Hermes Lodge U.D

During the Dark Ages and extending throughout the Middle Ages, there was a loss of classical learning due to the many wars, bloodshed and unrest in which most of the old hand-printed scrolls, papyrus paper, books and records were burned by the opposing forces...much like King Solomon's temple was dismantled and carried off, never to return. Illiteracy did not make these Masons stupid or lesser operative Masons in the craft. They were simply working people, taking care of th...eir families, who, by necessity, had to begin working at a very early age, usually from dawn until dusk, 6 days a week and did not have the time nor the teachers to avail themselves of the ability to learn to read or of any higher education. Making Your Mark: Some of you can, even now, remember people in your past (or present) who were illiterate and signed their name (made their mark) with an "X". Thus, operative Freemason symbols were taught to these stone masons (workers in stone) as a part of their obligation for the betterment of their craft. Actual (operative) stone masons made their "mark" by inscribing their work with their symbol (or logo), just as artists and other craftsmen have "signed" their work throughout the centuries. This "mark" symbolizes the uniqueness of the piece as well as the intent of the Master craftsman that each person who views it, be aware of its unique and personal craftsmanship. Books were created by scribes who painstakingly copied down the the verbal words they heard or copied, (letter by letter) the words from other hand-printed scrolls, which later became hand-bound books. Due to the immense amount of time it took to create such a book, they were very rare and very expensive. Hence, due to the lack of books, much knowledge was passed down via the use of symbols and by word of mouth...a "monitorial" inculcation (mouth-to-ear-teaching).

Through the Rough and Rugged, The Past Master Truly Knows #hermeslodge #hermesmasoniclodge #hermes #tgif #funnyfriday #funny #humor #meme #memes #freemasonry #freemason #masonic #bluelodge #scottishrite #yorkrite #princehall #mastermasons #pastmasters #brethern #secretsociety #fraternity #2b1ask1 #smib

The Masonic Sheaf of Corn, in King Solomon's day, represented part of the wages reaped from the Master Masons' labors. Today, it is used as a symbol of that time, long ago, mostly during the dedication, constitution and consecration of a new lodge and in the laying of cornerstones. At those times, the Masonic Sheaf of Corn represents the fruit of our labors, our sacrifices and all we have done to deserve them. The Sheaf of Corn represented the "coin of the realm" to our anci...ent brethren, the people of Israel. While we are paid in dollars and cents, today,... corn, wine and oil were the wages of the fruits of their labors. Most Masonic scholars believe that the Masonic Sheaf of Corn in our Masonic ritual actually represents the more generic term, meaning "grain", in general. This is why you sometimes hear mention of the Masonic Sheaf of Wheat, the Masonic Sheaf of Barley or the Masonic Sheaf of Grain used somewhat interchangeably. #hermes #hermesmasoniclodge #hermeslodge #corn #sheafofcorn #wages #masonic #freemasonry #freemasons #symbolism #symbolic #allegory #education #knowledge #research #2b1ask1

Lodge Secretaries Know The Struggles #hermeslodge #hermesmasoniclodge #hermes #freemasonry #freemasons #masonic #humor #joke #jokes #funny #tgif #funnyfriday #meme #memes #bluelodge #scottishrite #yorkrite #princehall #shriners #mastermasons #lifestyle #struggles #riseup #characterbuilding #2b1ask1 #somoteitbe

Gamma is the third letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals it has a value of 3. The upper case Gamma resembles a builders square, like those found in ancient Egyptian tombs. The secret of forming a right angle by making a triangle with sides in the proportion 3, 4 and 5 was known to both the ancient Egyptians and Greeks. The Egyptian measure of length was the cubit (about 52.5 centimeters), which was subdivided into seven palms. The letter G may refer to... geometry, which was the fifth of the seven liberal arts and science: grammar, rhetoric, logic, arthimetic, geometry, music and astronomy Gamma was derived from the Phoenician letter Gimel. The men of the Phoenician city of Gebal who were known as Gebalites (in Hebrew Gebalim) built temples around the Mediterranean Sea and beyond at Cadiz. Gebal also means a line or natural boundary, such as a mountain range. The name of this important ancient trading port may be derived from the line of mountains seen behind this city, when it is approached from the sea. It was known to the Greeks as Byblos. Junior Warden conducting candidate Gabanon was the name given for a free mason in a book, which was "dedicated to the fair sex" and published in France in 1744 under the pseudonym of Leonard Gabanon. The engravings of various masonic ceremonies illustrate the fashionable pursuit introduced by the Duke of Richmond to the elegant salons of eighteenth century Paris. The ceremonies of Sir Christopher Wren from the building site of St Paul's Cathedral had been developed in the taverns and country houses of England into a popular pastime. #hermeslodge #hermesmasoniclodge #hermes #freemasonry #freemasons #masonic #letters #letter #g #gamma #geometry #god #bluelodge #scottishrite #yorkrite #princehall #shriners #mastermasons #lifestyle #struggles #riseup #characterbuilding #2b1ask1 #somoteitbe

Why do you want to be a Freemason?

It is every American Mason's duty to uphold the nation's values, be the change with your voice and make the change you want. Vote for #2020election

Tomorrow starts the California Grand Lodge Annual Communication, members of Hermes Lodge have volunteered to help with technical support and are excited to be apart of this years virtual session. Hopefully Lodges in California will open back once the amendments to the CMC are voted on to change how business meetings can be conducted virtually.

Trees trimmed, weeds/planters cut, section of fence painted and lot cleared of trash...We had a very successful work party today at the @lbsr_cultural_centre with members from Hermes Lodge and the Long Beach Scottish Rite @long_beach_scottish_rite scottishrite With all the events soon to take place here in Long Beach, this beautiful historic building needed some TLC and we are proud to call it, Home.

Every initiated Freemason is a potential Esoteric Mason, since all Freemasons seek illumination (light) through the initiation process. It is this quest for light revealed through the comprehension of hidden spiritual knowledge whichdistinguishes the Esoteric Freemason and defines Esoteric Masonry. Esoteric Freemasonry is not for everyone, not even for everyone who receives the gift of illumination.This is in no way a reflection upon the character or works of Masons who for... various reasons find themselves disinclined to pursue the esoteric path. Unfortunately, there are many Masons who pronounce that there simply is no esoteric content at all to be had in Freemasonry, even though Masonic Ritual isripe with evidence to the contrary. Brother Robert G. Davis eloquently echoed this sentiment when he wrote[II]: We all know Masons who believe with all their heart there is nothing spiritual about the rituals ofMasonry. There are those who claim there is nothing to learn beyond the ritual words. There are even more who are appalled when it is suggested that Kabalistic, Alchemical, or Hermetic associations might be made from a study of the Degrees of Masonry. Never mind that every aspirant is told before he receives the very first Degree that Masonry is a course of hieroglyphic instruction taught by allegories. Some Grand Lodges openly discount esotericism and consider esoteric Masonic pursuits to be the substance of Fringe Freemasonry. Fringe Masonry is actually a term which is legitimately reserved[III] for specific non-masonic organizations which usually have been founded byindividuals who may also happen to be Freemasons, and which explore exclusively esoteric and mystical topics. These organizations typically have a system of progressive degrees, and are often structured in a manner which reflects a Masonic influence. Examples include theHermetic Order of the Golden Dawn(HOGD) and the Ordo Templi Orientis. (Piece of article by Stuart Harker)

Hermes Lodge located at the Long Beach Scottish Rite recieved their Dispensation to start operating as an officially recognized lodge under Grand Lodge of California. This was the first Virtual Dispensation Ceremony to be given out in masonic history and we couldn't be more honored and appreciative. Thank you again to Most Worshipful John Trauner and the rest of the Grand Line Honored Guest for attending and granting this ceremony. Vision Statement Hermes is a Lodge of Maste...r Masons which pleasantly operates to progress the principles of our Craft. We have made it a priority to promote and cultivate in our membership a greater level of interest, involvement, and participation in the concordant and appendant bodies of Freemasonry. The Brethren who have dedicated their time to the formation of Hermes Lodge, are committed to travel within our Ancient and Honorable Fraternity, by furthering their Masonic education and civic connection. Hermes Lodge will be a culture, an environment, a vessel, and a home, constructed for the purpose of creating admirable Masons. Men, who from the understanding or their initial charge, will soothe afflictions, and relieve distresses of our neighbors by rendering every kind office which justice or mercy may require. Mission Statement The purpose of Hermes Lodge is to provide our candidates and initiates an open forum where they can be introduced to the esoterics and great hidden beauties of our fraternity. The obligation of Hermes Lodge is convened in a behavior consistent with instilling the greatest insight, reverence for, and admiration of, their acceptance into a Lodge of Master Masons. Hermes Lodge will encourage a way of life that binds this worldwide Brotherhood. A Brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences. A Brotherhood that promotes the principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. And lastly, a Brotherhood which through fellowship will produce dedicated and motivated Master Masons.

We had to keep it quiet but the secret is out... last night we received out dispensation to officially form and recognize Hermes Lodge under the Grand Lodge of California Thank you Most Worshipful, Grand Officers, AGL, our Inspector and other Honored Guest for authorizing and being apart of the first Lodge Dispensation Ceremony done virtually in Masonic History. Thank you Archimedes Lodge for letting us borrow your Officer's jewels, looking forward to working together... and making big things happen We are looking forward to the reopening of Lodges in California so we can hold our first stated meeting, because we haven't stopped living our obligations since we closed See more

The role of a leader in a volunteer organization is a special challenge. It requires thoughtful understanding of the group to be led. This is especially true in a Masonic organization, because the lodge in most instances is com-posed of some members who have proven capacities for leadership, and others who may have had no training or experience in any type of leadership role. Your role also requires an understanding of Masonry, its tenets, its teachings, its practices, its or...ganization, and the authority and responsibility of the Worshipful Master and other officers of the lodge, both elected and appointed. When leadership is discussed regarding the Masonic lodge, it is extremely important to understand the authority and responsibility of the Worshipful Master. Because of the Worshipful Master' s sovereign authority and power within the lodge proceedings, a person with little or no leadership qualities or training, will be very ineffective in conducting the lodge affairs and accomplishing the many objectives and tasks that must be done during the year. However, a Worshipful Master who can organize his plans for the year, can envision the obstacles of manpower, monetary needs, time restraints, etc. and can enlist the help of other lodge members to work in a unified force toward achieving the goals, will have a very successful and enjoyable year as Worshipful Master, and the lodge will benefit.... ...As you continue your year in your present position, and especially to those who will assume positions of responsibility in their lodge next year, please remember this little phrase, and perhaps pass it along to your new officers: Realize that you, in essence, have volunteered to serve the lodge in either an elected or appointed capacity. Remember, you are a volunteer until you vol-unteer. Once you volunteer, you then are a Mason with a job to do! (By: E. Doyle Freeman) See more

One of the conventional definitions of Speculative Freemasonry is that it is but the application of Operative Freemasonry to moral and intellectual purposes. This is useful to a point in applying symbols as such from the Aristotelian inductive philosophical mode of tracing things inwards from particulars to universals. But in our view the sequence is reversed and engages more the occult views of the deductive reasoning of Pythagoras and Plato, plus the view of the Ancie...nt Wisdom of the more esoteric understanding that all things proceed from the inner being to outer appearances, from within to without, from universals to particulars, and to the appearance of phenomena being a creative precipitation of inner impulses. The work of the Grand Lodge on High is concerned with the revelation of spirit through the medium of the outer world of forms. The work of the individual Freemason, within the Temple of his own heart, has the same major theme or plan. The work that each Lodge is intended to demonstrate has basically the same objectivethe revelation of divine quality in group form. In this light, it is possible to realize and understand that the operative art or craft emerged from and is a precipitation into form of the speculative science. That inner speculative science is occupied with the task of enlightening, educating and raising the consciousness of humanity. The true builder in this enterprise, to which all the symbolism in Freemasonry alludes, is that of the soul within, the builder of the inner man, (in Sanskrit terms, the solar pitri), whose objective is to raise states of matter to approximate states of consciousness. The primary working tool of this Entity is the mind factor in its triple divisions, through which it shapes and mouldsfrom the inner to the outerand builds according to the inner pattern or design laid down upon the Tracing Board of the spiritual consciousness. Therefore, rather than the building of an outer temple, it is the inner Temple of the Soul, the Temple of Light to which speculative Freemasonry directs our attention. See more

Be on the look out this last quarter of the year, Lodge Secretaries will be out in full force for shake downs

The Past Master Symbol is a often seen but not so frequently explained Masonic Symbol. It commonly consists of The Compass, Sun, and Quadrant (or Protractor), and in most jurisdictions a Square. The Compass has a familiar interpretations for it is by the Compass that a Mason is reminded to keep his actions within due bounds. The Square also has a familiar meaning, for in Acting on the Square a Mason conducts himself honestly, with morality and virtue. The Square is the Master... jewel (a reminder of how he should govern), and is a part of the Past Masters Symbol as a reminder of the office he held. The Quadrant is the arc that the compass rests upon, either below or in place of the square on the familiar symbol of the fraternity. The Quadrant shows what angle the Compass is opened at. Symbolically, as every Mason is supposed to use the Compass to keep his actions within due bounds, it is The Quadrant that measures those due bounds,and it is the responsibility of the Master of the Lodge to ensure that Masons under his jurisdiction are making proper use of their own Compass. The Quadrant also shows the Compass to be opened to 60 degrees or the angle of an equilateral triangle, which is a symbol of balance. The Compass paired with the Quadrant could also be seen as a Sextant a navigation tool used to measure altitude. The Sextant symbolizes that not only did the Past Master have to navigate the course of his Lodge in the past, but also that he is qualified to do so, should his successors require his advice or assistance. The Sun represents Light and the Master of a Lodge is supposed to be a source of Masonic Light. It also signifies that the Past Master has observed the sun at meridian height (the South), setting (the West), and rising (the East). In the some jurisdictions around the world, The 47th Problem of Euclid Suspended by a Square is used as The Past Master Symbol. The 47th Problem of Euclid (also known as the Pythagorean Theorem) is used to prove a square a vital skill to ancient builders. Suspended by the Square, the symbol represents the knowledge and wisdom that a Past Master has gained from his service to his Lodge and Masonry in general. (Bro. Kurt P.M.) See more

"Well Done Is Better Than Well Said" -Brother Benjamin Franklin Freemasonry isn't meant to be another notch on your belt, neither are the titles that you may acquire on your journey. Because quit honestly, anyone outside of the organization don't really care nor will praise you as the god you perceive yourself to be during Lodge nights. What folks outside the fraternity truly care about is what you do with the knowledge you have acquired in those positions, not how you s...howcase it during or after the fact. The old adage of "Actions Speaks Louder Than Words" couldn't be anymore true in this day in age with individuals taking leadership positions and not performing the work that's necessary to make success for others. Lodges will come and go for this is proven throughout history, however the tenets of Freemasonry will always be eternal in the hearts of it's true and humble members. So instead of holding on to and chasing titles for your portfolio, why not do something that is beneficial to the whole and not only yourself. You can't take those titles with you when it's time to pass on, so why not pass down your knowledge to the next ones in line for some leadership? Otherwise, you are just flipping around the meaning of "Well Done Is Better Than Well Said" (J.A Newman) @ Long Beach Scottish Rite See more

We can't wait to start holding meetings again but definitely will be putting meditation to great use for our rituals and meetings Look within yourself!’ This is one of the first challenges that a freemason candidate addresses as he begins his journey into the Craft. Searching into oneself and self-development is a never-ending process, one which is apparent in every degree. At first, this idea is symbolized by the polishing of a rough stone and late...r other metaphors and symbols are used to describe this idea. Through self-discovery freemasons adopt their own personal view of their place in the Universe. With that comes a whole slew of questions who am I? Where do I come from? Where am I going? We believe that it is important to dispel the notion and practice that a freemason’s personal self-understanding and development only occurs within the confines of the Temple and solely through ritual. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, self-growth, self-awareness and personal development requires consistent, daily work. Secondly, our work in the Temple and our everyday life cannot be two different and completely segregated worlds. Unfortunately, this segregation, or separation, is a very big challenge for many spiritual beliefs, including the philosophy of meditation. Specific recommendations for individual meditation are to connect meditation with freemasonry’s symbols, whilst thinking about the ritual. Jung teaches us that our unconscious revelations ar through symbols. This is exactly the language of freemsonry. Meditating is training to understand the language of symbols. Meditation assists in understanding the meaning of freemasonry. And this, of course, is relevant to our everyday lives. Each degree has a distinct meditative (contemplative) aura. The ritual in each degree can be strengthened with a goal-oriented, organized meditative component which will allow for brethren to better appreciate the unconscious symbolic aspect of freemasonry. Another advantage is that a meditative component can potentially bond brethren even closer than they were before. (Piece Of Article From AASR Latvia) @ Long Beach, California See more

Aside from all the interesting and wonderful things that occur to the brain to transform it so that its natural affinities are honed to a sharp edge, there is an underlying reason such abilities are desired by Masons. If you examine history, you will find that the study of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences was required as preparation for higher learning targeted at Scholasticism reconciling Theology and Philosophy. A person would not dare enter into such serious study wit...hout having a firm foundation in these Liberal Arts and Sciences. Such lacking would inevitably lead to problematic evaluation, translation, interpretation and conclusions. That understanding continues today. The primary reason for such specific Liberal Arts and Sciences study remains the same to prepare for further, more serious study of Theology and Philosophy. Masons should keep this in mind should they attempt to dismiss the relevance of such studies. An example from The Ephraimites: The recognition and divesting of Vices and Superfluities frees the Entered Apprentice from unnecessary and harmful Burdens. In conjunction with this divestiture, Strengthening takes place in the form of establishment of Virtue within the daily activities and choices of the Entered Apprentice. This takes discipline and such activities are continually recognized and affirmed by Fellow Crafts and above before Entered Apprentices are Passed. Should such Work not be completed, the Ordering of these area will not be completed either and the Brain of the Mason shall be Burdened and weaker than it should be while progressing through higher degrees. Such a condition is best exemplified by the Hebrew word sibolet, which means burden. (Part Of Article By Brother Dr. John S. Nagy) See more

ALCHEMY AND THE TRANSMUTATION OF A FREEMASON GOLD HAS ALWAYS HELD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MASONRYMETAPHORICALLY, ANYWAY. The relationship between alchemy, the premedieval philosophy and ancient pursuit of transforming metals into gold, and Freemasonry is closer than you might think. Indeed, much of the symbolism used in the craft historically reflects the theme of transmutationhow to make a good man better, the journey from apprentice to master being p...art of a pathway to perfection and excellence. That lives on in Masonic symbols like the ouroborus and Mercury with the caduceus. Alchemy is even mentioned in certain rites from the 18th century, such as Count Cagliostro’s Egyptian Rite and Melissino’s Rite, which both refer to alchemy or chemistryespecially the way the process is said to transform certain substances. In these cases, alchemy is a metaphor for the journey of the Freemason as he (or she, in the case of Cagliostro’s Rite) continues through the higher degrees, transmuting to perfection through the discovery of the lost knowledge of the ancients. As Freemasons, we symbolically work stone to perfect itstone that originally comes from the earth. In Melissino’s Rite, it is mentioned Chemistry is art, and wisdom is nature, and the most learned chemist cannot be even a pupil amongst us. Today, Masons strive for perfection in ritual and in life itself, much like those ancient alchemists seeking lost knowledge to turn metal into gold. (Article From David Harrison in the California Masons Magazine) @ Long Beach Scottish Rite See more