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

The ritual of the degree involves a narrative drawn from the New Testament, featuring a confrontation between King Herod II and John the Baptist, symbolizing the dangers of pride and sin, and emphasizing spiritual aspirations over worldly gains. The purpose of the degree is highlighted as encouraging the construction of “a Temple not made with hands” within oneself, dedicated to the God of Truth, and also prepares initiates for the mysteries to be revealed in the next degree.

The episode also explores the influence of various religious practices and philosophies, and the importance of an allegorical reading of scriptures. The discussion extends to the concepts of the "One True God," the process of emanation, and the personified attributes of deity, as well as the opposing forces to the creative process. The Kabbalah is presented as a key to understanding esoteric writings, and the Tracing Board and Degree Ritual are analyzed for their symbolic significance.

This 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

Diagrams

• St. John's Vision (by Albrecht Dürer)
• 17th Degree Tracing Board
• 17th Degree Jewel Front
• 17th Degree Jewel Back
• Tree of Life

Chapters

• 01:14 Introduction
• 02:03 Mythological Setting
• 04:34 Purpose of the Degree
• 07:19 Morals and Dogma
• 10:36 A Survey of Ancient Religions
• 12:36 Timeline of Religious Influences
• 15:12 Gnosticism
• 17:11 The One True God
• 17:52 Emanation
• 20:18 Allegorical Reading of Scriptures
• 22:30 Personified Attributes of Deity
• 23:15 Logos - The Creative Word
• 24:34 Contending Forces
• 25:52 The Kabbalah
• 29:30 The Tracing Board
• 31:53 The Degree Ritual
• 35:22 The Jewel of the Degree
• 37:59 Conclusions

Links

• Histoire Critique du Gnosticisme (Amazon)
• Apocalyptic Literature (Wikipedia)
• Gnosticism (Wikipedia)
• Philo (Wikipedia)
• Kabbalah (Wikipedia)
• A Garden of Pomegranates (Amazon)
• The Mystical Qabalah (Amazon)
• Z'ev ben Shimon Halevi (Amazon)
• Aryeh Kaplan (Amazon)
• Gershom Gerhard Scholem (Amazon)

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

This episode explores the mythological and historical context of the "Prince of Jerusalem" degree, which begins with  the story of Zerubbabel, a direct descendant of David and Solomon, who is entrusted by God to return the "holy fire" to the new temple in Jerusalem, and the challenges that the Israelites faced in rebuilding the templem from those who did not believe in the "One True God".

David and Gene also discuss the moral and spiritual implications of the story, emphasizing the importance of justice, equity, and labor. They highlight the idea that all Masonry is work and that labor, when rightly understood, is both noble and ennobling, intended to develop man's moral and spiritual nature. They also discuss the concept of seeing the whole world as a Temple of God and the importance of being honest and just in all relationships.

The episode concludes with the idea that there is a secret in the simplest things, and that a world of spiritual objects, influences, and relations lies around us all... though most remain unaware of this spiritual world.

This 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

Diagrams:

• Hebrew Letters

Chapters:

• 01:14 Introduction
• 01:32 Mythological Setting
• 06:04 Morals and Dogma
• 07:47 Justice and Equity
• 10:13 Labor is Noble and Ennobles the Spiri
• 16:02 There is a Secret in the Simplest Things
• 19:54 Mankind is Endowed with Noble Virtues
• 22:11 The Degree Apron
• 24:40 Cordon of the Degree
• 26:10 Jewel of the Degree
• 27:57 Conclusions

Links:

• Discourses on Human Life (Amazon)
• Second Temple (Wikipedia)
• Kings of Judah (Wikipedia)
• Kingdom of Israel (Wikipedia)
• Kingdom of Judah (Wikipedia)
• Cyrus The Great (Wikipedia)
• Zerubbabel (Wikipedia)
• Darius The Great (Wikipedia)
• Nehemiah (KingJamesBibleOnline)
• Maat (Wikipedia)
• Lady Justice (Wikipedia)
• Work as a Spiritual Practice (Amazon)

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

This is the first degree of the "Chapter of Rose Croix," which is composed of the 15th through the 18th degrees. The goal of these degrees is to reveal the solution of one of the great enigmas of Nature and the manifested world - the "Secret of the Reconciliation of Opposites".

The mythological setting of this degree is the destruction of the Temple and the Israelites' captivity in Babylon. A "Perfect Elu" named Zerubbabel travels to Babylon to plead with the Persian King Cyrus to free the Israelites and allow them to rebuild their Temple in Jerusalem. Zerubbabel's journey and his interactions with King Cyrus, including his refusal to reveal the secrets of the Order of the "Perfect Elu" and his interpretation of King Cyrus's dream, form the core of the mythological narrative.

The degree teaches us how to "make advantage out of adversity". The sword and the trowel, which are key symbols in this degree, represent the need to protect oneself against external threats and the ability to cut through obstacles. The rebuilding of the Temple symbolizes the restitution of the "Primitive Truth" to man. The teachings of the degree are encapsulated in the quote, "The only true happiness is to learn, to advance, and to improve; which could not happen unless we had commenced with error, ignorance, and imperfection. We must pass through the darkness, to reach the light".

This 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

Diagrams:

• Zerubbabel, Bound in Triangular Chains, Appears Before King Cyrus (engraving)

Overview

• 01:14 Introduction
• 01:28 The Chapter of Rose Croix
• 03:08 Mythological Setting
• 07:14 Morals and Dogma
• 11:30 What Does Duty Require?
• 13:43 What Masonry Teaches About God
• 15:43 God's Works Are Good
• 16:42 Symbols of the Degree
• 19:48 Liberty of Passage
• 23:03 From Mars to Jupiter
• 25:15 Reconciliation of Opposites
• 27:34 Trying Gold
• 28:43 The Triple Triangle
• 29:40 Conclusions

Links:

• Babylonian Captivity (Wikipedia)
• Unity of Opposites (Wikipedia)
• Hegel’s Dialectics (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
• Alchemy (Wikipedia)
• Thought Police (Wikipedia)
• Zeus (Wikipedia)
• Jupiter (Wikipedia)

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

This episode explores the 14th Degree of the "Lodge of Perfection" - "Perfect Elu." The episode begins with a brief recap of the Royal Arch of Solomon Degree, highlighting Enoch's efforts to preserve the "True Name of God" amidst a forewarned calamity. This narrative sets the stage for the discussion on King Solomon's "Secret Vault," distinct from Enoch's vault, which served as a private meeting space for Solomon, King Hiram, and Hiram Abiff. Following Hiram Abiff's death, the vault remained sealed until a suitable replacement was found. The episode connects this story to the previous degree, where the discovery of Enoch's vault by three architects leads to their initiation into Solomon's Vault and the revelation of the "Sacred Word," thus establishing the "Degree of Perfection."

The episode concludes with a reminder of the significance of personal reflection in uncovering Masonry's secrets and the overarching goal of promoting human happiness through the dissemination of truth.

This 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

Diagrams:

• "Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Mason" (engraving)

Overview

• 01:14 Introduction
• 02:24 Mythological Setting
• 04:28 Morals and Dogma
• 05:12 The Practical Object of Masonry
• 06:41 Laborare est Orare: Labor is Worship
• 07:36 Pure Religion is to Help Others and Keep Oneself Unspotted from the World
• 11:49 Nothing Can be Imagined More Excellent than God
• 13:34 God Concerns Himself With Human Affairs
• 14:14 Hiram: A Symbol of Humanity in its Highest Phase
• 17:33 God Has a Plan for His Creations
• 18:23 God’s Existence is Self-Evident
• 20:26 God is Our Father, and We Are His Children
• 21: 14 God’s Laws are Designed for Our Happiness
• 22:54 No Good Work is in Vain
• 24:29 The Mason and This and The Future of Life
• 25:34 Masonry Imposes No Sectarian Doctrines
• 26:15 Symbolic Numbers
• 29:03 Jacob’s Ladder Revisited
• 30:20 Solomon’s Seal
• 31:11 The Perfect Elu Ceremony
• 31:59 The Cordon
• 32:40 The Apron
• 33:05 The 14th Degree Ring
• 34:36 The Fall of Solomon’s Temple

Links:

• The Creed of Christendom (Amazon)
• Scottish Rite for Children (ScottishRiteForChildren.org)
• Shriner’s Children (ShrinersChildren.org)
• Ronald McDonald House (RHMC.org)
• Emerald Tablet (Wikipedia)
• Be Here Now (Amazon)
• Real Alchemy (Amazon)

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

In this episode, Gene and David, delve into the myth of the Royal Arch of Solomon degree, focusing on the Biblical Patriarch Enoch. In Enoch's dream, God reveals his "True Name" and shows him a vault of nine arched chambers, with the last one containing a triangular plate of gold bearing God's name. Enoch interprets this as a divine sign and constructs a similar vault to protect this treasure for future generations. The vault is later discovered during the construction of Solomon's Temple, leading to the revelation of the "True Name of God" to King Solomon and his conferral of the title of Masons of the Ninth Royal Arch to three individuals.

The episode discusses the ineffable name of God, the symbolism associated with it, and its interpretation across different cultures. It explores the concept of esoteric knowledge, which is defined as - personal, ineffable knowledge that can only be communicated indirectly. The conversation also touches on the symbolism of numbers in Solomon's Temple, particularly the Holy of Holies, and how the "True Name of the Deity," as revealed in Enoch's dream and inscribed on the cube in Solomon's Temple, is the Master Mason's Word.

This 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

Diagrams:

• "A Brother, Lowered Into a Subterranean Vault" (Engraving)

Overview

• 01:14 Introduction
• 01:49 Mythological Setting
• 06:05 Morals and Dogma
• 06:46 The Ineffable Name of God
• 10:44 Symbolism and the Name of God
• 13:26 Hebrew Monotheism
• 15:17 Masonry Includes the Communication of Esoteric Knowledge
• 17:40 Solomon’s Temple Represented the Universe
• 20:42 The Lodge Represents the Universe
• 22:50 Preserving Liberty
• 24:45 The Religion of Toil, Life and Society
• 26:35 On the Religious Nature of Masonry
• 27:47 On the Law of Retribution
• 29:49 Symbols of the Degree
• 31:05 The Philosopher's Stone
• 32:17 Finding the Stone
• 34:25 Childhood & The Flood
• 35:28 The Perfect Ashlar

Links:

• The Secrets of Enoch in the Masonic Tradition (Arturo De Hoyos)
• Tao (Wikipedia)
• Om (aka Aum - Wikipedia)
• Isaac Ben Solomon Luria (Encyclopedia.com)
• Primary texts of Kabbalah (Wikipedia.com)
• The Eight Gates of the Arizal (Safed.co.il)
• Jewish meditation (Wikipedia)
• Madonna - Isaac (YouTube)

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

This episode discusses the 12th Degree of the Scottish Rite, exploring themes of leadership, morality, and the philosophical underpinnings of Masonic teachings. The degree ritual centers around the promotion of Adoniram to Chief Architect, symbolizing the elevation of the wise and able to leadership positions. The degree represents a shift in focus from earthly tools to heavenly ones, emphasizing the importance of virtue, the contemplation of human nature, and the quest for moral improvement. Symbols examined include the Seal of Solomon, astronomical symbols, and the Jewel of the Degree.

This 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

Diagrams:

• Jewel of 12th Degree
• Ancient Samaritan Letters

Overview

• 01:14 Introduction
• 01:45 Mythological Setting
• 03:08 Morals & Dogma
• 05:37 The Plight of Humanity
• 07:19 The Arch of Mystery
• 08:33 A Greater Life Beyond
• 10:30 Life is What We Make It
• 12:08 The Lures of Temptation
• 15:21 God Exists, and Cares for Us
• 21:30 Religious Faith is Indispensable to Masonry
• 23:02 Necessity of Society
• 24:08 Virtue Garners an Incomparable Treasure
• 24:56 Sensitivity of the Soul
• 26:35 Cognition Unlocks the Treasures of the Universe
• 28:21 Seal of Solomon
• 29:21 Five Columns and Orders of Architecture
• 30:11 Rule of Benedict
• 31:21 Astronomical Symbolism
• 33:07 Tools of the Master Architect
• 33:58 The Jewel of the Degree

Links:

• Hebrew4Christians.com
• Core Values: Benedictine Spirituality (Part 1 of 3)
• The Rule of Saint Benedict and the Origin of Masonic Ritual (Amazon)
• Rule of Saint Benedict (Wikipedia)
• Compass (Wikipedia)
• Sector (Wikipedia)
• Slide Rule (Wikipedia)
• Scale Ruler (Wikipedia)
• Parallel Rulers (Wikipedia)
• Polaris (Wikipedia)
• Ursa Major (Wikipedia)

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

This episode delves into the 11th Degree of the Scottish Rite, "Elu of the Twelve." It explores the symbolism of the trial and judgment of the Ruffians, highlighting the themes of truth, fidelity, and moral virtues as outlined in Freemasonic teachings. The discussion also covers the importance of overcoming the so-called, “Seven Deadly Sins” and emphasizes Masonry's role as a champion for morality, virtue, and the betterment of humanity. The episode concludes with reflections on life's lessons, the significance of suffering and virtue, and the continuous journey toward enlightenment and moral improvement within the Masonic tradition.

This 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

Diagrams:

• Tree of Sin (WayOfTheHermit)

Overview

• 01:14 Introduction
• 01:42 Mythological Setting
• 03:26 Morals & Dogma
• 04:38 Sympathy for Suffering Humanity
• 06:11 The Subjugation of Avarice, Ambition and Sensuality
• 08:12 Disparity of the Social Classes
• 09:27 Masonry, A Champion of the People
• 11:33 Life is a School
• 15:33 Death is the Great Teacher
• 18:23 What Remains to be Done in Masonry
• 21:29 Masonry has Yet Much to Accomplish
• 24:42 Conclusions
• 26:16 The Golem
• 28:28 Vicere Aut Mori

Links:

• Discourses On Human Nature, Human Life, And The Nature Of Religion (Amazon)
• Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley (PoetryFoundation.org)
• Perfect Blue Buildings - Lyrics (CountingCrows.com)
• Egyptian Book of the Dead - 42 Negative Confessions (HouseOfTruth.education)
• The Path of Freemasonry with Mark Stavish (RightWhereYouAreSittingNow podcast)
• Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
• The Path of Freemasonry: The Craft as a Spiritual Practice (Amazon)
• Golem (Wikipedia)
• The Hebrew Alphabet - Aleph (MysticalBreath.com)
• Spiritually Dead (Bible.Knowing-Jesus.com)

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

This episode explores the 10th Degree of the Scottish Rite, "Elu of the Fifteen". The episode begins with a discussion of the mythological setting, where Solomon forms a group of fifteen men to bring justice to the murderers of Hiram Abiff. The episode delves into the teachings of the degree: tolerance, respect for private religious beliefs, and the distinction between Masonry and religion. The hosts discuss the universal moral principles shared across different religions and highlight the importance of education, moral improvement, and charity as Masonic duties. The episode concludes with a philosophical discussion on the nature of truth, tolerance, ambition, and the interconnectedness of all beings, drawing insights from various religious and philosophical perspectives.

This 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

Diagrams:

• Elu of the Fifteen (engraving by Pierre Mejanel)
• Tree of Sin (WayOfTheHermit)

Overview

• 01:14 Introduction
• 01:39 Mythological Setting
• 03:00 Morals & Dogma
• 03:28 Respect of Private Religious Beliefs
• 05:01 Freemasonry Preserves Faith, But is Not a Religion
• 07:42 The Moral and the Good
• 09:41 The Dangers of Intolerance
• 11:23 Most Receive Religion At Birth, Not By Choice
• 14:20 What is Truth?
• 16:15 Freedom of Religion
• 17:43 Moral Precepts - Summary
• 19:39 Education and Moral Improvement
• 20:46 Charity is a Mason’s Duty
• 21:56 The Rewards of Persistent and Steady Labor
• 22:47 Scottish Rite Ritual - Monitor & Guide
• 24:03 Conclusions

Links:

• Persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire (Wikipedia)
• Inquisition (History.com)
• Martyr (Wikipedia)
• Amsterdam Torture Museum
• Reformation (Wikipedia)
• Martin Luther (Wikipedia)
• Salem Witch Trials (History.com)
• Seven Deadly Sins (Wikipedia)
• Monty Python Spanish Inquisition Part 1 (YouTube)
• Zoroastrianism (History.com)
• Hávamál (Wikipedia)
• The Meaning of Namaste (Yoga Journal)
• You Cain’t Whup a Bear (Ed Francisco - AppalachiaBare.com)

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

In this episode, we explore the 9th Degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry -  "Elu of the Nine", and discuss its ceremonial narrative, the capture of the ruffians involved in Hiram Abiff's murder. This degree addresses the need for personal self-control, for rebuking vice, and highlights the contrast between noble sentiments and actionable virtues ("armchair spirituality"). Themes of internal conflict, the struggle with personal vices, and Masonic duties towards the greater good are also examined. The episode emphasizes the importance of active participation in Masonry's principles, and the quest for personal and societal liberty.

This 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

Diagrams:

• Elu of the Nine (Engraving by Pierre Mejanel - ca. 1887)

Overview:

• 01:14 Introduction
• 02: 12 Mythological Setting
• 04:13 Freemasonry is Experimental and Practical
• 06:17 The Spirit is Willing, But the Flesh is Weak
• 09:12 Duty is With Us Always
• 10:43 A True Citizen, The Apostle of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity
• 13:51 Liberty
• 15:40 Power is Delegated for Good 
• 17:46 Masonry Inspires Patriotism
• 19:04 Service is an Honor
• 21:30 Ritual - Monitor and Guide
• 22:36 A Bridge to Light
• 23:24 Free Barabas!
• 24:35 Go Into Your Cave
• 29:06 Shadow Work
• 29:56 Conclusions

Links:

• Carl Jung - Archetypes - The Shadow (Carl-Jung.net)
• Carl Jung and the Shadow: a Guide to the Dark Side of the Mind (ArtsOfThought.com)

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

This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the 8th Degree in the Scottish Rite, "Intendant of the Building." Set in the period after Hiram's death, the narrative of the degree revolves around the challenges faced in continuing the construction of King Solomon's Temple. It focuses on the collaborative effort and the selection of five individuals to assume Hiram's responsibilities, emphasizing themes of unity, shared knowledge, and collective endeavor.  Key themes discussed  include stoicism, charity, benevolence, and the virtue of contentment. The episode also explores Masonic symbols like the beehive, representing collective effort and unity. 

David & Gene emphasize the importance of reflecting on life as a divine blessing, encouraging Masons to find contentment and practice charity. The overarching message is that Masonry teaches practical virtues applicable to everyday life, emphasizing the significance of personal development and ethical conduct in both Masonic and worldly contexts.

This 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

Diagrams:

• Emblems of God (names of God on Tree of Life)
• Letters on the Triangle (engraving by Pierre Mejanel)

Overview

• Introduction (01:15)
•  Mythological Setting  (02:13)
• Morals and Dogma (04:08)
• Emblems of the Degree (10:47)
• Signs of the Degree (12:27)
• Mankind Seeks the Truth (13:19)
• Masonry Preserves Faith (14:08)
• Hoc Opus, Hic Labor Est (15:45)
• Masonry Does Not Dogmatize (19:34)
• Mankind Has Both Duty and Destiny to Fulfill on Earth (20:36)
• Life is a Divine Blessing (23:45)
• The Virtue of Contentment (24:44)
• Enjoy the Blessings of the Day (27:49)
• Principles Require Practice (29:24)
• Conclusions (30:45)

Links:

• The Whole Works of the Right Rev. Jeremy Taylor, Volume 1 (Amazon)
• The Creed of Christendom by William Rathbone Greg (Amazon)
• Discourses on Various Subjects by Orville Dewey (Amazon)
• Discourses on the Nature of Religion; And on Commerce and Business by Orville Dewey (Amazon)
• Intendant (Wikipedia)
• Oc opus, hic labor est (SubSubLibrarian)
• Stoics and Moral Philosophy - The 8 Principles of Stoicism (ThoughtCo)
• Bob Marley - Get Up Stand Up (YouTube)