In this episode of Way of the Hermit, David and Gene continue their exploration of the “Secret Gospel of John,” delving deeper into the text’s esoteric description of the evolution of consciousness.

The primary story arc of this episode concerns the awakening of self-consciousness and awareness, and also the accompanying feeling of being “not whole.” The narrative follows how Sophia, representing dawning self-awareness, experiences her separation from divine unity, leading to a profound journey of anguish, realignment and restoration. In a response from heaven to Sophia’s prayers, heaven grants a vision to her son, the Demiurge, of what the “perfect man” looks like. But, this “image of god” is distorted, as it is reflected down through the worlds into manifestation, resulting in man’s plight.

This portion of the narrative of the “Secret Gospel of John” can be seen as the blackening phase of the alchemical process. It is the complete descent of spirit into matter, where it is in a sense, imprisoned, and yet, it is the spark that can reignite the ascent home.

David and Gene discuss the idea of building and embodying a living temple, and how the blueprint for such a construction, is an unfolding of “archetype of archetypes,” the same pattern that unfolds and becomes embodied in everything that exists.

So join us, as we continue our in-depth discussion of one of the most important spiritual texts of all time - “The Secret Gospel of John.”

Deep Dive:

• Secret Book of John
• Secret Gospel of John correspondences

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:00 Review
• 07:33 Sophia’s Call
• 12:16 Pleroma’s Response
• 16:34 Creation of Man
• 20:42 Body of Light
• 23:32 Luminous Epinoia
• 27:54 Light Trapped in Shadow
• 31:17 Tree of Death
• 35:00 Conclusions

Resources:

• MiddleChamber.org - Symposium on Masonic Esoterica
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Apocryphon of John - Frederick Wisse Translation
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung

In this episode, David and Gene continue their exploration of the Secret Gospel of John, delving into its complex cosmology and comparing it with Neoplatonic philosophy. They review the discussion from the previous episode that detailed the first phases the evolution of consciousness through the emanations of (1) the Monad (pure undifferentiated consciousness - will), (2) Barbelo (first reflection - thought), and (3) Christ/Autogenes (self-generated awareness - life). 

They draw parallels between ancient spiritual concepts and contemporary neuroscience, and discuss how these concepts relate to the modern understanding of consciousness and psychological development. The conversation explores the emergence of the Four Lights from Autogenes and their correspondence to the Four Worlds of Kabbalah, representing different levels of consciousness from spiritual to physical.

This text for this episode focuses on the dramatic turn in the narrative with the appearance of Sophia of the Epinoia and her creation of the Demiurge - a lion-faced serpent representing primal consciousness without higher reasoning. The text details how this "blind idiot god, born of chaos" creates the Archons (rulers) in an attempt to mirror the higher realms, resulting in a distorted reflection of divine patterns that governs the material world. 

In this episode, David and Gene (as always) weave together insights from various esoteric traditions, including Masonry, Kabbalah, Hermeticism, alchemy, and Christian Gnosticism, showing how these ancient texts are intended as grimoires or textbooks, detailing sophisticated models for understanding consciousness and human psychological development.

Deep Dive:

• Secret Book of John
• Secret Gospel of John correspondences

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:29 Review
• 05:32 Neoplatonism
• 10:38 Autogenes
• 14:03 The Four Lights
• 19:06 Pigera-Adamas
• 22:24 Sophia Epinoia
• 25:52 The Demiurge
• 29:09 The Archons
• 33:53 A Jealous God
• 36:52 Conclusions

Resources:

• MiddleChamber.org - Symposium on Masonic Esoterica
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Apocryphon of John - Frederick Wisse Translation
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung

In this episode, David and Gene begin their exploration of "The Secret Gospel of John," also known as the "Apocryphon of John," a pivotal text in the Sethian Gnostic tradition. They discuss the text's history, its multiple versions, and its significance as a comprehensive presentation of Gnostic cosmology and theology.

The discussion delves into the concept of the Monad, the ultimate unity in Gnostic thought, comparing it to similar ideas in Pythagoreanism and Kabbalah, and exploring its characteristics as the ineffable, unnameable source of all qualities. In the process, David and Gene draw parallels with modern cosmology and to the symbolism of the point within a circle, relating it to biological concepts like seeds and zygotes, while always emphasizing the text's primary focus, which is on the inner world of the mind.

This episode introduces Barbelo, the first emanation from the Monad, representing forethought and the beginning of psychic evolution. David and Gene examine the qualities attributed to Barbelo and how these relate to human consciousness. They conclude by discussing the "birth" of Christ as a metaphor for the self-reflective development of mind, emphasizing the importance of understanding these texts as spiritual guidebooks rather than mere stories.

This is the first episode of a multi-part series on the “Secret Gospel of John.” It begins the exegesis of the text, and also stage for a deeper exploration of Gnostic philosophy as a path of spiritual discovery and growth.

Deep Dive:

• Secret Book of John

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:39 The Apocryphon of John
• 04:28 History of the Text
• 07:02 Secret Book of John
• 11:06 The Monad
• 14:42 Point in the Circle
• 20:22 Barbelo
• 25:13 The Birth of Christ
• 27:57 Conclusions

Resources:

• MiddleChamber.org - Symposium on Masonic Esoterica
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Apocryphon of John - Frederik Wisse Translation
• Gnosis.org - The Gnosis Archive
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung

In this episode, David and Gene delve into the fascinating world of Gnostic Christianity, exploring its origins, philosophical concepts, and enduring influence.

The episode explores the historical and philosophical landscape that gave birth to Gnostic Christianity, focusing on Alexandria's crucial role as a melting pot of Eastern and Western thought. David and Gene also discuss the significance of the Septuagint and the works of Philo of Alexandria, in bridging Jewish and Greek philosophical traditions.

The main Gnostic sects are introduced: the Sethians, Valentinians, Basilideans, Ophites, and Carpocratians, as well as the key texts associated with them, that were discovered in Nag Hammadi, Egypt. In preparation for later discussions, this episode summarizes many fundamental Gnostic concepts such as the Pleroma, Nous, Aeons, Barbelo, Sophia, the Demiurge, and the Archons.

Carl Jung's contributions to understanding Gnosticism are examined, as are his interpretations of Gnostic concepts as representations of psychological processes and structures, shedding light on the potential of Gnostic thought to illuminate the human psyche.

Deep Dive:

• Gnostic Christianity

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 02:43 Gnostic Christianity
• 05:28 The Septuagint
• 07:04 Philo of Alexandria
• 09:34 Gnostic Sects
• 11:54 Nag Hammadi Texts
• 12:50 Gnostic Concepts
• 15:14 Seven Sermons to the Dead
• 17:04 Gnostic Psychology
• 19:28 Gnostic Jung
• 22:27 Conclusions

Resources:

• MiddleChamber.org (A Symposium of Masonic Esoterika)
• Morals & Dogma: Annotated Edition
• The Nag Hammadi Scriptures
• The Red Book: A Reader's Edition by Carl Jung
• Seven Sermons To the Dead by Carl Jung
• Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing by Stephan A. Hoeller

In this episode of "Way of the Hermit," David and Gene dive down the rabbit hole, into the world of Gnosticism and its connection to Freemasonry. They explore how Gnostic teachings, once considered heretical, were driven underground and lay buried for centuries until their rediscovery in the 20th century. They discuss the core principles of Gnosticism, emphasizing its focus on direct inner knowledge of the divine (gnosis) rather than adherence to dogma or external rules.

The episode traces the historical suppression of Gnostic ideas by early Christian literalists and examines key figures in Gnostic thought, including Simon Magus, Philo of Alexandria, and G.R.S. Mead. David and Gene highlight the significance of the Nag Hammadi texts discovered in 1945, which provided unprecedented insights into Gnostic Christianity. They also explore the symbolic interpretations of religious and Masonic stories, arguing that these allegories contain deeper truths about human consciousness and spiritual awakening.

The discussion draws intriguing parallels between Gnostic concepts and Masonic symbolism, suggesting that Freemasonry is perhaps a form of Gnosticism. They propose that the three degrees of the Masonic Blue Lodge, as well as the Masonic quest for the “Lost Word”, the three names of God and three temples in the Scottish Rite, correspond to the three stages of Gnostic awakening.

Deep Dive:

Nag Hammadi's Gnostic Revelations

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 01:36 Gnosticism
• 04:02 Masonry is Gnosticism
• 06:33 The Key to the Mysteries
• 09:56 Church of the Antichrist
• 13:19 Simon Magus
• 15:49 Philo of Alexandria
• 18:05 G.R.S. Mead
• 21:21 Nag Hammadi
• 24:45 Conclusions

Resources:

• The Gnostics: The First Christian Heretics by Sean Martin
• Jesus and the Lost Goddess: The Secret Teachings of the Original Christians by Tim Freke & Peter Gandy
• Novo Clavis Esoterika by Timothy Hogan
• Gnostic Religion in Antiquity by Roelof van den Broek
• Pistis Sophia: The Gnostic Tradition of Mary Magdalene, Jesus, and His Disciples by G.R.S. Mead
• Fragments Of A Faith Forgotten by G.R.S. Mead
• Corpus Hermeticum by G.R.S. Mead
• Simon Magus: The Gnostic Magician by G.R.S. Mead
• Gnostic John the Baptizer by G.R.S. Mead
• Gnosticism: New Light on the Ancient Tradition of Inner Knowing by Stephan A. Hoeller
• The American Religion: The Emergence of the Post-Christian Nation by Harold Bloom
• The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels
• God is a Verb by David Cooper

In this episode, David and Gene begin their deep dive into Gnosticism and its intimate connection to Freemasonry. They explore the key concepts that form the foundation of Gnostic thought, including the Monad, Emanations, Duality, and the pursuit of Gnosis, and discuss how these ideas are woven into the fabric of Masonic philosophy, particularly within the Scottish Rite system. 

The Way of the Hermit Podcast: https://www.wayofthehermit.com

David and Gene discuss how the ancient wisdom traditions use symbols and allegories to convey deeper truths about the nature of reality and human consciousness. Through the symbols and stories of sacred scriptures, they conceal hidden truths, that are revealed to those who possess the key to their interpretation. They also delve into the historical context of Gnosticism, touching on its suppression by orthodox religious authorities and its survival through esoteric traditions, and how Gnostic concepts like the Aeons are related to the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.

The conversation also draw parallels between Gnostic ideas and Masonic symbols and rituals, revealing the esoteric underpinnings of Freemasonry, and discuss the works of influential thinkers like Albert Pike, Carl Jung, and contemporary Masonic scholars who have recognized the Gnostic elements within Masonry.

Join us we begin our exploration of the mysteries of Gnosticism and its profound impact on Freemasonry, and on the world... and find out what it really means, to establish a "New Order for the Ages."

Deep Dive:

• Gnosticism, Freemasonry and Gnosis

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 04:03 Why Gnosticism?
• 06:33 Freemasonry and Gnosticism
• 09:21 The Perennial Philosophy
• 11:37 The Monad
• 14:16 Duality
• 15:42 Allegories and Symbols
• 17:58 Gnostic Heresy
• 23:13 Gnosis
• 26:18 Conclusions

Resources:

• 2024 Southeastern Masonic Symposium & Harmony
• Contemplative Masonry: Basic Applications of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Imagery for the Craft
• Arcanum Podcast - Ike Baker
• Gnostic Philosophy: From Ancient Persia to Modern Times
• The Alchemical Keys To Masonic Ritual
• Novo Clavis Esoterika

In this episode, David and Gene delve into the world of esoteric Freemasonry with their esteemed guests, Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace and Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw. As authors of the book "A Path to Providence", Shaun and Ben share their inspiring journey in reviving the mystery school roots of Freemasonry through the establishment of groundbreaking esoteric education programs in North Carolina.

The Way of the Hermit Podcast: https://www.wayofthehermit.com

From humble beginnings in small esoteric discussion groups to the formation of the first Traditional Observance Lodges in North Carolina, Ben and Shaun recount the challenges and triumphs they faced in introducing these programs to the Masonic community, as well as their vision for the future.

Shaun and Ben emphasize the importance of "nudging" Masonry in a more esoteric and spiritual direction, as well as keeping their own curriculum within the bounds of Masonry while still exploring interconnections with other esoteric traditions. They discuss the development of the "Middle Chamber Program" for Blue Lodge Masons and the "Key to the Mysteries" initiative for Scottish Rite degrees, both aimed at providing a structured approach to esoteric education.

They also discuss the profound experiences offered by the "Inner Chamber Experience", a capstone program involving guided meditations and other preparation for what has proven for many, to be a transformative Lodge exercise. In this fascinating conversation, Shaun and Ben share their insights on the role and future of Freemasonry, where they envision a shift towards greater emphasis on the philosophical, spiritual, and esoteric aspects of the Craft... and challenge listeners to not sit on the sidelines, but instead get involved with this esoteric movement at whatever level they feel capable.

Join David, Gene, Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace and Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw, on this enlightening exploration of the esoteric path within Freemasonry.

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 01:54 Shaun Bradshaw & Ben Wallace
• 04:53 Esoteric Education
• 11:41 Keeping it Masonic
• 17:25 The Key to the Mysteries
• 22:20 The Inner Chamber
• 29:01 Outreach
• 32:32 Closing Thoughts
• 37:39 Concluding Remarks

Resources:

• A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program by Shaun Bradshaw and Ben Wallace
• Observing the Craft by Andrew Hammer
• The Way of the Craftsman by Kirk McNulty
• Contemplative Masonry by Chuck Dunning
• The Meaning of Masonry by Walter Wilmshurst
• Free Masonry: It's Hidden Meaning by George Steinmetz
• The Rough and Rugged Road by Tony Hornsby
• In Search of Light by Bob Davis

Contact Information:

Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw
[email protected]

Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace
[email protected]

In this first episode of the second season of the “Way of the Hermit” podcast we are “tying up loose ends” left over from last season. In this first part of our two-part season opener, we are looking at the book “A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program.”

The Way of the Hermit Podcast: https://www.wayofthehermit.com

In "A Path to Providence", authors Shaun Bradshaw and Ben Wallace address the problems within modern Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite, offering solutions to revive the esoteric core of the craft. The book tells the story of the founding of the first "Traditional Observance" Lodge in North Carolina and the creation of an esoteric Masonic study program called "The Middle Chamber". It explains how the deeper meanings behind Masonic symbols were lost or forgotten in the post-World War II era, when membership swelled but understanding of the esoteric side diluted. Freemasonry today still largely reflects this era, with a focus on charities and business meetings rather than the profound truths of the ritual. Seekers of Masonic enlightenment often feel they are in the wrong place and drift away from the fraternity.

Traditional Observance Masonry, a movement that began in the 1990s, aims to revive traditional Masonic practices, rituals, and symbolism to provide a more contemplative experience focused on esoteric and allegorical meanings. Andrew Hammer's book "Observing the Craft" is considered a manifesto of the movement, emphasizing the importance of taking time to observe and understand the wisdom within the symbols. In 2013, Sophia Lodge No. 767 was created as the first Traditional Observance Lodge in North Carolina, openly dedicated to the pursuit of esoteric knowledge. The book "A Path to Providence" shows how Brothers Bradshaw and Wallace addressed the problems of Freemasonry from the inside, making it official and sustainable through years of concerted effort. It also lays out a program of study that fills in much of the esoteric knowledge that is lacking in modern Masonic education. And they make a case that the time is ripe for a Masonic esoteric renaissance.

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 05:49 A Path To Providence
• 08:50 Your Grandfather’s Freemasonry
• 11:07 The Esoteric Closet
• 15:21 Traditional Observance
• 17:45 Sophia Lodge
• 20:59 The Middle Chamber Program
• 24:49 The Inner Chamber Experience
• 27:59 The Key to the Mysteries
• 30:12 Summary & Outreach
• 32:08 Conclusions

Resources:

• A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program by Shaun Bradshaw and Ben Wallace
• Observing the Craft by Andrew Hammer
• The Way of the Craftsman by Kirk McNulty
• Contemplative Masonry by Chuck Dunning
• The Meaning of Masonry by Walter Wilmshurst
• Free Masonry: It's Hidden Meaning by George Steinmetz
• The Initiatic Experience by Rob Herd
• The Rough and Rugged Road by Tony Hornsby
• In Search of Light by Bob Davis

In this brief episode, we discuss:

1. Ongoing updates to the audio of the Season 1 episodes.
2. An upcoming e-book and audiobook of our first Season.
3. Plans for Season 2, which will begin in January 2024.

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

In the podcast, the evolution of the Square and Compass, the primary symbol of the "Blue Lodge," is examined after the hosts' journey through the Scottish Rite degrees. It is now seen as a more profound representation, with the Compass over the Square symbolizing Spirit ruling over the material, and the 'G' inside representing the "Grand Architect of the Universe." The discussion also covers the double-headed eagle, the emblem of the Scottish Rite, which symbolizes the unity of human and divine nature and the concept of equilibrium.

The hosts delve into the essential textbooks for the Scottish Rite, including "Morals and Dogma: The Annotated Edition," "Scottish Rite Ritual - Monitor and Guide," and "A Bridge to Light," emphasizing their importance for understanding the degrees. They revisit the origins of the Scottish Rite degrees, focusing on Albert Pike's revisions and his complex legacy, which includes both his contributions to Freemasonry and his controversial personal beliefs. The esoteric aspects of the Scottish Rite are explored, drawing parallels with psychological concepts from various traditions and emphasizing the introspective nature of the degrees.

The podcast concludes with reflections on the meaning of holding a Scottish Rite degree, the importance of personal study and understanding, and the distinction between merely holding a degree and truly embodying its teachings.

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:

• The Double-Headed Eagle
• Young Albert Pike
• Old Albert Pike

Overview:

• 01:14 Introduction
• 02:16 Square and Compass
• 03:04 Double-Headed Eagle
• 04:14 Textbooks
• 06:18 Origins of the Degrees
• 09:56 Albert Pike
• 15:35 Esoteric Psychology
• 21:14 The Meaning of the Degrees
• 27:06 Conclusions

Links:

• Albert Pike (Wikipedia)
• Prince Hall Freemasonry (Wikipedia)
• Prince Hall (Wikipedia)
• Albert Pike Memorial (Wikipedia)
• House of the Temple (Wikipedia)
• Sigmund Freud (Wikipedia)
• Carl Jung (Wikipedia)
• Sigmund Freud and the Jewish Mystical Tradition (Amazon)
• The hidden Chasidic roots of Sigmund Freud (TheJC.com)
• Gnosis, Gnosticism and Jungian Psychology (Gnosis.org)
• The Gnostic Jung and the Seven Sermons to the Dead (Amazon)
• The Search for Roots: C. G. Jung and the Tradition of Gnosis (Amazon)
• The Birth of Tragedy (Wikipedia)