Travis Simpkins: "Seeking Light: The Esoteric Heart of Freemasonry" by Michael R. Poll

Sunday, April 10, 2016

"Seeking Light: The Esoteric Heart of Freemasonry" by Michael R. Poll

Seeking Light: The Esoteric Heart of Freemasonry

by Michael R. Poll

Cornerstone Publishers, 2015

Brief Review by Travis Simpkins

A collection of well-presented essays, Seeking Light: The Esoteric Heart of Freemasonry by Michael Poll is one of the most clear and relatable Masonic books available. In addition to being full of sound advice and thoughtful observations on Freemasonry in the current time, the true jewels of the text reside within the personal anecdotes of the author. Michael Poll is able to expound seemingly complex topics in the framework of everyday witty analogies.

The diverse scope of topics range from Alchemy to common problems facing Lodge Officers. Subjects include: Esotericism, Rosicrucians, Forgiveness, Maundy Thursday and the Scottish Rite, Questionable Honors, Being the Worshipful Master, Finding the Balance, Masonic Communications, The Lodge of Perfection, A Lodge in Need and Guarding the West Gate. On a side note, many of these topics are also covered in video form on Michael Poll's YouTube channel for the New Orleans Scottish Rite College (also a valuable resource for all Masons).

Well-chosen quotes from intellectual visionaries bookend each section of Seeking Light, including this gem from Carl Jung: "As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of being." Equally powerful are the author's own words on self improvement, which ring true on many levels and inspire the reader to seek light in their own particular way.

"No human can expect to make perfection out of his life. The most that we can hope for is to make positive changes until our last day on Earth." - Michael R. Poll