Challenge accepted.

In EP 126 of Masonic Muscle, an Entered Apprentice from Palm Springs Lodge No. 693 is challenged to draft a paper on Hermeticism and the possible similarities it may have with Freemasonry.

That is how a man improves in Masonry.

Not by sitting quietly.
Not by waiting for someone else to educate him.
Not by drifting through lodge life.

By accepting the challenge.

This episode asks:

How can a Mason improve himself if he is never challenged to study, think, write, compare, and explain what he is learning?

We discuss:

• an EA being challenged to write a paper
• Hermeticism and Freemasonry
• possible similarities between Hermetic teachings and Masonic symbolism
• the mysteries of Masonry at Palm Springs Lodge No. 693
• the Trivium: grammar, logic, and rhetoric
• defining terms before making claims
• correlation versus proof
• the Seven Hermetic Principles
• the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences
• Corpus Hermeticum
• Manly P. Hall
• symbolism, geometry, Tarot, and Egypt
• California adopting the cipher ritual book at the 1989 Grand Lodge Communication
• having an excellent conversation over a Franziskaner Weissbier
• why serious conversation helps build serious Masons

A lodge should challenge its candidates and Brothers.

Not crush them.

Challenge them.

Give them a question.
Give them a topic.
Give them a book.
Give them a paper to write.

Give them a chance to stand up and explain what they have learned.

That is how you develop confidence.

That is how you sharpen thought.

That is how you build Masonic education that actually means something.

The mysteries of Masonry are not explored by passive men.

They are explored by Brothers willing to study, speak, test ideas, and improve.

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Have a question or want to come on the show to talk about the mysteries of Masonry, exercise, or both?

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