‘Magical history tour Saturday’

    

Mother of the World, by Nicholas Roerich, 1937.

The Rosicrucian Order will follow in the footsteps of its founders Saturday with a walking tour of historic sites central to its creation in 1913. Grand Master Julie Scott will guide the group from Greenwich Village to Harlem to visit four historic places. Don’t worry. The group will ride the subway for the long distance uptown. From the publicity:

We will begin our journey at the Church of the Village (201 W. 13th Street) in Greenwich Village at 1 p.m. Formerly known as the Church of the Open Door, it was here, in 1908, when H. Spencer Lewis had a mystical experience that inspired him to seek out the Rosicrucians. After many tests and trials, he finally met the Rosicrucians of France, in Toulouse in 1909, and agreed to re-establish the Rosicrucian Order in the United States in 1915.

Then we will walk to 80 Fifth Avenue, where, on February 8, 1915, the first meeting marking the formation of AMORC was held.

Next, we will take the subway to see Leslie Hall (260 W. 83rd Street), where eighty curious men and women participated in an informational meeting on March 3, 1915, where fifty people committed to becoming members, after which Lewis and Thor Kiimalehto published American Pronunziamento Number One, announcing the debut of AMORC’s activities.

Our final stop, by subway, will be at the Roerich Museum (319 W. 107th Street) in Harlem. We expect to arrive there at about 3:10. Nicholas Roerich, a prolific writer and painter, philosopher, and peace activist, became a member of AMORC in 1929, the year he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for the first time. He was named the legate for AMORC in the Himalayas.

The Roerich Museum displays 150 of his beautiful and inspiring paintings, including the well known Mother of the World.

Everyone is welcome!

     

‘Rosicrucians: Who and What?’

    

Dr. Christopher McIntosh, the scholar whose books on Rosicrucianism Rosicrucians should be reading, is scheduled to give a talk next month online. The Rosicrucians: Who and What Are They? will be hosted Thursday, July 21 at 2:30 p.m. Eastern. Tickets, starting at seven dollars, are available here. From the publicity:

In the early seventeenth century, some mysterious writings burst like a firework over Europe. They told of a German seeker called Christian Rosenkreuz, his journey through the Middle East in search of wisdom, and his creation of the esoteric Rosicrucian Fraternity. Since then, the Rosicrucian vision has been kept alive by many different groups and organizations from Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophy to the British magical Order of the Golden Dawn.

In this talk, Christopher McIntosh, author of two books on the Rosicrucians, will explore this movement and its many-faceted impact. Hosting is the Viktor Wynd Museum & The Last Tuesday Society.

The Last Tuesday Society is a pataphysical organization founded by William James at Harvard in the 1870s, currently headquartered at the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art, and UnNatural History in London. For the last twenty years we have put on lectures, balls, workshops, master classes, séances, expeditions to Papua New Guinea and west Africa, all from our East London museum and its infamous cocktail bar.

Dr. Christopher McIntosh is the rara avis, a scholar who is also a fiction writer, an artist, a romantic dreamer, and a connoisseur of the bizzarre and the otherworldly. He was born in England and grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland. He studied philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford, and German at London University, later returning to Oxford to take a doctorate in history with a dissertation on the eighteenth century Rosicrucian revival. He also has a diploma in Russian from the United Nations Language School from his time in New York as an information officer with the UN Development Program. As a writer, he has specialized in the esoteric traditions.

His books include The Astrologers and Their Creed (1969); Eliphas Levi and the French Occult Revival (1972); The Rosicrucians (latest edition 1997); The Rose Cross and the Age of Reason (1992), based on his doctorate of philosophy dissertation; The Swan King: Ludwig II of Bavaria (latest edition 2003); and Guardians of the Gods (2005). With his wife, Dr. Donate McIntosh, he produced a new translation of the Rosicrucian Fama Fraternitatis (2014).

     

‘Rosicrucian artist exhibit opens’

    

Tree of Knowledge No. 1 by Hilma af Klint, watercolor, et al. on paper, 1913.

An exhibition of watercolors, painted by a renowned pioneer of Abstract art, opens today in a UES gallery.

Tree of Knowledge features eight paintings by Hilma af Klint (1862-1944), the Swedish painter said to be inspired by Rosicrucian and Anthroposophist thought. The works can be seen by the public, by appointment, at David Zwirner 69th Street. Click here for more information and to schedule a visit.

From the publicity:

David Zwirner is pleased to present Tree of Knowledge, an exhibition of a rare set of Hilma af Klint’s groundbreaking 1913-1915 series of works on paper of the same title, on view at the gallery’s 34 East 69th Street location in New York.

This recently discovered group of eight watercolors is among the few works by the artist to exist outside of the holdings of the Hilma af Klint Foundation.

Though little known during her lifetime and for decades after, Swedish artist Hilma af Klint has come to be recognized as one of the most important and inventive artists of the twentieth century. When she began making vibrant, symbolic paintings as early as 1906, her work was radically unlike anything that had come before, and preceded the abstract work of artists such as Wassily Kandinsky, Piet Mondrian, and Kazimir Malevich by several years.

In the early 1920s, af Klint gave the set of watercolors as a gift to Rudolf Steiner, the founder of the spiritual and philosophical movement known as Anthroposophy, which influenced her. Around 1927, the works came into the possession of Albert Steffen, who became president of the Anthroposophical Society after Steiner’s death in 1925.

It was not known that af Klint had made two versions of the Tree of Knowledge suite (the other is in the holdings of the af Klint Foundation) until the recent re-discovery of this set in the Albert Steffen Stiftung, Dornach, Switzerland. It is currently owned by a private collector.

On the occasion of the exhibition, David Zwirner Books will publish a fully illustrated catalog around this body of work with a newly commissioned essay by celebrated af Klint scholar Julia Voss, whose comprehensively researched af Klint biography is forthcoming from the University of Chicago Press in September 2022.

Accompanying this exhibition, David Zwirner Online will present an Exceptional Works online viewing room exploring the history behind this remarkable set of watercolor works on paper.

I missed the Guggenheim exhibition a few years ago, but I don’t want to miss this. I’m going to alert the Anthroposophical Society too.

     

‘Streaming a Rosicrucian salon’

    

The Metropolitan Study Group of Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia will host a “Salon of the Arts” next month—and it will be streamed online.

The group is settling into a new meeting space: Atlantis Bookshop in Bloomsbury. With its proximity to the British Museum, its many personal links to Metropolitan Rosicrucians, and, of course, the neighborhood’s centrality to literary history, I doubt I could name a more apt location if I tried.

This October 16 event will feature readings, dramatic performance, and music. That’s a 9:30 a.m. start in New York time.

The contact link to register for this free live stream is here.

SRIA is the eldest of Freemasonry’s Rosicrucian societies, and Atlantis is London’s oldest occult bookstore.

While membership in the college is limited to regular Master Masons, the Metropolitan Study Group welcomes seekers of diverse backgrounds.

     

‘Rosicrucian symposium on the solstice’

     

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 21 at 1 p.m. when the Rosicrucian Order will host a symposium in New York City. From the publicity:

Spend the Winter Solstice with us!

Learn more about the Rosicrucian Tradition as well as other manifestations of the Perennial Philosophy. Topics will include:

• Spiritual Principles for Enhancing and Healing Relationships
• The Master Within
• The Divine Power of Visualization
• Concept of Property - The Illusion of Ownership

The day will conclude with one of the most important rituals in the Rosicrucian Tradition: The Festival of Light Ceremony!

There is not a cost for the event and we would love it if you could donate a coat (or more!) for our annual coat drive. All coats will be distributed through New York Cares.


The Rosicrucian Cultural Center is located at 2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard in New York City.
     

‘Things to do this weekend’

     
Busy this weekend? Didn’t think so. Why not make some time to try these activities?


Rosicrucian Healing
Friday, September 13
6:30 p.m.
Rosicrucian Cultural Center
2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.
New York City

From the Rosicrucian perspective, the best way to treat any illness or dis-ease is by bringing both the psychic body and the physical body into an harmonious state. By developing our ability to maintain this state of harmony, we are able to bring even more health and vitality into our lives.

Join us in this experiential workshop where we will practice Rosicrucian healing techniques.


Actually, you might want to arrive at 5:45 for a meditation session. It’ll put you in the right frame of mind.


Saturday, September 14
9:30 a.m.
New Jersey Lodge of Masonic
Research and Education 1786
535 North Main Street
Hightstown, New Jersey

Two papers scheduled to be presented: Bro. Frank Conway on “A Masonic View of Benedict Arnold,” and myself on “How to Serve as Lodge Historian.”

Breakfast and lunch to be served. We should be finished by 1 p.m.


Saturday, September 14
1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Geometry Salon:
Vedic Squares
Click here.


Saturday, September 14
3 to 4:30 p.m.
“What Causes Dreaming?”
Masonic Philosophical Society
Whitestone MasonicTemple
149-39 11th Avenue
Whitestone, New York

During the early to mid 1900s, scientists believed that dreaming was a mechanical process that helped to reboot the mind each night. Through the years research has shown that the mind is doing more than acting like a computer. So what is the mind up to at night?

Many individuals speak to having prophetic dreams that speak to them of future events and feelings. There are those who say that they can connect with other realms each night through dreaming. Are they exaggerating their capabilities or is there something to deeper going on? Join us as we discuss this relevant and personal topic through the perspective of a Mason. Come ready to investigate What Causes Dreaming?


Through January 12, 2020
Beyond Midnight: Paul Revere
New-York Historical Society
170 Central Park West
(at 77th Street)
New York City

This exhibition on MW Bro. Paul Revere opened last week. In an email from the museum, I have been informed that “this exhibition does touch on his Masonic membership and network.”

I’ll be there Sunday morning.
     

‘This week at the Rosicrucian Center’

     

Great events coming this week at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center in New York City (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard). From the publicity:

Pythagoras

and the Pythagorean School

Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Pythagoras is one of the most important philosophers in the history of the Western world. He deeply influenced astronomy, cosmology, mathematics, and philosophy—especially the Rosicrucian tradition.

Join Grand Master Julie Scott in this exploration of Pythagoras and the inspiring school he founded.

Rosicrucian Alchemy Museum

Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

Join Grand Master Julie Scott to hear the latest plans for the Rosicrucian Alchemy Museum, opening in 2020, which will be the largest Alchemy Museum in the world and the first in the United States.

The museum will offer an interactive introduction to the fascinating history of Alchemy (with its origins in Egypt), as well hands-on demonstrations involving the seven steps of the alchemical process, lab workstations for up to twelve students, and Alchemical meditation chambers.

Be a part of creating the Rosicrucian Alchemy Museum! Click here.

Mystical Music

Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Join Grand Master Julie Scott in experiencing mystical music, including Rosicrucian music.

In this experiential workshop, we will explore music from prehistoric times to today, including the music of the Pythagoreans, Troubadours, Alchemists, and Rosicrucians from 1617 to today.
     

‘Winter Solstice with the Rosicrucians’

     
The Rosicrucian Order will gather in New York City to celebrate the Winter Solstice. From the publicity:

Winter Solstice

Thursday, December 21 at 5:45 p.m.

Rosicrucian Cultural Center

2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Blvd.

New York City

Come and celebrate the return of the Light with an evening of ritual, reflection, and giving.

Please bring:

• A small item to give away. This item should have meaning to you and represent a challenge that you have overcome.
• A votive candle in a small class candle holder.
• A coat or jacket for our annual coat drive (We know that several of you have already brought several coats, so this is optional.)

Schedule for the evening:

5:45 p.m. Prepare for the Council of Solace Meditation

6 p.m. Council of Solace Meditation

6:30 p.m. Winter Solstice Circle

7:30 p.m. Prepare for the Festival of Light Ritual (AMORC members)

8 p.m. Festival of Light Ritual (AMORC members)

9 p.m. Imperator’s Universal Attunement (AMORC members)
     

‘Mysticism and Spirituality series at RCC’

     
Next month, the Rosicrucian Cultural Center in New York City will host a series of nine conversations of ways mysticism and spirituality intersect with art and popular culture. The Center is located at 2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard. Each hour-long meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. From the publicity:

Steven A. Armstrong

The facilitator of each meeting, Steven A. Armstrong, M.A. Hum., M.A., M.Div., is a professional historian, philosopher, and teacher based in the San Francisco Bay area. He currently serves at the Grand Lodge in Membership Services. He is an active member of both the Rosicrucian Order and the Traditional Martinist Order, and has served as an officer in both Orders.

His current areas of interest include how the Primordial Tradition permeates all world traditions, and the way in which the Rosicrucian and Martinist paths provide a unique and unifying viewpoint on those traditions. He is the author of more than 30 published papers, articles, and podcasts, and is a lecturer for the RCUI. Steven is no stranger to the greater New York City area, as he was an undergraduate at Yale University, and received two Masters Degrees studying at the Rose Hill Campus of Fordham University in the Bronx.

At each meeting, Armstrong will lead the discussion and provide examples of relevant works, but those in attendance also may bring selections they have used for mystical and spiritual purposes.

Monday, June 19

Mysticism and Spirituality

in Popular Music

Wednesday, June 21

Mysticism and Spirituality

in Classical Music

Thursday, June 22

Mysticism and Spirituality

in Poetry

Friday, June 23

Mysticism and Spirituality

in Science Fiction

Monday, June 26

Mysticism and Spirituality

on Broadway

Tuesday, June 27

Mysticism and Spirituality

in Popular Music

Wednesday, June 28

Mysticism and Spirituality

on the Silver Screen

Thursday, June 29

Mysticism and Spirituality

in Classical Music

Friday, June 30

Mysticism and Spirituality

on the Small Screen

     

‘Mindful healing with the Rosicrucians’

     
Events coming later this month at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center are open to all who work toward achieving peace of mind. The center is located at 2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard in New York City.

(Masonic brethren sometimes ask me what Rosicrucianism is. I’m not up to the task of answering the question conclusively, but I can say two things: 1) Rosicrucianism chiefly is about healing—mending others, but first helping oneself so as to be able to help others. 2) Rosicrucianism differs from Freemasonry in that its organized doings concern only The Work. That is, there are no ritual competitions, hot dog eating contests, kiddie groups, and the endless other frivolities that trivialize Masonic lodges to the verge of irrelevance. You know what I’m talking about.)

From the publicity:

Rewriting Your Personal Story

May 15 through May 19

6:30 to 7:30 nightly

Are there things in your life that you blame others for causing? Do you have memories from your past that haunt or embarrass you each time you think about them? Have you ever wanted to rewrite your “life script” and feel at peace with difficult situations from your past?

Forgiving oneself and making peace with the past is necessary for a good life today, and a promising tomorrow. You deserve harmony and joy each and every day. Join our session and be prepared to lose anger and judgment, and to begin developing a healthy love and respect for yourself and others.

Facilitating the discussions will be longtime Rosicrucian Patricia Downes, OD/HRD Specialist, Relationship and Organizational Systems Coach, and Certified Life Coach.

Discuss Spiritual Laws

with Dr. Lonnie Edwards

Saturday, May 20

1 to 5 p.m.

It is important for us as students of spirituality and mysticism to become aware and acquainted with the tremendous resources that are available to us to make our lives more harmonious. Once we learn to tap these inner resources, living will become an invigorating affair, advancing and expanding the consciousness.

We need to keep foremost in our consciousness certain principles, conditions and laws to gain access to spiritual tools and to arrive at permanent solutions to life’s challenges. Through lectures, participation in meditation, and visualization exercises, we will be given the opportunity to experience the value of discussing these principles in a group setting.

Facilitating the discussions will be Dr. Lonnie Edwards, Vice President of the EGL Board of Directors, and author of Spiritual Laws that Govern Humanity and the Universe.

Living in a State

of Awareness and Mindfulness

Friday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m.

Have you been standing on the sidelines, looking in from the outside at your life, not liking what you see and feel? Do you desire more joy and aliveness in some areas of your life?

In this session, we’ll explore options for improving the quality of our lives so that we are better able to move forward in life with bravery and courage. We will conduct exercises that further this state of being and will practice techniques that support us in achieving the objectives.

Facilitating the discussion will be longtime Rosicrucian Patricia Downes, OD/HRD Specialist, Relationship and Organizational Systems Coach, and Certified Life Coach.
     

‘April, with aprons and without’

     
Today through Friday, April 28 – At Center Point, the headquarters of the Anthroposophical Society of New York City (138 West 15th Street), the art exhibit “Entry Point: Paintings,” featuring works by Martina Angela Müller and Tim Paholak, opens April 1 and will run through the 28th. From the publicity:

Martina Angela Müller is a visual artist practicing in a number of different fields. The main body of her work is abstract painting, but she also works in sculpture, environmental art, and installation. It has been seen in numerous galleries in New York and Massachusetts, and in private collections across four continents. She teaches at Alkion Center at Hawthorne Valley, and maintains a studio in Ghent, New York.

Tim Paholak: “I have painted with watercolors for many years and I explored and developed relationships with the primary and complementary colors and the many colors that lie in between. About six years ago I was introduced to oil painting and have primarily been working in this medium ever since. My focus has been the relationships between colors and what lies between them. I have developed an interest in using texture on the canvas to bring a textural component to these relationships. It seems to be an endless panorama that holds great wisdom, a journey from the soul to the canvas that goes from self-awareness to world awareness.”


Today through Saturday, April 22 – Art exhibit “A Fool’s Journey” at Booth Gallery, located at 325 West 38th Street in Manhattan. I have not seen Luke Hillestad’s art before, but I think this sounds interesting. From the publicity:

“A Fool’s Journey” is an explorative visual odyssey through the inner landscapes of human pathology and desire for meaning. The viewer is invited to wander, with the fresh eyes of The Fool, down an arcane path. Along the way, we encounter painted rituals, alchemical symbols, and a cast of archetypes bearing qualities of the old but not forgotten. An unpredictable wilderness is the backdrop for the paintings, where the power of the natural elements, the animal kingdom, and forest talismans imbue the narrative. Initiation, desire, and a struggle of will are among the themes explored in Hillestad’s large-scale works, painted with a harmonious Apelles palette.

Luke Hillestad has exhibited his works in Dubai, Paris, Munich, Barcelona, Los Angeles, and Miami. He paints from life, employing friends and loved ones as models, as well as using taxidermy animals, and found natural objects to create his mythologies. Hillestad is currently illustrating “Shakespeare’s Macbeth,” a limited edition collectors’ book collaboration.


Monday, April 3 through Friday, April 7 – The Rosicrucian Order will host “Increasing Your Capacity to Live, Love, and Learn” at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan) at 6:30 p.m. From the publicity:

Have you been trying without success to become a better “you?” If this is true, the Rosicrucian Order has many tips and tools that are capable of transforming every aspect of your being. Join us as we examine a different aspect of our lives each day, and work together to improve and enhance the way we “show up” in the world.

Facilitating the discussions will be long-time Rosicrucian Patricia Downes, OD/HRD Specialist, Relationship and Organizational Systems Coach and Certified Life Coach.


Wednesday, April 5 – “The Gift of Happiness,” Open House at the School of Practical Philosophy. Click here.


Wednesday, April 5 – New York Theosophical Society hosts weekly meetings for both members and non-members alike. Honestly, I’m not sure what my opinion of the Society is, but I don’t hesitate suggesting Magpie readers would enjoy checking it out. The topic for Wednesday will be “The Absolute.” Click here for the month’s schedule.


Wednesday, April 5 – Table Lodge with Andrew Hammer:

Wednesday, April 5 – One of the very few educational opportunities in “New Jersey Freemasonry” is the Book Club. Check it out:

Thursday, April 6 – New York City Chapter of Rose Croix (AASR) will host the annual Feast of the Paschal Lamb. Open to the public.

Friday, April 7 – Introductory Event: “Seeing: Self-Awareness and the Search for Inner Freedom” at Gurdjieff Foundation of New York. Quest Bookshop at 240 East 53rd Street.

Monday, April 10 through Friday, April 14 – The Rosicrucian Order will host “Bringing Your Whole Self to the Workplace” at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan) at 6:30 p.m. From the publicity:

Have you often wondered whether it is safe to be the real you at work? Or whether you can have autonomy and a sense of control in your work environment, or do you fear rejection or misunderstanding? In order to do this one must be aware of one’s values and beliefs and have a clear life purpose.

We will explore how and why bringing your whole self to work increases your capacity to reach your potential as well as improve the environment and energy of your workplace.

Facilitating the discussions will be long-time Rosicrucian Patricia Downes, OD/HRD Specialist, Relationship and Organizational Systems Coach and Certified Life Coach.


Thursday, April 13 – The Passing of Arthur. Click here.


Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21 – The Rosicrucian Order will host “Tips for Giving Heartfelt Service During Turbulent Times” at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan) at 6:30 p.m. From the publicity:

We become easily distracted when life events do not turn out the way we would like them to. A crisis in our lives can change our predominant mood and energy in an instant, yet we want and need to continue to contribute, care, and serve even though our energy levels may be affected, and we just do not feel quite up to it. This is the time, more than ever, that we need to energize ourselves, regain our equilibrium, and fulfill a significant part of our life purpose–contributing to what Matthew Fox describes as “the great work.” Join us as we share tips and ideas for re-energizing ourselves and moving bravely forward.

Facilitating the discussions will be long-time Rosicrucian Patricia Downes, OD/HRD Specialist, Relationship and Organizational Systems Coach and Certified Life Coach.


Tuesday, April 18 – Institute of Classical Architecture & Art to host “George Hadfield: Architect of the Federal City,” with Dr. Julia King. 20 West 44th Street, Suite 310. Reception at 6:30/Lecture at seven. From the publicity:

Theatre of Marcellus by George Hadfield.

The ICAA is pleased to present a lecture with Dr. Julia King in which she will be discussing her recent book George Hadfield: Architect of the Federal City.

During his lifetime, the work of the neoclassical architect George Hadfield (1763-1826) was highly regarded, both in England and the United States. Since his death, however, Hadfield’s contributions to architecture have slowly faded from view, and few of his buildings survive. In order to reassess Hadfield’s career and work, this talk draws upon a wide selection of written and visual sources to reconstruct his life and legacy. Dr. King will examine projects including the Capitol, Arlington House, and Old City Hall.

Dr. Julia King holds her Ph.D. from Birkbeck College, University of London, as well as a Master’s in Publishing from Oxford Brookes University and a BA in the History of European Art from the Courtauld Institute, University of London. She was a Fellow of the United States Capitol Historical Society, as well as the Royal Society of Arts, and served as the Executive Director of the Mills Society from 1984-87. She has taught at East Tennessee State University, the University of Reading, and the Newport College of Art and Design, among other colleges. At present, Dr. King is a consultant historian and author of many works including, The Flowering of Art Nouveau Graphics, Equestrian Monuments, and George Hadfield: Architect of the Federal City.

Cost/Reservations: Free for ICAA members; $30 General Admission.


Friday, April 21 – Mariners Lodge 67’s Charity Gala:

Saturday, April 22 – In concert: Marcus Macauley, Piano; and Claude Gilbert, Cello.

The planned program includes Bach’s Suite No. 3 in C Major for unaccompanied cello, and selections from Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto on E Major, Op. 85.

Location: Anthroposophical Society’s Threefold Auditorium, 260 Hungry Hollow Road in Chestnut Ridge, New York.
Suggested donation: $20 / $10 students and seniors / $5 children
Information here.


Saturday, April 22 – North West Mounted Police Lodge 11’s Degree Team to confer the Master Mason Degree in Delaware.

Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28 – The Rosicrucian Order will host “What Is Your Teachability Index?” at the Rosicrucian Cultural Center (2303 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan) at 6:30 p.m. From the publicity:

Are you willing to let go of what you think you already know? Are you able to learn with a child’s mind? Have you become an “expert” in a particular area, and thus are unwilling to examine new information and the opinions of others?

One writer says “experts are the slowest learners.” Another points out that “you cannot travel within and stand still without.”

Come and be part of this challenging discussion series as we examine long held beliefs and ideas about the world and its people.


Friday, April 28 – The annual re-enactment of the first inauguration of President George Washington, as performed by New York Freemasons. 11 a.m. at Federal Hall, where the 1789 ceremony actually took place. I assume the George Washington Inaugural Bible will be present (weather permitting).

Saturday, April 29 – Hudson River Lodge 309 will confer the Master Mason Degree, but this will be a degree unlike any other.

Sadly, the lodge is vacating its building, but the brethren will make it a celebration by raising Fellow Crafts to the Sublime Degree. New Windsor Masonic Hall (18 Snake Hill Road in New Windsor) at 10 a.m. RSVP here. Breakfast at 9 a.m. and lunch will be served.
     

‘A Prayer in Spring’

     

Spring Day at Jeløya by Edvard Munch,

1915, oil on canvas, privately owned.

A Prayer in Spring

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers to-day;

And give us not to think so far away

As the uncertain harvest; keep us here

All simply in the springing of the year.

Oh, give us pleasure in the orchard white,

Like nothing else by day, like ghosts by night;

And make us happy in the happy bees,

The swarm dilating round the perfect trees.

And make us happy in the darting bird

That suddenly above the bees is heard,

The meteor that thrusts in with needle bill,

And off a blossom in mid air stands still.

For this is love and nothing else is love,

The which it is reserved for God above

To sanctify to what far ends He will,

But which it only needs that we fulfill.

Robert Frost

The Spring Equinox arrived early this morning. Happy Rosicrucian New Year! We even had nice weather to enjoy today in these parts. (New York, not Jeløya.)