Way of the Hermit Dr. David Brown & Gene Lawson

In this first episode of the second season of the “Way of the Hermit” podcast we are “tying up loose ends” left over from last season. In this first part of our two-part season opener, we are looking at the book “A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program.”

The Way of the Hermit Podcast: https://www.wayofthehermit.com

In "A Path to Providence", authors Shaun Bradshaw and Ben Wallace address the problems within modern Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite, offering solutions to revive the esoteric core of the craft. The book tells the story of the founding of the first "Traditional Observance" Lodge in North Carolina and the creation of an esoteric Masonic study program called "The Middle Chamber". It explains how the deeper meanings behind Masonic symbols were lost or forgotten in the post-World War II era, when membership swelled but understanding of the esoteric side diluted. Freemasonry today still largely reflects this era, with a focus on charities and business meetings rather than the profound truths of the ritual. Seekers of Masonic enlightenment often feel they are in the wrong place and drift away from the fraternity.

Traditional Observance Masonry, a movement that began in the 1990s, aims to revive traditional Masonic practices, rituals, and symbolism to provide a more contemplative experience focused on esoteric and allegorical meanings. Andrew Hammer's book "Observing the Craft" is considered a manifesto of the movement, emphasizing the importance of taking time to observe and understand the wisdom within the symbols. In 2013, Sophia Lodge No. 767 was created as the first Traditional Observance Lodge in North Carolina, openly dedicated to the pursuit of esoteric knowledge. The book "A Path to Providence" shows how Brothers Bradshaw and Wallace addressed the problems of Freemasonry from the inside, making it official and sustainable through years of concerted effort. It also lays out a program of study that fills in much of the esoteric knowledge that is lacking in modern Masonic education. And they make a case that the time is ripe for a Masonic esoteric renaissance.

Chapters:
01:15 Introduction05:49 A Path To Providence08:50 Your Grandfather’s Freemasonry11:07 The Esoteric Closet15:21 Traditional Observance17:45 Sophia Lodge20:59 The Middle Chamber Program24:49 The Inner Chamber Experience27:59 The Key to the Mysteries30:12 Summary & Outreach32:08 ConclusionsResources:
Observing the Craft by Andrew HammerThe Way of the Craftsman by Kirk McNultyContemplative Masonry by Chuck DunningThe Meaning of Masonry by Walter WilmshurstFree Masonry: It's Hidden Meaning by George SteinmetzThe Initiatic Experience by Rob HerdThe Rough and Rugged Road by Tony HornsbyIn Search of Light by Bob Davis

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.

In the podcast, the evolution of the Square and Compass, the primary symbol of the "Blue Lodge," is examined after the hosts' journey through the Scottish Rite degrees. It is now seen as a more profound representation, with the Compass over the Square symbolizing Spirit ruling over the material, and the 'G' inside representing the "Grand Architect of the Universe." The discussion also covers the double-headed eagle, the emblem of the Scottish Rite, which symbolizes the unity of human and divine nature and the concept of equilibrium.

The hosts delve into the essential textbooks for the Scottish Rite, including "Morals and Dogma: The Annotated Edition," "Scottish Rite Ritual - Monitor and Guide," and "A Bridge to Light," emphasizing their importance for understanding the degrees. They revisit the origins of the Scottish Rite degrees, focusing on Albert Pike's revisions and his complex legacy, which includes both his contributions to Freemasonry and his controversial personal beliefs. The esoteric aspects of the Scottish Rite are explored, drawing parallels with psychological concepts from various traditions and emphasizing the introspective nature of the degrees.

The podcast concludes with reflections on the meaning of holding a Scottish Rite degree, the importance of personal study and understanding, and the distinction between merely holding a degree and truly embodying its teachings.

The series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):
Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated EditionScottish Rite Ritual Monitor & GuideA Bridge to LightImages:
The Double-Headed EagleYoung Albert PikeOld Albert PikeOverview:
01:14 Introduction02:16 Square and Compass03:04 Double-Headed Eagle04:14 Textbooks06:18 Origins of the Degrees09:56 Albert Pike15:35 Esoteric Psychology21:14 The Meaning of the Degrees27:06 ConclusionsLinks:
Albert Pike (Wikipedia)Prince Hall Freemasonry (Wikipedia)Prince Hall (Wikipedia)Albert Pike Memorial (Wikipedia)House of the Temple (Wikipedia)Sigmund Freud (Wikipedia)Carl Jung (Wikipedia)Sigmund Freud and the Jewish Mystical Tradition (Amazon)The hidden Chasidic roots of Sigmund Freud (TheJC.com)Gnosis, Gnosticism and Jungian Psychology (Gnosis.org)The Gnostic Jung and the Seven Sermons to the Dead (Amazon)The Search for Roots: C. G. Jung and the Tradition of Gnosis (Amazon)The Birth of Tragedy (Wikipedia)

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.

In this episode, the intricate details of the Degree Ritual and its profound symbolism are explored, shedding light on the culmination of Masonic teachings. The ritual, set against the backdrop of the Vernal Equinox, serves as a symbolic journey through the Scottish Rite degrees, leading to the understanding of the Royal Secret and the Holy Doctrine.

The Encampment, a central symbol of the Degree, is meticulously described, revealing its nested geometric figures that represent the journey of enlightenment from the outer Nonagon to the inner Circle. This journey through the Encampment, from the broad understanding of Masonic philosophy to the individual realization of profound truths, is emphasized as a path to achieving equilibrium between the divine and the human.

The discussion delves deeper into the symbolism of Freemasonry, focusing on the Temple, Light, and the sacred names of God. The vows taken during the Ritual underscore the commitment to fight against despotism and to pursue enlightenment. The significance of the Vernal Equinox, representing the triumph of light over darkness, is highlighted as a metaphor for the renewal of life and the spirit's victory over matter.

The concept of the Logos, or the Divine Word, is explored as a symbol of divine ratification and the transmission of light from initiate to initiate. The metaphorical construction of the "Third Temple" within oneself is presented as the ultimate goal, symbolizing a new conception of divinity brought to life through the individual's journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

The series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):
Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated EditionScottish Rite Ritual Monitor & GuideA Bridge to LightImages:
32nd Degree Regalia32nd Degree - Encampment DiagramThe Hermaphrodite by Heinrich KhunrathOverview:
01:14 Introduction02:02 Ritual Setting05:38 Degree Ritual07:28 The Encampment12:33 Degree Symbols16:01 Morals and Dogma17:46 White Light19:57 Rainbow Bridge22:46 Compass and Square25:10 Spirit Over Matter27:12 The Logos28:52 Third Temple33:10 The Sacred Word34:55 ConclusionsLinks:
Solomon’s Temple (Wikipedia)Tetragrammaton (Wikipedia)Second Temple (Wikipedia)INRI (Wikipedia)New Jerusalem (Wikipedia)Om (Wikipedia)Monochord (Wikipedia)Cymatics: Chladni Plate - Sound, Vibration and Sand (YouTube)

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
In the heart of the episode, the mythological setting of the Egyptian "Hall of Judgment" from the Book of the Dead is explored, serving as the backdrop for the degree ritual. This setting is not just a mere stage but a profound allegory for the final judgment, a theme resonant across many world religions but here, uniquely intertwined with ancient Egyptian mythology.

The ritual itself, focusing on the "Weighing of the Heart," is a dramatization that uses symbolism to probe the depths of one's character and actions through a series of questions posed at four altars, each representing different aspects of the participant's life. This process is not merely a ritualistic formality but a deep introspective journey, encouraging participants to reflect on their actions, intentions, and motivations, ultimately leading to a judgment of their worthiness to dwell in the everlasting light.

The episode further delves into the philosophical underpinnings of justice as discussed in the degree's lecture, drawing from Theodore Parker's "Ten Sermons of Religion." It challenges the listener to consider the source of our sense of justice, suggesting it comes not from observing nature but from an innate moral faculty or conscience. This distinction between ideal and practical justice is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of striving towards an ideal while being grounded in the realities of the world.

The discussion on the Tetractys and its symbolic significance in relation to the degree adds another layer of depth, connecting the dots between the principles of the natural world, cosmic harmony, and the ascent to the divine. Through these discussions, the episode not only sheds light on the rituals and symbols of the degree but also invites listeners on a journey of self-examination and spiritual enlightenment.

The series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):
Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated EditionScottish Rite Ritual Monitor & GuideA Bridge to LightImages:
31st Degree RegaliaWeighing the HeartGates of the Duat - 5th HourOverview:
01:14 Introduction02:06 Mythological Setting03:27 Degree Ritual13:46 Morals and Dogma13:57 God’s Justice15:36 Human Justice17:06 Ideal Justice19:22 Tetractys21:37 The Underworld24:47 Hall of Truth26:24 The Inquisition28:13 Negative Confessions31:39 Winged Sun Disk32:45 King of the Two Lands36:04 ConclusionsLinks:
Ten Sermons of Religion (Amazon)Book of the Dead (Wikipedia)Ennead (Wikipedia)Maat (Wikipedia)Negative Confessions (Wikipedia)Papyrus of Ani (Wikipedia)Christ’s Harrowing of Hell (Wikipedia)Winged Sun (Wikipedia)Tetractys (Wikipedia)

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
In the episode, the historical context of the Knights Templar's fall and the execution of their Grandmaster, Jacques de Molay, is examined, revealing the financial might that led to their downfall by King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V. The degree ritual is described as a symbolic journey through four apartments representing Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, where initiates confront death, undergo purification, face judgment, and ultimately ascend. The purpose of the degree is to shed light on the historical persecution of the Templars and draw parallels with Anti-Masonic movements, suggesting a vision for enlightened leadership and a "New World Order" free from corruption.
The discussion then delves into the Templars' aspirations to rebuild the Temple of Solomon and reclaim the Papacy for the East, with the "Ladder of Kadosh" serving as a metaphor for the initiatic journey of moral and philosophical growth. The "Templar Treasure" is speculated to be not a physical artifact but the realization of inner spiritual enlightenment. The symbolism of the Templars' demise and the destruction of physical temples points to a spiritual rebirth and the construction of an inner temple.
The episode concludes with the idea that the initiates themselves are the angels in Jacob's dream, representing the journey of spiritual ascent and descent, and the construction of the "Third Temple" within oneself.
The series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):
Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated EditionScottish Rite Ritual Monitor & GuideA Bridge to LightImages:
30th Degree RegaliaHeinrich Khunrath - Cosmic RoseJacques de MolayOverview:
01:14 Introduction01:38 Historical Setting05:58 Degree Ritual13:16 Purpose of the Degree13:59 Morals and Dogma14:42 New World Order17:27 Knight of the East and West18:54 The Templar Secret20:42 From The Ashes21:37 Ladder of Kadosh23:35 Journey to the East26:18 Down From the Mountain27:28 View From the East30:08 Angels Ascending and Descending32:13 ConclusionsLinks:
Knights Templar (Wikipedia)Philip IV of France (Wikipedia)Pope Clement V (Wikipedia)Hugues de Payens (Wikipedia)Jacques de Molay (Wikipedia)Emerald Tablet (Wikipedia)Trivium (Wikipedia)Quadrivium (Wikipedia)Jacob’s Ladder (Wikipedia)Friday the 13th (Wikipedia)Tour de Nesle Affair (Wikipedia)Church and state in medieval Europe (Wikipedia)

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
In this episode, the rich symbolism and rituals of the "Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew" degree in Freemasonry are explored in depth. The Saint Andrew’s Cross, an equal-armed x-shaped cross, is identified as the main symbol of the degree, with its presence in the ritual space and on the regalia of the officers, who are dressed as Knights. The cross is adorned with the Tetragrammaton, emphasizing the spiritual and elemental significance of the symbol. The ritual involves lighting candles in the shape of the cross, each representing a duty expected of a Knight of Saint Andrew, such as reverence for the Deity and service to Truth.

The episode delves into the nine knightly virtues that are central to the degree, which are grouped into three categories reflecting one's relationship to self, others, and actions in the world: Humility, Patience, and Self-denial; Charity, Clemency, and Generosity; and Virtue, Truth, and Honor.

The discussion also touches on the challenges posed by scientific skepticism to spiritual beliefs and the balance between embracing technology and maintaining spiritual integrity. The esoteric interpretations of the Saint Andrew’s Cross are examined, including its representation of the alchemical process and the integration of elemental forces within the individual.

The symbolism of the Banner of the Order, the concept of Western Yoga, and the significance of the Tetragrammaton are also discussed, culminating in reflections on the depth of the Scottish Rite system and its encapsulation of the Western Mystery Tradition.

The series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):
Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated EditionScottish Rite Ritual Monitor & GuideA Bridge to LightImages:
29th Degree RegaliaOverview:
01:14 Introduction01:51 Degree Ritual08:34 Purpose of the Degree09:08 Morals and Dogma09:47 Knightly Virtues11:49 Science and Technology15:56 Saint Andrew’s Cross17:30 Banner of the Order19:02 Western Yoga20:04 Crossing the Streams22:08 Tetragrammaton23:37 The Sphinx26:11 The Lemniscate27:10 The Juggler28:54 Lucifer’s Crown31:23 Third Eye33:18 ConclusionsLinks:
Andrew the Apostle (Wikipedia)Robert the Bruce (Wikipedia)“Outlaw King” Trailer (YouTube)Knights Templar (Wikipedia)Battle of Bannockburn (Wikipedia)Picts (Wikipedia)Flag of Scotland (Wikipedia)Stream of Consciousness (Wikipedia)Magician Tarot Card (Wikipedia)Lemniscate (Wikipedia)Third Eye (Wikipedia)Pineal Gland (Wikipedia)