Masonic Education by Reseda’s Brethren
Common History – Freemasonry & Hermeticism ~ By Brother Daniel Rivera, P.M.
Freemasonry and Hermeticism share much in common. Both are popularly referred to as the Royal Art. Practitioners of Hermeticism and Freemasonry refer to their labors as the Great Work. Hermes Trismegistus, the legendary Thrice Great master of alchemy, astrology, and theurgy, is patron to centuries of Hermetic practitioners, and according to the Old Charges, a legendary founder of Freemasonry as well.
While the precise origins of Freemasonry are lost to the mists of time, we are aware of the many centuries’ influences upon its storied history and development. Then as now, the fraternity saw much of its philosophy, symbolism, and mythical narratives shaped by popular interests as well as the deepest knowledge of the age…
"We scientists don't know how to do that": Spiritual & Environmental Healing Through Freemasonry ~ By Brother Hunter Goodin
I’d like to open with a quote from James Gustav Speth, environmental lawyer and co-founder and president of the Natural Resources Defense Council, in his book, Angles by the River, which is what I’d like to open on, where he says, “I used to think that top environmental problems were biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and Climate change. I thought that thirty years of good science could address these problems. I was wrong. The top environmental problems are selfishness, greed, and apathy, and to deal with these we need a cultural and spiritual transformation. And we scientists don't know how to do that.”
The Earthly Education Institute shares a take on the environmental crisis we’re facing that was along the same lines, albeit a bit more uplifting. “In a world plagued by looming environmental crises, it becomes evident that the biggest adversaries we face are not external forces or insurmountable challenges, but rather the insidious triad of apathy, selfishness, and greed. It is the apathy that allows us to turn a blind eye to the relentless destruction of our planet, to dismiss the urgent cries of Mother Earth as mere inconveniences…
The Illusion of Separation: How Our Minds Limit Our True Nature ~ By a Brother of Reseda (Name removed for anonymity)
As human beings, we generally consider ourselves to be intelligent, right? At the very least, we consider ourselves more intelligent than the other species around us. The front part of our brain, the cerebral cortex—the part that’s responsible for our logic, our abstract thinking, and our decision making—that’s way more evolved. And that’s the part that makes us not just stand out, but also dominate all the other animals on this planet.
So, it makes sense that we would feel superior to these other creatures. We have an ability to think and to remember better than any other animal out there, so far as we know. But, what if on the most fundamental levels, this part of our brain holds us back? What if it keeps you from realizing something significant?…
The Human Condition and the Limitations of Language ~ By a Brother of Reseda (Name removed for anonymity)
Do you think you know who you are?
See, when we really think about it, it’s a rather strange question to answer. And if I’m being completely honest, the way I phrased it actually makes it a trick question.
Now, before you throw the level at me, it’s not my intention to trick you, this is just my way of opening the topic I want to talk about tonight. And if you didn’t catch why it’s a trick question yet, just follow along and I’ll explain what I mean.
See, when we’re thinking, we’re using our intellectual mind—our rational mind—to analyze something. That voice in our head is using language to dissect the world around us and our place in it. That’s what I mean when I say thinking. I’m referring to that voice. That mental chatter that sometimes seems endless. It comes in the form of words, pictures, numbers, calculations and so on.
Now it’s interesting because while we’re doing that—while we’re thinking—we’re also aware of those thoughts we’re producing. Right?…
A Network of Relief ~ By Brother D.L. Gibson, P.M.
We have heard it said many times that Freemasonry is not about networking. We don’t come to Lodge to grow our business, get referrals or make money. While we are not the Rotary club , Masonry is itself a network. The degrees of Masonry connect our spiritual, mental, and physical natures. When we invest in the inner spiritual work and express it through physical action, we offer the world a glimpse of the divine in humanity.
As we walk down our chosen spiritual paths, we need an awareness of the material world around us so we can prevent ourselves from becoming disoriented and knocked off balance. A spiritual walk becomes an existential accident if you’re not watching where you’re going and observing what’s around you..…