‘California streamin’: August symposium’

    

The Grand Lodge of California is doing it again. From the publicity:

The Grand Lodge of California’s annual symposium, held online and free to all, will discuss Fringe Masonry and explore the Mysteries that Bind Us.

Click here to register.

According to some estimates, there are 3,361 fraternal organizations in the state of California alone. Freemasonry is among the oldest of them, and certainly the most influential. But that influence goes both ways.

Just as many fraternal organizations have borrowed from blue lodge Masonry, so too has the craft borrowed elements from other Masonic and quasi-Masonic rites—from groups as varied and mystical as the Swedenborgian Rite, the Zuzimites, and countless others. Those connections are at the heart of the 2024 California Masonic Symposium, being held Wednesday, August 28. Join Masonic scholars and experts for a range of presentations on some of the most mysterious and esoteric Masonic rites—what is often referred to as “fringe Masonry.”

Join us for a wide-ranging discussion of the ways groups like these have and continue to intersect with craft Masonry—and the legacy they’ve left behind.

Speakers include some of the foremost authors on these topics. This discussion will be led by Gabriel G. Mariscal, the Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of California.

2024 California Masonic Symposium Speakers: Angel Millar, Jaime Paul Lamb, and Joe Martinez.

Read about the speakers here.

     

‘In the Reading Room: Craftsman, Warrior, Magician’

    

The Reading Room, one of the many features of Craftsmen Online, will host Angel Millar next month. From the publicity:

The Reading Room will open Monday, July 30 at 8 p.m. (ET). Our panel that evening will be RW Michael LaRocco, RW Clifford T. Jacobs, and Bro. Jason W. Short, with special guest Bro. Angel Millar.

Our reading selection is from Bro. Millar’s The Three Stages of Initiation Spirituality: Craftsman, Warrior, Magician.

Click here to download your free copy of this material. Click here to find the Zoom meeting.

     

‘Millar returns to library lecture series’

    

The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of New York will resume its lecture series this month, hosting Bro. Angel Millar for a return engagement. From the publicity:

Freemasonry, Fringe Masonry,

and Ritual Magic!

By Angel Millar

Thursday, January 25

7:30 p.m.

RSVP here.

Angel Millar

The most influential occult orders of the modern age were either founded by Freemasons or influenced by Masonic ritual, but was this due to a deep insight into the true meaning of the Craft? A subversion of its symbolism and history? A simple misunderstanding? Angel Millar explores Freemasonry and related traditions such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Ordo Templi Orientis, Wicca, Angular Magic, and Chaos Magic.

He is the author of The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality and Freemasonry: Foundation of the Western Esoteric Tradition, among other books. He is also the editor-in-chief of Fraternal Review and is a Fellow of the Philalethes Society.

Remember: Photo ID is required to enter Masonic Hall, which is located at 71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan. The French Ionic Room is on the tenth floor.

     

‘Hudson Valley Masonicon'

    

Not much is known thus far, but save Saturday, April 8 for the Hudson Valley Masonicon (that’s how they’re spelling it), to be hosted by (but not at) Wallkill Lodge 627.

This will be at Hoffman Lodge 412 in Middletown, starting at 10 a.m. Register here. Tickets are priced at a mere $10 each through Sunday, March 12, at which time they will spike a crazy 50 percent to $15!

Angel Millar is the only speaker announced at this time, and I certainly will provide more information as it becomes available.

     

‘Making the Warrior-Mystic’

    

If I’m not mistaken, it has been a very long time since the Fourth Manhattan District’s Square Club convened a meeting, but the brethren are rebounding zealously this month with a dinner-lecture featuring what I think will be an inspiring message. The graphic above has all the particulars.

Bro. Angel Millar is Senior Warden of The American Lodge of Research, as well as the new editor of Fraternal Review, the periodical of Southern California Research Lodge. He is the author of several books on Freemasonry, and others, such as The Path of the Warrior-Mystic: Being a Man in an Age of Chaos (2021) and The Three Stages of Initiatic Spirituality: Craftsman, Warrior, Magician (2020). So his topic on April 27 is thoroughly conceived.

I don’t know what’ll be on the menu, but I do know we have many Filipino brethren in the club, so I’m envisioning lechon—probably the size of a Harley Road King.

My lodge, Publicity 1000, is a constituent of the “Glorious Fourth,” and I’ll try to organize a solid group turn-out.

Hope to see you there too.

     

‘Fraternal Review’s new editor’

    

Fraternal Review, the almost monthly periodical from Southern California Research Lodge, has a new interim editor in chief. Angel Millar, noted author and speaker (and Senior Warden of The ALR) on the vanguard of Masonic thought today, is taking the desk for a time yet to be specified.

“Fraternal Review dares to be different,” says Millar in a video announcement I can’t figure how to link to. “Unlike publications of other research lodges, Fraternal Review really presents readers with bite-sized articles on a range of issues, many of which have never been covered elsewhere—and not only Masonic education and the history of the fraternity, but also contemporary culture and where Masonry fits in.”

SCRL meets in South Pasadena on the third Mondays of January, April, July, and October. Membership by affiliation is possible only for California Master Masons, unfortunately for the rest of us. But we are free to subscribe to this magazine, which I haven’t until now, upon Angel’s preferment.

Subscriptions are available for the print and/or digital versions; lodges may subscribe too, and receive three copies. What this lodge has going on is dazzling. In addition to its Stated Meetings, it regularly hosts other gatherings for guided meditations, study groups, lectures, and other educational offerings. There is a podcast, accessible via Spotify, Apple, Google, and other hosts; there is a blog too.

Click here for the new podcast, an interview with Millar.

I have no desire to live in the Golden State, but I’ll admit this turns my head. Congratulations to all.

     

‘Archetypes in Masonic Initiation’

     
I don’t know what they’re having for breakfast at Ocean Lodge—not pancakes, apparently—but their lecture series continues to kick ass. Next week. From the publicity:

Click to enlarge.

     

‘Thursday: Mystical Symbolism and Music’

     
The Fourth Manhattan District of the Grand Lodge of New York (my home district!) is the sponsor of the next lecture at the Livingston Library on Thursday. Free and open to the public. Photo ID is required to enter the building. From the publicity:

Lecture No. 6:

“Mystical Symbolism and Music”

Chancellor Robert R. Livingston

Masonic Library

Thursday, June 28 at 6:30

Masonic Hall

71 W. 23rd Street, Manhattan

Sponsored by the Square Club of the Fourth Manhattan District, Thursday, June 28, the Livingston Masonic Library will host Bro. Tony Crisos and Bro. Angel Millar, who will present a lecture and concert titled “Mystical Symbolism and Music: a Salon de la Rose Croix Lecture and Concert.”

The short introductory talk will be on the Salon de la Rose Croix and on the relationship between music and spirituality. A musical performance will follow the lecture with four original compositions utilizing the Hermetic Laws as they appear in the Kybalion and as inspired by the Orphic, Hermetic, and Rosicrucian traditions. The evening is fashioned aesthetically after the famous Salon de la Rose+Croix movement which took place in Paris, France, between 1892 and 1897.

Courtesy Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library

Angel Millar and Tony Crisos.

     

‘The Orphic Tradition and the Rosicrucian Manifestos’

     
The Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library’s April installment of its lecture series will bring Angel Millar back to the lectern with Antonios Chrysovergis for a discussion of “The Orphic Tradition and the Rosicrucian Manifestos.”

This will be Thursday the 26th at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Photo ID is required to enter Masonic Hall. RSVP here. From the publicity:


An examination of the relationship between the Orphic and Rosicrucian traditions, and a philosophical interpretation of the Rosicrucian manifestos from the Orphic perspective.

Bro. Antonios Chrysovergis:

Antonios Chrysovergis

• Master of Music, Music Education, Boston University, Boston, MA
• Bachelor of Music, Music Performance, Berklee College of Music, Boston
• National Diploma, Performing Arts, Chichester College, West Sussex, UK
• Studies in Greek Philosophy at National Kapodistrian University of Athens
• Studies in Kabbalah at Ben Gurion University
• Member of Service City Geba Lodge No. 1009
• Constitution Chapter No. 140, RAM
• Rockville Centre, AASR

Publications:

• The Spiritual Meaning of Music, From Ancient Greece to Today (2016, Dec. 4, Phalanx; Reprinted in Italy by generazionebio.com, 2017, Jan. 18).
• The Sufi Mysticism of Music, Sound, and Vibration (2017, Feb. 25, Phalanx; Reprinted by BeHereNowNetwork.com, 2017, March 6).
• Myth, Catharsis, and The Riddle of The Sphinx (2017, July 6, Phalanx)
• In Search of Light: A Journey Through the Mysteries of the Great Gods (2017, Oct. 22, Phalanx)
• Philosophy as the Art of Self-Initiation (2017, Nov. 11, Phalanx; Reprinted in Greece by JuniorsClub.gr, 2017, Nov. 17)

Bro. Angel Millar

Publications:

Angel Millar

• Freemasonry: A History (Thunder Bay Press, 2005)
• Freemasonry: Foundation of the Western Esoteric Tradition (Salamander and Sons, 2014)
• The Crescent and the Compass (Numen Books, 2015; revised and expanded edition Torazzi Press 2017)
• His writing has also been published in New Dawn magazine, Quest magazine, and The Philalethes, among others.

     

‘Angel Millar speaking dates’

     

Angel Millar will be on the road this month. From the publicity:

I will be giving a couple of talks over the next couple of weekends. I believe both events are restricted to Freemasons only, but if you are a member, and you’re in the area, and interested to come along, it would be great to meet you.

The first of the two talks will be in Keyport, New Jersey, on Saturday, June 17. There, the Scottish Rite Knights of St. Andrew will be holding their statewide gathering. The subject of my talk will be “Freemasonry: Meeting the Challenges of the 21st Century.”

The following week, on Saturday, June 24, I will be speaking at the “300: Freemasonry’s Legacy, Freemasonry’s Future” event, hosted by The Masonic Roundtable podcast. The event will be held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial in Alexandria, Virginia. I will be talking about “Terrorism and Anti-Masonry” — and looking at some possibilities to overcome this, as well.

Other talks on the 24th will include “A Brief History of the UGLE” by Mike Hambrecht, “A Craftsman’s Journey” by Steven L. Harrison, and “Freemasonry’s Future” by Juan Sepúlveda. There will also be discussion group sessions and refreshments, among other things.

Personally, I’m looking forward to the events, especially meeting new friends, seeing some familiar faces, and getting to see a little of America that I may not have seen before, or, at least, much of before.
     

‘Tracing Boards and the Ancient Mysteries’

     
Angel Millar will return to the lectern at the Livingston Library’s lecture series this month. From the publicity:

Courtesy Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library

Masonic Tracing Boards

and the Ancient Mysteries

Thursday, February 23

6:30 p.m.

Chancellor Robert R. Livingston

Masonic Library

71 W. 23rd Street, 14th floor

Join us for another fascinating lecture! This month we are featuring renowned artist and author Angel Millar, who will be displaying some of his new tracing boards and discussing their symbolism. In particular, he will focus on the history of the symbols of the Craft and their significance for personal and spiritual development.

Free admission. RSVP here.
Photo ID required to enter Masonic Hall.
Suggested attire: business casual.
White wine will be served!
     

‘Don’t miss Masonic Con in Massachusetts’

     
There are so many great things happening in Massachusetts Freemasonry that I hate myself for never getting up there. I’ll probably miss this too, but there’s no reason why you should. Lots of names here familiar to Magpie regular readers.

     

‘Angel Millar lecture at Livingston Masonic Library next month’

     

Bro. Angel Millar will present a lecture July 28 on “Freemasonry and Traditionalism in the East and West” at the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston Masonic Library of the Grand Lodge of New York.

7 p.m. on the 14th floor of Masonic Hall, at 71 West 23rd Street in Manhattan.

Millar is a Masonic researcher and author whose books include Freemasonry: Foundation of the Western Esoteric Tradition and The Crescent and the Compass. He is a member of The American Lodge of Research as well.

Don’t forget RW Bro. Jean-Luc Leguay’s lecture tomorrow night. And be sure to check out the library’s newly redesigned and more functional website.
     

‘Yesterday, today, and tomorrow in the new Journal’

     

Issue No. 25 of The Journal of The Masonic Society is reaching members’ mailboxes now, so here is my latest reminder to you to join the Society and start enjoying the benefits of being part of a dynamic Masonic fraternity that thinks highly enough of you to publish the best magazine in the English-speaking Masonic world.

Of course I cannot be unbiased.

In this issue of The Journal:

In “Worthy of Being Worn: The Importance of Masonic Regalia,” Patrick Craddock—a one-man cottage industry in the design and manufacture of Masonic aprons and other textiles—renders an illustrated history of the evolution of what we call “the badge of a Mason.” Patrick, whose apron enterprise has been so successful he has been able to make it his livelihood, explains the artistry and industry of 19th century aprons, and takes us to the present day with the importance the “Observant Mason” assigns to this highly personal ritual garment.

In his “From the Editor” Column, our Executive Editor, Michael Halleran, who happens to be Grand Master of Kansas in his spare time, suggests “colonization” be employed to save struggling lodges that are short on manpower. In colonization, participating brethren of nearby lodges petition for affiliation in the troubled lodge “with the express purpose of revitalizing it.” Once elected to this plural membership, the “colonists” take up the labors of remedying the problems the lodge faces. It won’t work in every case, Halleran concedes, but it can be a more attractive option than consolidation or, naturally, going dark.

Checking in from Down Under, Kent Henderson brings us up to date on “How Masonic Education Has Transformed Freemasonry in Australia,” in which he notes real life examples of how the Craft there made candidate comprehension of Masonic ritual and symbol key to his advancement to the next degree. Not sweaty haste to push through as many as possible to prop up lodges with fresh blood—which we all know does not work—but instead thoughtful instruction and measured progress. Kent knows about such things. If you are keen on these European Concept and Traditional Observance movements, you owe Ken and his brethren at Lodge Epicurean a round of drinks, because they pioneered it all at the close of the last century. Get the magazine to read exactly how man-made miracles are wrought in the Land of Oz.

Speaking of Masonic education, those of us who may not be able to visit San Francisco any time soon have the benefit of hearing from Adam Kendall, Collections Manager and Curator of Exhibits at the Henry Wilson Coil Library and Museum at the Grand Lodge of California, for his highlight of the upcoming exhibition there titled “The Masonic Art of Education.” This will showcase historic tracing boards, modern tracing boards painted by Angel Millar, floor cloths, Magic Lantern images, and other visual arts the fraternity has embraced over the centuries to explain this thing of ours to initiates.

And speaking of timeless customs, author John Bizzack of Kentucky remembers “Nine Lost Traditions in Freemasonry,” in which he guides us through elements of lodge life that recall a much larger time. Some of these you may have seen (Chain of Union); some you may have heard of (Purging the Lodge); and others may be news to you.

In the back of the book, José O. Diaz of Ohio State University leads us on a tour of the library of Lancaster Lodge No. 57 in Ohio. This ain’t some locked barrister bookcase of untouched 100-year-old Mackey books. Lancaster Lodge’s library has survived inundations and conflagrations to pass to posterity its treasures, and Diaz tells a most inspiring story.

Throughout the pages, this issue of The Journal delivers Letters to the Editor, Book Reviews, Masonic Collectibles by Yasha Beresiner, and other attractions that make The Journal of The Masonic Society the most accessible periodical you’ll find. Membership in the Society confers much more than the quarterly Journal. Check us out. Everybody says it’s the best $39 you’ll spend in Masonry.