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

In the episode, the symbolism inherent in the Fellowcraft Degree of Freemasonry is delved into, with a particular emphasis on the nature of symbolism itself. It is highlighted that symbols serve as a bridge to the unconscious mind, offering problems for contemplation rather than explicit solutions, thus fostering personal interpretation and growth. The discussion extends to the Rough and Smooth Ashlars, which represent the dual nature of the self, imperfection and perfection, and the Masonic labor of self-improvement. The hosts also explore the esoteric practice of maintaining black and white diaries as a parallel to the contemplation of the Ashlars.

The conversation further explores the Fellowcraft Tracing Board, which is seen as a representation of the psyche, with the winding staircase symbolizing the ascent to higher consciousness. The pillars and staircase are connected to Kabbalistic concepts and the journey towards enlightenment. The Lodge's archives are discussed as a metaphor for the repository of memories, including the unconscious, drawing parallels to Jungian psychology and the importance of examining repressed memories.

The significance of number symbolism is also examined, with each number from one to twelve discussed in terms of its esoteric meaning, such as unity, duality, and completion. The episode concludes with reflections on the nature of truth, the importance of being open to new perspectives, and the concept of sovereignty over self as the essence of liberty. The content of the discussion often transcends the confines of Pike's text, leading to broader contemplations of Masonic philosophy and symbolism.

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

The Tracing Board for the degree is available here:

• Fellowcraft Tracing Board

Overview

• 01:14 Introduction
• 03:22 The Nature of Symbolism
• 05:19 The Rough and Smooth Ashlars - Revisited
• 06:19 Supplemental Reading
• 08:00 The FellowCraft Tracing Board
• 09:45 The Archives of the Lodge
• 12:01 Number Symbolism
• 22:44 Conclusions

Related Links

• Arturo de Hoyos Interview on Audio Version of “Morals and Dogma”
• Eros and Thanatos: Freud’s two fundamental drives
• Carl Jung on Numbers (anthology of quotes)
• Approaching the Middle Chamber (by Jaime Paul Lamb)
• The Way of the Craftsman (W. Kirk MacNulty)
• Freemasonry: A Journey Through Ritual and Symbol (W. Kirk MacNulty)

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

In the podcast episode, the moral lessons of the "Entered Apprentice" degree are explored, emphasizing that Freemasonry is not a religion but a system of morality and philosophy. It is highlighted that Masonry requires a belief in a higher power, and prayer is discussed as a force for aligning one's will with the divine. The Masonic Decalogue, which is not an official set of commandments but rather a collection of moral guidelines, and the four Cardinal Virtues are also examined for their philosophical implications in one's life.

The symbols of the degree and the Lodge are intricately dissected, with the Gavel and Ruler representing force and its measured application, and the Point within a Circle symbolizing the monad and the beginning of creation. The Metaphysical Ladder, inspired by Jacob's Ladder, signifies the soul's journey. The Lodge itself is seen as a representation of King Solomon's Temple and a symbol of the Temple within oneself. The pillars Boaz and Jachin, the three columns of Strength, Wisdom, and Beauty, the Great and Lesser Lights, and the Ornaments and Jewels of the Lodge are all discussed for their esoteric meanings and their representation of internal processes.

The podcast concludes with a reflection on the esoteric interpretation of these symbols, encouraging listeners to consider how these symbols represent ongoing processes within themselves, such as the journey towards self-improvement and the quest to understand the language of the divine.

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

The Tracing Board for the degree is available here:

• Entered Apprentice Tracing Board

Chapters:

• Introduction (01:14)
• Moral Lessons (02:53)
• Symbols of the Degree (06:31)
• The Metaphysical Ladder (12:36)
• Symbols of the Lodge (17:50)
• Esoteric Interpretation of Symbols (27:30)

Related Links:

• Doric, Ionic and Corinthian
• Corinthian, Ionic and Doric in Ancient Greece
• Greek Architecture: Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian?
• Masonic Blazing Star (brickmasons.com)
• The Blazing Star (dallas-freemasonry.com)
• The Immovable Jewels (themasonictrowel.com)
• The Mystery of the Mosaic Pavement
• The History Of The 1st Tracing Board
• First Degree Tracing Board (Manor of Newland Lodge)

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

This is the first episode of a series in which we discuss the 32 degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.  This episode provides an introduction to the Blue Lodge of Freemasonry, the Scottish Rite and the author of "Morals and Dogma",  Albert Pike. It also discusses the Introduction section of the book.

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

Chapters

• 01:14 Introduction
• 02:02 Blue Lodge Masonry
• 03:10 Masonic History
• 05:10 The Scottish Rite
• 09:09 Albert Pike
• 12:56 The Scottish Rite Degrees
• 14:49 Morals & Dogma
• 18:19 The Hiram Key Series
• 20:01 The Meaning of Myth

Topic Links:

• Morals & Dogma (Wikipedia)
• Albert Pike (Wikipedia)
• Freemasonry (Wikipedia)
• Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite (Wikipedia)
• Grand Lodge of Tennessee
• Tennessee Lodge of Research
• Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite - Southern Jurisdiction