In this episode, David and Gene begin their deep dive into Gnosticism and its intimate connection to Freemasonry. They explore the key concepts that form the foundation of Gnostic thought, including the Monad, Emanations, Duality, and the pursuit of Gnosis, and discuss how these ideas are woven into the fabric of Masonic philosophy, particularly within the Scottish Rite system.

The Way of the Hermit Podcast: https://www.wayofthehermit.com

David and Gene discuss how the ancient wisdom traditions use symbols and allegories to convey deeper truths about the nature of reality and human consciousness. Through the symbols and stories of sacred scriptures, they conceal hidden truths, that are revealed to those who possess the key to their interpretation. They also delve into the historical context of Gnosticism, touching on its suppression by orthodox religious authorities and its survival through esoteric traditions, and how Gnostic concepts like the Aeons are related to the Kabbalistic Tree of Life.

The conversation also draw parallels between Gnostic ideas and Masonic symbols and rituals, revealing the esoteric underpinnings of Freemasonry, and discuss the works of influential thinkers like Albert Pike, Carl Jung, and contemporary Masonic scholars who have recognized the Gnostic elements within Masonry.

Join us we begin our exploration of the mysteries of Gnosticism and its profound impact on Freemasonry, and on the world... and find out what it really means, to establish a "New Order for the Ages."

Deep Dive:

• Gnosticism, Freemasonry and Gnosis

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 04:03 Why Gnosticism?
• 06:33 Freemasonry and Gnosticism
• 09:21 The Perennial Philosophy
• 11:37 The Monad
• 14:16 Duality
• 15:42 Allegories and Symbols
• 17:58 Gnostic Heresy
• 23:13 Gnosis
• 26:18 Conclusions

Resources:

• 2024 Southeastern Masonic Symposium & Harmony
• Contemplative Masonry: Basic Applications of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Imagery for the Craft
• Arcanum Podcast - Ike Baker
• Gnostic Philosophy: From Ancient Persia to Modern Times
• The Alchemical Keys To Masonic Ritual
• Novo Clavis Esoterika

In this episode, David and Gene delve into the world of esoteric Freemasonry with their esteemed guests, Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace and Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw. As authors of the book "A Path to Providence", Shaun and Ben share their inspiring journey in reviving the mystery school roots of Freemasonry through the establishment of groundbreaking esoteric education programs in North Carolina.

The Way of the Hermit Podcast: https://www.wayofthehermit.com

From humble beginnings in small esoteric discussion groups to the formation of the first Traditional Observance Lodges in North Carolina, Ben and Shaun recount the challenges and triumphs they faced in introducing these programs to the Masonic community, as well as their vision for the future.

Shaun and Ben emphasize the importance of "nudging" Masonry in a more esoteric and spiritual direction, as well as keeping their own curriculum within the bounds of Masonry while still exploring interconnections with other esoteric traditions. They discuss the development of the "Middle Chamber Program" for Blue Lodge Masons and the "Key to the Mysteries" initiative for Scottish Rite degrees, both aimed at providing a structured approach to esoteric education.

They also discuss the profound experiences offered by the "Inner Chamber Experience", a capstone program involving guided meditations and other preparation for what has proven for many, to be a transformative Lodge exercise. In this fascinating conversation, Shaun and Ben share their insights on the role and future of Freemasonry, where they envision a shift towards greater emphasis on the philosophical, spiritual, and esoteric aspects of the Craft... and challenge listeners to not sit on the sidelines, but instead get involved with this esoteric movement at whatever level they feel capable.

Join David, Gene, Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace and Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw, on this enlightening exploration of the esoteric path within Freemasonry.

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 01:54 Shaun Bradshaw & Ben Wallace
• 04:53 Esoteric Education
• 11:41 Keeping it Masonic
• 17:25 The Key to the Mysteries
• 22:20 The Inner Chamber
• 29:01 Outreach
• 32:32 Closing Thoughts
• 37:39 Concluding Remarks

Resources:

• A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program by Shaun Bradshaw and Ben Wallace
• Observing the Craft by Andrew Hammer
• The Way of the Craftsman by Kirk McNulty
• Contemplative Masonry by Chuck Dunning
• The Meaning of Masonry by Walter Wilmshurst
• Free Masonry: It's Hidden Meaning by George Steinmetz
• The Rough and Rugged Road by Tony Hornsby
• In Search of Light by Bob Davis

Contact Information:

Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw
shaun.bradshaw@zenergytechnologies.com

Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace
bengradywallace@gmail.com

In this first episode of the second season of the “Way of the Hermit” podcast we are “tying up loose ends” left over from last season. In this first part of our two-part season opener, we are looking at the book “A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program.”

The Way of the Hermit Podcast: https://www.wayofthehermit.com

In "A Path to Providence", authors Shaun Bradshaw and Ben Wallace address the problems within modern Freemasonry and the Scottish Rite, offering solutions to revive the esoteric core of the craft. The book tells the story of the founding of the first "Traditional Observance" Lodge in North Carolina and the creation of an esoteric Masonic study program called "The Middle Chamber". It explains how the deeper meanings behind Masonic symbols were lost or forgotten in the post-World War II era, when membership swelled but understanding of the esoteric side diluted. Freemasonry today still largely reflects this era, with a focus on charities and business meetings rather than the profound truths of the ritual. Seekers of Masonic enlightenment often feel they are in the wrong place and drift away from the fraternity.

Traditional Observance Masonry, a movement that began in the 1990s, aims to revive traditional Masonic practices, rituals, and symbolism to provide a more contemplative experience focused on esoteric and allegorical meanings. Andrew Hammer's book "Observing the Craft" is considered a manifesto of the movement, emphasizing the importance of taking time to observe and understand the wisdom within the symbols. In 2013, Sophia Lodge No. 767 was created as the first Traditional Observance Lodge in North Carolina, openly dedicated to the pursuit of esoteric knowledge. The book "A Path to Providence" shows how Brothers Bradshaw and Wallace addressed the problems of Freemasonry from the inside, making it official and sustainable through years of concerted effort. It also lays out a program of study that fills in much of the esoteric knowledge that is lacking in modern Masonic education. And they make a case that the time is ripe for a Masonic esoteric renaissance.

Chapters:

• 01:15 Introduction
• 05:49 A Path To Providence
• 08:50 Your Grandfather’s Freemasonry
• 11:07 The Esoteric Closet
• 15:21 Traditional Observance
• 17:45 Sophia Lodge
• 20:59 The Middle Chamber Program
• 24:49 The Inner Chamber Experience
• 27:59 The Key to the Mysteries
• 30:12 Summary & Outreach
• 32:08 Conclusions

Resources:

• A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program by Shaun Bradshaw and Ben Wallace
• Observing the Craft by Andrew Hammer
• The Way of the Craftsman by Kirk McNulty
• Contemplative Masonry by Chuck Dunning
• The Meaning of Masonry by Walter Wilmshurst
• Free Masonry: It's Hidden Meaning by George Steinmetz
• The Initiatic Experience by Rob Herd
• The Rough and Rugged Road by Tony Hornsby
• In Search of Light by Bob Davis