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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Poll: New Orleans Scottish Rite College
The Masonic Lodge Experience

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Graham W.J. Beal, Former Director of the Detroit Institute of Arts. by Travis Simpkins

Graham W.J. Beal. Detroit Institute of Arts. by Travis Simpkins


Portrait Sketch of
Graham W.J. Beal
Director of the Detroit Institute of Arts
by Travis Simpkins



Detroit Institute of Arts


For more info, please visit:


Graham W.J. Beal. by Travis Simpkins. Detroit Institute of Arts

Art by Travis Simpkins on Freemasons Facebook Page Generates Thousands of Likes and Shares

Art by Travis Simpkins on the Freemasons Facebook Page. Albert Pike


     I'm glad that the Freemasons Facebook page enjoys posting my portrait sketches of historical figures… including Albert Pike, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. The portraits don't take long for me to create and each post they make generates thousands of likes and hundreds of shares… It's great to see the positive response and have the artwork circumambulate the cyber-globe.

Art by Travis Simpkins on the Freemasons Facebook Page.

Art by Travis Simpkins on the Freemasons Facebook Page. Albert Pike

Art by Travis Simpkins on the Freemasons Facebook Page. George Washington

Art by Travis Simpkins on the Freemasons Facebook Page. Albert Pike

Art by Travis Simpkins on the Freemasons Facebook Page. Benjamin Franklin