Masonic Muscle

Did Freemasonry come from the Pagan Mysteries?

In this episode of Masonic Muscle, we begin Theory #2 from the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry listed in the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia of 1877: the theory that Freemasonry derives from the ancient Pagan Mysteries.

We also read an email from listener and Worshipful Master Jamey Sterrett of Temple Lodge No. 70 A.F. & A.M. in Texas.

The stars shine bright, all through the night — deep in the heart of Texas.

Then we get into the serious work.

This episode asks:

How can Masons examine the Pagan Mysteries theory without confusing symbolism, initiation, religion, mythology, and historical proof?

We discuss:

• Theory #2 from the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia
• the Pagan Mysteries theory of Masonic origins
• ancient mystery schools
• initiation, ceremony, silence, and symbolic teaching
• the Catholic Encyclopedia definition of Paganism
• Pick and Knight’s The Pocket History of Freemasonry
• W. L. Wilmshurst’s The Meaning of Masonry
• H. Spencer Lewis and AMORC
• The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ by Levi
• Holy Blood, Holy Grail
• The Messianic Legacy
• Rosicrucians, Essenes, Druids, Culdees, Comacine Masters, and alchemists
• Egypt, Heliopolis, the Sphinx, Atlantis claims, and the Hall of Records
• why Masons must separate mystery from evidence

The word pagan needs to be handled carefully.

Too many people use it as a lazy insult, a vague label, or a catch-all bucket for anything ancient, non-Christian, symbolic, or mysterious.

That will not work here.

If we are going to investigate the Pagan Mysteries theory, we need to define terms, compare sources, separate speculation from proof, and ask what early Masons may have borrowed, preserved, imagined, or reinterpreted.

The question is not:

Can we find similarities?

Similarities are easy.

The better question is:

Do those similarities prove transmission, influence, shared symbolism, or only human beings using similar symbols to explain life, death, morality, and transformation?

That is the work.

If you have read about another theory concerning the origins of Freemasonry, write to me and let’s share it with the listeners so we can become more knowledgeable and establish a stronger foundation.

Write to me at:

[email protected]

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Let’s explore these mysteries together.

Do Masons care about the history of their own Order?

In EP 92 of Masonic Muscle, I continue Part 4 of the Patriarch Theory from the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry — the theory that Freemasonry descends from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament.

This episode was recorded from a hotel room in Tijuana, where I had a strong conversation with Brother Matt Jackson, a Fellow Craft Mason from Palm Springs Lodge No. 693.

I ask Matt whether he believes what Nesta Webster wrote in Secret Societies and Subversive Movements when she said that “the great mass of the Freemasons do not know or care to know anything about the history of their Order.”

That question should hit every Mason in the chest.

Because if it is true, then the Craft may be in more serious trouble than we think.

This episode solves one Masonic Muscle problem:

How can Masons claim to seek more light if they do not know, study, or care about the history of their own fraternity?

We discuss:

• the Patriarch Theory of Freemasonry
• the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry
• Brother Matt Jackson of Palm Springs Lodge No. 693
• Nesta Webster’s criticism of Masonic historical ignorance
• the Regius Manuscript of 1390
• the Wood Manuscript of 1610
• Anderson’s Constitutions of 1723 and 1738
• the philosophical and spiritual intent of Masonic origin legends
• Graham Hancock’s collective amnesia theory
• ancient civilizations, myth, memory, and lost knowledge
• Vedas, Upanishads, Rigveda, Ramayana, and Hindu civilization
• Mogul kings and ancient knowledge transmission
• Viracocha, Kukulkan, Atlantis, and the Eye of the Sahara
• Christopher B. Murphy’s A Just and Exact Account of Freemasonry
• Exploring Early Grand Lodge Freemasonry
• academic standards and methodology
• astronomy, morality, navigation, culture, and the pillars of knowledge

This is not about swallowing every ancient claim whole.

That is weak.

This is about disciplined exploration.

A Mason should be able to look at Anderson’s legendary history, Old Testament patriarchs, ancient manuscripts, Hindu texts, Atlantis claims, collective amnesia, and early Grand Lodge scholarship without losing his mind.

The question is not:

Can we prove all of this?

The better question is:

What were early Masons trying to preserve, teach, signal, or dramatize through these origin legends?

If Anderson’s Constitutions present a legendary chain of knowledge transmission through the ancient world, then maybe the story is not merely about historical proof.

Maybe it also carries philosophical and spiritual intent.

Maybe it teaches Masons how to think about memory, morality, geometry, architecture, civilization, and the duty to preserve knowledge.

But first, Masons have to care enough to read.

That is the hard truth.

Have an origin theory, Masonic question, old document, book recommendation, lodge problem, fitness transformation story, or research lead?

Write to me at:

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Did Freemasonry come from the Patriarchs?

In this episode of Masonic Muscle, we continue Part 3 of the Patriarch Theory in the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry.

I also begin exploring the history of physical fitness by reading from “The History of Physical Fitness” by Erwan Le Corre, published through The Art of Manliness.

Where did physical fitness come from?
How did our ancient ancestors stay strong?
Were hunter-gatherers physically superior to modern men in some ways?
And why are more Brothers not training their bodies to become strong pillars of their families, lodges, and society?

This episode solves one Masonic Muscle problem:

How can Masons explore ancient origin theories and ancient physical culture without losing sight of the duty to become stronger men today?

We discuss:

• the Patriarch Theory of Freemasonry
• the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry
• ancient physical fitness
• hunter-gatherers and natural movement
• Erwan Le Corre and the history of physical fitness
• Göbekli Tepe and ancient sacred structures
• Noah, the Flood, and the Noachides
• Genesis 6
• giants, Nephilim, and ancient myth traditions
• Gary Wayne’s The Genesis 6 Conspiracy
• Sasquatch Chronicles
• biblical prophecy, mythology, and ancient epics
• the Bible, Gnostic texts, Qur’an, Bhagavad Gita, Gilgamesh, and other ancient sources
• astronomy, geometry, and the Seven Liberal Arts
• why origin research belongs to all serious Masons, not only scholars

This episode is not about pretending every ancient claim is proven.

It is about learning how to explore.

A Mason should be able to ask hard questions without losing his mind. He should be able to examine Genesis, Noah, giants, ancient temples, secret society claims, sacred texts, and Masonic origin theories without becoming gullible or dismissive.

That is the work.

And while we examine the ancient world, we cannot forget the body.

Our ancestors moved, hunted, lifted, carried, climbed, ran, fought, built, and survived.

Modern men sit, scroll, complain, and get weak.

That is not acceptable.

If Freemasonry is about making good men better, then better should include the body, the mind, the character, and the spirit.

If you have heard of another theory about the origins of Freemasonry, send it to me and I will share it with the listeners.

This research does not belong only to scholars and professors.

It belongs to all of us.

Write to me at:

[email protected]

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Did Freemasonry come from the Patriarchs and Antediluvians?

In this episode of Masonic Muscle, we continue exploring Theory #1 from the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry listed in the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia of 1877: the theory that Masonry came down from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament.

We also look at Anderson’s Constitutions, including the legendary account of the ancient world before the Flood, the Patriarchs, Adam, Seth, Cain, Noah, Babel, astronomy, geometry, and Masonry.

Then we bring it back to the iron.

We learn about Peary Rader, founder, owner, and editor of Iron Man Magazine for 50 years, and his classic 1946 work:

The Rader Master Bodybuilding and Weight Gaining System

Rader was a devout believer in the squat and its powerful effect on the body and mind. We also discuss Joseph Curtis Hise, the milk-and-squats routine, the brutal 20-rep squat routine, John Grimek, and old-school weight-gaining methods from 1946, including six small meals throughout the day.

This episode solves one Masonic Muscle problem:

How can Masons examine ancient origin legends without confusing myth-history, scripture, symbolism, and historical proof?

We discuss:

• the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry
• the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia
• Theory #1: the Patriarch Theory
• the Antediluvians
• Anderson’s Constitutions
• Benjamin Franklin’s 1734 reprint
• Adam, Seth, Cain, Noah, Babel, Shinar, Babylon, Assyria, and ancient geometry
• astronomy, geometry, and Masonry
• the New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia entry on Patriarchs
• the Transition Theory from Operative to Speculative Masonry
• whether Grand Lodges promote the Transition Theory too confidently
• Peary Rader and Iron Man Magazine
• Joseph Curtis Hise and Brother Hise
• John Grimek
• milk and squats
• the 20-rep squat routine
• old-school weight gaining and discipline

The Patriarch Theory is not something we swallow whole.

We test it.

Is it history?
Is it scripture?
Is it symbolism?
Is it myth-history?
Is it Masonic legend?
Is it part of the mental furniture early Masons used to explain the Craft?

That is the work.

And the same thing applies to strength training.

You do not get strong by reading about squats.

You get strong by putting the bar on your back and doing the work.

Masonic origin research builds the mind.

Hard training builds the body.

Both require discipline.

Have an origin theory, Masonic question, old document, book recommendation, lodge problem, fitness transformation story, or information about Joseph Curtis Hise?

Write to me at:

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Did Freemasonry come from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament?

In this episode of Masonic Muscle, I begin working through the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry found in the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia, starting with Theory #1: the Patriarch Theory — the idea that Freemasonry was handed down from the Patriarchs of the Old Testament.

But first, we hit the iron.

I introduce Super Squats by Randall J. Strossen, Ph.D., a 96-page classic built around one of the most brutal and proven old-school muscle-building methods: the 20-rep squat routine.

This method was popularized by Joseph Curtis Hise, who became legendary in the Iron Game for the milk-and-squats routine. Hise was sometimes referred to as Brother Hise by the weightlifting men around him. Was he a Mason? I do not know yet. If you find out, write to me so we can share it with the listeners.

This episode solves one Masonic Muscle problem:

How can Masons study the oldest origin claims of the Craft while also learning the discipline required to build strength in the body?

We discuss:

• Super Squats by Randall J. Strossen
• Joseph Curtis Hise and the 20-rep squat routine
• the milk-and-squats method
• hard work, muscle gain, and old-school training
• whether “Brother Hise” was actually a Mason
• the 12 origin theories of Freemasonry
• the Royal Masonic Cyclopaedia
• Theory #1: the Patriarch Theory
• Freemasonry and the Patriarchs of the Old Testament
• Anderson’s Constitutions and its legendary account of Masonry
• ancient transmission, geometry, and Masonic myth-history
• Nesta Helen Webster’s Secret Societies and Subversive Movements

The Patriarch Theory is not something we accept blindly.

We examine it.

We ask where it came from, why Masons repeated it, how Anderson’s Constitutions helped preserve or promote it, and whether it belongs to history, myth-history, symbolism, or speculation.

That is the work.

And in the gym, the work is just as direct:

Put the bar on your back.
Breathe.
Squat.
Fight for the reps.
Drink the milk if that is your method.
Recover.
Repeat.

Freemasonry gives tools to build the man.

Weightlifting gives tools to build the body.

But nobody can do the work for you.

Have an origin theory, Masonic question, old document, book recommendation, lodge problem, fitness transformation story, or information about Joseph Curtis Hise?

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Why don’t more Masons know the 12 theories of the origins of Freemasonry?

In this episode of Masonic Muscle, I dig into the origin problem again and ask why so many Masons do not know — or do not seem to care — where the Craft came from.

I also read from Bill Hinbern’s material at Super Strength Training on “The Exercise You Love to Hate.”

Because every Mason knows this truth:

The thing you avoid is often the thing you need most.

That applies to squats.

And it applies to Masonic history.

This episode solves one Masonic Muscle problem:

How can Masons strengthen the Craft if they do not study the competing origin theories, the weak points in the accepted narrative, and the history they claim to inherit?

We discuss:

• the 12 theories of the origins of Freemasonry
• why Masons are divided on the origins of the Craft
• why many Masons do not care about Masonic history
• the Transition Theory
• the claim that Freemasonry evolved from medieval stonemason guilds
• why “widely accepted” does not automatically mean proven
• Nesta H. Webster and Secret Societies and Subversive Movements
• Albert Mackey and Masonic origin debates
• whether Grand Lodges and lodges repeat one origin theory too confidently
• Bill Hinbern and “The Exercise You Love to Hate”
• squats, deadlifts, kettlebells, trap bar work, and abbreviated training
• why physical discomfort and intellectual discomfort both build strength

Nesta Webster wrote that no official theory on the origin of Freemasonry existed, that Masonic authorities were divided, and that many Freemasons did not know or care to know the history of their Order.

That should bother us.

Not because Webster must be accepted uncritically.

But because the question still hits:

Why would a Mason not care where Freemasonry came from?

If we are going to claim to be seekers of light, then we cannot be allergic to history.

We cannot be afraid of hard questions.

We cannot keep repeating one theory as if repetition equals proof.

The truth is out there — but you still have to do the work.

And sometimes the work looks like reading old books.

Sometimes it looks like doing the exercise you hate.

Have an origin theory, Masonic question, old document, book recommendation, lodge problem, fitness transformation story, or research lead?

Write to me at:

[email protected]

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@masonicmuscle

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Share this episode with one Brother who needs to stop avoiding the hard questions — and the hard exercises.

Is the most widely accepted theory about the origins of Freemasonry actually proven?

In this episode of Masonic Muscle, I challenge the common explanation that modern Freemasonry simply evolved from medieval guilds of cathedral builders and stonemasons.

That theory is often repeated like settled history.

But is it?

I read from Marina Manoukian’s article “The History of the Freemasons Finally Explained” at Grunge, which summarizes the widely repeated view that Freemasonry developed from medieval stonemason guilds as cathedral building declined.

Then I bring in a serious challenge from Brother Cyril N. Batham, whose 1992 Philalethes Lecture, “The Origin of Freemasonry: A New Theory,” pushed back against the Transition Theory and noted that even Brother Harry Carr’s version of the theory had been challenged.

This episode solves one Masonic problem:

How can Masons stop repeating origin theories as fact when the evidence is still contested?

We discuss:

• the commonly repeated medieval guild theory
• the Transition Theory of Freemasonry
• Marina Manoukian’s Grunge article
• Brother Harry Carr and Grand Lodge 1717–1967
• Brother Cyril N. Batham’s 1992 Philalethes Lecture
• whether Grand Lodge publications create false certainty
• why Masons confuse authority with proof
• Batham’s challenge to the accepted narrative
• monastic origin theories
• Benedictine and Cistercian possibilities
• Alberto Moreno Moreno’s The Rule of Saint Benedict and Masonic Ritual
• the need for disciplined speculation
• The Mighty Gama and Gama Fitness

The point is not to claim the medieval guild theory is false.

The point is sharper:

Do we actually know it is true — or have we just repeated it so many times that it feels true?

That is a dangerous difference.

A Mason should not be afraid of uncertainty.

He should be afraid of lazy certainty.

If we are going to investigate the mysterious origins of Freemasonry, then we need to compare the guild theory, the monastic theory, the ritual evidence, the historical gaps, and the arguments of serious Masonic researchers.

And then, like the Mighty Gama, we do the work.

No shortcuts.

No soft thinking.
No pretending repetition equals proof.

Have an origin theory, Masonic question, old document, book recommendation, lodge problem, fitness transformation story, or research lead?

Write to me at:

[email protected]

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@masonicmuscle

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Share this episode with one Brother who still thinks “widely accepted” means “proven.”

What does real Masonic leadership require?

In this episode of Masonic Muscle, Darkness and I get our first workout of 2023, and it felt great. We are in good health, in great spirits, and ready to take on the year and everything it throws at us.

I introduce you to Matt Furey, Gama Fitness, and some of his exercise philosophy, including Hindu Squats, Hindu Pushups, and bridging — what Furey calls the Royal Court of Exercises.

Then I connect functional strength training to the need for stronger Masonic leadership.

This episode solves one Masonic Muscle problem:

How can lodges build stronger leaders if they do not train, plan, educate, and organize with discipline?

We discuss:

• Darkness and our first workout of 2023
• Matt Furey and Gama Fitness
• Hindu Squats, Hindu Pushups, and bridging
• functional strength and stamina
• old-school conditioning
• the Masonic Improvement Podcast
• R.W. Dave McHam on the need for Masonic leadership
• social capital
• what the lodge experience should be
• executive committees
• think tanks
• Masonic education
• vision and mission statements
• creating a 3–5 year plan for your lodge
• leadership, discipline, engagement, and Blue Lodge strength

A lodge does not become strong by accident.

Neither does a body.

You need a plan.
You need discipline.
You need repetition.
You need leadership.
You need standards.
You need men willing to put in the work when nobody is clapping.

Functional strength is strength you can use.

Masonic leadership should be the same.

Not titles.
Not empty chairs.
Not recycled slogans.

Useful leadership.

Leadership that builds the lodge, strengthens the Brothers, improves the candidate experience, and gives men a reason to come back.

Resources mentioned:

Matt Furey / Gama Fitness
https://mattfureysays.com/products/gama-fitness

Masonic Improvement Podcast — The Need for Masonic Leadership with R.W. Dave McHam
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gxLIfwLa6jbd9yaaoITMy?si=3fcfdfd9c332403e

Have an origin theory, Masonic question, old document, book recommendation, lodge problem, fitness transformation story, or leadership idea?

Write to me at:

[email protected]

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Share this episode with one Brother who knows his lodge needs stronger leadership.

Is Freemasonry really refining?

In this episode of Masonic Muscle, I give my final thoughts on Brother Robert H. Johnson’s article:

“Freemasonry Isn’t Dying, It’s Refining.”

Brother Johnson, creator of the Whence Came You? podcast, gives us a strong launching point for one of the most important conversations in the Craft:

What is actually happening to Freemasonry, and what are Masons going to do about it?

I accidentally forgot to publish this episode earlier, but the topic is still important.

This episode solves one Masonic problem:

How can Masons talk honestly about the condition of the Craft without hiding behind panic, denial, or comforting slogans?

We discuss:

• Robert H. Johnson’s article “Freemasonry Isn’t Dying, It’s Refining”
• the Whence Came You? podcast
• final thoughts on the state of the Craft
• whether Freemasonry is truly refining
• whether decline is being mistaken for refinement
• how to stimulate better conversations among Brothers
• what Blue Lodges need to regain strength
• why honest diagnosis matters
• why action matters more than commentary

The phrase “Freemasonry isn’t dying, it’s refining” is powerful.

But it should not become an excuse.

Refining requires heat.
Refining requires pressure.
Refining requires removal of impurities.
Refining requires work.

If all we do is lose members, weaken lodges, avoid hard conversations, and call it “refinement,” then we are fooling ourselves.

But if the decline forces Masons to raise standards, improve education, strengthen Blue Lodges, guard the West Gate, and demand better from ourselves, then maybe refinement is possible.

The Craft does not get stronger because we found a better phrase.

It gets stronger when Masons do the work.

Have an origin theory, Masonic question, old document, book recommendation, lodge problem, fitness transformation story, or research lead?

Write to me at:

[email protected]

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@masonicmuscle

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Share this episode with one Brother who can handle an honest conversation about the Craft.

What is your lodge’s purpose?

In EP 85 of Masonic Muscle, I talk about focus, purpose, exercise, Jack LaLanne, lodge strategy, and why both men and lodges fail when they obsess over tools instead of results.

A lot of men say they want to get in shape, but they never start because they think they need the perfect equipment.

That is an excuse.

Jack LaLanne built powerful bodyweight exercise systems that required no fancy machines. If you train three times a week for three or four months with basic bodyweight movements, consistency, effort, and discipline, you will get results.

Stop thinking about it.

Pull the trigger.

This episode solves one Masonic Muscle problem:

How can a man or a lodge improve if they keep chasing tools instead of clarifying purpose, standards, and action?

We discuss:

• Jack LaLanne and bodyweight training
• stop making excuses and start exercising
• why equipment is not the answer
• focus, concentration, and purpose
• Freemasonry and lodge strategy
• why lodges cannot be all things to all people
• structure follows strategy
• the mastermind principle
• fail fast and learn faster
• K.I.S.S. — keep it simple
• why high standards create better outcomes
• why the mind is the greatest tool

Freemasonry gives a man tools to become better.

The gym gives a man tools to build a better body.

But the greatest tool is the mind.

If your mind is scattered, your body will be scattered.
If your lodge is scattered, your results will be scattered.
If your purpose is weak, your tools will not save you.

A lodge must have focus.

Several Brothers must help protect that focus.

Freemasonry cannot be all things to all people.

A lodge cannot be all things to all people.

Set your standards high.

Clarify the purpose.

Then do the work.

Subscribe to Masonic Muscle on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Overcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a strong review and share the episode with one Brother who needs to stop making excuses and start building.

You can also support the show by buying me a cup of coffee so I can keep the creative juices flowing and do more pushups.

Have a Masonic question, lodge problem, origin theory, book recommendation, fitness transformation story, or want to come on the show?

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