Showing posts with label Masonic Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Masonic Books. Show all posts

Thursday, February 17, 2022

The Mason's Words. The History and Evolution of the American Masonic Ritual. Robert G. Davis, 33°, GC

The Mason's Words. The History and Evolution of the American Masonic Ritual. William Preston. Thomas Smith Webb. Rob Morris. Robert G. Davis, 33°, GC
The Mason's Words. The History and Evolution of the American Masonic Ritual. Robert G. Davis, 33°, GC


The Mason's Words, by Ill. and M.W. Robert G. Davis, is essential for anyone interested in the history and evolution of Masonic Ritual in America.


Freemasonry is entirely built around traditions. From time immemorial, those who have belonged to the world's oldest and largest fraternal order have metaphorically passed between the pillars of Solomon's Temple to nurture within themselves a harmonious bond between tradition and modernity. This is the story of the Masonic ritual, the language and ceremonial forms that have evolved into the present structure of American Freemasonry, defined its lodge space, and offered its members the same stablizing influence of instruction that has prevailed on every continent for nearly 400 years. The reader will discover that the language of the world's oldest fraternal society has also made its own interesting journey, and been tested by the most powerful and the most humbling of men. The result is, that, in Masonic lodges across America, and, indeed, the world, men from every walk of life, of all ages, every social category and every spiritual and philosophical conviction are able to find a basis for reflection on who they are, why they are here, and what has meaning to them. By its common language delivered in a common culture of fraternal relationship, Freemasonry is enabled to exemplify a univeral brotherhood of man. This is the story of the Mason's words; the history and evolution of the American Masonic ritual. It is an interesting bit of history that is perhaps all the more fascinating because it is so rarely known.

Thursday, January 20, 2022

Approaching the Middle Chamber. The Seven Liberal Arts in Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition. Jaime Paul Lamb

Approaching the Middle Chamber. The Seven Liberal Arts in Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition. Jaime Paul Lamb
Approaching the Middle Chamber. The Seven Liberal Arts in Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition. Jaime Paul Lamb

I attended a Fellowcraft degree earlier this month and felt inspired to revisit some parts of Jaime Paul Lamb's "Approaching the Middle Chamber."

In the culmination of the second section of the Fellowcraft degree, prior to entering the symbolic “middle chamber” of King Solomon's Temple, the Craftsman must ascend a flight of winding stairs, where important lessons are bestowed upon the Craftsman for future reflection and study. Unfortunately, few Craftsman have undertaken the study of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences, perhaps due to the fact that prior to this book by Brother Lamb, few books have taken an in-depth look at the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences. This is a well-written, well-researched, and very approachable book that explores how the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences relate to Freemasonry, as well as other esoteric traditions. This book is an instant classic, and a must read for anyone who has tread upon the flight of winding stairs to the middle chamber.

Sunday, November 28, 2021

The Sword and the Grail. Andrew Sinclair. Holy Grail. Knights Templar in America

The Sword and the Grail. Andrew Sinclair. Holy Grail. Knights Templar in America
The Sword and the Grail. Andrew Sinclair. Holy Grail. Knights Templar in America

I'm currently enjoying "The Sword and the Grail" by Andrew Sinclair. It is a well written text, focused on Prince Henry Sinclair and the Templars in America subject matter.



The discovery of a tombstone built by his ancestors set Andrew Sinclair on a trail that was to lead to major reassessments, not only of our understanding of the discovery of America, but also of the origins of the Freemasons and their role in world history.
Based on stunning new archaeological evidence, both in the US and in the UK, The Sword and the Grail details the part played by the Order of the Knights of the Templar-here proved to be the true antecedents of the Freemasons-in the discovery of America. As they fled the authorities who wished them destroyed, some of the outlawed Templars carried their treasure to St. Clair Castle, where the knights' relics are still buried. The tomb of their St. Clair Grand Master, with the grail carved on his stone, lies in Rosslyn, the core chapel of the Masonic movement. With the help of the sea skills and wealth of the Templars, the St. Clair Grand Master tried to found a new Jerusalem in the New World, landing with 300 colonists, first in what is now Nova Scotia and then in New England, more than 90 years before Columbus.



Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Freemasonry by Questions and Answers. Translated by Kamel Oussayef, 33°. Scottish Rite, NMJ

Freemasonry by Questions and Answers. Translated by Kamel Oussayef, 33°. Scottish Rite, NMJ
Freemasonry by Questions and Answers. Translated by Kamel Oussayef, 33°. Scottish Rite, NMJ

I was happy to see my friend Kamel Oussayef, 33° earlier today at Supreme Council headquarters and get a signed copy of his new book, hot off the press. "Freemasonry by Questions and Answers" is Ill. Bro. Oussayef's annotated translation of a 1761 French manuscript. It even includes a Q&A section from a Lodge of Adoption.
The physical book will be available through the Scottish Rite, NMJ website soon. The e-book is already available on Amazon.




A glance at Freemasonry during the Enlightenment and the American and French revolutions. Kamel Oussayef's annotated translation from a 1761 French manuscript no only describes the rituals that were used at the conception of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, but it also includes a groundbreaking ritual in three degrees for a female Masonic Lodge and takes the reader on a journey through the history, philosophy, religion, and social politics of the Enlightenment, presaging revolutions to come.
The manuscript is dated 1761, which may pique the interest of Masonic scholars. Though sources attest to Scottish Rite rituals being practiced in Paris and Bordeaux as early as 1743, it wasn't until August 27, 1761, that the higher French Masonic authorities granted Brother Stephen Morin—an intercontinental merchant—a patent naming him Grand Inspector General and "authorizing and empowering him to establish perfect and sublime Masonry in all parts of the world." In 1762, Morin first traveled to the West Indies, an important French colony at the time, taking with him these advanced degrees to disseminate their teachings. Soon after, in 1767, Brother Henry Francken, a trusted Deputy, was authorized by Morin to create in Albany, New York, the first Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection in continental America. A few decades later, this institution, intended to be international in scope, firmly established itself throughout much of the Masonic world.
In the introduction to the book, the author places the manuscript’s translation in historical context with an overview of the French and Indian War, the publication of the first encyclopedias, and the declaration of the rights of the man and of the citizen. We also learn about General Washington’s victory at Yorktown that ended the American War of Independence against the British, and the slave revolt in San Domingo (modern Haiti) with Toussaint Louverture. We end our historic synopsis with the end of The French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte’s “coup-d’état and his accession to the imperial throne after his orchestrated election as Emperor of the French.” Accompanying the reader on this journey are Steven Morin, General George Washington, the Marquis de Lafayette, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Paul Jones, Voltaire, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, John Locke, and Sir Isaac Newton, to name only a few.
Finally, the document includes a regrettably brief, but interesting ritual for a Lodge of Adoption or Women’s Lodge. At the time of the creation of these Lodges in the 1760s, they were all under the control of Masonic Brothers, who had to be members of regular Lodges. These Brothers presided over their meetings, assisted by Grand Mistresses and other female Officers. These men were like responsible legal guardians watching over minors. After years of trials, trepidations, and tribulations, these Lodges would, in the 20th century, metamorphose into the present day exclusively female or mixed Lodges. Similarly, these Lodges eventually found themselves under the authority of female or mixed Masonic Grand Lodges. This only stands true in a few of the most advanced and progressive countries in the world.
The Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library in Lexington, Massachusetts, commissioned Kamel’s book. It is available in a printed version as well as electronically on Amazon/kindle.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

A Bridge to Light. Rex Hutchens, 33°, GC. Supreme Council. Scottish Rite, SJ

A Bridge to Light. Rex Hutchens, 33°, GC. Supreme Council. Scottish Rite, SJ
A Bridge to Light. Rex Hutchens, 33°, GC. Supreme Council. Scottish Rite, SJ



 I'm enjoying A Bridge to Light by Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, GC.



An introduction to the Scottish Rites Degrees and symbolism, this book is the most popular exposition available, by one of the Rites most articulate philosophers and writers.
The 4th Edition of this classic work includes the changes introduced with the adoption of the Revised Standard Pike Ritual; the official Ritual of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction, U.S.A.
Highly recommended by the Grand Archivist & Grand Historian.
Softbound version; illustrated.343 pages.


Order the book here:

Wednesday, September 8, 2021

The Masonic Pageant. The Scottish Rite Degrees of the Supreme Council, NMJ. by Frank Conway, 33°

The Masonic Pageant. The Scottish Rite Degrees of the Supreme Council, NMJ. by Frank Conway, 33°
The Masonic Pageant. The Scottish Rite Degrees of the Supreme Council, NMJ. by Frank Conway, 33°


The Scottish Rite, NMJ doesn't have an official monitor for the 4° to 32°. This unofficial book by Frank Conway, 33° seeks to fill some of that void and is a helpful resource for those going through the NMJ degrees. You could read it cover to cover, or you might just focus on the few degrees that are being conferred at a particular Reunion.

The Masonic Pageant is published by Cornerstone Book Publishers and features a nice foreword by Chris Hodapp, 33°. Link to purchase posted below.




The Masonic Pageant is a clearly written and easy to understand explanation of the Scottish Rite Degrees as worked by the Supreme Council 33º, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Frank Conway, Ph.D., 33º, MSA provides a long needed and extremely valuable resource to all Scottish Rite Masons of the NMJ. "This is a must read for all Scottish Rite Masons as it is enjoyable and educational simultaneously. This work meets the vision of the NMJ, as it is inspirational, enjoyable and convenient to read at one's leisure." ~ David A. Glattly, 33º, Sovereign Grand Commander, NMJ, AASR

Tuesday, August 3, 2021

Martinezism, Willermozism, Martinism and Freemasonry. Papus. Translated by Piers Vaughan. Portrait by Travis Simpkins

Martinezism, Willermozism, Martinism and Freemasonry. Papus. Gerard Encausse. Translated by Piers Vaughan. Portrait by Travis Simpkins
Martinezism, Willermozism, Martinism and Freemasonry. Papus. Gerard Encausse. Translated by Piers Vaughan. Portrait by Travis Simpkins

 My author portrait of Piers A. Vaughan, 33° is featured on the back cover of his translation of Martinezism, Willermozism, Martinism and Freemasonry by Papus (Gerard Encausse). The book is published by Rose Circle Books. Piers Vaughan has done a great service, not only in translating this important work by Papus, but also by posting a digital version of it for free reading on his website. There is a paperback version available on Amazon as well, for those who'd like to own a print copy.


Read the digital version here:

or order a printed copy here:

Monday, July 26, 2021

Freemasonry on the Frontier. Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076. Portrait of Rob Morris. by Travis Simpkins

Freemasonry on the Frontier. Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076. Portrait of Rob Morris. by Travis Simpkins
Freemasonry on the Frontier. Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076. Portrait of Rob Morris. by Travis Simpkins


Thanks to Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 for including my portrait of Dr. Rob Morris in the new book Freemasonry on the Frontier, comprised of the published papers from the 2020 QCCC Conference. My artwork appears in Mike Kearsley’s essay, “Rob Morris and the Conservator Movement on the Development of Masonic Ritual in the United States.”


The book also contains, amongst others, great work by S. Brent Morris, 33°, GC and two members of the Scottish Rite, NMJ staff (Hilary Stelling and Jeffrey Croteau).


The book can be ordered from Lewis Masonic here:

or 

United States orders can be made from Macoy here:


Thursday, July 15, 2021

Grand Lodge of Maine. Freemasonry in Maine. book. Not Just a Man, a Mason

Grand Lodge of Maine. Freemasonry in Maine. book. Not Just a Man, a Mason
Grand Lodge of Maine. Freemasonry in Maine. book. Not Just a Man, a Mason

     I picked up some souvenir books at the Grand Lodge of Maine... including a Cipher (because the Maine ritual is slightly different than Massachusetts), Josiah Drummond's Maine Masonic Text Book, and also this newer general reference book about Freemasonry in Maine. This book is interesting and makes good use of the Scottish Rite NMJ's "Not Just a Man, a Mason" ad material.


For more info, please visit:

mainemason.org


Thursday, June 24, 2021

Panic in Detroit. The Magician and the Motor City. Aleister Crowley. Ordo Templi Orientis. by Richard Kaczynski

Panic in Detroit. The Magician and the Motor City. Aleister Crowley. Ordo Templi Orientis. OTO. Richard Kaczynski
Panic in Detroit. The Magician and the Motor City. Aleister Crowley. Ordo Templi Orientis. OTO. Richard Kaczynski


I just finished "Perdurabo", Richard Kaczynski's definitive biography of Aleister Crowley. I'm now moving on to his "Panic in Detroit", which focuses on the drama and scandal that surrounded Crowley's efforts to bring Ordo Templi Orientis to Detroit in the early 20th Century.



“Is Detroit heaven?” Aleister Crowley asked his field organizer, Charles Stansfeld Jones. It certainly seemed so at the time: Bookman Albert W. Ryerson was selling Crowley’s books and publishing the latest installment of The Equinox. Several prominent Masons were interested in establishing the Lakes Region of Ordo Templi Orientis. Jones was in high demand teaching classes on magick and Thelema. But things turned suddenly sour. When slow sales dragged the Universal Book Stores into bankruptcy, the activities of the O.T.O. were luridly thrust onto the front pages of the daily news. The Equinox was declared obscene and all copies impounded. The O.T.O. love cult was blamed for everything from broken homes and Hollywood’s wild parties to the mysterious murder of film director William Desmond Taylor. The revised and significantly expanded blue Equinox centennial edition of Panic in Detroit chronicles this chapter of Thelemic history through an original historical essay by Aleister Crowely biographer Richard Kaczynski; over forty previously-unpublished letters from Crowley and his circle; never-before-seen transcripts of the Universal Book Stores' bankruptcy trial, in which Crowley, The Equinox, and O.T.O. figure prominently; fifty newspaper article transcripts documenting what was later dubbed the "mess in the press"; a street guide to Aleister Crowley's Detroit; an essay on the unlikely disappearance, recovery, and preservation of Crowley's "rariora" in years after his death; and much, much more.

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Collectanea. Grand College of Rites. Volume 24, Part 6. Cerneau Scottish Rite

Collectanea. Grand College of Rites. Volume 24, Part 6. Cerneau Scottish Rite
Collectanea. Grand College of Rites. Volume 24, Part 6. Cerneau Scottish Rite



I have comparatively few Masonic dues cards. Just the basics. But as long as I've been a Mason, I have maintained a membership with the Grand College of Rites. It suits my interests. I always enjoy receiving the annual issue of Collectanea.



ABOUT THE GRAND COLLEGE OF RITES

Established on May 12, 1932 – The Grand College of Rites is a “regular” Masonic body, dedicated to preserving the history and rituals of defunct and inactive Masonic orders.

The Grand College of Rites of the United States of America meets annually at the time and place of the Annual Meeting of the Grand Council of Allied Masonic Degrees of the United States of America.

Any Master Mason holding membership and in good standing in a regular symbolic Lodge recognized by a majority of the Grand Lodges of Freemasonry in the United States may petition for membership in the Grand College of Rites.


For more info, please visit:

grandcollegeofrites.org


Monday, June 14, 2021

Ancient and Modern Initiation. Max Heindel. Edited by Robert H. Johnson. WCY Podcast

Ancient and Modern Initiation. Max Heindel. Edited by Robert H. Johnson. WCY Podcast
Ancient and Modern Initiation. Max Heindel. Edited by Robert H. Johnson. WCY Podcast


I'm looking forward to Max Heindel's "Ancient & Modern Initiation", edited and annotated by Robert H. Johnson. Thanks, RJ, for all your efforts to produce material and promote Masonic/Esoteric education.
Signed copies of the book can be purchased through the WCY podcast website (or unsigned ones can be ordered through Amazon, etc.)




Initially published in 1909, spanning three editions, Max Heindel’s Ancient and Modern Initiation is a roadmap that leads to the Inner-Christ. With stops along the way, Heindel describes in simple details the symbology of the words used in the Holy Scriptures and lays bare for the reader the secrets to Christian Mystic Initiation. Few works will connect the reader to the mystical process explained herein and to Max Heindel himself. This Special Edition is complete with a short biography on Max Heindel, as well as an epilogue that will make you understand the man behind the work. Heindel’s transformative work, embellished with care and diligence by the always-to-the-point Robert H. Johnson, makes this version of Ancient and Modern Initiation the one to read. Johnson’s work into the history of Heindel himself adds poignancy to the life and work of this famed Christian Mystic. Whereas it was already a must-have for those interested in the concepts of Initiation and Self-Actualization, Johnson’s edition of this text is a better and more timely carrier of the universal message to humanity.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Myth, Magick and Masonry. Occult Perspectives in Freemasonry. Jaime Paul Lamb

Myth, Magick and Masonry. Occult Perspectives in Freemasonry. Jaime Paul Lamb
Myth, Magick and Masonry. Occult Perspectives in Freemasonry. Jaime Paul Lamb



Jaime Paul Lamb friended me on Facebook about 5 years ago. At the time, he was writing articles for the Grand Lodge of Connecticut publication as well as the Knight Templar magazine. He's a friendly and very knowledgeable Mason.

He published this book back in 2018, but I'm just getting around to it now. I was further sold on the book when I saw quotes of praise on the back cover from Lon Milo DuQuette and Richard Kaczynski, two authors whom I hold in high regard.



"In MYTH, MAGICK & MASONRY, Jaime Paul Lamb develops four thought-provoking interpretations of the symbolism and allegorical content of Freemasonry and some of its appendant bodies. By viewing the craft through the interpretive lenses of ceremonial magick, solar and astrological lore and symbolism, classical mythology and the Roman Mystery cult, Mithraism, Lamb establishes four distinct vantage points from which to survey Freemasonry. Thereby, Jaime Paul Lamb enables Masons, new and old, to develop a more nuanced appreciation of the Craft and a deeper understanding of the Fraternity's priceless initiatory heritage."

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

The Masonic Book Club. Perfect Ceremonies of Craft Masonry. Arturo de Hoyos and S Brent Morris. Art by Travis Simpkins

The Masonic Book Club. Perfect Ceremonies of Craft Masonry. Arturo de Hoyos and S Brent Morris. Art by Travis Simpkins
The Masonic Book Club. Perfect Ceremonies of Craft Masonry. Arturo de Hoyos and S Brent Morris. Art by Travis Simpkins

     The first book from the newly revived Masonic Book Club has been released. I’m pleased to see that my portraits of the editors, Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, GC and S. Brent Morris, 33°, GC are included in “The Perfect Ceremonies of Craft Masonry and the Holy Royal Arch.”

     Those who pre-ordered the book should already have it or be receiving it in the coming days. The book will be available for general purchase in a few weeks.


For more info, please visit:

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

The Key to Solomon's Key. Lon Milo DuQuette. Knights Templar. Freemasonry. Goetia. Ceremonial Magick

The Key to Solomon's Key. Lon Milo DuQuette. Knights Templar. Freemasonry. Goetia. Ceremonial Magick
The Key to Solomon's Key. Lon Milo DuQuette. Knights Templar. Freemasonry. Goetia. Ceremonial Magick


An interesting (and very different) perspective on King Solomon, the Knights Templar and Freemasonry... by the knowledgeable and engaging Lon Milo DuQuette.

"Sketching out a fascinating network of historic figures, cults, and Christendom, this book by an occult-studies expert and respected authority on magic and sorcery takes Western spiritual traditions seriously—but examines them with common sense and self-effacing humor. Working backward from the Freemasons to one of their original orders, the 14th-century Knights Templar, the account considers sorcery, heresy, and intrigues; explores the legend that the Knights possessed a powerful secret dangerous to the Church of Rome; and finds an essential clue to the order's practices in their connection to the biblical Solomon, king of Israel in the 10th century BC. This updated edition features new images, chapters on important symbols, and a new preface."

Thursday, March 18, 2021

Morals and Dogma. Albert Pike. Supreme Council. Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction. Arturo de Hoyos

Morals and Dogma. Albert Pike. Supreme Council. Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction. Arturo de Hoyos
Morals and Dogma. Albert Pike. Supreme Council. Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction. Arturo de Hoyos



My reading companion for a while...

     This is my third copy of "Morals and Dogma." I had an older copy from the 1960s that I gave to a friend, another one of similar age that I still have, and this new one.
     Over the past five years, jumping back and forth through the text, I've probably read the whole thing twice over, all things considered. But I've never made a point of giving it a straight through cover-to-cover read. I'm looking forward to spending more time with Arturo de Hoyos' copious notes this time around as well.




"Albert Pikes Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition
By Arturo de Hoyos, 33, G.C., Grand Archivist and Grand Historian; Contributions and Glossary by Rex R. Hutchens, , 33, G.C., Past Grand Master; Foreword by Ronald A. Seale, 33, Sovereign Grand Commander.
A Masonic classic! The fundamental sourcebook of Scottish Rite philosophy--now available in a new, user-friendly, and scholarly edition!
First published from 1872 to 1969, "Morals and Dogma" is one of the most insightful works ever prepared for Freemasonry. It is a collection of thirty-two essays which provide a rationale for the Scottish Rite degrees. It encompasses a study of Freemasonry, wise philosophy, ancient mysteries, mythology, ritual, and religion. It serves the useful purpose of putting Masonic morality and ethics within the context of the general society, and bids man to think large--to cast aside the petty concerns of everyday life and to improve ourselves.
This new edition includes the complete original text, but has been fully updated and improved. Spelling errors have been corrected, and it is set in clear, easy-to-read type; it retains the original pagination within the body of the text, while new subject headings and paragraph numbers make finding passages easy!
Approximately 4,000 notes reveal the original sources used by Pike, clarify passages, suggest further reading, and include cross-references. New "ready references" reveal scriptural sources.
Profusely illustrated with many images from the original sources Pike had before him when he prepared the original edition.
New glossary, with primary and secondary bibliographies, and a new index.
A detailed introduction on the history of Morals and Dogma.
Hardbound (8" x 10") with decorative covers, printed in two colors; illustrated, indexed; 1116 pages."


Purchase here:

scottishritestore.org/albert-pikes-morals-and-dogma-annotated-edition.html


Wednesday, March 10, 2021

The Master's Word. George Winslow Plummer. Edited by Robert H. Johnson and Jon T. Ruark

The Master's Word. George Winslow Plummer. Edited by Robert H. Johnson and Jon T. Ruark
The Master's Word. George Winslow Plummer. Edited by Robert H. Johnson and Jon T. Ruark



     I'm enjoying "The Master's Word" by George Winslow Plummer (edited/annotated by Robert Johnson and Jon Ruark)

Signed copies are available through the Whence Came You? podcast online shop. Or you can find it on Amazon as well.



"The Master's Word is a gem from the 20th century, cherished by those who know it. Initially published in 1913, its concepts are still very much discussed in countless philosophic and esoteric circles. Jon T. Ruark and Robert H. Johnson have set a new standard in literature review. This book has been completely reformatted and footnoted--adding context where it matters, meaning where antiquated words are used, and offering two completely new essays in the form of a Prologue and Epilogue. This new printing is a must-have for fans of Plummer's original work and the Masonic and Rosicrucian student."

Friday, February 19, 2021

The Masonic Magician. The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite. Philippa Faulks and Robert L.D. Cooper

The Masonic Magician. The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite. Philippa Faulks and Robert L.D. Cooper
The Masonic Magician. The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite. Philippa Faulks and Robert L.D. Cooper


"The Masonic Magician" by Philippa Faulks and Robert L.D. Cooper is one of the best researched and most entertaining Masonic books I've ever read. It was really hard to put this one down...



"Miracle-worker or man of straw? Count Alessandro Cagliostro was a cult figure of European society in the tumultuous years leading to the French Revolution. An alchemist, healer and Freemason, he inspired both wild devotion and savage ridicule – as well as novels by Alexandre Dumas, a drama by Goethe and Mozart’s opera The Magic Flute.
Count Alessandro Cagliostro’s sincere belief in the magical powers, including immortality, conferred by his Egyptian Rite of Freemasonry won him fame, but made him dangerous enemies, too. His celebrated travels through the Middle East and the capitals of Europe ended abruptly in Rome in 1789, where he was arrested by the Inquisition and condemned to death for heresy.
The Masonic Magician tells Cagliostro’s extraordinary story, complete with the first English translation of his Egyptian Rite of Freemasonry ever published. The authors examine the case made against him, that he was an impostor as well as a heretic, and find that the Roman Church, and history itself, have done him a terrible injustice.
This engaging account, drawing on remarkable new documentary evidence, shows that the man condemned was a genuine visionary and true champion of Freemasonry. His teachings have much to reveal to us today, not just of the secrets of the movement, but of the mysterious hostility it continues to attract."

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Cerneauism and American Freemasonry. Scottish Rite Research Society. Arturo de Hoyos. S Brent Morris. Art by Travis Simpkins

Cerneauism and American Freemasonry. Scottish Rite Research Society. Arturo de Hoyos. S Brent Morris. Art by Travis Simpkins
Cerneauism and American Freemasonry. Scottish Rite Research Society. Arturo de Hoyos. S Brent Morris. Art by Travis Simpkins


Cerneauism and American Freemasonry, the latest book from the Scottish Rite Research Society, was published this week.


Cerneauism is certainly a controversial subject in Masonic history, but a fascinating chapter nevertheless, and essential to understanding the development of the Scottish Rite in America.

I’m happy to have three portraits included in the new book, including the frontispiece likeness of Joseph Cerneau as well as portraits of the editors: Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, GC and S. Brent Morris, Ph.D., 33°, GC.

The portrait of Cerneau was made a few years ago and originally appeared in Heredom, Vol. 25.


For more info, please visit:
and




Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Why Thirty-Three? New Book by S. Brent Morris Includes Author Portrait by Travis Simpkins

Why Thirty-Three? by S. Brent Morris, 33°, GC. Author Portrait by Travis Simpkins
Why Thirty-Three? by S. Brent Morris, 33°, GC. Author Portrait by Travis Simpkins

     I'm very pleased that my portrait of S. Brent Morris, PhD, 33°, GC is included on the back cover of his new book, Why Thirty-Three? It is a wonderful and enlightening text, which will make a great addition to any Masonic library.

S. Brent Morris, 33°, GC is the Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal for the Supreme Council, 33°, Southern Jurisdiction. He is a Mackey Scholar of the Scottish Rite Research Society and a Past Master of Quatuor Coronati Lodge No. 2076 in London.



The book can be purchased here:
amazon.com/Why-Thirty-Three