Ahiman Rezon

Now, I am not expert on the Ahiman Rezon. In fact I haven't even bothered with it until recently. Personally I do not hold it in any special place other than a historical curiosity. However, it is still very important especially how South Carolina GL (and I have heard Pennsylvania but I am not certain) identify themselves a Ahiman Rezon Grand Lodge.

For those who don't know, the Ahimon Rezon is a book of constitutions written by Bro. Laurence Dermott the Grand Secretary of the Antient GL of England. It was written in 1756.basically, it is the Antients answer to the Moderns Anderson's Constitutions.The name Ahiman Rezon was supposed to mean "will of selected Brethren" in Hebrew. It doesn't, in fact it doesn't mean anything in Hebrew it seems that the words are made up.

Overall IMHO it is not that interesting. A lot in common with the previous and better known work of Anderson. There is though one specific difference. Where Anderson's is religious yet specifically creed-less, it appears not to be the case with the Ahimon Rezon.

Ahimon Rezon: Concerning God and Religion

"A Mason is obliged by his Tenure to believe firmly in the true Worship of the eternal God, as well as in all those sacred Records which the Dignitaries and Fathers of the Church have compiled and published for the Use of all good Men: So that no one who rightly understands the Art, can possibly tread in the irreligious Paths of the unhappy Libertine, or be induced to follow the arrogant Professors of Atheism or Deism; neither is he to be stained with the gross Errors of blind Superstition, but may have the Liberty of embracing what Faith he shall think proper, provided at all Times he pays a due Reverence to his Creator, and by the World deals with Honour and Honesty ever making that golden Precept the Standard-Rule of his Actions, which engages, To do unto all Man as he would they should do unto him: For the Craft, instead of entering into idle and unnecessary Disputes concerning the Different Opinions and Persuasions of Men, admits into the Fraternity all that are good and true."

I find the specific exclusion of Deists quite shocking actually. This would eliminate many famous Masons of the period. It also seem from my interpretation to be strictly monotheistic. Not my cup of tea.

My question, does anyone know if the self identified Ahiman Rezon follow the document letter for letter as it's established book of Constitutions? Does that mean that only Monotheists are allowed entry into South Carolina mainstream Masonic lodges?

I must admit that I am ignorant of the answers and I would love the opportunity to learn.

S&F,
Raum

Informed or Ignorant?

A funny thing happened while was cruising some Masonic forums the other day. A Brother who is a member of a rather conservative and dogmatic form of Co-Freemasonry (it hurts to type that term) stated that she had bought a book of obscure Masonic rituals. This caught my attention. I was interested on her take on the rituals. Sadly however deeper in the thread it was revealed that a "senior" member of her order "advised" her not to read the rituals. So, she didn't.

This really disturbed me. On a core level. I began wondering how and why a Mason would discourage another against reading anything. Shouldn't we be encouraging our Brethren to
be informed on everything they can be? Aren't we to be expanding our minds and broadening our knowledge base? Of what use can the discouraging of learning possibly ever serve?

I am interested in the thoughts of our readers on this. I know our lodge encourages rabid learning, of all kinds. Masonic and otherwise.

In LVX,
WM Lodge Hera

Differences in Masonic Virtue

One thing that Lodge Hera and all Black Lodge Masons (Post-Modern) are big on is perpetual development. We hold to the value that the most important lodge of all is the lodge of self. Freemasonry at the end of the day does the world no good if it is only practiced once or twice a month or only in a group. That reduces it to a vehicle for ceremonial magick in the best case and simple escapism at it's worse.

We stress the "operative" nature of Black Lodge Freemasonry. That does not mean literal working with stone, but it does mean shaping the individual as a living stone within the whole
of the greater cooperative that is represented by the universe.

Most of us having come from either the "mainstream" Blue Lodge Freemasonry or Continental style Red Lodge Freemasonry have found both systems ultimately unsatisfying from the perspective of individual empowerment. This is where the virtues of Black Lodge Freemasonry makes it most unique.

My quick breakdown of Black Lodge Freemasonic values:

1.) Freemasonry is the Principle of Isolate Intelligence
2.) Freemasonry is dynamic (evolving.)
3.) Freemasonry's purpose is self maintenance, expansion and perpetuation. This is it's only true definable function- otherwise it would be of little to no practical use.
4.) Freemasonry is not omnipotent- it must work for the changes that it causes.
5.) Freemasonry is not omniscient- it must work in order to be seen objectively.
6.) Freemasonry's gift of self empowerment is perfect and complete.
7.) Freemasonry can inform and teach those possessed the gift of the adept.
8.) Freemasonry's greatest lesson is to give more than to take.
9.) Freemasonry's secrets lay totally within us, the individual. This is vital to the evolution of the Principle of Isolate intelligence.

Black Lodge Post-Modern Freemasonry goes a little bit deeper and is a tad more involved than the tag line "making good men better."

In LVX,
WM Lodge Hera

Reflections on 2009

Wow, what a crazy and exciting year. All in all I would say that it went pretty good. One for the history books, should everything (well, most things) play out the way that they should.

2009, for all of it's financial ups and downs for almost everybody proved to be a year of new creation as well as rebirth. From that original idea of Masonic freedom, fluidity and personal
empowerment came what we would later label Post-Modern Freemasonry. From a concept ,
to a cause who would have thought that those original four who founded the very first Post-Modern Masonic lodge in Lodge Bonaparte would strike a chord deep within the core of so many spread out across so wide of a distance?

We have seen our idea grow into what is now a worldwide Masonic family. Now found on four continents and growing. We gained the support fellowship and cooperation of several long established Masonic orders as well. Quite and accomplishment.

Of course this past year had it's down spots as well. We lost more than one dear friend and a few inspirations to the Celestial Lodge. And while we may have heavy hearts we must always remember that their energy flows through us and helps us to build the future.

We also actively took part in the creation of a whole new Masonic Rite, the Hellenic Rite. The first created from the ground up Post-Modern Masonic Rite. This allowed us of course to create this very special Lodge Hera. Dedicated to the sacred feminine, a very important role lost to most within Freemasonry now reawakened.

In these early morning hours I am thankful for all of my Brethren and friends who have decided to walk the rugged road with me. Without you I could not continue. We as a community strengthen each other with the pure love and support that is Masonic Brotherhood. For that I owe you all my deepest gratitude.

So here is to a great sendoff to a very important 2009, and a welcome to 2010. I have a feeling that 2010 will be our best year to date.

S&F,
Raum