Rocky Mountain Mason

The Ancient Oriental Order of Ishmael surfaced in 1872, the transcription of Victorian-era Mason and esotericist Ken MacKenzie (the transcriber/author of the z-ciphers used in founding the Golden Dawn). Prominent Masons and esotericists of the era, including the likes of Robert Wentworth Little and William Wynn Westcott were members. Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

From  "condign penalties" (i.e. torture and murder) inflicted upon Masons by the Inquisition under In eminenti apostolauts to the incomplete and inaccurate characterization of the Fraternity in Humanum genus (which really just rails against a modernizing world), the Catholic Church's position on Freemasonry cannot pass scrutiny. The Church's position on the Freemasonry is untenable, outdated, and inaccurate. It was always based on hearsay and incorrect assumptions about the Fraternity (at least as practiced in the United States). Pope Leo XIII wasn't just wrong, his reasoning in Humanum genus is deeply flawed and fundamentally at odds with the Church's own adaptations over the last 150 years. It's time the Church revised its censure against Freemasons and, frankly, apologized. Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

On Jan. 19, 2025, the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina Prince Hall Affiliate made then-President Joe Biden a Master Mason at sight. This episode explores the provenance of that prerogative, and ameliorates salacious headlines about Biden's excommunication from the Catholic Church.Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

The three wise men, the three kings, the three magi – whichever appellation they are known by – remain a fixture of Christmastime. Yet they are mentioned only once in the Bible, in twelve verses in Matthew, mysteriously appearing to venerate the Christ child before vanishing like the star they followed.Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Explore the history of this most holy site in Christendom.Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Once a discreet Order plying a humble  praxis in silence, meant to engender the beatific vision, Martinism is becoming more vocal. Following a split in one of the larger obediences in the U.S., recent recruiting efforts have brought Martinism to bear as solicited candidates reach out to the Grand Encampment asking, "What is this Order?", "Is it Masonic?" and "Can I join?" At the request of the Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, we detail the history of the founding – and some of the transmissions and fractures – of this often misappropriated and misrepresented system of Christian mysticism.Support the Show.www.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Bro. Thurman was a foremost Mason of his era. In life and in the Fraternity he exemplified the Masonic virtues that set men apart. He was there when, in 1945, his division moved up the west bank of the Rhine to support the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions at Delhoven and Hitdorf. They fought the SS directly, killing more than 700 of them, capturing over 800 prisoners of war. In addition to other roles in leadership of significance to Masonry, in 1995, he was elected an Honorary Past Grand Sovereign Grand Master of the Allied Masonic Degrees; Honorary supreme Magus of France in 1998; Honorary Past Grand Preceptor, Holy Royal Arch Knight Templar Priests of the USA in 1999; Honorary Past deputy Grand Master, Grand Lodge of Portugal, in 2002; Honorary Past Supreme Magus of Portugal, 2002; Honorary Past Supreme Magus of Romania in 2005; Honorary Past Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, 2006; Honorary Past Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of New Jersey in 2022; Honorary grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter of New Jersey, 2023. Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

The history of this fascinating man and his influence on spirituality Freemasonry of the latter 18th Century and founder of the esoteric Christian form of mysticism known popularly by the misnomer, "Martinism."Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

A powerful and potent text, Ben is pleased to share a reading of sections of "Poimandres," the first book of the Corpus Hermeticum. He discusses, briefly, some tenets of the quintessential text. Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Roberto explains why this upcoming Grand Session of the Grand Lodge of Texas may be the most important meeting in the history of the institution in the great state - the Masonic state - of Texas.Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Ben shares the most important and impactful writing in his life, The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius: ten short logic circuits devised to engender awakening in the reader. Taken from The Way of Hermes, New Translations of the Corpus Hermeticm and The Definitions of Hermes Trismegistus to Asclepius, translated by Clement Salaman, Dorine Van Oyen, William D. Wharton, and Jean-Pierre Mahé and published by Inner Traditions.Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Ben contemplates an email from a racist Brother and wonders, is Masonry fulfilling its promises? How can we, as a brotherhood, inculcate the virtues Masonry claims it teaches? We can do better - become the change you wish to see in the Fraternity!Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Explore the historicity of the Order of the Temple and the weaving of chivalric and Templar themes into the fabric of earliest Freemasonry in this intriguing account of the origins of the Speculative Craft.Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Bro. Robert Wise was mercilessly gunned down when leaving McAllen Lodge No. 1110 in July this year by an anti-Mason. On Nov 27, members of Bro. Wise's family filed suit against the Grand Lodge of Texas and McAllen Lodge for negligence and gross negligence for failing to make the Lodge and its curtilage safe. Should a Lodge be held liable for the acts of the criminally insane? What does this action mean to other Lodges going forward, and how should officers prepare to deal with anti-Masonry against their buildings and membership?Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Remarks shared at the occasion of Ill. Bro. Rex Hutchens memorial service at the Scottish Rite temple in Tucson, Arizona.Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

RMM explores the science of the SARS-CoV-2 spike that suggests a synthetic origin of the virus is statistically much more likely than a natural one. Now unclassified memos from the Department of Defense's DARPA reveal compelling context. Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Deconstructing the occult street pattern.... And TBOP Chapter XXXV.Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

In Episode 075 of the RMM, we debunk the myth that ancient astrology used "whole sign houses." In fact, this system was invented in the 1990s by a clear misunderstanding of an ancient text, Valens's Anthology.Watch Deb Houlding's talk which prompted this podcast here: https://vimeo.com/765620082Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Join the Rocky Mountain Mason for a candid interview with Brad Billings, the junior Past Grand Master of Texas. M.W. Bro. Brad has been a transformative and popular Grand Master. But as with anyone who makes change happen, he's seen his share of pushback, too. Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Josef Wages discusses his two most recent books: The Master's Voice and the Green Book of the Elus Cohen. Get the books at www.lewismasonic.co.uk. Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Join the RMM for a candid interview with one of Masonry's best known Masons, Illustrious Bro. Brent Morris 33ºGC.  You've probably seen Brent on TV, where he frequently represents the House of the Temple for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. Or read his book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry, available at all booksellers nationwide. Or perhaps you are already a member of the Scottish Rite Research Society and are familiar with his work as the managing editor of Heredom?  Brent has a distinguished civilian as well, among other worthy exploits in service to our country, lecturing on cryptographer at the NSA. Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

We share a Christmas morning with the Officers of the Grand Encampment. Hope you will join us for this candid chat as we contemplate Templary in the 21st century.For info on the Knight Templar Eye Foundation, please visit: https://www.ktef.org/For info on the Holy Land Pilgrimage Program, please visit: https://kthlp.com/Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

In this episode, the RMM interviews R.W. Bro. Chris Earnshaw, Past Grand Historian of the Grand Lodge of Japan. M.W. Bro. Chris is the author of the Spiritual Freemasonry series, including Freemasonry: Initiation by Light, Freemasonry: Spiritual Alchemy, and Freemasonry: Quest for Immortality. Check him out on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/Freemasonry-Initiation-Light-Spiritual/dp/B085RTMBPNSupport the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

The Rocky Mountain Mason Podcast is back! In this short episode, Ben remembers his friend and mentor, Rex Hutchens, who succumbed to cancer the day before recording this episode. Rex was a highly decorated Mason in both the York and Scottish Rites, widely known for his authoring of A Bridge to Light, now given as a companion to the 29 degrees informing the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for the Southern Jurisdiction. But he was so much more. Listen to our informal interview with him in episode 052: https://www.buzzsprout.com/992590/8244546Support the showwww.rockymountainmason.comwww.esotericmason.comSupport the show: https://patreon.com/rockymountainmason?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

Join us for this interview with the Grand Executive Director of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America, Ill. Bro. William G. Sizemore II, 33º, Grand Cross, Rear Admiral for the U.S. Navy (Retired) and former instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School (aka TOP GUN)!Support the show

Join us for the audio of the Oxford style debate (modified format for the Masonic Lodge in open meeting) on the proposition that "The M.W. Grand Lodge of Colorado should recognize female Freemasonry!" For the motion: W.Bro. Peter Preston.Against the motion: W.Bro. Ben Williams.Moderated by: W.Bro. Grover Sardeson. Support the show

M.W. Bros. Corey Shackleford, Sr., Grand Master Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Georgia, and Don Combs, Grand Master Grand Lodge of Georgia F. & A.M. join me to discuss the historic signing of mutual recognition between their jurisdictions on April 9, 2022. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

Join us for a friendly chat with the elected officer line of the Grand Encampment! The Grand Encampment has been through the ringer recently. See why that's about to change. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

Report from the Special Conclave wherein the Knights Templar reinstated S.K. David Kussman as Deputy Grand Master, overturned S.K. Michael Johnson's controversial decisions (except his decisions to recognize that the C.B.C.S. is not a Templar body), and ultimately removed S.K. Michael Johnson from office.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

High strangeness in the Utah desert. Join the Rocky Mountain Mason in this candid conversation with Thomas Winterton, the Superintendent of the world's most active paranormal site, the notorious SKINWALKER RANCH!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

Despite much disinformation on the topic, the Grand Encampment has the right to discuss all business noticed in the call for the Special Conclave. Back from a few months off, the Rocky Mountain Mason shares some insights why. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

In this episode we explore the history of the"CBCS," a system of esoteric Freemasonry originated in France in the latter 1770s and charted in the US in 1934 which, for reasons that become apparent, has been targeted by a particular faction of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar's leadership for over a decade.(And hear me screw up Thomas Smith Webb's name - for some reason I always want to call him William Webb!! And Thomas Dunckerley - for some reason I call him Robert!)[EDITOR NOTE: Turns out the cufflinks mentioned in this podcast, sported by various members of the Grand Encampment leadership are not indicative of membership in a clandestine version of the CBCS, they are a group endeared to S.K. Howard W. Koon II, and known as "cousins" (I do not believe this is a Knight Mason deal either, but I could be wrong). Nonetheless, most likely at least several "cousins" are members of Koon's  CBCS group.]Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

It must be the hats.... For some reason, an apparent series of ultra vires acts from the Grand East of the Grand Encampment have now escalated to include unilateral removal of the Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Encampment (an elected officer) without specific cause. Meanwhile, theGrand Encampment is reeling from the unilateral overturning of a super-majority decision to end the feud with the Rectified Rite. What is going on?  As the cover of the Knight Templar Magazine boldly stated, the Grand Master "never forget[s] loyalty." Nor does he "forget betrayal." There's a new sheriff in town. And, evidently, he's gonna smoke 'em out... obligations to the brethren and knights be damned.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

Highlights of the 68th Triennial Conclave of the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar. Among notable moments, the voting delegates approved a statutory amendment to allow the Templar apron (triangular with skull and crossbones included); voted down including an attestation of faith incorporated into a uniform petition for the Orders of Knighthood; and, perhaps most historically of all, repealed the standing resolution from 2012 that pronounced a sister rite and chivalric order, the CBCS of Jean Baptiste Willermoz, irregular.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

After maybe nine months after being asked, Ben was finally able to attend a session of the Masonic Legacy Society. In this episode, Ben shares his experience during one of the sessions and posits why the format the Society has adopted is so effective - for prompting reflection, for articulating and sharing discovery, and for bringing light to your Brethren in masonry. We become the change we wish to see in the Fraternity. This format is a strong step in facilitating that becoming. And... Ben wraps the episode with Chapter XXXIII of the Three Books of Occult Philosophy, "Of the Seals and Characters of Natural Things."Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

After a two week hiatus following the death of his Dad, the RMM returns, but popular demand, with an update on the Grand Sessions of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. Masonic procedure may seem like pomp and circumstance 99% of the time. But when needed, the rules of assembly Masons adopt prove their worth. Then, is there efficacy in Masonic ritual outside the intent of the Brethren working the degrees? Yes! Listen to find out why.Finally, we return to the Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Chapter XXXII, for more on the heavenly virtues and their corresponding manifestations upon the Earth.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

On April 15 I received an anonymous email from a person claiming to be a Past Grand Officer of the Grand Lodge of South Carolina. He claimed to have incontrovertible evidence that Mike Smith violated the Grand Master's Edict, that he held a Zoom meeting that was more than a simple "wellness check" and constituted a business meeting for the Scottish Rite. The evidence? A copy of an email from Mike Smith and screenshots of the Zoom meeting. But what possible dispensation would a Scottish Rite valley need from a Grand Master of Masons to hold a business meeting in whatever format its own membership found agreeable? Additional problems in this anonymous Past Grand Lodge Officer's interpretation of Masonic law abound.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

The Grand Lodge of South Carolina meets this Thursday, April 22, at 10 a.m. in Charleston, SC. Ahead of what is sure to be a contentious session, we interview W.Bro. Billy Wall, the Secretary of Union-Kilwinning No. 4. In December 2020 the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master showed up at Union-Kilwinning to arrest their Charter. Billy, his son, and some of the Officers have been charged with unmasonic conduct for holding a meeting of 6 Masons after, allegedly, an edict was pronounced that required a minimum of 7. While this requirement from the Grand Lodge is contrary to the ritual and the ancient usages and customs of the Craft, and while the Constitution of SC mandates that an edict must be properly noticed, the Grand Lodge nonetheless took offense to Union-Kilwinning's meeting, barged into their Lodge and demanded the Charter. As seems to be something of a pattern of behavior under this Grand Master, a special Trial Commission was hurriedly appointed most probably to simply expel W.Bro. Billy and the Brethren of Union-Kilwinning No. 4 ahead of the Grand Sessions meeting in just five days.Check out the record of events at Union-Kilwinning's website, https://unionkilwinning.org.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

In this episode, Ben explores the controversial but well documented correlation between certain antidepressant drugs and homicidal mania. Nearly every mass shooter seems to have a history with this class of drugs, including Eric Harris (Columbine), who was on Luvox, and James Holmes (Aurora movie theater), who was prescribed a high dose of Zoloft. Could these drugs lead to a type of emotional disassociation, where the reward-reflex is vitiated, and a type of bio-chemical echo builds a lethal impulse? Or is it just access to firearms?Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

We reluctantly bring you this breaking news from the GLSC where charges of unmasonic conduct have been filed against the Grand Master and his officers for, essentially, dereliction of duty for failing to hold an annual Grand Lodge as soon as reasonably practicable (or by alternative means necessary under the present COVID situation) and for, by the sounds of things, abuses of power. The Grand Lodge is the members in lodge assembled. It is not the officers of the Grand Lodge. And it sure 'aint the Grand Master who must answer at each annual convocation to the Brethren it is his honor to serve. In February we reported on the ongoing problems in S Carolina where the Grand Master was, apparently, overreaching his mandate in officiously preventing online meetings of masons (whether "in lodge" or not). He seized charters. He even expelled the SGIG. Now Union-Kilwinning Lodge No. 4 is striking back.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

In this 52nd episode of the RMM podcast, Ben shares Patron's Only content - an interview with Illustrious Brother Rex Hutchens 33º Grand Cross. Illustrious Brother Rex is the author of Bridge to Light the companion text given to every Scottish Rite Mason attaining the 32º. Rex  also assisted Arturo DeHoyos in annotating Morals & Dogma and has made many contributions to Freemasonry too numerous to recount in so meager a format as this blurb!If you  like  content like this – typically available to patrons only –please visit our Patreon page to become a patron today!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

Dr. Gallagher is a board-certified psychiatrist and professor at Columbia University. He has been a practicing psychiatrist for over 25 years. He is the longest-standing American on the International Association of Exorcists, where he served as scientific advisor (and the only layman) for its governing council. He has personally witnessed over 150 cases involving phenomena for which there is no plausible alternative diagnosis than demonic possession.Read his book Demonic Foes, My Twenty-Five Years as a Psychiatrist Investigating Possessions, Diabolic Attacks, and the Paranormal, published by Harper Collins. Available on Amazon, here. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

Are there predicate beliefs required for masonic standing? Do certain philosophies contradict masonic philosophy? In this episode Ben examines the question of whether certain belief systems contravene masonic conduct per se.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

The other day, on the Winding Stairs Facebook group, Tim Hogan accused me of slandering him when I posted a screenshot of his facebook endorsements of Heather Twede, a.k.a. "Mary Magdalene." In proving up the veracity of my claims I posted evidence that Tim Hogan's claim to be Grand Master of the most ancient Templar lineage in the world is just fabrication. In fact, the "real" OSTI (that is, Raymond Bernard's official group) outright contradicts Tim's claims and states, officially, the illegitimacy of Tim's order.[Pictured: Tim meeting with Adnan Oktar in Turkey where Tim represented the "Knights Templar" as Grand Master of the Templars of the world in bolstering Mr. Oktar's anti-Israeli agenda... note, Oktar has since been convicted for sex trafficking.]CORRECTION: I misspoke in the episode, the trademarks I mention were registered in 1994, so the MCI is correct on that count. It was a change of ownership and change of address that was performed in 2014 and to which that particular segment in the episode should properly allude. Also, OSTI was founded in 1988 (not 1992). - Ed., 03/09/2021Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

Should Masons view the Constitution of the United States as a Masonic document? Even though the Constitution is not Masonic per se, Ben argues, YES. Ben wraps the episode with Chapter XXIX of De Occulta Philosophia Libri Tres, what things are under the sphere or Mercury....Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

Prince August Frederick (1773-1834) was not your typical Royal. He married without permission (three times), held contrary views to his class (including strongly supporting the abolition of slavery, the emancipation of Catholics, and the repeal of civil laws restricting the freedom of Jews). When he died, he will his body by buried in common ground - a testament, perhaps, that we are all rendered equal in death. He had amassed library of over 50,000 volumes, including a trove of ancient manuscripts (many in Hebrew, a language in which he was quite competent). He lived a true Mason.He was unanimously elected the Grand Master of the United Grand Lodge of England on St. John the Evangelist's Day in 1813, a mere 26 days after the Articles of Union were signed joining the Antients and the Moderns under the United jurisdiction. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

The negative confession to Maat; a short bit on Masonic Jurisprudence from the Summer 2019 Research Lodge of Colorado Lucerna; a rebuttal to the naysayers on Reddit in support of Wilmshurst University; and TBOP Chapter XXVII, on those things under the dominion of Mars.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

The light of Masonic charity covers the world. Ben relates an example of it touching a small town in rural Colorado in saving a young boy born with brittle bones. Ben caps the episode with a reading of Chapter XXVI of the Three Books of Occult Philosophy, On What Things Are Under the Power of Jupiter, and Are Called Jovial.... Which, as it happens, includes the Cornerstone Ceremony, as practiced in modern Masonic rites.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

The Grand Lodge of S Carolina has been prone to authoritarian inflections in the past. It's done it again. In a travesty of overreach and marked abuse of office, the Grand Master of the M.W. Grand Lodge of S. Carolina has usurped all reasonable Masonic Jurisprudence, convened a unique trail forum rife with conflicts of interest, scuttled due process, simply to expel a rival. What was the egregious offense? Holding an untiled ZOOM meeting in the midst of the pandemic. Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)

To vouch for someone is to stand in for them and be judged in their place. The legend of Damon and Pythius, the Pythagorean brethren whose loyalty stunned the tyrant of Syracuse, Dionysius I, is a suitable metaphor for the honor that should bind Masons - that stronger tie. The most important appointment in the Lodge is not the Master's chair. It's the Investigating Committee!Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/rockymountainmason)