Happy Veteran's Day

As I'm flying home, I'd like to take a moment to thank all of my Brothers and Sisters of the Armed Forces, past and present. God bless all of you and God bless the United States. 

2019 SRICF High Council

For the past 2-days, I have been attending the Annual Meeting of the High Council of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (or SRICF). This is the second High Council meeting I've attended and I enjoyed this as immensely as I did last year. Last year I attended to discuss the formation of Idaho College and now I'm here representing Idaho College along with our Chief Adept and Secretary.

Friday opened with the usual ceremony, introduction of dignitaries, and remarks. The Supreme Magus officially installed the new Chief Adepts. After lunch, there were the following presentations given:

"Operative Rosicrucian Practicum" by Right Worthy Frater Bruce Renner, IX°

"Deep Dive Into SRICF Gradework" by Right Worthy Frater Bruce Renner, IX°

"Angelic Prayers of Protection" by Right Worthy Frater David Lindez, IX°, KGC, Junior Deputy Supreme Magus

Friday night, after the Royal Society of the Knights Occidental (RSKO) banquet, I received the VIII°, or Magister Templi (Master of the Temple), and IX°, or Magus. It is an honor to be advanced to the Third Order of the Society and to have the Ninth conferred by the Supreme Magus himself with the help of the Supreme Magi of Anglia (England), Scotia (Scotland), and Lusitania (Portugal). It was moving to be one of his last acts as Supreme Magus.

Saturday morning started out with two well-done presentations:

"Alchemy & the Acacia Stone” by Right Worthy Frater P.D. Newman, VIII°, of Mississippi College

"Crosses" by Right Worthy Frater Robert Bruce Maynard, IX°, KGC, 2nd Herald of the High Council

One of the most significant outcomes of this year's High Council meeting was that Most Worthy Frater William H. Koon II retired after more than 12-years of serving as Most Worthy Supreme Magus of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis. While his name is sometimes remembered for some controversies in the Grand Encampment of Knights Templar, his tenure as Supreme Magus is marked with the revitalization and growth of the Society of the Rose and Cross. Most Worthy Frater Jeff Nelson was then installed and has taken over as the new Supreme Magus of the Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis. He was installed by M. W. Fr. William H. Koon II, IX°, KGC, now Junior Past Supreme Magus of the SRICF with the assistance of the Most Worthy Supreme Magi from England, Scotland, and Portugal. 

2019 has been an interesting year for Masonic Rosicrucianism as the Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia (Scotland) and Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (England) both have new Supreme Magi as well; three new Most Worthy Supreme Magi. 

With this change of leadership, we have new Senior Deputy Supreme Magus, Right Worthy Frater D. Craig McFarland; Junior Deputy Supreme Magus, Right Worthy Frater Bruce Renner; Secretary-General, Right Worthy Frater Mike Lake; Treasurer General, Right Worthy Frater Ken Hope; and a number of new Chief Adepts. Congratulations to Knight Grand Cross recipients, particularly Right Worthy Frater Thomas Nance, Chief Adept of Wyoming (Idaho's mother College).

Work-cation

I love my job. It takes me to all parts of this great nation. I've spent the last 4-days in Hilo, Hawaii. When I wasn't at work, I traveled around the island seeing all of the beauty it has to offer. I visited the Rainbow Falls, the Pe'epe'e Falls, the Akaka Falls State Park, Punalu'u Black Sands Beach, and South Point (the southernmost point of the Big Island of Hawaii and of the United States). I tried to visit the Kilauea Volcano, but due to the eruptions last year, the lava levels are low and the clouds obscured any view I may have had. Maybe next time. After flying from Hilo, I spent the day walking around Waikiki and now I'm sitting at the Honolulu Airport waiting for my airplane.

View from hotel's lobby

On the beach outside of my hotel

Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls from a top view

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls

South Point

Got a few scapes climbing the rocks

Walking around Waikiki Beach

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, and Samhain!

Templar Biography: Guillaume de Beaujeu

Guillaume de Beaujeu was the twenty-first Grand Master of the Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon who served for 18-years and was known for his aim for preserving Christian lands, negotiating peace, for fighting valiantly in the defense of the city of Acre where he died, and for being the last Grand Master to preside over the order in the Holy Land.

The exact date of birth for Guillaume (William) de Beaujeu is a mystery; some say it was as early as 1215 AD, but this seems early as he is the son of Guichard de Beaujeu, seigneur de Montpensier, who was born around 1200 AD and Catherine d'Auvergne who was born around 1210 AD. It is likely he was born between 1225 AD and 1230 AD. This family was pretty important and had familial ties to  King Louis IX of France and Charles of Anjou: Count of Provence and Forcalquier, Count of Anjou and Maine, and also the King of Sicily and Prince of Achaea.

It is said that he became a Templar around his 20th birthday. Beaujeu became Preceptor of the Province of Tripoli in 1271, Preceptor of the Province of Pouilles in 1272, and then was elected Grand Master May 13, 1273. Beaujeu was in Europe when he was elected Grand Master visiting the Preceptories. He wouldn't arrive in Acre until September 1275. During his trip to the Occident, Pope Gregory X convened the Council of Lyons in an attempt to organize a new Crusade, but the idea died when Pope Gregory did.

Jerusalem had been lost to the Frankish Kingdoms and Beaujeu was determined to preserve what property remained in Christian possession. He also had to fight to keep Templar property, even from other Christians because in 1279 Hugh III of Cyprus confiscated Templar properties on the island of Cyprus

Beaujeu entered into an agreement with the Egyptian Sultan called the "Truce of Tortosa." The peace didn't last long, particularly after some recently arrived Christians killed some Egyptian merchants and the Sultanate had changed hands. The new Sultan sends roughly 200,000 men to take the city. The defense is left to the Knights Templar, Knights Hospitallers, and the Teutonic Knights. 

On May 16, 1291, the Saracen Sappers create a breach in the wall of Acre. On May 18, 1291, the Egyptians launches a massive attack. Beaujeu led the knights and stems the flood of Egyptians. During this valiant attempt, Beaujeu was hit by "darts and arrows of the enemy" whereon legend states Beaujeu dropped his sword and began to walk away. His fellow knights called after him and he responded with "I am not running away, I am dead!” raising his arm to show his mortal wound after which he collapsed and died. After a few more days of defense, the Muslims finally captured Acre and ended the Crusader occupation of the Holy Land. Guillaume de Beaujeu was succeeded by Thibaud Gaudin.

References

1. Addison, C. G. (2012). The History of the Knights Templar. Skyhorse Publishing, Inc. 

2. Gourdin, T. S. (1855). Historical Sketch of the Order of Knights Templar: An Address Delivered Before the South-Carolina Encampment. Walker & Evans. 

3. Rowe, D. M. (2014, July). A Chronological View of the Crusades. Retrieved from Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the USA: http://www.knightstemplar.org/KnightTemplar/articles/crusades.htm 

4. Zolnai, A. (n.d.). Guillaume de Beaujeu. Retrieved from Project Beauceant: http://www.templiers.org/guillaume-beaujeu-eng.php

Fellowship in Southern Idaho

Last night, Twin Falls Lodge no.45 held an "Old Fashioned Festive Board" where Brothers came together for a steak dinner, and then some cigars and scotch. After the dinner, I delivered a speech on the 'Continuation Myths of the Knights Templar and Freemasonry.' The camaraderie and hospitality were wonderful and I look forward to any future Festive Board that this Lodge puts on.

Today, I attended the conferral of the Templar Orders as a venture between several Idaho Commanderies. I had the pleasure of serving as Eminent Commander for the Order of the Temple and I knighted 7 new Sir Knights, one of whom is a Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Idaho. I had an excellent degree team to include two Past Grand Commander (one of which is the current Grand Treasurer and both are Past Grand Masters), the Right Eminent Grand Commander, the Deputy Grand Commander, the Grand Senior Warden, the Grand Recorder, and the Grand Sentinel of the Grand Commandery of Idaho. Afterward, it was beer and pizza with the Deputy Grand Commander before calling it a night.

2019 Northwest York Rite Conference

Go figure, I'm at an airport again. Yes, I'm off on another trip, but the last few days were a blur as it was the Northwest York Rite Conference in Boise, ID. Thursday night I received the degree of Installed Sovereign Master in the Allied Masonic Degrees. 

Friday morning started with introductions then went into the Royal Arch Mason session, presided over by Brad Huffman, the Most Excellent Deputy General Grand High Priest. Presentations were given by a number of Companions and then candidates running for General Grand Scribe in 2020 were given time to talk. The Cryptic Masons session was Friday afternoon and was presided over Companion Bob Farrow, Right Puissant Regional Deputy General Grand Master for the Northwest. 

Saturday was dedicated to the Knights Templar and presentations were given by Sir Knight Ben Williams, Right Eminent Northwest Department Commander; Sir Knight Jeremy Vaughn, Very Eminent Deputy Grand Commander of Idaho; the Knights Templar Eye Foundation; Sir Knight Michael Johnson, Right Eminent Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Encampment; and Sir Knight David Kussman, Right Eminent Grand Generalissimo of the Grand Encampment. 

Saturday evening, Intermountain Chapel No.27 of Ye Commemorative Order of St. Thomas of Acon held a quick business meeting. Afterward, the Provincial Grand Council of the Northwest Province held its annual meeting. The rest of the night I sat and chatted with the Northwest Department Commander until past midnight. It made for an early morning, but now I'm back on the road; the next few weeks will be extremely busy.

A Johannite Weekend

It's been quite a weekend; I spent the last few days in Oregon where I attended a Johannite Retreat at the farmhouse of a Monsignor of the Apostolic Johannite Church. Friday afternoon I arrived at the farm of a Monsignor where we prepared and held an Agape meal which was followed by some time for meditation and reflection. The Monsignor then led us in Vespers and we concluded the evening by watching a movie about Mary Magdalene.

Saturday started with Matins (morning prayer) then some breakfast. The Monsignor then led us in the Gnostic Mass of the AJC where we also remembered the Martyrdom of the Templars, the anniversary of which is Sunday, October 13th. This service also included my Baptism Sub Conditione and then I was officially received into the Oblates by taking of the vows. Baptism Sub Conditione is done just in case my prior baptism didn’t conform to the requirements of our sacramental theology of the Apostolic Johannite Church.

After lunch, we did some farm work that prepared for the campfire that was held later that night. Then there was a Theosis panel followed by another Agape meal, Vespers, meditation, and the aforementioned campfire. I left after the Theosis panel as I leave early Sunday morning.

Now, I'm at the second airport on my trip, waiting to board the plane for home. 

Officers of the Cryptic Mason's Council

Cryptic Masonry consists of the Royal Master and Select Master with the Super Excellent Master as an optional third degree. The basic organizational unit for Royal and Select Masters is the Council and is composed of the following officers: Illustrious Master, Deputy Master, Principal Conductor of the Work, Treasurer, Recorder, Captain of the Guard, Conductor of the Council, Steward, Chaplain, and Sentinel

The Illustrious Master presides over a Council of Royal and Select Masters (or Cryptic Masons) and represents King Solomon during the building of the Temple that immortalized his name. The honorary title of the Master and the Council is Illustrious which is rooted in the Latin word "illustris" meaning "light, bright, or brilliant" or "distinguished by greatness." The word "Master" is rooted in the Latin word "magister" meaning "chief, head, or teacher." The jewel of the Illustrious Master is a Square and a trowel within a hollow triangular medal that is suspended from a purple collar or lanyard. A sitting Illustrious Master or Past Illustrious Master qualifies to be initiated into the Order of the Silver Trowel.

The second-in-command of the Council is the Deputy Master who corresponds to the Senior Warden in the Blue Lodge; they differ in that the Deputy Master is stationed in the East on the right of the Illustrious Master. In the absence of the Illustrious Master, the Deputy presides over the Council. Per the legend, the Deputy Master represents Hiram, King of Tyre. The title of Deputy comes from the Latin "deputare" meaning to "allot or to destine" which has come to indicate a subordinate officer or one given the full power of an officer without holding the office. The jewel of the Deputy Master is a Level and a trowel within a hollow triangular medal that is suspended from a purple collar or lanyard

Corresponding to the Junior Warden in the Blue Lodge, the Principal Conductor of the Work sits to the left of the Illustrious Master in the East. Just as in the Blue Lodge, the third-in-command represents Hiram Abiff, the Chief Architect of King Solomon's Temple. It is interesting to note that while the Third Degree ceremony centers on Hiram Abiff, the candidate has very little interaction with this character while in the Cryptic Degrees Hiram Abiff plays a central role in the conferral by giving a very moving soliloquy. The title indicates the chief or most important guide for the physical labor and construction of an edifice. Principal comes from the Latin word "principalis" which translates to "first in importance or original." The word "conductor is rooted in the Latin word "conductor" meaning "one who hires or leads." Work stems from the Old English word "weorc" meaning "something done." The jewel of the Principal Conductor of the Work is a Plumb and a trowel within a hollow triangular medal that is suspended from a purple collar or lanyard.

As in the other Masonic bodies, the Treasurer and Recorder are the financial and administrative officers of the Council.

The senior appointed officer of the Council is the Captain of the Guard. This officer corresponds with the Senior Warden and Junior Deacon as he assists the Illustrious Master in the opening and closing of the Council, ensuring all present are Cryptic Masons, ensures the Council is guarded, and sits in the West of the Council. Etymologically the word "captain" comes from the Latin word "capitaneus" meaning "chief" which itself originated from the "caput" meaning "head." The word "guard" derives from "garder," an Old French word meaning "to keep, maintain, preserve, or protect." The jewel of the Captain of the Guard is an ax and a trowel within a hollow triangular medal that is suspended from a purple collar or lanyard.

Stationed in the South, is the Conductor of the Council who corresponds to the Senior Deacon and Marshal of the Blue Lodge. A conductor is a director or guide, and comes to us from Latin via Middle French from the word 'conductus' meaning "a carrier". The word "council" is rooted in the Latin word "concilium" meaning "a gathering of people." The jewel of the Conductor of the Council is two batons and a trowel within a hollow triangular medal that is suspended from a purple collar or lanyard.

Sitting to the right of the Captain of the Guard, the Steward sits as the inner guard of the Council and corresponds with the Junior Deacon of the Blue Lodge. The word "Steward" is rooted in the Old English words "stiward" and "stigweard" meaning "house guardian" and "housekeeper" which are rooted in Proto-Germanic words meaning "guards." The jewel of the Steward is two swords and a trowel within a hollow triangular medal that is suspended from a purple collar or lanyard.

Just as in the Blue Lodge, the Chaplain is charged with scriptural lessons to the candidate as well as other ritualistic duties during the conferral of degrees. Traditionally a Chaplain is a member of the clergy who is attached to a private chapel, organization, military unit, institution, or society. This title comes from Old French "chapelein" meaning "clergyman" deriving from the Medieval Latin word "cappellanus" meaning the same. The jewel of the Chaplain is an open Holy Bible and trowel within a hollow triangular medal that is suspended from a purple collar or lanyard.

The final appointed officer of the Council is the Sentinel and whose duties correspond with that of the Tyler in the Blue Lodge. The Sentinel guards the Council from without the door to ensure the Companions are not caught or taken by surprise by those wishing to cause harm or those who are not entitled to be there. The word Sentinel stems from the Latin word "sentire" meaning "to watch or perceive by the senses." The Sentinel is one who stands guard over some kind of structure, whether it be an installation, a gate, or a passage. It is their job to prevent intrusion by enemies or those unauthorized. The jewel of the Sentinel is two sabers and a trowel within a hollow triangular medal that is suspended from a purple collar or lanyard.

References

1. Speidel, F. G. (1978). The York Rite of Freemasonry. Raleigh: Press of Oxford Orphanage. 

2. (n.d.). Retrieved from Online Etymological Dictionary: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php

3. Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from Merriam-Webster: http://www.merriam-webster.com/

Feast Day of Holy Archangel Michael

For the Apostolic Johannite Church, today is the Feast Day for Archangel Michael whose name means “Who is like God?” This archangel is associated with the element fire, the Tarot suit of Wands, the southern cardinal direction, and the color red.

Michael is Prince of the Archangels, Angel of Deliverance, Ruler of Fire, Commander of the Armies of God, Defender of Gnosis (or Divine Knowledge), and Protector of the Sovereign Patriarch of the Church. This archangel is mentioned in all three of the Abrahamic religions who consider him the leading figure who fights evil. According to Gnostic traditions, it is believed that Michael was present at the Creation.

Michael is the champion of the faithful, opponent of Satan, rescuer of souls at the hour of death, and summon's the souls of men at the Judgment. However, when the faithful fell away from God, Michael would be used to punish them; an example is that Michael was sent to bring Nebuchadnezzar against Jerusalem after they stopped following God's Commandments.

Archangel Michael is the patron of law enforcement, paramedics, and the military around the world. Michael is also the patron of the Holy Roman Empire and modern-day Germany.

The Archangel Michael is often depicted in red robes and holding a flaming sword or scales of divine justice with the Book of Life. Other times, Michael is depicted in armor with helmet, sword or lance, and shield, and standing over a serpent, dragon, or Satan defeated.

Michael is mentioned in the Old Testament and Jewish texts where he appeared to Moses as the Burning Bush, appeared in visions to Daniel, wrestled with Jacob, saved three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, appeared to Joshua as he prepared for the Battle at Jericho. Some hypothesize that it was Michael who escorted Enoch to Heaven. In the New Testament, Michael is mentioned in the Book of Revelations where Michael defeats Satan.