The Mystic Tye

Troy Spreeuw

The Mystic Tye is a podcast for Freemasons I intend to curate a environment where brethren and other aspirants can discuss ideas in a civil and productive way. We will not be afraid to tackle controversial or difficult topics, but all discussions will be done in a respectful and understanding manner. With the forbearance exemplified by our ancient brethren we will labour in the quarry together to prepare the stones of our thoughts and actions. All these prepared for the temple not made with hands.  Find updates at www.mystictye.com  and  https://www.patreon.com/mystictye

  1. The Writing of the Secret School of Wisdom with Bro Josef Wages

    6d ago

    The Writing of the Secret School of Wisdom with Bro Josef Wages

    Troy welcomes back Brother Joseph Wages for the story behind one of the most important Masonic source books of the last decade, The Secret School of Wisdom: The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati. This is not another Illuminati conspiracy episode. It is the opposite. Wages traces the five year project that carried him from a skeptical teenager reading of John Robison's Proofs of a Conspiracy to assembling, alongside translator Jeva Singh-Anand and co-editor Reinhard Markner, the order's actual ritual system in the words of the men who wrote it. Along the way, buying rare 18th century German books a hundred dollars at a time before Google Books existed, learning to read Kurrent cursive off microfilm, chasing the Urtext through thousands of pages of archival material, and decoding ciphers where even partial fidelity is enough to recover the meaning. You will get the real architecture of the order, Knigge writing the rituals and Weishaupt writing the lectures, the Congress of Wilhelmsbad, and why the whole story makes far more sense as a Masonic phenomenon than a political one. Wages puts it plainly. These were men after a rationalist society with freedom of conscience, not a shadow world government, and the modern alarmism says more about us than about them. The conversation closes on something quieter, the loss of Jeva Singh-Anand, and the decision to carry his translation work forward in his memory. If you are carrying something heavy, please reach out to someone you trust. Looking ahead, Wages teases new work on the Bode reform and a remarkable retranslation of the early rituals of free people of color in Saint-Domingue. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/suicide-prevention.html  https://mhanational.org/resources/suicide-prevention/  Links and resources Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.comRSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.comMystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.comPatreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye Support the show If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com. Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.

    1h 10m
  2. “Early Scots Masonry, The Blue Lodge, and the Higher Degrees” by Bro. Arturo DeHoyos GMD2026

    May 21

    “Early Scots Masonry, The Blue Lodge, and the Higher Degrees” by Bro. Arturo DeHoyos GMD2026

    "Early Scots Masonry, The Blue Lodge, and the Higher Degrees" by Bro. Arturo de Hoyos Grand Masonic Day 2026 took place several weeks ago. We were pleased to welcome Arturo de Hoyos to the podium on his own, after a first joint presentation with Josef Wages. Arturo de Hoyos is Grand Archivist and Grand Historian of the Supreme Council, 33rd Degree, Southern Jurisdiction, and an executive officer at the Scottish Rite's headquarters, The House of the Temple, in Washington, D.C. He is the author, editor, and translator of more than 50 books and articles, and is considered America's foremost scholar on the history, rituals, and symbolism of Scottish Rite Freemasonry and most other Masonic orders, rites, and systems. We join the event where Arturo de Hoyos presents "Early Scots Masonry, The Blue Lodge, and the Higher Degrees." Slides are available on our YouTube channel. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arturo_de_Hoyos You can find us online at mystictye.com. Support the show on Patreon. Email feedback, guest suggestions and any other questions to troy@mystictye.com. Thanks for listening today. You can support the show by liking, sharing and subscribing on your favourite podcast syndicator. Even more helpful, leave us a review. We are looking to create a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you are aware of something coming up, please let me know by email. In the meantime, check out the Masonic Conferences website at masonicconferences.com. The Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference will be held on Saturday, September 19th. Our keynote speaker will be Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Tarot Architect. Get your tickets in advance by RSVP to esotericmasonry@gmail.com. For other events, check out our calendar at mystictye.com and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter while you are there. Links and resources Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.comRSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.comMystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.comPatreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye Support the show If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com. Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.

    55 min
  3. "The Life and Death of John Yarker" with Bro. David Harrison

    May 14

    "The Life and Death of John Yarker" with Bro. David Harrison

    "The Life and Death of John Yarker" by Bro. David Harrison Dr. David Harrison is a UK-based Masonic historian and lecturer who has written fifteen books on the history of English Freemasonry and has published many papers and articles. Harrison has also appeared frequently on TV and radio discussing his work, and he is with us today to discuss his most recent book, The Life and Death of John Yarker. In this episode, Bro. David Harrison takes us on the journey behind his award-winning biography of John Yarker, the Victorian-era Freemason who abandoned mainstream Masonry in 1862 to pursue a deeper, more esoteric path. Harrison describes how the project grew out of the Covid lockdown period, combining archival research with fieldwork in South Manchester, Didsbury, and the Cumbrian villages of Shap and Swindale where Yarker originated. We explore Yarker's world of fringe Masonic rites, including the Ancient and Primitive Rite, the Swedenborgian Rite, and his involvement with organizations like the SRIA and other like-minded esoteric bodies. Harrison draws a vivid portrait of a working-class northerner who became one of the most prolific figures in esoteric Freemasonry, all while navigating the tension between the "chain chasers" of mainstream Masonry and the seekers drawn to alchemy, Rosicrucianism, and the deeper mysteries. The conversation covers Harrison's own Masonic journey of twenty-eight years, from a village lodge in Cheshire through a PhD at the University of Liverpool, and the honest realities of lodge life: falling membership, cliquish dynamics, and the revitalizing power of simply trying a different lodge. We discuss the perennial tension between esoteric and mainstream Freemasonry, how that tension may be worse today than in Yarker's time, and practical advice for younger brethren navigating it. We also touch on Harrison's research into the formation of the third degree in the 1720s, the influence of Sir Isaac Newton and Dr. John Theophilus Desaguliers on Masonic ritual, and the explosion of concordant bodies in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Harrison shares his personal practice with tarot, his early introduction to divination through his grandmother, and his paper on cosmic consciousness. Looking ahead, Harrison previews his current projects: a set of W.L. Wilmshurst ritual booklets published through Porchway in collaboration with Dr. Robert Lomas, timed to the centenary of the Lodge of Living Stones next year, and a forthcoming book with Lewis Masonic examining Jacques and Marconis and the first eighteen degrees of the Memphis Rite. Connect with Dr. David Harrison: Instagram: drdavidharrisonYouTube: davidharrisonphdPorchway Wilmshurst rituals: porchwaymasonic.co.ukBooks mentioned in this episode: The Life and Death of John Yarker by David HarrisonThe Lost Rites and Rituals of Freemasonry by David HarrisonThe Genesis of Freemasonry by David HarrisonThe Quick Guide to Freemasonry by David HarrisonThe Arcane Schools by John YarkerThe Meaning of Masonry by W.L. WilmshurstAlchemically Stoned by P.D. NewmanAngels in Vermilion by P.D. NewmanLinks and resources Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.comRSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.comMystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.comPatreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye Support the show If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com. Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.

    1h 6m
  4. "Lodge Leadership Retreat GLW" VW Bro. Zane McCune at Grand Masonic Day 2026

    May 7

    "Lodge Leadership Retreat GLW" VW Bro. Zane McCune at Grand Masonic Day 2026

    "Lodge Leadership Retreat, Grand Lodge of Washington" — Organizer VW Bro. Zane McCuneYou can find us online at mystictye.com patreon.com/mystictye Email me feedback, guest suggestions and any other questions at troy@mystictye.com The Grand Lodge of Washington State has held a Lodge Leadership Retreat for many years. In more recent years, VW Bro. Zane McCune has been one of the organizers. He kindly agreed to present a talk about this event at Grand Masonic Day 2026. Note: a video edition of this podcast can be found on The Mystic Tye YouTube channel. Learn more about the Lodge Leadership Retreat. Thanks for listening today. You can support the show by liking, sharing and subscribing on your favourite podcast syndicator. Even more helpful, leave us a review. We are looking to create a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you are aware of something coming up please let me know by email. In the meantime check out the Masonic Conferences website. The Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference will be held on Saturday, September 19th. Our keynote speaker will be Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Tarot Architect. Get your tickets in advance by RSVP to esotericmasonry@gmail.com. For other events check out our calendar at mystictye.com and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter while you are there. Graphics and web hosting are by Art Szabo Creative. A special thanks to Organist for our theme music. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again. Links and resources Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.comRSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.comMystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.comPatreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye Support the show If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com. Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.

    1h 1m
  5. "Is Freemasonry Esoteric" with Bro. Lon Milo DuQuette EFC2022 Keynote

    Apr 30

    "Is Freemasonry Esoteric" with Bro. Lon Milo DuQuette EFC2022 Keynote

    Is Freemasonry Esoteric? — Lon Milo DuQuette EFC 2022 KeynoteThrowback episode: Bro. Lon Milo DuQuette delivers the opening keynote of Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference (2022). "Is Freemasonry esoteric? The simple answer is yes, of course it is. It is, if you are." To kick off the first Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference in 2022, we invited one of the most respected voices in modern Western esotericism to set the tone. Lon Milo DuQuette did not disappoint. In this throwback episode, DuQuette opens with a haunting, dreamlike vision of what Masonry could be: a secret international gathering of esoterically-minded brothers, meeting in a magnificent temple to labor for the soul of the Craft. From there he asks the harder question: why has so much of mainstream Masonry turned away from its own esoteric roots, and what does that mean for the future of the fraternity? This is essential listening for any Mason who has ever felt the pull of the symbols, sensed there was something deeper behind the ritual, and wondered whether anyone else in their lodge was seeing the same thing. What we cover The dream of esoteric Masonry: a vivid imagining of what the Craft is supposed to beWhy anti-esoteric attitudes inside the fraternity are both ill-timed and self-defeatingMembership decline and the one demographic still applying in significant numbersSymbols as living messengers, and how to follow the ones that find youDuQuette's own path: 25 years of ceremonial magic, the O.T.O., and A∴A∴ before joining the Craft at fiftyWhy an esoteric Mason is not made by Masonry — but esoteric Masons make Masonry esoteric Q&A highlights Comparing the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, O.T.O., and the A∴A∴ to the Masonic experienceThe Chamber of Reflection and why it deserves a place in every lodge"Blue lightning" one-day classes and what gets lost when degrees are rushedHow to nurture esoteric curiosity in brothers whose initiation experience left it dormantConcordant bodies versus the Blue Lodge: where the real treasure actually is About the guest Lon Milo DuQuette is an author, lecturer, musician, and one of the leading voices on Hermetic Qabalah, Tarot, and the work of Aleister Crowley. He is a long-time member of the Ordo Templi Orientis and the author of more than twenty books, including The Magick of Aleister Crowley, Understanding Aleister Crowley's Thoth Tarot, and Low Magick. His latest book is The Tarot Architect. He returns as our keynote speaker for the upcoming Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference, alongside Ike Baker and Doug Russell. Links and resources Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.comRSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.comMystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.comPatreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye Support the show If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com. Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist (Moka Only). Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again. Links and resources Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.comRSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.comMystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.comPatreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye Support the show If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com. Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.

    41 min
  6. “The Lost Seeker” by RWBr. Royston Colbourne

    Apr 23

    “The Lost Seeker” by RWBr. Royston Colbourne

    "The Lost Seeker" by RWBr. Royston ColbourneRWBr. Royston Colbourne is introduced by friend of the show RWBr. Wes Regan. This was recorded during the traditional address of the Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of BC & Yukon, just after lunch at the 43rd Annual Grand Masonic Day on Saturday, April 18th. Connect Website: mystictye.comPatreon: patreon.com/mystictyeEmail: troy@mystictye.com Support the Show Thanks for listening today. You can support the show by liking, sharing and subscribing on your favourite podcast syndicator. Even more helpful, leave us a review. We are looking to create a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you are aware of something coming up please let me know by email. In the meantime, check out the Masonic Conferences website. Upcoming Events Br. Troy Spreeuw presents Memory Palaces Everywhere Emblematic Imagery and Western Esotericism Wednesday, April 22 ... Capilano Lodge #164, Vancouver Masonic Centre (tyles at 7:30 PM) Wednesday, May 13 ... Star of the West Lodge #29, Nakusp For other dates, check The Mystic Tye Patreon. Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference Saturday, September 19 Keynote Speaker: Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Tarot Architect RSVP: esotericmasonry@gmail.com For other events, check out our calendar at mystictye.com and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter while you are there. Credits Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Special thanks to Organist for our theme music. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again. Links and resources Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.comRSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.comMystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.comPatreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye Support the show If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com. Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.

    41 min
  7. Constructing Yourself with "The Tarot Architect" by Br. Lon Milo DuQuette

    Apr 16

    Constructing Yourself with "The Tarot Architect" by Br. Lon Milo DuQuette

    The Tarot Architect w/Br. Lon Milo DuQuetteYou can find us online at mystictye.com Support us on Patreon Email me feedback, guest suggestions and any other questions at troy@mystictye.com Br. Lon Milo DuQuette is an internationally recognized authority on Tarot, Qabalah, and Ceremonial Magick, and has written extensively about the life and works of the controversial English magician, Aleister Crowley. He has written more than 20 books, is an award winning singer/songwriter and recording artist, and somebody I am proud to call my good friend. Please welcome Lon Milo DuQuette. lonmiloduquette.net Support the Show Thanks for listening today. You can support the show by liking, sharing and subscribing on your favourite podcast syndicator. Even more helpful, leave us a review. We are looking to create a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you are aware of something coming up please let me know by email. In the meantime check out the Masonic Conferences website. Upcoming Events Grand Masonic Day 2026 Last chance! Grand Masonic Day 2026 will be held at 10am on April 18th at Vancouver Masonic Center at 7th and Granville. Our keynote speaker will be historian, scholar and author Josef Wages, with Special Guest Speaker Arturo De Hoyos. Tickets available on Eventbrite. Memory Palaces Everywhere with Br. Troy Spreeuw I, Br. Troy Spreeuw will be speaking at Capilano Lodge #164 on Wednesday April 22nd. I will be presenting my talk "Memory Palaces Everywhere" about emblematic imagery and Western Esotericism. Lodge Tyles at 7:30 pm at the Vancouver Masonic Centre. This same talk will also be presented on Wednesday May 13th at Star of the West Lodge #29 in Nakusp. To see other dates for my presentations, check out my updates on The Mystic Tye Patreon. Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference The Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference will be held on Saturday September 19th. Our keynote speaker will be Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Tarot Architect. Get your tickets in advance by RSVP to esotericmasonry@gmail.com. For other events check out our calendar at mystictye.com and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter while you are there. Credits Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. A special thanks to Organist for our theme music. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again. Links and resources Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.comRSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.comMystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.comPatreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye Support the show If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com. Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.

    1h 4m
  8. “What to expect as DDGM” w/ RWBr. Michael Demers DDGM District 17 GLBCY

    Apr 9

    “What to expect as DDGM” w/ RWBr. Michael Demers DDGM District 17 GLBCY

    "What to Expect as DDGM" w/ RWBr. Michael Demers, DDGM District 17 GLBCYRWBr. Michael Demers has been honored to serve MWBr. Ken Christofferson as Deputy Grand Master of District 17 of the GLBCY for the 2025/2026 Masonic Year. I was recently informed that I would be his successor. We get together to discuss what this was like for him. Connect Website: mystictye.comPatreon: patreon.com/mystictyeEmail: troy@mystictye.com Support the Show Thanks for listening today. You can support the show by liking, sharing and subscribing on your favourite podcast syndicator. Even more helpful, leave us a review. Coming Up on The Mystic Tye Stay tuned for more great interviews... Br. Lon Milo DuQuette, Br. Chris Berson and many others scheduled. We are looking to create a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you are aware of something coming up, please let me know by email. In the meantime, check out the Masonic Conferences website. Upcoming Events Grand Masonic Day 2026 April 18, 10:00 AM Vancouver Masonic Center, 7th & Granville Keynote Speaker: Historian, scholar and author Josef Wages Special Guest Speaker: Arturo De Hoyos Tickets on Eventbrite Br. Troy Spreeuw presents "Memory Palaces Everywhere" Emblematic Imagery and Western Esotericism Wednesday, April 22 ... Capilano Lodge #164, Vancouver Masonic Centre (tyles at 7:30 PM) Wednesday, May 13 ... Star of the West Lodge #29, Nakusp For other dates, check The Mystic Tye Patreon. Esotericon 2026 June 20 Tickets at esotericon.net Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference Saturday, September 19 Keynote Speaker: Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Tarot Architect RSVP: esotericmasonry@gmail.com For other events, check out our calendar at mystictye.com and don't forget to sign up for our newsletter while you are there. Credits Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Special thanks to Organist for our theme music. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again. Links and resources Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.comRSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.comMystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.comPatreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye Support the show If this episode resonated with you, the most helpful thing you can do is leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. We are also building a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you know of something coming up, send Troy an email at troy@mystictye.com. Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist. Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.

    45 min

About

The Mystic Tye is a podcast for Freemasons I intend to curate a environment where brethren and other aspirants can discuss ideas in a civil and productive way. We will not be afraid to tackle controversial or difficult topics, but all discussions will be done in a respectful and understanding manner. With the forbearance exemplified by our ancient brethren we will labour in the quarry together to prepare the stones of our thoughts and actions. All these prepared for the temple not made with hands.  Find updates at www.mystictye.com  and  https://www.patreon.com/mystictye

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