There are endless discussions about recognition. Who is and who isn't a "real" Mason. It seems to be the number one topic on "Masonic" blogs, forums and those I like to call hatetanks that exist for pigs to congratulate themselves over how big of assholes they can act. That being said I have done a lot of inward "soul searching" on the subject and I have come to a personal conclusion.
I will "recognize" everyone as an individual. I will judge according to what they portray themselves to be. For an example, one loud mouth "multi generational Freemason" and "Past Master" has shown himself to be nothing more than a prime example of human filth. Another, nothing more than a judgemental asshole with a limited scope of understanding and a total lack of perception. More than one a unemployed Redneck who gossips more than a mayor's wife. That is what they are, and from now on I will recognize them as such.
The good, the just, the generous and the kind I will also recognize as such. Those who act Masonicly will be recognized by me as Masons and they will be treated as my Brothers.
To be a Mason is to act as a Mason. I don't believe a man is judged by the car he drive, or the neighborhood he lives in. It would be just as foolish to judge based on the dues card in the wallet.
I have solved the problem. At least for myself anyway. I am letting go of the anger and the hurt and I am now allowing myself to recognize these people what they are or at least appear to be.
Case closed for me, now I feel better.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
American Freemasonry and it's Odd Cousin
I was blasted a bit earlier for not being "original" in my opening blog. Suffice it to say that I am a "people pleaser" so here goes.
When looking at the Atient mainstream system as practiced in the United States, we have a few absolutes. Freemasonry, in this system is divided into a series of bodies. I am sure most of you already know this and there are books and blogs as well as plenty of other materials that can explain this to you, should you be new to the subject. All of those books are better written than what I would do so it is better to leave that course to the chef's. Me, I am the "Rachel Ray" of Masonic blogging. I just through together what is running around in my head and I hope that someone finds reason to read it on the other side.
With the International Order Of Oddfellows (another fraternal organization with it's roots in 18th century England) one can spot the very strong resemblance to mainstream Masonry. In fact, they can be two different arms on the same body.
In Mainstream Masonry we have three core degrees in what is called the "blue lodge." The core foundation.
The Entered Apprentice
The Fellowcraft
The Master Mason
In Oddfellowship, there is a four degree system.
Initiatory
Friendship
Love
Truth
In mainstream Freemasonry you have two accepted appendent bodies that confer degrees. The York Rite ( consisting of the Holy Royal Arch, Cryptic Council and The Commandery) and the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite. A Mason must be a Master Mason in order to be a member of an appendent body.
In Oddfellowship you have the Encampment. An Oddfellow must have attained the fourth degree to be in an encampment. The Encampment offers three additional degrees.
Patriarchal
Golden Rule
Royal Purple
In the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry there is one honorary degree, the 33rd.
In an Oddfellow Encampment there is one honorary degree.
Grand Decoration of Chivalry
The symbolism of both organizations is largely shared. Skull and crossbones, all seeing eye, scythe, scales, hourglass, coffin, and more. Many other Masonic symbols are also used, such as the all-seeing eye, the three links, and so forth. One can argue that the rituals of Freemasonry is rooted in Deism, but the Oddfellows actually promote this. In both systems a belief in a "Supreme Being" is required.
In most of the United States there are largely considered two main branches of "regular" Freemasonry. The state Grand Lodge system Prince Hall Grand Lodge system. The Prince Hall system is comprised of majority African American and the Grand Lodge system is not. Prince hall is not recognized by every USA Grand Lodge.
In Oddfellowship the same system is in place. The Independent Order Of Oddfellows and the and the Grand United Order Of Oddfellows. In Oddfellowship both organizations practice nationwide mutual recognition.
In Freemasonry, the ladies auxiliary is called the Order Of The Eastern Star. They are mainly a female group but a Master Mason is required in attendance at Eastern Star lodge meetings and functions.
In Oddfellowship they have the Rebekahs. The same rules apply. There is also a chivalry inspired higher degree system for women called the Ladies Militant.
Both groups have various youth groups and side branches that deal in charity, social functions etc. Both groups also have a sort of built in "social security" for senior members. The Freemason version is called the Masonic Homes. In Oddfellowship they are called Fellowship Homes.
Both groups have cemeteries and funeral rites. Both offer educational scholarships for youth.
The "Three Pillars" in other words the foundation of Freemasonry are:
Brotherly Love
Relief
Truth
Oddfellows follows the same path:
Friendship
Love
Truth
It would seem that they are pretty much the same. IMHO the main difference is that the Masonic Square and Compass looks better than the Oddfellows tri colored chain and it sounds a lot better to be a Master Mason than a Truth.
BC 2006
When looking at the Atient mainstream system as practiced in the United States, we have a few absolutes. Freemasonry, in this system is divided into a series of bodies. I am sure most of you already know this and there are books and blogs as well as plenty of other materials that can explain this to you, should you be new to the subject. All of those books are better written than what I would do so it is better to leave that course to the chef's. Me, I am the "Rachel Ray" of Masonic blogging. I just through together what is running around in my head and I hope that someone finds reason to read it on the other side.
With the International Order Of Oddfellows (another fraternal organization with it's roots in 18th century England) one can spot the very strong resemblance to mainstream Masonry. In fact, they can be two different arms on the same body.
In Mainstream Masonry we have three core degrees in what is called the "blue lodge." The core foundation.
The Entered Apprentice
The Fellowcraft
The Master Mason
In Oddfellowship, there is a four degree system.
Initiatory
Friendship
Love
Truth
In mainstream Freemasonry you have two accepted appendent bodies that confer degrees. The York Rite ( consisting of the Holy Royal Arch, Cryptic Council and The Commandery) and the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite. A Mason must be a Master Mason in order to be a member of an appendent body.
In Oddfellowship you have the Encampment. An Oddfellow must have attained the fourth degree to be in an encampment. The Encampment offers three additional degrees.
Patriarchal
Golden Rule
Royal Purple
In the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry there is one honorary degree, the 33rd.
In an Oddfellow Encampment there is one honorary degree.
Grand Decoration of Chivalry
The symbolism of both organizations is largely shared. Skull and crossbones, all seeing eye, scythe, scales, hourglass, coffin, and more. Many other Masonic symbols are also used, such as the all-seeing eye, the three links, and so forth. One can argue that the rituals of Freemasonry is rooted in Deism, but the Oddfellows actually promote this. In both systems a belief in a "Supreme Being" is required.
In most of the United States there are largely considered two main branches of "regular" Freemasonry. The state Grand Lodge system Prince Hall Grand Lodge system. The Prince Hall system is comprised of majority African American and the Grand Lodge system is not. Prince hall is not recognized by every USA Grand Lodge.
In Oddfellowship the same system is in place. The Independent Order Of Oddfellows and the and the Grand United Order Of Oddfellows. In Oddfellowship both organizations practice nationwide mutual recognition.
In Freemasonry, the ladies auxiliary is called the Order Of The Eastern Star. They are mainly a female group but a Master Mason is required in attendance at Eastern Star lodge meetings and functions.
In Oddfellowship they have the Rebekahs. The same rules apply. There is also a chivalry inspired higher degree system for women called the Ladies Militant.
Both groups have various youth groups and side branches that deal in charity, social functions etc. Both groups also have a sort of built in "social security" for senior members. The Freemason version is called the Masonic Homes. In Oddfellowship they are called Fellowship Homes.
Both groups have cemeteries and funeral rites. Both offer educational scholarships for youth.
The "Three Pillars" in other words the foundation of Freemasonry are:
Brotherly Love
Relief
Truth
Oddfellows follows the same path:
Friendship
Love
Truth
It would seem that they are pretty much the same. IMHO the main difference is that the Masonic Square and Compass looks better than the Oddfellows tri colored chain and it sounds a lot better to be a Master Mason than a Truth.
BC 2006
Monday, November 26, 2007
Grand Orient Of The United States
What a glourious day this has been.
The Grand Orient of the United States of America is a continuation of the Masonic traditions begun by brothers such as Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis De Lafayette. Our lineage can be traced back through the Grand Orient of France to the original speculative Grand Lodge of London that was established in 1717. These traditions and ideas are at the very core of Enlightenment thinking that eventually resulted in the freedoms enjoyed by every American today.We hold true to these beliefs:* That all human beings are endowed with certain inalienable rights* That peace and harmony among human beings is only possible where there exists a separation between church and state* That absolute freedom of conscience is an essential element in the pursuit of happiness among all peoples* That all human beings are created equal and that equality is fundamental to democracy and freedomWhat is today the Grand Orient of the United States of America began on December 27th, 2005; several lodges declared their independence from the 'Antient' Masonic system and formed a confederation of sovereign lodges under the banner of United Grand Lodge of America. In so doing, they sought to restore Modern Free-Masonry to the American continent and return to the traditional Enlightenment and cosmopolitan ideals expressed in the original Craft. This event allowed the original streams of Masonic thought still existing in Europe to once again flow freely into lodges in America.In November of 2007, several more lodges declared their independence from the 'Antient' Masonic system and the Council of the Order was convened to formalize our relationship with our brethren in France and throughout Europe. The Council voted unanimously to change the name of the United Grand Lodge of America to the Grand Orient of the United States of America to better and more precisely identify it with the existing currents of Modern Free-Masonry throughout the world.The Grand Orient of the United States of America is a masculine Masonic obedience that works together with the mixed-gender obedience lodges operating under George Washington Union throughout the United States. Together, these two systems represent the most liberal and progressive form of Freemasonry in America, which is open to all people regardless of race, creed, or sex.Our aim is the brotherhood of all humanity through a universal chain of union extending around the globe. If you are already with us in spirit then you are welcome to join with us in Masonic lodges throughout the world.
The Grand Orient of the United States of America is a continuation of the Masonic traditions begun by brothers such as Benjamin Franklin and the Marquis De Lafayette. Our lineage can be traced back through the Grand Orient of France to the original speculative Grand Lodge of London that was established in 1717. These traditions and ideas are at the very core of Enlightenment thinking that eventually resulted in the freedoms enjoyed by every American today.We hold true to these beliefs:* That all human beings are endowed with certain inalienable rights* That peace and harmony among human beings is only possible where there exists a separation between church and state* That absolute freedom of conscience is an essential element in the pursuit of happiness among all peoples* That all human beings are created equal and that equality is fundamental to democracy and freedomWhat is today the Grand Orient of the United States of America began on December 27th, 2005; several lodges declared their independence from the 'Antient' Masonic system and formed a confederation of sovereign lodges under the banner of United Grand Lodge of America. In so doing, they sought to restore Modern Free-Masonry to the American continent and return to the traditional Enlightenment and cosmopolitan ideals expressed in the original Craft. This event allowed the original streams of Masonic thought still existing in Europe to once again flow freely into lodges in America.In November of 2007, several more lodges declared their independence from the 'Antient' Masonic system and the Council of the Order was convened to formalize our relationship with our brethren in France and throughout Europe. The Council voted unanimously to change the name of the United Grand Lodge of America to the Grand Orient of the United States of America to better and more precisely identify it with the existing currents of Modern Free-Masonry throughout the world.The Grand Orient of the United States of America is a masculine Masonic obedience that works together with the mixed-gender obedience lodges operating under George Washington Union throughout the United States. Together, these two systems represent the most liberal and progressive form of Freemasonry in America, which is open to all people regardless of race, creed, or sex.Our aim is the brotherhood of all humanity through a universal chain of union extending around the globe. If you are already with us in spirit then you are welcome to join with us in Masonic lodges throughout the world.
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