Chain of Union- have captured my imagination early on but is something I have yet to witness despite my 10yr membership in the fraternity.

The Chain of Union symbolically unites us, psychically, morally, and masonically. I integrated this symbol into the design of the 32º Scottish Rite series of neckties. 

As of this writing, the 3rd in series- the Black Edition is the only one that is available.

Below are the earlier versions of the 32nd Degree FraternalTies Scottish Rite Freemasons necktie series. 

32º Scottish Rite No. 1, Midnight Gold and Black.2014. Product link.

 

32º Scottish Rite No. 1, Midnight Blue and Black. Product link: 

Note: This article was written last year. I was supposed to publish this before Christmas but somehow failed to do that...

"Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray." -Rumi

Some of our eagle-eyed Brothers have noticed that as an artist, I have a tendency to depict the Freemasons S&C in the 2nd Degree / Fellowcraft position.

The reason behind is simple- it's my favourite degree. Like the Rumi quote above, the 2nd Degree teaches us to love the work that we do. As the saying goes, when we love our jobs, it becomes play. When we play, we zone out. In essence, work is the best therapy, recreational drug, and money-making scheme that nature has to offer!

The Fellowcraft Masonic coffee mug features a stylized Square and Compasses designed by yours truly. It is made of common working tools of a modern man. Each symbol that you see here have it's own meaning. I'll discuss a few...

The Compasses are joined by a circumpunct- a perfect circle with a dot in the middle. It was used by the ancient Egyptian philosophers as a symbol for the Above- the Sun, the Deity, or the Divine.

The Square *below* is formed by joining two different kinds of hammers. These are working tools of force which have to be wielded by skilled mortal hands. Take note of the handle of the hammers.

On the other side of the mug is a quote also related to Fellowcraft.

This mug is not available anywhere else. If you see this being sold elsewhere, please let us know. Click here to buy the Fellowcraft mug now.

Wildfires have brought unprecedented death and destruction across the state. The Grand Lodge is aiding and assisting their Brothers, their families, and their communities.

Most Worshipful Stuart A. Wright, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of California, has requested the Masonic Service Association of North America to issue a Disaster Relief Appeal.

 

How can I help?

1. By direct donation:

   Please forward any donations you feel appropriate to help in this stricken jurisdiction to MSA. Please make checks payable to MSA Disaster Relief Fund and send to 3905 National Drive, STE 280, Burtonsville, MD 20866. When remitting by check, please clearly mark that you wish the funds to go to the California Disaster Appeal.

2. By getting this Christmas themed Masonic t-shirt

   100% OF PROCEEDS will be donated to the GL of California through the MSANA.

To get the shirt and help with the cause, please click this link. You may also click the photo of the shirt below. 

 THE GOOSE AND GRIDIRON artwork printed on this t-shirt is an original design by Bro. J. Paul Gomez. He is the designer at www.fraternalties.com and currently serving as the Junior Warden at Doric Lodge No. 316 in Toronto and an honorary member of Harmonie Lodge No. 699 in Buffalo, New York. If you would like to see the sweatshirt mentioned above, please click this link.  

 

This is a busy time of year for us and our carriers, so we can't guarantee that all orders will be delivered by December 21st. But you should still place your orders by these dates for your best chance to get them on time!

 

USA Domestic

 

 

USA International

 

 

Europe International

 

Masonic lodges all over the world are suffering from 2 things: dwindling attendance and lack of new candidates. Many lodges have gone "dark" as a result. My own mother lodge's future is uncertain. 

It is a common understanding that this is so because Freemasonry can be brain-numbingly boring for the most part. The bulk of what we do can be classified as office-work stuff instead of esoteric stuff. The conspiracy theorist will surely be dismayed when he or she finds out that reading of minutes, collection of fees, planning the next fundraiser is how we roll.

A lot of us Freemasons cry for "real" Masonic Education. We want enlightenment. When we go out of the house to form lodge, we hope for a good night of philosophy and camaraderie with the boys- not accounting and bickering. We're humans after all, we want things ideal.

In my journey however, I came to a fuller understanding that those things that bring discomfort are actually the things that instruct. The things that are most important for survival can be boring as hell. They are repetitive and requires a fair amount of thinking. No easy task.

I'm a designer-entrepreneur and a father of 4. Ideally as a designer, I'd like myself to stay creative for the whole day. I would like to spend time designing, drawing, and crafting. I'd like my day to go by like that. But the truth is I also have to deal with customer accounts, emails, spreadsheets, analytics, updates, etc. The entrepreneurial side takes up a lot of time.

As a father of four, I imagine my ideal day with my kids as a peaceful and fun day of just interacting with them. But as many parent of multiples will tell us, this parent will spend most of his or her time with kids as a referee, judge, and jury- and let's not forget the good cop bad cop routine. The little free time must be wisely spent (chores vs Netflix) or else suffer dire consequences. 

Bob Marley once said, "Truth is everybody is going to hurt you: you just gotta find the ones worth suffering for." It echoes the beliefs of Buddha and Jesus. Life is suffering. With that said, go to lodge and enjoy some accounting.

Everyone knows that Freemasonry makes a good man better- but #DidJahKno that it can also unlock your limitless potential? Read on...

The idiomatic expression "Squaring the Circle", a term used as a metaphor for trying to do the impossible, is a mathematical problem proposed by ancient geometers. /G\

It is the challenge of constructing a square with the same area as a given circle by using only a finite number of steps with the aid of the compasses and the straightedge or a square. 

In 1882, the task was proven impossible, as a consequence of the Lindemann-Weierstrass theorem which proves that pi is a transcendental number. 

As result, the expression "Squaring the Circle" is now used as a metaphor for trying to do the impossible. 

According to ancient belief, man arose from the coming together of a soul and a body. The Circle (formed with the aid of the Compasses) is a symbol of the sun or that which is Above (the heavens, the unseen, the spirit, the soul); while the Square represents that which is Below (the body, the building block, the material). As Above, So Below. 

Now that we have this picture, we can arrive at the conclusion that man himself, therefore, is the key to this seemingly impossible problem. The Square and Compasses is the symbol of the unified man. 

Our beloved Masonic emblem shows that great impossible things can be made possible by those who remain true to the ideals of the Gentle Craft. -

The S&C is a visual reminder that our potential is limited only by the bounds of our creativity and imagination. Impossible is merely a state of mind.