Spiritual Knighthood for the Common Good
Spiritual Knighthood for the Common Good Originally published in the September 2020 edition of The Oklahoma Scottish Rite Mason magazine. The title of this piece highlights a theme of immense importance in the Scottish Rite, a theme of wisdom, strength, and beauty that is sorely needed in present times. Many of our degrees confer the […]
Remembering John Miller
This morning, January 2, 2021, I got some sad news. My teacher, mentor, and dear friend, John F. Miller, III, passed away last night from COVID.
Genuine Shadow Work
After I posted a recent essay, Ego, Self-Improvement, and Shadow Work, a brother engaged me in an interesting discussion.
Ego, Self-Improvement, and Shadow Work
As a practitioner of contemplation, my attention is often drawn to the ego, that sense of my separate identity in the world, including the picture of myself as a more or less unique human being with more or less stable characteristics
A Clarification on CM Exercises 1.1-1.5
Since the publication of Contemplative Masonry, I have occasionally received feedback that indicates a misunderstanding of intention for the exercises on mindful and prayerful behavior.
Contemplative Workshops & Retreats
Since publishing Contemplative Masonry, I have traveled the country, doing presentations about contemplative practice for lodges and other Masonic and non-Masonic groups.
A Letter to Petitioners and Candidates
What follows was written for a close friend who just got a petition. As I was writing, I realized it might be valuable to a larger audience, so I’m putting it out as an open letter and welcome others to share it as they wish.
A St. John’s Day Contemplative Experiment
Masonry traditionally celebrates the days of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist, whom we hold as our patron saints.
Initiation, Inner Work, & the Shattering of Spiritual Glamour
There are countless descriptions of initiations and their ensuing spiritual paths filled with promises of inspiration, integration, ascension, liberation, and illumination.
Reflections on the Feast of Tishri
This annual Scottish Rite event celebrates the completion and dedication of King Solomon’s Temple, which is of utmost importance to Freemasonry, and certainly to the Scottish Rite.