It means someone who is "not initiated" or "not a member". It's not a derogatory term as so many try to make it .
Profane comes from 'profanus' meaning before the Temple. Ie not in the temple and not part of the proceedings.
Just finished reading The Hiram Key. Very interesting. Anyone have any opinions on this book? Be forewarned, it may be faith shattering to some as it goes in to how some religions were invented and evolved. It also touches on the borrowed myths, superstitions and legends that modern day religions share or borrow from past religions. It may be in conflict from what you may have been hearing from the pulpit. Just keep in mind it is a book written by men whom, I'm sure, desired to profit thereby so take it for what it is worth. But it is chock full of knowlege and research. But it is a very interesting read. Can anyone guess how many dieties were born of a virgin? Many religions share common beliefs. I was very surprised how many have so much in common. I do, however, advise those of the Catholic persuasion to avoid it. It might tell you something you really do not want to know. Some of our Catholic brethren have voiced their displeasure with the book. But the book is not about endorsing or denying any particular religion. It is just a book of historical facts and how things sometimes tie together.
I like some of Knight's and Lomas's theories, but they sometimes take a lot of liberty with them and the evidence doesn't always support it. They are both very knowledgeable Masons. I actually read that book and Uriel's Machine before I became a Mason.
My wife almost got run off the road by a dude with a Masonic sticker on his truck. This has nothing to do with you, or the Masons (beyond one member in northeastern CT being a lousy driver), but it made me think of this thread.
I'm sorry to hear that. When Idaho first started the license plate program the Grand Master reminded us to be good drivers since we'd be now showing our affiliation and our driving ability.
It saddens me to announce that Companion George Sellars, the Most Puissant General Grand Master of the General Grand Council of Cryptic Masons International passed away this last Sunday; he was 74-years old. For those who knew him or knew of him, had probably heard of his failing health due to cancer. I never knew personally, but Dave Grindle, the General Grand Recorder, was friends and spoke of him fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those who were touched by this man and Mason. Read More
Well, this month is going to be a busy month for me Masonry wise. A lot of traveling, meeting some new Brothers, and seeing some old ones. Let it begin!
Come this summer, I'm going to come up with an interactive display of how the numerous bodies in Freemasonry are organized and structured. This will be a gigantic project as just with the Blue Lodge there are some differences in how things are structured among the various Grand Lodges in the US, but then some bodies here in the US are just provincial bodies of a larger organization outside the US. I'm still working on my book, but this will kind of help me out with my research as I plan on covering this very subject in the book.
My Commandery held it's annual Easter Observance today and I had a good turnout, particularly from the Youth groups.
Does DeMolay still exist? I haven't seen any evidence of it here in California - not that I've been searching for it all that hard either, though.
Yep, it's still around. The Executive Officer of Idaho is trying to get me to head the re-chartering of a new Chapter in Boise.
Huh! Theyused to be everywhere, but my old chapter disappeared a long time ago, and my best friends did too. BTW, is Highlander a mason as well?
What is the significance and background behind the Eastern Star symbol? (The inverted pentacle.) It overturns the proper order of things and demonstrates the triumph of matter over spirit
The 5-points do represent the 5-heroines from the Bible who immortalize 5-virtues important to members of the OES. I have found that the Druze also use a 5-pointed star composed of the same 5-colors. - - - Updated - - - Interesting theory.
What a weekend! I traveled up to Federal Way, WA, and was initiated into the Order of St. Thomas of Acon:
Do you have numbers for the growth or shrinking of all masonry? is it correct that the popularity if masonry was never polled?
Globally? No. In the US the Masonic Service Association often collects data and right now Freemasonry is shrinking in numbers. Personally I see that we are losing numbers because we had such a large explosion in the 50s and 60s that many of them are dying off at just as equally alarming rate. Personally I think that the phenomenon of the 50s and 60s set an unrealistic expectation and too many equal quality with quantity. Freemasonry in many parts of the world is reforming and trying to maintain many of the useful traditions and practices while adapting to today's culture. I don't believe so, but I could be wrong. - - - Updated - - - Globally? No. In the US the Masonic Service Association often collects data and right now Freemasonry is shrinking in numbers. Personally I see that we are losing numbers because we had such a large explosion in the 50s and 60s that many of them are dying off at just as equally alarming rate. Personally I think that the phenomenon of the 50s and 60s set an unrealistic expectation and too many equal quality with quantity. Freemasonry in many parts of the world is reforming and trying to maintain many of the useful traditions and practices while adapting to today's culture. I don't believe so, but I could be wrong.
My name is Alexey. I consist in a brotherhood the Mason (Russia, the European boxes) I am strong, was disappointed in the Mason. I wanted to leave to (renounce) the Freemasonry. Prompt: How I can, to leave to (renounce) from the Mason? To become simple the person! In what sequence it is necessary to (renounce) an exit from the Mason? (I consist in the several Mason of a bed) To you it is very grateful, for your understanding, your answer!
My grandfather was a freemason.. with saffire blue eyes, high cheek bones and a wiry figure into his 80s. He was so cool.... like any farmer he had ham hands, a creased neck and gobs of sun damage. He was well educated for a boy born in 1888... and I just adored him. He had worked as an accountant.. or bookkeeper for the railroad until the was nearly 30 and married. His take on Free Masonary was that men should set aside their religious and political diferences to do the best for the community.
I'm guessing English is not your first language. Are you saying you are a Mason and want to leave? Your grandfather sounds like he was a good man.
