[Willied77]

Right Guys,

Since I've had broadband trouble I've not been posting which has given me more time to ponder upon the little things in Life especially Freemasonry.

Me being me, I've watched alot of Brethern who come to my Lodge visiting, and have seen those who frequent the same side orders, socialise and stick together with each other. I've seen those in the RA degrees mingle together, those who belong to the KT mingle together and also those in the Squaremen and Cork mingle together (well thats about 99% of my Lodge then).

I began to think that Freemasonry is like a sports college, stupid as it may sound I have reasons for thinking this.

As we all know sports college's, or even every other type come to think of it, seek out the most gifted and talented students and hone thier skills so that they can progress into a more professional area.

Those who are gifted yet perhaps lack the 'cutting edge' are still progressed but not to the same degree.

I'm thinking that esoterically, Freemasonry is like this. I've had conversations with Brethern whom have done more degrees than Peter (if thats possible ), and IMO they seem more reclusive and withdrawn than others of lower degrees. Yet, they always seem to be watching, as strange as it may sound!

IMO, Freemasonry is very esoterical, right from the moment we first venture into the Light. As Brethern advance to more Light, the numbers become less and less as though it is a natural progression system. And it is from those who progress into these higher degrees, whom are chosen to venture into the more 'skilled' areas of the Craft.

If this is the case, then what kind of skills would the Higher Degree's require? Is this one of the more hidden esoterical teachings within the Craft?

[wolfy]

Good post bro!

sadly I am heading towards Port Said in Egypt so cant really think too much on it, but one of my own thoughts is what happens when you get two groups?

Lots of degrees mingle amongst themselves yes? what happens when a brother is a member of more than one, will he then seek out those 4 others that are members of all his side orders? what if he is a member of three? he may be the only one there. would that mean he is more skilled? and so stay alone? I think he would probably just mingle with anyone, certainly that is the case in my lodge, but as to the skill set require, i think eagerness must definately be a main factor!

wish i could comment more but im dodging through mediterannean shipping at the moment! lol
_________________
Regards,
James K
Stella Maris 7279 -UGLE
The Channel Conclave 436
St Peter in Thanet Lodge MMM 1053

[Corto Maltese]

Willie,
I am member of Rito simbolico italiano. We do not accet any further degrees, we are proud to be Master Masons. We are like jesuits, committed to education.

IMHO the "higher degrees" are just a means to boost one's ego.

How many MASTERS (in capital letters) have you met in your life?
_________________
Je n’enseigne pas, j’éveille - Villiers de l'Isle Adams
I don't teach, I awaken

[Prometheus]

[wolfy]

There is a discussion on another forum about whether they are "Higher Degrees" or "Side Degrees".

Personally I feel that the Craft or Blue Lodge is the base for freemasonry. the Highest rank is that of Installed Master which is still a Master Mason (with a few tweeks).

All the other degrees, in my opinion, are side degrees. Many of them do not require you to go through the chair of a Craft lodge, meaning that they can be "elevated" or whatever you want to call it to a "Higher" rank without gaining all the knowledge of the Craft lodge first. To me that sounds a little wrong.

Yes the Side degrees can expand on the knowledge or give more information and morals learnt from different legends (OSM/RAM for example) but they are not "Higher" than that of the the common lodge...

...Just in my opinion of course!

Back on topic, these extra or side degrees I feel would require an open mind more than anything else. Once you train a mind to think and learn in one fashion, it is hard to turn that onto a different path (try learning Japanese if your mother tongue is latin based), and so to start a new method of thinking would be the hardest part.

Unless of course you happen to be no more than an apron chaser as some dub them and all you want is the social side! then of course its another set of skills that is required!
_________________
Regards,
James K
Stella Maris 7279 -UGLE
The Channel Conclave 436
St Peter in Thanet Lodge MMM 1053

[Corto Maltese]

however man is not prevented from expanding his knowledge, yet remaining in the Craft.

Think about the 2nd degree, wherein a fellow of the Craft should inquiry into the hidden mysteries of Nature: he ought to learn astrology, alchemy, mathematics, physics... Practically, his entire life!
_________________
Je n’enseigne pas, j’éveille - Villiers de l'Isle Adams
I don't teach, I awaken

[wolfy]

indeed!

I dont think anyone truely stops learning (unless they actually make a point of not learning anything) for their entire life, there is always something new to think about or learn.

however sometimes what you find yourself having to learn will require you to think in a new way (this is perhaps the basis of "thinking outside the box" - even though i hate that phrase!) and it is this that can sometimes put people off because they must leave their comfort zone and push ahead into the scary unknown.

With this in mind, its not hard to see that those who stubbornly say "This is the way it is because its the way its always been done", while seeing new degrees, and being provided the means to further their knowledge wont gain as much from it as those who are willing to alter their course and think about something from a new angle.
_________________
Regards,
James K
Stella Maris 7279 -UGLE
The Channel Conclave 436
St Peter in Thanet Lodge MMM 1053

[Corto Maltese]

I agree with you, Brother, on condition that "higher degrees" expand one's knowledge and do not boost his ego.
_________________
Je n’enseigne pas, j’éveille - Villiers de l'Isle Adams
I don't teach, I awaken