Clandestine Part II

Seems more and more clandestine masonic lodges are popping up and even applying for their own State license plate. It seems now days to try a brother at the door is not acceptable the true and only way is to check dues card.

I always wondered why some people would want to go against the grain and start their own branch of masonry. And then I thought to myself, With the economy being so out of whack all over the world it has to be only one reason and that reason is money..

So don't get offended if you ever travel to a AFM lodge in South Carolina and have your dues card checked it is for the sanctity and safety to keep the ancient work of the craft in tact.

Order of The Commandery

Ok, as I prepare for the last part of the York Rite I was doing some more reading on the Commandery. I noticed that the York Rite in our area being the in Southern United States does not really have a appealing membership or participation rate as the Shriners or Scottish Rite appendant bodies. Well I am looking forward to this journey for the Order of Commandery continues and finalizes.

I feel the York Rite so far up to the Cryptic Council has been a awesome experience in my quest to seek further light in masonry and in my opinion even though one of the darker appendant bodies, To me seems to be the most exciting.

Here are some pieces of information I found on the Internet about the Order of the Commandery.

The Commandery orders represent a new direction of Masonic thought and experience, in that they no longer refer to Ancient Craft Masonry, but to ideals and practices of chivalry and Christianity.

The first Commandery order, the Illustrious Order of the Red Cross, presents the story of the Jewish Prince, Zerubbabel, and his efforts to secure permission of the Persian King Darius to rebuild the second temple at Jerusalem. The next order, Knight of Malta, is a complete departure from Masonry based on the Old Testament and is the first Christian order. Here, the candidate represents a knightly warrior of the Crusades prior to his departure for the Holy Land. The last order is that of Knight Templar, the crowning glory of the York Rite system. Again, in this totally Christian order, the candidate represents a knightly postulant who desires to unite with a Commandery of Knights Templar during the era of the Crusades.

After several trials to test his faith, courage, and humility, he is rewarded by achieving his desire.

Interesting stuff wish me luck!

Fraternally,
Shane Hale

York Rite from 3rd to Select Master

Well, I have made it to select master and it was a long journey of a day very interesting degree work. I personally was very fond of the Mark Master degree but all was very insightful and after it was over it seemed everyone who went through were left scratching their heads and contemplating on the events they saw. I am still running the work through my head over and over again. There are alot of messages in each degree alot of the Royal Arch and Cryptic council were mixed up not revealing any of the specifics it reminded me of a Star Wars saga from Star Wars to Attack of the clones in that order or mis order. I think masonry should make these degree mandatory or at least the Mark Master. Alot of good deep messages in this degree. I will agree with Burning Taper I think there is much more in the degree work and I think I kind of caught some of the messages that were trying to be relayed. Next up Order of Red Cross and Malta to complete the commandarie and York Rite.

York Rite Degree Preparation

Well, I am getting ready for the first part of my York Rite Journey and trying to mentally prepare myself going through. Which this Saturday it will start at 8:00 AM til who knows. I do know the other Saturday will be the Commandary part.

I am getting pretty exciting about it is like reading another half of really good story only to find out To be continued... Right when the story starts to get good. I have been researching Templar history which has been very interesting and learning more about the York Rite. The Scottish Rite was another choice for me with another interesting saga to the 32 degree. I chose York Rite it seemed to be the somewhat more mysterious degrees than any other.

Another interesting thing, I found out was that this is sometimes called the American Rite or American degree I read this a couple of times online so that is interesting in why it is called that. I have been reading on Roslyns Chapel and DeMolay really cool Templar related stuff. On one of the commandry sites I even read that at one point masons were not allowed to be a part of the Templars for some odd reason therefore debunking the theory that Masons were a part of the Templars myth. I look forward to this journey and I hope I enjoy the degree work.

Non-Masonic Investment Tip for Beer Drinkers during a bad economy!

Okay, I know some of you may not drink and this is not really Masonic oriented but I am trying to make some light of the rough waters our economy has been in.

Please note sound advice below.
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Delta Airlines one year ago, you will have $49.00 today.
If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in AIG one year ago, you will have $33.00 today.

If you had purchased $1,000 of shares in Lehman Brothers one year ago, you will have $0.00 today.

But, if you had purchased $1,000 worth of beer one year ago, drank all the beer, then turned in the aluminum cans for recycling refund, you will have received a $214.00.

Based on the above, the best current investment plan is to drink heavily & recycle. It is called the 401-Keg.

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A recent study found that the average American walks about 900 miles a year.Another study found that Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of alcohol a year.That means that, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon!

Makes you proud to be an American!