Currently, there are three programs that are meant to be taken in the following order:

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Program I: The Symbolic Lodge will familiarize students with aspects of the development of Blue Lodge Masonry and explore some of its developing symbolism. This will reveal that the “High Degrees” began to develop soon after formation of the Premier Grand Lodge (1717). Albert Pike’s book, Esoterika: The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry, along with Arturo de Hoyos’s Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide (3d ed.) will be used to demonstrate a rational and philosophical interpretation for much of what is found in Craft Masonry.

 

Program II: Scottish Rite Ritual and History consists of six lessons, utilizing the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide by Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, Grand Cross, and A Bridge to Light (4th ed.) by Rex Hutchens, 33°, Grand Cross, as its textbooks.

Program III: Scottish Rite Philosophy uses Albert Pike’s Morals & Dogma, Annotated Edition, by Arturo de Hoyos, 33°, Grand Cross and returns to the ritual of the Scottish Rite to re-explore it on a deeper level, by looking for the moral lesson imparted in each degree and then applying that lesson to one’s everyday life. The course consists of 33 quizzes, grouped into 10 sections

Suggested Order of Programs and Their Associated Texts

Master Craftsman: The Symbolic Lodge 
(1º, 2º, 3º, using Albert Pike’s Esoterika: The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry)

Master Craftsman:  Scottish Rite History and Ritual
(4º–32º, using the Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide and A Bridge to Light)

Master Craftsman: Scottish Rite Philosophy
(1º–32º, using Morals and Dogma and A Bridge to Light)

Master Craftsman Group Study

A group setting is far and away the best way to learn and experience all that these programs have to offer.  This is simply because Freemasonry is not a solitary pursuit, but rather a social experience — we gather in Lodges together for a reason! In fact, social engagement while finding more light in Masonry can be (and often is) more rewarding than simply answering some questions about a reading assignment.  This is because you are learning not only about yourself through the ritual and its symbolism, but about others and their unique relationship to the deep philosophies and mysteries that are contained in the material, too.

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A group can be as big or as small as you like.  There are no minimum requirements to start a study group, and anyone can be the catalyst that starts one up.  You also set the pace.  Go as fast, or as slow as you would like. You can meet once a week or once a month.  Your schedules will dictate the best calendar.

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It can also be as formal or as casual as you’d like.  Does there need to be set meeting dates, or will you meet whenever everyone has finished the next reading assignment/quiz?  Your meeting place can be someone’s house, a conference room, or a comfortable booth in the neighborhood diner or tavern.

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The key with all of this is to have fun, and to engage each other about the meanings of Freemasonry and life itself.  In fact, using that goal, finishing the programs becomes a distant second to connecting with other people who have similar interests and learning through more about each other through the shared experience of conversation and fellowship.

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To help the interested group seeker or leader, we have put together a short Group Leader Guide that helps navigate the logistics and details of forming a study group.  If you are interested in this, please contact us and we will be happy to share it with you free of charge, and to assist you in any way we can with the formation and operation of your own study group.

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