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

In the episode, the depth and complexity of the 28th Degree - Knight of the Sun are explored, revealing its position as a distillation of the entire Scottish Rite system. The discussion begins with Albert Pike's Christian interpretation of the Blue Lodge Degrees, which symbolizes the human condition of blindness and the journey towards enlightenment through Masonic initiation. The conversation then transitions to the universal myths of celestial bodies, where the similarities in worship and personification of these entities across various cultures are examined. The focus shifts to the gods of nature, highlighting the symbolic representation of the alternation of light and darkness.

The Greek god Dionysus is presented as a symbol that unifies light and darkness, transcending the duality found in mythological interpretations. The Ancient Mysteries are discussed for their role in preserving sacred symbols and their true interpretations, emphasizing the importance of initiation. The rise of the priesthood is critiqued for transforming religious symbols into objects of worship and acting as intermediaries rather than teachers, leading to a loss of original truths. The episode also delves into the metaphorical journey of understanding, drawing parallels with "The Matrix" and the awakening to a deeper reality, as exemplified by the story of Helen Keller and her "soul's awakening" through the acquisition of language.

The concept of living in a dream world, shaped by language and symbols, is explored, suggesting that the perceived separation from the divine is an illusion. The Kabbalah is examined for its teachings on the unity of God and the symbolic language of creation. The process of creation is likened to esoteric counting, illustrating the journey from the abstract to the concrete, and the dual current of creation and destruction is discussed in the context of the Emerald Tablet of Hermes. The episode concludes with a reflection on the intense exploration of Masonic philosophy and the anticipation of continuing the discussion in the next episode.

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 Edition
• Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide
• A Bridge to Light

Images:

• Knight of the Sun Regalia

Overview:

• 01:14 Introduction
• 01:37 Morals and Dogma
• 02:09 Christian Interpretation of Blue Lodge Degrees
• 04:17 Gods of Heaven
• 05:40 Gods of Nature
• 07:12 Dionysus
• 08:37 The Ancient Mysteries
• 11:45 Rise of the Priesthood
• 13:33 Down the Rabbit Hole
• 15:45 Helen Keller
• 18:09 The Matrix
• 21:02 Living in a Dream World
• 23:20 The Clear Light
• 25:11 The Kabbalah
• 26:40 Stairway to Heaven
• 29:15 The Dual Current
• 30:27 Conclusions

Links:

• Zohar (Wikipedia)
• Joseph Cambell (Wikipedia)
• Dionysus (Wikipedia)
• Helen Keller (Wikipedia)
• Language (Wikipedia)
• Emerald Tablet (Wikipedia)
• The Matrix (Wikipedia)