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:

• 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

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)

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

In this episode, the intricate details of the Degree Ritual and its profound symbolism are explored, shedding light on the culmination of Masonic teachings. The ritual, set against the backdrop of the Vernal Equinox, serves as a symbolic journey through the Scottish Rite degrees, leading to the understanding of the Royal Secret and the Holy Doctrine.

The Encampment, a central symbol of the Degree, is meticulously described, revealing its nested geometric figures that represent the journey of enlightenment from the outer Nonagon to the inner Circle. This journey through the Encampment, from the broad understanding of Masonic philosophy to the individual realization of profound truths, is emphasized as a path to achieving equilibrium between the divine and the human.

The discussion delves deeper into the symbolism of Freemasonry, focusing on the Temple, Light, and the sacred names of God. The vows taken during the Ritual underscore the commitment to fight against despotism and to pursue enlightenment. The significance of the Vernal Equinox, representing the triumph of light over darkness, is highlighted as a metaphor for the renewal of life and the spirit's victory over matter.

The concept of the Logos, or the Divine Word, is explored as a symbol of divine ratification and the transmission of light from initiate to initiate. The metaphorical construction of the "Third Temple" within oneself is presented as the ultimate goal, symbolizing a new conception of divinity brought to life through the individual's journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

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:

• 32nd Degree Regalia
• 32nd Degree - Encampment Diagram
• The Hermaphrodite by Heinrich Khunrath

Overview:

• 01:14 Introduction
• 02:02 Ritual Setting
• 05:38 Degree Ritual
• 07:28 The Encampment
• 12:33 Degree Symbols
• 16:01 Morals and Dogma
• 17:46 White Light
• 19:57 Rainbow Bridge
• 22:46 Compass and Square
• 25:10 Spirit Over Matter
• 27:12 The Logos
• 28:52 Third Temple
• 33:10 The Sacred Word
• 34:55 Conclusions

Links:

• Solomon’s Temple (Wikipedia)
• Tetragrammaton (Wikipedia)
• Second Temple (Wikipedia)
• INRI (Wikipedia)
• New Jerusalem (Wikipedia)
• Om (Wikipedia)
• Monochord (Wikipedia)
• Cymatics: Chladni Plate - Sound, Vibration and Sand (YouTube)