Way of the Hermit
Dr. David Brown & Gene Lawson
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Way of the Hermit discusses the Western Esoteric Tradition of Freemasonry, mysticism, Hermetic lore and more. E-mail: info@wayofthehermit.com.
Available episodes
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May 15, 2022
13th Degree: Royal Arch of Solomon
In this episode, we discuss the 13th Degree - “Royal Arch of Solomon” as we continue our exploration of "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
Diagrams:
* "A Brother, Lowered Into a Subterranean Vault" (Engraving)
Overview
* Introduction (01:14)
* Mythological Setting (01:49)
* Morals and Dogma (06:08)
* The Ineffable Name of God (06:52)
* Symbolism and the Name of God (10:50)
* Hebrew Monotheism (13:25)
* Masonry Includes the Communication of Esoteric Knowledge (15:26)
* Solomon’s Temple Represented the Universe (17:50)
* The Lodge Represents the Universe (20:53)
* Preserving Liberty (23:02)
* The Religion of Toil, Life and Society (25:00)
* On the Religious Nature of Masonry (26:51)
* On the Law of Retribution (28:03)
* Symbols of the Degree (30:07)
* The Philosopher's Stone (31:24)
* Finding the Stone (32:36)
* Childhood & The Flood (34:44)
* The Perfect Ashlar (35:48)
Links:
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon)
* The Secrets of Enoch in the Masonic Tradition (Arturo De Hoyos)
* Tao (Wikipedia)
* Om (aka Aum - Wikipedia)
* Isaac Ben Solomon Luria (Encyclopedia.com)
* Primary texts of Kabbalah (Wikipedia.com)
* The Eight Gates of the Arizal (Safed.co.il)
* Jewish meditation (Wikipedia)
* Madonna - Isaac (YouTube)
* Chamber of Reflection (Wikipedia)
* V.I.T.R.I.O.L. (SymbolDictionary.net)
* Emerald Tablet (Wikipedia)
* The Gemstone Agate (Minerals.net)
* The Life and Teachings of the Ari (Kabbalah.com)
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May 1, 2022
12th Degree: Master Architect
In this episode, we discuss the 12th Degree - “Master Architect” as we continue our exploration of "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
Diagrams:
* Jewel of 12th Degree
* Ancient Samaritan Letters
Overview
* Introduction (01:14)
* Mythological Setting (01:46)
* Morals & Dogma (03:10)
* The Plight of Humanity (05:40)
* The Arch of Mystery (07:23)
* A Greater Life Beyond (08:38)
* Life is What We Make It (10:38)
* The Lures of Temptation (12:17)
* God Exists, and Cares for Us (15:33)
* Religious Faith is Indispensable to Masonry (21:52)
* Necessity of Society (23:26)
* Virtue Garners an Incomparable Treasure (24:40)
* Sensitivity of the Soul (25:24)
* Cognition Unlocks the Treasures of the Universe (27:05)
* Seal of Solomon (28:54)
* Five Columns and Orders of Architecture (29:54)
* Rule of Benedict (30:45)
* Astronomical Symbolism (31:55)
* Tools of the Master Architect (33:42)
* The Jewel of the Degree (34:34)
Links:
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon)
* Hebrew4Christians.com
* Core Values: Benedictine Spirituality (Part 1 of 3)
* The Rule of Saint Benedict and the Origin of Masonic Ritual (Amazon)
* Rule of Saint Benedict (Wikipedia)
* Compass (Wikipedia)
* Sector (Wikipedia)
* Slide Rule (Wikipedia)
* Scale Ruler (Wikipedia)
* Parallel Rulers (Wikipedia)
* Polaris (Wikipedia)
* Ursa Major (Wikipedia)
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Apr 17, 2022
11th Degree: Elu of the Twelve (or Prince Ameth)
In this episode, we discuss the 11th Degree - “Elu of the Twelve” as we continue our exploration of "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
Diagrams:
* Tree of Sin (WayOfTheHermit)
Overview
* Introduction (01:13)
* Mythological Setting (01:42)
* Morals & Dogma (03:27)
* Sympathy for Suffering Humanity (04:39)
* The Subjugation of Avarice, Ambition and Sensuality (06:14)
* Disparity of the Social Classes (08:17)
* Masonry, A Champion of the People (09:33)
* Life is a School (11:41)
* Death is the Great Teacher (15:46)
* What Remains to be Done in Masonry (18:42)
* Masonry has Yet Much to Accomplish (21:51)
* Conclusions (25:08)
* The Golem (26:41)
* Vicere Aut Mori (29:00)
Links:
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon)
* Discourses On Human Nature, Human Life, And The Nature Of Religion (Amazon)
* Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley (PoetryFoundation.org)
* Perfect Blue Buildings - Lyrics (CountingCrows.com)
* Egyptian Book of the Dead - 42 Negative Confessions (HouseOfTruth.education)
* The Path of Freemasonry with Mark Stavish (RightWhereYouAreSittingNow podcast)
* Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
* The Path of Freemasonry: The Craft as a Spiritual Practice (Amazon)
* Golem (Wikipedia)
* The Hebrew Alphabet - Aleph (MysticalBreath.com)
* Spiritually Dead (Bible.Knowing-Jesus.com)
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Apr 3, 2022
10th Degree: Elu of the Fifteen
In this episode, we discuss the 10th Degree - “Elu of the Fifteen” as we continue our exploration of "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
Diagrams:
* Elu of the Fifteen (engraving by Pierre Mejanel)
* Tree of Sin (WayOfTheHermit)
Overview
* Introduction (01:14)
* Mythological Setting (01:40)
* Morals & Dogma (02:59)
* Respect of Private Religious Beliefs (03:30)
* Freemasonry Preserves Faith, But is Not a Religion (05:03)
* The Moral and the Good (07:47)
* The Dangers of Intolerance (9:51)
* Most Receive Religion At Birth, Not By Choice (11:35)
* What is Truth? (14:38)
* Freedom of Religion (16:34)
* Moral Precepts - Summary (18:03)
* Education and Moral Improvement (20:03)
* Charity is a Mason’s Duty (21:15)
* The Rewards of Persistent and Steady Labor (22:23)
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor and Guide (23:15)
* Conclusions (24:49)
Links:
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon)
* Persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire (Wikipedia)
* Inquisition (History.com)
* Martyr (Wikipedia)
* Amsterdam Torture Museum
* Reformation (Wikipedia)
* Martin Luther (Wikipedia)
* Salem Witch Trials (History.com)
* Seven Deadly Sins (Wikipedia)
* Monty Python Spanish Inquisition Part 1 (YouTube)
* Zoroastrianism (History.com)
* Hávamál (Wikipedia)
* The Meaning of Namaste (Yoga Journal)
* Atman & Brahman (World-Religion-Professor)
* You Cain’t Whup a Bear (Ed Francisco - AppalachiaBare.com)
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Mar 20, 2022
9th Degree: Elu of the Nine
In this episode, we discuss the 9th Degree - "Elu of the Nine" from "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
*Diagrams*:
* Elu of the Nine (Engraving by Pierre Mejanel - ca. 1887)
*Overview*:
* Introduction (01:14)
* Mythological Setting (02: 12)
* Freemasonry is Experimental and Practical (04:13)
* The Spirit is Willing, But the Flesh is Weak (06:17)
* Duty is With Us Always (09:12)
* A True Citizen, The Apostle of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity (10:43)
* Liberty (13:51)
* Power is Delegated for Good (15:40)
* Masonry Inspires Patriotism (17:46)
* Service is an Honor (19:04)
* Ritual - Monitor and Guide (21:30)
* A Bridge to Light (22:36)
* Free Barabas! (23:24)
* Go Into Your Cave (24:35)
* Shadow Work (29:06)
* Conclusions (29:56)
*Links*:
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon)
* Carl Jung - Archetypes - The Shadow (Carl-Jung.net)
* Carl Jung and the Shadow: a Guide to the Dark Side of the Mind (ArtsOfThought.com)
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Mar 6, 2022
8th Degree: Intendant of the Building
In this episode, we discuss the 8th Degree - "Intendant of the Building" from "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
Diagrams:
* Emblems of God (names of God on Tree of Life)
* Letters on the Triangle (engraving by Pierre Mejanel)
Overview
* Introduction (01:15)
* Mythological Setting (02:13)
* Morals and Dogma (04:08)
* Emblems of the Degree (10:47)
* Signs of the Degree (12:27)
* Masonry Preserves Faith (14:08)
* Hoc Opus, Hic Labor Est (15:45)
* Masonry Does Not Dogmatize (19:34)
* Mankind Has Both Duty and Destiny to Fulfill on Earth (20:36)
* Life is a Divine Blessing (23:45)
* The Virtue of Contentment (24:44)
* Enjoy the Blessings of the Day (27:49)
* Principles Require Practice (29:24)
* Conclusions (30:45)
Links:
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon)
* The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, Volume 1 (Amazon)
* The Creed of Christendom by William Rathbone Greg (Amazon)
* Discourses on Various Subjects by Orville Dewey (Amazon)
* Discourses on the Nature of Religion; And on Commerce and Business by Orville Dewey (Amazon)
* Intendant (Wikipedia)
* Oc opus, hic labor est (SubSubLibrarian)
* Avernus (Entrance to the Underworld - Wikipedia)
* Use of the terms "Dīs" and "Orcus" in the Aeneid (StackExchange)
* Stoics and Moral Philosophy - The 8 Principles of Stoicism (ThoughtCo)
* Decoding The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle (YouTube)
* Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up (YouTube)
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Feb 20, 2022
7th Degree: Provost and Judge
In this episode, we discuss the 7th Degree - "Provost and Judge" from "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
Diagrams:
* The Most Illustrious Delivers a key symbolic of the Masonic mysteries (Engraving by Pierre Mejanel, ca. 1887)
Overview
* Introduction (01:14)
* Mythological Setting (01:49)
* Morals and Dogma (05:39)
* Wrong and Injustice (08:30)
* Repentance and Restitution (11:12)
* Cause and Effect (11:59)
* Judge Righteous Judgment (13:35)
* Judge Only When Duty Mandates (17:17)
* Charity and Loving Kindness (18:51)
* Divine Judgment (20:19)
* Can You Escape Justice? (21:25)
* The All-Seeing Eye (22:05)
* What's in the Box? (23:22)
* The Gold Key (24:51)
* Final Thoughts (26:07)
Links:
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon)
* The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, Volume 1 (Amazon)
* The Creed of Christendom by William Rathbone Greg (Amazon)
* Discourses on Various Subjects by Orville Dewey (Amazon)
* Discourses on the Nature of Religion; And on Commerce and Business by Orville Dewey (Amazon)
* The Story of Elijah and Rabbi Joshua ben Levi (Wikipedia)
* Collective Unconscious (Wikipedia)
* Astral Light (Wikipedia - Levi’s Theory of Magic)
* Akashic records (Wikipedia)
* Edgar Cayce (Wikipedia)
* Eye of Providence (Wikipedia)
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Feb 6, 2022
6th Degree: Intimate Secretary
In this episode, we discuss the 6th Degree - "Intimate Secretary" from "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
For the remaining degrees, we are supplementing the "Morals and Dogma" material with selections from the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide and A Bridge to Light.
*Diagrams:*
* A Brother Discovers Hiram of Tyre in a Heated Conversation with Solomon (engraving by Pierre Mejanel, ca. 1887)
*Overview*
* Introduction (01:14)
* Mythological Setting of the Degree (01:52)
* Morals and Dogma (04:50)
* Be Zealous and Faithful (05:56)
* We are Not Born for Ourselves Alone (06:42)
* The True Mason is Disinterested and Generous (09:57)
* The True Mason is a Peacemaker (10:45)
* Scottish Rite Ritual - Monitor and Guide (13:57)
* A Bridge to Light (14:20)
* Why Act the Peacemaker? (15:29)
* The First Awakening (16:43)
* Cultivating Peace Within Ourselves (18:48)
* The Power of Imagination (19:57)
* Take Me to the Pilot (21:58)
*Links:*
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon)
* How to Calm the Voice Inside | Eckhart Tolle Teachings (YouTube)
* A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose (Amazon)
* Oprah & Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth (Chapter 1 of 10 on Podcast App)
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Jan 23, 2022
5th Degree: Perfect Master
In this episode, we discuss the 5th Degree - "Perfect Master" from "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
For the remaining degrees, we are supplementing the "Morals and Dogma" material with selections from the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide and A Bridge to Light.
*Diagrams:*
* Lodge of the Perfect Master (Book of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry - 1867)
*Overview*
* Introduction (01:14)
* Morals & Dogma (04:25)
* Stay Busy (05:09)
* Where is your mind? (06:55)
* Level, Plumb and Square (09:16)
* Contemplating Death (11:24)
* You Are Going to Die (14:22)
* A Few Good Men (17:46)
* Becoming Immortal (18:49)
* Fear Not a Good Death (21:49)
* Better Than Yesterday (22:24)
*Links:*
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon)
* Steve Jobs Speech (YouTube)
* John Dies at the End (Wikipedia)
* Revenant (Wikipedia)
* How to conduct a Masonic Funeral (PhoenixMasonry)
* Aghori (Wikipedia)
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Jan 9, 2022
4th Degree: Secret Master
In this episode, we discuss the 4th Degree - "Secret Master" from "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
For the remaining degrees, we are supplementing the "Morals and Dogma" material with selections from the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide and A Bridge to Light.
*Overview:*
* Introduction (01:15)
* Scottish Rite Degree System (04:41)
* Morals and Dogma - Chapter (08:12)
* Craft Degrees - An Introduction to Masonic Philosophy
* The True Mason is Active
* Knowledge and Wisdom Ennoble the Soul
* Wisdom is Better Than Strength
* Duty is the Object of Masonry
* Breast to Breast
* Obedience to the Law
* Be True and Faithful
* Scottish Rite Ritual - Monitor and Guide (23:29)
* A Bridge To Light (25:14)
* Concluding Remarks (28:09)
*Links:*
* Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (Amazon.com)
* A Bridge to Light (Amazon.com)
* The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry (PDF)
* What's the Difference Between a Monitor and a Ritual Book?
* Harpocrates (Wikipedia)
* Excalibur (1981 John Boorman film)
* Excalibur (script PDF)
* Philip K. Dick (Wikipedia)
* Meditations on the Tarot (Amazon.com)
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Dec 28, 2021
3rd Degree: Master Mason
In this episode, we discuss the 3rd Degree - "Master Mason" from "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
Diagrams:
* Master Mason Tracing Board
* Closeup of Tracing Board Epitaph Reversed
* Masonic Cipher Key
* Hebrew Alphabet Chart
Overview
* Introduction (1:13)
* Symbols (3:48)
* Religious Expression
* God is a Symbol
* Nature as Teacher
* Popular Culture & Politics (7:11)
* Pop Culture
* Revenge
* Politics
* Pike the Pessimist?
* Philosophical Problems (13:00)
* 47th Problem of Euclid
* Squaring the C…
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Dec 7, 2021
2nd Degree: Fellowcraft
In this episode, we discuss the 2nd Degree - "Fellowcraft" from "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
The Tracing Board for the degree is available here:
* Fellowcraft Tracing Board
*Overview*
* Introduction (01:13)
* The Nature of Symbolism (03:39)
* The Rough and Smooth Ashlars - Revisted (06:06)
* Supplemental Reading (07:12)
* The Fellowcraft Tracing Board (09:01)
* The Archives of the Lodge (10:53)
* Number Symbolism (13:18)
* Conclusions (25:10)
*Related Links*
* Arturo de Hoyos Interview on Audio Version of…
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Nov 21, 2021
1st Degree: Entered Apprentice
In this episode, we discuss the 1st Degree - "Entered Apprentice" from "Morals & Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
The Tracing Board for the degree is available here:
* Entered Apprentice Tracing Board
*Overview*
* Moral Lessons
* Masonry is not a substitute for religion (p. 77)
* The Masonic Decalogue (p. 89)
* The Four Cardinal Virtues - Temperance, Fortitude, Prudence, Justice (p. 92)
* Symbols of the Degree
* Gavel and Ruler
* The Point Within a Circle
* The Ladder of 7 Rungs - Jacob’s Ladder
* Symbols of the Lodge…
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Oct 31, 2021
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry
Our first season discusses the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry as described in Albert Pike's "Morals and Dogma: The Annotated Edition". Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
The "Annotated Edition" that we are using in this series contains annotations by Arturo de Hoyos, Grand Historian and Grand Archivist of the Scottish Rite. It is highly recommended that you read the chapter in order to fully follow our discussion. "Morals and Dogma" is available from these sites:
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition (to purchase)
* Morals and Dogma (free but unannotated online PDF)
* Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma (Audible audiobook for purchase)
"Morals and Dogma" is composed of lectures intended to accompany the 32 degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. This episode provides an introduction to the Blue Lodge of Freemasonry, the Scottish Rite and the author of "Morals and Dog…
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