Art in Freemasonry | The Pillar of Beauty Masonic Artist Ryan J Flynn joins us for an informative conversation about the importance of Art in Freemasonry. The Masonic Lodge is supported by three pillars, which are Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Great importance should be given to each one of these, as they have a very important purpose in the instruction of the Mason. We have inherited a rich Artistic history in Freemasonry, but the Pillar of Beauty can often be neglected in the pursuit of strength and wisdom. How prominently does Art figure in your Lodge? On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, we have the privilege of exploring the topic of Art in Freemasonry with our talented Brother Ryan J Flynn. Join us, as we discuss the answers to these questions: Is Art an effective teaching tool in Masonry? Are Masonic Artists violating their obligation while depicting lessons of The Craft? What is the historical significance of Art in Freemasonry? What is the current state of the Arts in our Fraternity? Are Masonic Artists using the symbols to get rich? What role does social media play in our Craft? From where do we derive inspiration when creating art? The answer to these and many more questions are contained in an exclusive video interview I had with Bro. Ryan J Flynn. Bro:. Flynn is the artist behind the Illuminated Patents and The Codex Series. Do you enjoy The Winding Stairs? Please take one minute to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes: www.TheWindingStairs.com/iTunes Mentioned on this episode: To learn more about Bro:. Ryan J Flynn's artwork, visit: www.RyanJFlynn.com The music featured in this episode of The Winding Stairs was brought to you courtesy of Billy Mays III | Infinite Third Listen to Infinite Third on SoundCloud Find Infinite Third on Facebook  Living Stones | A monthly magazine by Freemasons for Freemasons. LivingStonesMagazine.com Listen to The Masonic Roundtable for Masonic News and Discussions by 5 Brothers from around the U.S. To Support The Winding Stairs visit www.FreemasonryArt.com Do you have more than one #Masonic pin? Of course you do! It is no mystery that we love our pins. Every pin tells a story and deserves to be seen. Don't keep your pins hidden in a dark drawer, bring them to Light by displaying them on The Winding Stairs' Pin Display Apron. (Great Gift Idea) Order Yours today! I am very proud to introduce the Liberal Arts and Sciences Collection by Juan Sepulveda, Exclusively on The Winding Stairs Masonic Store. I began the collection with these five pieces, because they hold a special place in my life. Visit the collection page to see the deep symbolism that I have hidden in each and every piece. When you add these artworks to your collection, you will be exposed to symbols that remind you of the importance of having a well rounded education. The Trivium and the Quadrivium hold the kind of wisdom that set minds free from bondage and directed them to leave a legacy of greatness. Surround yourself with this wisdom today. go to FreemasonryArt.com and order your collection.

Art in Freemasonry | The Pillar of Beauty Masonic Artist Ryan J Flynn joins us for an informative conversation about the importance of Art in Freemasonry. The Masonic Lodge is supported by three pillars, which are Wisdom, Strength and Beauty. Great importance should be given to each one of these, as they have a very important purpose in the instruction of the Mason. We have inherited a rich Artistic history in Freemasonry, but the Pillar of Beauty can often be neglected in the pursuit of strength and wisdom. How prominently does Art figure in your Lodge? On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, we have the privilege of exploring the topic of Art in Freemasonry with our talented Brother Ryan J Flynn. Join us, as we discuss the answers to these questions: Is Art an effective teaching tool in Masonry? Are Masonic Artists violating their obligation while depicting lessons of The Craft? What is the historical significance of Art in Freemasonry? What is the current state of the Arts in our Fraternity? Are Masonic Artists using the symbols to get rich? What role does social media play in our Craft? From where do we derive inspiration when creating art? The answer to these and many more questions are contained in an exclusive video interview I had with Bro. Ryan J Flynn. Bro:. Flynn is the artist behind the Illuminated Patents and The Codex Series. Do you enjoy The Winding Stairs? Please take one minute to leave us a Rating & Review on iTunes: www.TheWindingStairs.com/iTunes Mentioned on this episode: To learn more about Bro:. Ryan J Flynn's artwork, visit: www.RyanJFlynn.com The music featured in this episode of The Winding Stairs was brought to you courtesy of Billy Mays III | Infinite Third Listen to Infinite Third on SoundCloud Find Infinite Third on Facebook  Living Stones | A monthly magazine by Freemasons for Freemasons. LivingStonesMagazine.com Listen to The Masonic Roundtable for Masonic News and Discussions by 5 Brothers from around the U.S. To Support The Winding Stairs visit www.FreemasonryArt.com Do you have more than one #Masonic pin? Of course you do! It is no mystery that we love our pins. Every pin tells a story and deserves to be seen. Don't keep your pins hidden in a dark drawer, bring them to Light by displaying them on The Winding Stairs' Pin Display Apron. (Great Gift Idea) Order Yours today! I am very proud to introduce the Liberal Arts and Sciences Collection by Juan Sepulveda, Exclusively on The Winding Stairs Masonic Store. I began the collection with these five pieces, because they hold a special place in my life. Visit the collection page to see the deep symbolism that I have hidden in each and every piece. When you add these artworks to your collection, you will be exposed to symbols that remind you of the importance of having a well rounded education. The Trivium and the Quadrivium hold the kind of wisdom that set minds free from bondage and directed them to leave a legacy of greatness. Surround yourself with this wisdom today. go to FreemasonryArt.com and order your collection.

Illuminati Rituals Revealed An interview with Bro:. Josef Wages, Editor of the book The Secret School of Wisdom How many times have you heard some outlandish Pop Culture claim about the Illuminati? The liberty with which people claim that there is a Secret Elite Group of people conspiring to bring about a New World Order, is simply fascinating. Is Beyonce and JayZ at the pinnacle of this great conspiracy? Are all these Hip Hop artists being murdered by this secret organization? I think the answer is, NO! But you don't have to take my word for it. We are fortunate that the truth of the existence and practice of the Bavarian Order of the Illuminati has been compiled into one masterful book, which will clarify many of the serious misconceptions about the Illuminati. Is the Illuminati an evil organization? Do Illuminati Rituals include devil worship? Did the Illuminati advocate for the overthrow of the government? Is the elimination of Religion a core commitment of this secretive order? Did they plan for Global Depopulation? The answer to these and many more questions are contained in an exclusive interview I had with Bro. Josef Wages. He is the editor of the newly-released book The Secret School of Wisdom: The Authentic Rituals and Doctrines of the Illuminati. Mentioned in this episode: To learn more about the authentic Illuminati Rituals buy Josef Wages' Book "The Secret School of Wisdom" visit IlluminatiRegalia.com The music featured in this episode of The Winding Stairs was brought to you courtesy of Billy Mays III | Infinite Third Listen to Infinite Third on SoundCloud Find Infinite Third on Facebook  Living Stones | A monthly magazine by Freemasons for Freemasons. LivingStonesMagazine.com Listen to The Masonic Roundtable for Masonic News and Discussions by 5 Brothers from around the U.S. Support The Winding Stairs by visiting FreemasonryArt.com Do you have more than one #Masonic pin? Of course you do! It is no mystery that we love our pins. Every pin tells a story and deserves to be seen. Don't keep your pins hidden in a dark drawer, bring them to Light by displaying them on The Winding Stairs' Pin Display Apron. (Great Gift Idea) Order Yours today! I am very proud to introduce the Liberal Arts and Sciences Collection by Juan Sepulveda, Exclusively on The Winding Stairs Masonic Store. I began the collection with these five pieces, because they hold a special place in my life. Visit the collection page to see the deep symbolism that I have hidden in each and every piece. When you add these artworks to your collection, you will be exposed to symbols that remind you of the importance of having a well rounded education. The Trivium and the Quadrivium hold the kind of wisdom that set minds free from bondage and directed them to leave a legacy of greatness. Surround yourself with this wisdom today. go to FreemasonryArt.com and order your collection.

Bound by Rituals How rituals influence Freemasonry, Society and our Personal Life. Rituals are extremely important in Freemasonry, but the importance of ritual extends far beyond into all aspects of our life. When we think of rituals, we often limit our imagination to spiritual ceremonies, but we engage in rituals on a daily basis. Do you have a specific set of steps that you follow every morning when you wake up? Do you have a predetermined sequence of things you do when you prepare to go out? Rituals have a profound effect in the way we enjoy life and the value that we attribute to the experiences we have. On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, we explore the role that rituals play in Freemasonry, in our society and in our own personal lives. This is the first episode in a series which will explore the fascinating relation between rituals and the quality of our life. We are bound by rituals in a positive way and sometimes in a negative way. Listen to this episode for a detailed explanation. Links mentioned on this episode: Living Stones Masonic Magazine: We would like to thank the sponsor of this episode, Living Stones Magazine. A monthly publication featuring great articles related to Freemasonry. FreemasonryArt.com: Here you will find a growing collection of Masonic Art inspired by the lessons and history of Freemasonry. Infinite Third: If you enjoyed the music featured on this episode of The Winding Stairs, we invite you to explore the music of Billy Mays III and Infinite Third. The Masonic Roundtable: A weekly program dedicated to Masonic News and Opinions by Brothers from around the country. On YouTube at Masonic Roundtable. Have You Downloaded Your Free Book Yet? Questions from the Quarry Do you have any rituals, outside of Masonry, which help you be more productive? -Share your thoughts with us-

No Stone Unturned A Way of Life for the Traveling Brothers We often go through life in a hurry. Whether it is because of our career responsibilities, our family's expectations or our over-commitment to the various organizations we support, we can miss out on many great life experiences unless we slow down and leave no stone unturned. On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, you will become a passenger in our road trip up to Columbus Georgia. Brother Victor Rosario and I visited Columbian Lodge No. 7 earlier this year, where I gave a presentation titled "Bridging the Gap". An although the visit was a very pleasant experience, the entire trip was rich with memorable experiences because early on the trip we decided to adopt an attitude of discovery. We decided that we would not leave any stone unturned. We decided that if anything long the road attracted our attention, that we would stop and figure out what it was. The results were incredible and we can't wait for you to listen in to the conversation. We found an abandoned campground, found the tomb of a famous Mason and even had a gun pointed at us. You don't want to miss this episode. Mentioned in this episode: Listen to Episode 17, which features the original conversation we recorded on our drive to Columbus GA. We visited Columbian Lodge No. 7 F.&A.M. in Columbus Ga. Creator of Coca Cola, Brother John Stith Pemberton. The man we met who was sitting on his porch is Jamie Boswell Howard Support The Winding Stairs by visiting FreemasonryArt.com Do you have more than one #Masonic pin? Of course you do! It is no mystery that we love our pins. Every pin tells a story and deserves to be seen. Don't keep your pins hidden in a dark drawer, bring them to Light by displaying them on The Winding Stairs' Pin Display Apron. (Great Gift Idea) Order Yours today!

Walter, The Ghost of the Retlaw Hotel How the Life and Legacy of a Brother Lives On It is prudent to remember that our time on this Earth is finite. That we ought to be diligent in improving ourselves in order to contribute to the life of those who surround us. Today I introduce you to Bro. Walter Schroeder, a man who decades after his death is giving people something to talk about. On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, I share a portion of the life of Bro. Walter, a Businessman, Civic Leader, Philanthropist and… Ghost? Is there a Ghost haunting the Retlaw Hotel? On this special episode of The Winding Stairs, I have the pleasure of presenting to you a Brother who, by living a life of industry, was able to create a fortune and build something of which we are still in awe. You will gain a better understanding about who was Walter Schroeder and will hear about the stories being told about his restless spirit. Some people believe that Walter still visits some of the buildings that are part of his Legacy. Mainly, the Retlaw Plaza Hotel in Fond Du Lac, WI. It only takes a quick search on the internet to find the stories that have immortalized this man. When I look at his life history, I am amazed at how much he was able to accomplish. Among his achievements you will find: Reporter Hotelier Philantropist Freemason Ghost? Yes, you read that right... Ghost! Many people claim that when you visit the Retlaw Plaza Hotel, you have a good chance of experiencing the supernatural. Listen to the details in this episode of The Winding Stairs. Links Mentioned in this episode:  Retlaw Plaza Hotel, Fond Du Lac, WI Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center | The Schroeder Lounge Walter Schroeder YMCA Aquatic Center, If you are looking for Masonic Fundraiser ideas for your Lodge or Appendant Body, visit MasonicFundraiser.com to sign up FREE for our exclusive fundraiser program. Download our Free Book, Masonic Light Resource Report Do you want to be among the first to be notified when my New Book is released, click here to sign up for my email newsletter. View our latest artwork titled "Light of Wisdom", which is dedicated to Past Masters and would make a great gift. Visit FreemasonryArt.com This Episode of The Winding Stairs was brought to you by MasonicFundraiser.com   What are your thoughts on this story? Do you think that these type of paranormal events are possible? Have you experienced something you can't explain? Let us know in the comment section below. Thank you for participating.

Unfinished Books Do you have a collection of books which you have not finished reading? Does it almost feel like that stack of books is calling out to you to finish reading them? That's how I feel too. On this episode of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, I share with you 5 tips to go through that stack of unfinished books and increase the number of them that you actually finish. Of course, there are books which are better skimmed or used as reference books. Those you don't have to finish, but there might be a few others which are begging to become a part of your intellect. "If we encounter a man of great intellect, we must ask him what books he reads." -Ralph Waldo Emerson Often times books contain all the fuel we need to keep our intellect burning. In books we may find the solutions to our most pressing challenges. Yet, even when we know how beneficial it can be to make progress through that growing stack of books, we sometimes just ignore those tomes. On this episode of The Winding Stairs, I share with you 5 Tips to Tackle Those Unfinished Books Assign Priorities Block Out Time Don't Read Alone Make Reading Tempting Mark it! I have found these tips to be actionable and helpful for anyone who has lost control of their reading material. Take them and implement them in your new-found determination to go through those books. I will be doing the same here; trying to gain control once again over what I read, how often and how I do it. Won't you join me in this effort to make good use of these valuable resources that surround us. This Post is Brought to you by Are you prepared to enter The Chamber? Save the date: 12 - 13 - 14 What is The Chamber? The Chamber is one of the biggest and most exciting projects that The Winding Stairs has been involved in. Only a select few will gain access to The Chamber. Will you be one? To receive an invitation to the special unveiling event of The Chamber, click on the image below and sign up to receive email updates from The Winding Stairs. Sign up now, before the doors closes for everyone. Let us know what will you be reading next? Do you need any suggestion for books to add to your stack begin reading? Share your thoughts with us and join us in this journey of enlightenment.

Lessons from My Mother Chipping at The Stone I have to admit that I was very fortunate to have the Mother I had. She was very wise and charismatic. She was very talented and inspiring. I owe a lot to her for the Man I turned out to be and I hope that I am able to make her proud with the decisions I make in my life. I was very fortunate to spend the time I did with her before she was taken away too soon by Breast Cancer. I recorded this episode on October 10th, which would have been her Birthday. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and while I recorded, I didn't want to remember Breast Cancer Awareness Month in a somber and depressing way. Instead, I wanted to remember some great lessons that she imparted on me. You will find parallels from her lessons, which those included in Freemasonry. As you listen to this episode of The Winding Stairs, I hope that you are able to get to know a little more about the kind of Woman my mother was and how her efforts helped me want to become a better Man. In this episode we discuss: Industry: How having an industrious disposition can help you achieve many things. Perseverance: How when we focus on our goals and use obstacles as motivators, we can surpass our expectations. Trust in God: In our journey through life, our trust in God is what fuels our industry and solidifies our perseverance. This episode of The Winding Stairs is made possible by FreemasonryArt.com Here is an example of some of the work you will find at FreemasonryArt.com. The official store of The Winding Stairs and your source for Masonic Art and Hand-Painted Aprons.   What lessons did you receive from your parents, which helped you become who you are today?

  Chipping at The Stone Progress is found in the repetition of small strikes. We are that rough ashlar hewned from the Quarry. But our journey to become part of a perfect building doesn't happen abruptly. It is through small, calculated changes, which remove the superfluities from our life. Are you not making fast progress in becoming a better Man and Mason? Don't worry, you are not in this journey alone. In this episode of The Winding Stairs, I share some stories that prove that we are all in this together. That we serve as inspiration to one another and that by being witnesses to each other's progress, we become a more perfect ashlar. This episode of The Winding Stairs is the first of a series of shorter episodes created to continue the conversation about self-improvement. How can we utilize the teachings of all ages into changing the way in which we Act and React in life. Chipping at the Stone is a series of shorter episodes -10 to 15 minutes- which will be published between some of the more lengthy episodes. If you enjoyed this brief installment of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, please let us know in the comments section below. In this episode we discuss: The Introduction of Chipping at the Stone program format. A funny story about a mishap I had while recording Episode 20 of The Winding Stairs. We are human after all. Keeping our passions within due bounds is not easy! The Blue Screen of Death is still alive and well. Brother Jon Ruark's of The Masonic Roundtable and his exploration of the deeper symbolism of The Circumpunct (Point within a Circle). This episode of The Winding Stairs is made possible in part by: -Learn more about Masonic Fundraiser- Follow us on: Twitter: @WindingStairs33 Facebook: @MasonicFundraiser Questions from the Quarry: Do you have a favorite Masonic Symbol or Lesson which helps you in your daily life? -Share your thoughts below-  

Bridging the Inner Gap Look Inside Yourself It is sometimes easier to look at circumstances outside ourselves to blame for what happens in our life. But many times the problems in which we find ourselves is a direct result of things that are happening within us. As we continue exploring the podcast series Bridging the Gap, we turn our sights inward after two episodes of looking at circumstances outside of us. We have looked at how a Gap of Expectations and a Gap of Wisdom can interfere with our progress in life. Today we look at our own shortcomings and make a commitment to diligently bridge our Inner Gap to become the ultimate version of ourselves. Among the topics discussed in this episode you will find: Being brought from darkness to light liberates our vision. Circumspection: Symbol: The Circumpunct |Keeping your passions within due bounds. Definition: Thinking carefully about possible risks before doing or saying something. (Merriam Webster) Unwillingness or Wariness to take risk. Prudence (Oxford). Your Sphere of influence Circumpunct: You are the point within the circle. Circumambulation: The act of walking around something. Especially ritualistically. Circumambulation happens in Masonic ritual and practice. Initiation Degree Team Officers as they move through their chairs. Introspection: Look inside yourself. “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” - Aristotle “Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” - C.G. Jung Haggai 1:5-7 Now therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways! "You have sown much, but harvest little; you eat, but there is not enough to be satisfied; you drink, but there is not enough to become drunk; you put on clothing, but no one is warm enough; and he who earns, earns wages to put into a purse with holes." Thus says the LORD of hosts, "Consider your ways! Seeing yourself in others. The Epictetus “When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.” - Epictetus, Greek Stoic Philosopher. Retrospection: Looking into the past. Looking at your own past. It doesn't define you. Having a history of intolerance or impatience shouldn't define your future. Links Mentioned in this episode: If you are looking for Masonic Fundraiser ideas for your Lodge or Appendant Body, visit MasonicFundraiser.com to sign up FREE for our exclusive fundraiser program. Download our Free Book, Masonic Light Resource Report Do you want to be among the first to be notified when my New Book is released, click here to sign up for my email newsletter. View our latest artwork titled "Light of Wisdom", which is dedicated to Past Masters and would make a great gift. Visit FreemasonryArt.com This Episode of The Winding Stairs was brought to you by MasonicFundraiser.com   Do you have any advice for others who might need to look inside and bridge the gaps that affect them? Have you found the Bridging the Gap Series useful? Do you have a favorite episode in this series? Please add your comments below to help us gauge the usefulness of these posts. I look forward to your feedback. Photo Credits: Cracked Wall (Main Illustration) by Leonardo Aguiar, licensed under CC by 2.0

Bridging the Gap of Wisdom Second installment of the Bridging the Gap Series On the first installment of the series Bridging the Gap, we discussed how disappointment can be detrimental to the progress of a Mason. Disappointment can discourage a Man's pursuit of further goals, because it is a natural reaction to avoid those things which cause us pain or discomfort. In particular, Brothers who become disillusioned with Freemasonry, because of the seemingly unbridgeable gap that exists between his expectations and what actually happens behind a Tyled door. On this segment of the series, I want to speak about the gap of Wisdom, which exists between some groups of Brothers within the Lodge. I have identified that this gap of Wisdom manifests itself in at least two ways, which I categorize as Division and Deficiency. It is hoped that, if you identify any of these wisdom gaps within your Lodge, you act as a catalyst for change and begin labor to restore unity. After all, if we all take personal responsibility for the portion of labor which corresponds to each one of us, then our organization can shift focus from within and increase the labor that we do for those outside of our Temple's walls. Division: We meet on the level, but sit at separate tables. As Masons we all know that we meet On The Level; However, if you pay close attention to stated communications and events, you might notice a pattern emerge. You may notice that often there are tables with only past masters and while other tables only contain the youngest Entered Apprentices (E.As.). Although there is nothing wrong with spending time with people who share the same experiences we do, it is important that we are mindful of the needs that exist, even within the festive boards and fundraiser events. Yes, there should be a level of respect demonstrated towards the offices these more-experienced Brothers hold, but it should not interfere with our ability to partake in Fellowship and Brotherly Love. I have never been to a Lodge where I felt unwelcome or marginalized. However, it is almost inevitable to see the segmentation of the attendees of any meeting, to the degree in which you can almost guess their age, degree and appendant body affiliation. It goes without saying that the more often this happens, the longer the Wisdom gap remains between these various groups of Brothers. One remedy is for the young E.As. to be encouraged to approach any and all Brothers within the Lodge and during Masonic Events, especially if we want to continue to claim that we ALL meet on the Level. Yes, there should be a level of respect demonstrated towards the offices these more-experienced Brothers hold, but it should not interfere with our ability to partake in Fellowship and Brotherly Love. This is, of course, a two-way street. If you have enjoyed the great privilege of being entrusted with a leadership position within your Lodge, District or Most Worshipful Grand Lodge, then with more reason you should feel inclined to demonstrate what meeting on the Level is all about. I found a beautiful description of the commitment we should have, as Masonic Leaders, to the upcoming generations of Masons. It is a portion of a lecture delivered by Albert Pike at the Grand Lodge of Louisiana in February of 1858. "To sow, that others may reap; to work and plant for those that are to occupy the earth when we are dead; to project our good influences far into the future, and to live beyond our time; to rule as the Kings of Thought over men who are yet unborn; to bless with the glorious gifts of Truth and Light, and Liberty, those who may never know the name of the giver, nor care in what grave his unregarded ashes repose, is the true office of a Mason, and the proudest destiny of a man.".1 Deficiency: Scarcity amidst abundance We are proud members of an ancient Fraternity, whose focus is to share Light with men who want to illuminate their own path.

Bridging the Gap of Expectations in Freemasonry Avoiding disappointment and making the journey more fulfilling Before Men join Freemasonry, they might have an expectation of what really happens behind closed doors. That expectation, often-times fantastic and unrealistic, tends to be shaped by misinformation and ignorance. A members of this Fraternal organization, we should understand before hand, what people expect of us and how much of those expectations we can actually meet. Are you tired of hearing people bad-mouthing our Order? Did you expect things out of Freemasonry, which never materialized? Is there anything you can do as an individual to curve the erroneous expectations that people have of us? These are some of the questions we explore in this episode of The Winding Stairs and hope that you are able to find good answers that can help you make a real difference. The Candidate Before being given admittance into our Lodges, the candidates might have a very fantastic idea of what really happens behind our closed doors. Doors guarded by a Tyler must be holding back all kinds of awesome, right? Well, although our ritual is amazing and contains great lessons that have the potential of changing a Man's life forever, some candidates might have been aligning their expectations with movies and books, which is a recipe for inevitable disappointment. If we can better understand these preconceived expectations, then we can either work diligently to meet them or help the candidate curve his expectations and shift his focus to the great assets contained within our walls. Some of the things that people expect of our fraternity are supposed to be there but have been either neglected or ignored for various reasons. Here is where we have room for improvement and have the young impressionable mind of the candidate in our hands. The Newly Initiated Brother is thirsty for knowledge and oftentimes overwhelmed by data. It is essential that we understand the individual reasons each new Brother had to knock at our door. Some join for the pride of following in their Father's footsteps, others are desirous of the camaraderie and Brotherly love and others come to fulfill a deep desire for the Esoteric and the knowledge of the ages. With this information in mind, we can ensure that Brothers are receiving that for which they came to Freemasonry and do not leave dissatisfied. Our membership numbers would be much more impressive if everyone made it his commitment to find a Brother and ensure his expectations of Freemasonry are being met. The Lodge Officer Finally, Lodge officers might begin their Journey due East with great expectations of what they will achieve once they are sitting in the Worshipful Master's seat. They might have seen how other Brothers who came before managed their year as Masters and begin crafting a plan to achieve the previously impossible. However, the real focus should be on doing the best work in each of the chairs of the Lodge Officers. Understanding what are the expectations of you as a Lodge Officer in your respective chair, meeting and exceeding those expectations. Therein lies the great achievement of your Journey due east. That you best worked on every step of the way.

The Importance of your Masonic Travels An inside look at a Masonic Conversation while traveling. On this episode of The Winding Stairs, you will join Brother Juan Sepulveda and Brother Victor Rosario by riding along on a road trip. While driving to Columbus Georgia for a speaking engagement in February 2014, The Traveling Bros had the good idea (in our biased opinion) to record a conversation to give the listeners an inside look into what our conversations can be like. We hope that you enjoy the conversation and are able to imagine yourself riding along with us. Among the topics discussed in this episode you will find: Why Masonic Leadership is suffering in some Lodges. Why membership in some Lodges is dwindling, while it is growing exponentially in others. What are things that can be done to increase visibility of the Lodge in the community. You get out of Freemasonry what you put in. Bridging the gap of expectations experienced by new candidates and newly initiated Brothers. The importance of Masonic Traveling. The richness that is acquired through your Masonic Travels. Travel, Travel, Travel! Fundraiser Opportunity for Your Lodge This episode of The Winding Stairs was made possible by MasonicFundraiser.com Download our Free Book when you Sign up for our email newsletter. If you enjoyed this post and would like to be among the first to know when we publish new episodes of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter. By signing up you also receive a free copy of our Masonic Light Resource Report. Click Below to sign up now. Your voice is very important to us Join the conversation in our various social media channels. Share your thoughts on this... What suggestions would you have for a Lodge which is experiencing a decline in membership? -Please share your answers below-

Interview with Artist and Author Michael Karpovage On this episode of The Winding Stairs I interview Brother Michael Karpovage. Author, illustrator and entrepreneur, who's work has been influenced by Freemasonry. Join me as I have an insightful conversation with a fellow artist, who happens to be a Mason. Some of the topics discussed in this episode: Bro: Michael's beginnings in art and the early life decisions that led him there. How he stumbled upon a member of the fraternity and asked. The influence Freemasonry has had in his life and his literary work. We discuss some amazing stories of Freemasons who confronted and aided each other during various wars in America. We discuss further his passion for military history and the role that Freemasonry played therein. Learn how Freemasonry has made Bro. Karpovage a different man. The First Native American to ever join our Fraternity. This episode of The Winding Stairs was made possible by MasonicFundraiser.com If you are interested in purchasing Bro:. Karpovage's work, please use the links below.          *Disclaimer: The links to the products listed above are affiliate links. This will not affect the final price you pay for these items, However, I will receive a small commission from your purchase. Let it be known that the fact that I may receive a small commission on these and other products through the site, does not affect my views of the products mentioned. Making these affiliate links simply help keep the program alive. Thank you for your continued support of the program. To learn more about Bro:. Michael Karpovage's work, visit: KarpovageCreative.com  Don't forget to participate in the question at the bottom of this post for a chance to win a surprise gift from Bro:. Michael.   If you enjoyed this post and would like to be among the first to know when we publish new episodes of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter. By signing up you also receive a free copy of our Masonic Light Resource Report. Click Below to sign up now. Your voice is very important to us Join the conversation in our various social media channels. Share your thoughts on this... What has been the most influential book you have ever read? -Please share your answers below-

Interview with Artist and Author Michael Karpovage On this episode of The Winding Stairs I interview Brother Michael Karpovage. Author, illustrator and entrepreneur, who's work has been influenced by Freemasonry. Join me as I have an insightful conversation with a fellow artist, who happens to be a Mason. Some of the topics discussed in this episode: Bro: Michael's beginnings in art and the early life decisions that led him there. How he stumbled upon a member of the fraternity and asked. The influence Freemasonry has had in his life and his literary work. We discuss some amazing stories of Freemasons who confronted and aided each other during various wars in America. We discuss further his passion for military history and the role that Freemasonry played therein. Learn how Freemasonry has made Bro. Karpovage a different man. The First Native American to ever join our Fraternity. This episode of The Winding Stairs was made possible by MasonicFundraiser.com If you are interested in purchasing Bro:. Karpovage's work, please use the links below.          *Disclaimer: The links to the products listed above are affiliate links. This will not affect the final price you pay for these items, However, I will receive a small commission from your purchase. Let it be known that the fact that I may receive a small commission on these and other products through the site, does not affect my views of the products mentioned. Making these affiliate links simply help keep the program alive. Thank you for your continued support of the program. To learn more about Bro:. Michael Karpovage's work, visit: KarpovageCreative.com  Don't forget to participate in the question at the bottom of this post for a chance to win a surprise gift from Bro:. Michael.   If you enjoyed this post and would like to be among the first to know when we publish new episodes of The Winding Stairs Freemasonry Podcast, make sure to sign up for our email newsletter. By signing up you also receive a free copy of our Masonic Light Resource Report. Click Below to sign up now. Your voice is very important to us Join the conversation in our various social media channels. Share your thoughts on this... What has been the most influential book you have ever read? -Please share your answers below-

ART IN FREEMASONRY The Power of Symbols and Creativity in Freemasonry By now you probably already know how important art is to Freemasonry, but there are several reasons why. The way in which Freemasonry delivers its lessons, is through allegories illustrated by symbols. Therefore, there are many stories, which are easier to remember than simply pure facts and those allegories have their respective symbols. By this way, one only has to look at the symbol, which recalls the story associated with it and thereby the applicable lessons to our life. "Freemasonry is a Science of Morality, Veiled in Allegory and Illustrated by Symbols" [clear-line]Therefore, it is important that not only we expose ourselves to the symbols depicted in Lodge, but also that we incorporate into our surroundings, those symbols and thereby those lessons, which help us become the best version of ourselves. Regardless whether the symbols you surround yourself with are in the form of Jewelry, Masonic Paintings or auto emblems, the important thing is that these symbols are there to aid you in your effort to improve yourself as you travel through life. In this episode we discuss the following topics: I share some of my recent experiences while traveling for speaking engagements. A archaeological discovery that suggests that Neanderthals might have been the authors of cave art dating back over 40,000 years. The power of art to shape a person’s life. How as creators, we can put our talents to work to inspire others to become better. The fulfillment derived from Masonic Travel. The efficiency of using symbols to help the spectator recollect lessons, stories and ideas. Art in Freemasonry extends beyond the symbols used to illustrate our lessons. Other artistic mediums like Poetry, Painting and Music have been used efficiently to share Masonic Education. How Art has helped me cope with difficult things in my life and share a story that could help others get through their difficult times in life. IS FACEBOOK CONTROLLED BY THE FREEMASONS? We have another Masonic Conspiracy by Bro. Robert Johnson from Whence Came You? Podcast. On this episode, Bro. Johnson talks about a conspiracy that claims that Facebook has achieved in 10 years, what the CIA was not able to do since its inception. RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE: The Winding Stairs Email Newsletter (Get eBook, FREE) Product Research Gear, LLC. Whence Came You Podcast The Midnight Freemasons The Masonic Roundtable (YouTube Channel) The Masonic Roundtable (Facebook Page) The Winding Stairs (Facebook Page) The Winding Stairs (On Twitter) National Geographic Article (42,000 Year Old Cave paintings in Spain) The Freemason Movie Interview FreemasonryArt.com This program is made possible by FreemasonryArt.com - An online store of products made by Masons for Masons. It features a selection of original Masonic Paintings, Limited Edition artwork and Genuine Lambskin Aprons, available only through FreemasonryArt.com Imagine yourself walking into the next stated meeting wearing a custom painted Masonic Apron, like the ones we see displayed in museums. We invite you to look at our collection and support The Winding Stairs through your purchase. Go to www.FreemasonryArt.com

Imagine traveling through space at 67,000 miles per hour. That is how fast this pale blue dot is traveling through space, making its yearly orbit around the sun. We all get very excited about the end of one year and the beginning of another. But, do we ever stop to think what this really means? It is very likely that you, along with millions of people around the world, have considered which things you can change in your life this upcoming year. In this episode of The Winding Stairs, we discuss the relationship between the "REVOLUTION" of Planet Earth around the Sun and our "Resolve" to improve our life.  Are New Year Resolutions really worth it? If you make some, are you likely to keep them? Is there any way to increase the odds of feeling accomplished at the end of this 365 day cycle? These are some of the questions answered in this episode of The Winding Stairs Masonic Podcast. Before we get to these good questions, let's return to the space travel thing. As you probably know, among the liberal arts and sciences that Masons are encouraged to study, we find Astronomy. But why? Why is it important for a Mason to learn about Astronomy? I want to point out two specific reasons: Perspective and Perspective. (Yes, the redundancy was intentional). Perspective 1: The observation and recognition of our place in the universe. First, it helps us recognize the grandeur of our Creator. Through the study of Astronomy, we can recognize how incredibly vast the universe is and how small our role in the history of the universe is. This is not meant to be depressing or discouraging, it is however, a way for us to recognize the importance of working together and spending our time wisely. When we tune in and appreciate the natural world around us, we are therefore more connected and in tune with our creator. Is there a purpose to our existence in this vast universe? We may never know the answer to this age old question. However, I believe that we should spend our days pursuing worthwhile causes and working on perfecting our life, so as to fulfill our purpose, if there is one to fulfill. Perspective 2: The observation and recognition of patterns around us. To the prehistoric man, recognizing the patterns of the heavens and their relations to the seasons and the weather was a matter of life and death. To our ancient Brethren, understanding the cycles of the moon allowed them to travel safely on through a moonlit path to meet in Lodge for education and fellowship. Through the observation of the heavens and the cycle that accompany it, Mankind has been able to adapt to the changing patterns of weather and adjust their lifestyle accordingly. When we changed from a hunter-gatherer society to an agricultural one, recognizing the changing patterns of weather allowed us to be more efficient in our labor. This knowledge allowed mankind to increase the yields during harvest and dedicate more time to other intellectual and spiritual pursuits. Pattern Recognition and our ability to improve ourselves.  Just like the agricultural societies could observe patterns and adjust their behavior to increase their productivity and consequent harvest yields, when we pay attention to the patterns that govern our life, we also have the potential of living more fulfilling and fruitful lives. As we become more familiar with the virtues that we can acquire and the vices that might prevent us from attaining them, we can then adjust our life accordingly to become more virtuous and honorable men. Among the benefits of patter recognition we can find: Recognizing patterns allows us to make better plans for the future. You can modify your behavior wisely. Reduction of risk in future endeavours. Increase self awareness and higher probability of sustainable change. Are New Year Resolutions Obsolete? I don't think so! Here is why.  Although I believe that we should always have a malleable disposition to create resolutions,

We have seen Freemasonry portrayed in film before, in movies like National Treasure and Dan Brown's Angels & Demons. But now, a new film by a fellow Freemason brings freemasonry to the spotlight in an exciting suspense film called The Freemason. This is part 2 of a 2 part interview (part 1) with a prolific entrepreneur, who will surely inspire you to reach out for your dreams, regardless of how impossible they might seem.We continue our conversation with the executive producer of The Freemason Movie.  In this portion of the interview, we talk more in depth about the three films that Joseph James has created in the relatively short, yet prolific filmmaking career. You will listen to Bro. James' experience working with the celebrated actor Sean Astin, who worked on such films as The Lord of the Rings, Rudy and Goonies. We explore the virtue of Resourcefulness, which can take us from where we are to where we want to be. When we are not held back by what we lack, but instead move forward appreciating and wisely utilizing what we do have.  You can learn more about The Freemason Movie by visiting its website www.TheFreemasonMovie.com , visit Joseph James Pages on Facebook www.FB.com/TheFreemasonMovie and www.FB.com/JosephJamesFilms. Follow him on Twitter @JosephJamesNews Here is the official preview of the movie. If you missed part 1 of this interview, you can listen to it here. If you don't want to miss future episodes of The Winding Stairs, make sure you sign up for our email updates to be among the first notified when new episodes and posts are published. Bonus: When you sign up for our newsletter, you also receive a FREE COPY of our book "Masonic Light Resource Report" Sign up here. Also on this episode: Masonic Conspiracies by Bro:. Robert Johnson Enjoy another installment of our popular segment Masonic Conspiracies, brought to you by Brother Robert Johnson. Brother Johnson is the producer of the Masonic Podcast "Whence Came You?" and is the Managing Editor of "The Midnight Freemasons".   You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Have you ever watched a movie where your see someone wearing a Masonic ring? Or in the background you see some symbols related to Freemasonry? On this episode we speak with Joseph James, he is an actor, writer and producer, who happens to also be a Freemason. His last three films center around the subject of Freemasonry, its history and its influence in modern society. We talk about what took him to Hollywood, his experience in Freemasonry, the importance of mentorship and apprenticeship among many other things. This is part 1 of a 2 part interview with a prolific entrepreneur, who will surely inspire you to reach out for your dreams, regardless of how impossible they might seem.How a Fellow Freemason, brought Freemasonry to the Big Screen I enjoyed my interview with Brother Joseph James and I think you will too, because in addition to shedding light on his films and Freemasonry's influence in it, we also discuss parallels between the film industry and Freemasonry. We talk about his earliest memories of the big screen and how early (or late) in his life he began exploring the idea of getting into the film business. I was inspired by his story of how he rented a 26 feet U Haul truck and took his family to Tinsel-Town in search of a dream. You can learn more about The Freemason Movie by visiting its website www.TheFreemasonMovie.com , visit Joseph James Pages on Facebook www.FB.com/TheFreemasonMovie and www.FB.com/JosephJamesFilms. Follow him on Twitter @JosephJamesNews Here is the official preview of the movie. Don't miss Part 2 of this interview. Make sure you sign up for our email updates to be among the first notified when new episodes and posts are published. Bonus: When you sign up for our newsletter, you also receive a FREE COPY of our book "Masonic Light Resource Report" Sign up here. Also on this episode: Masonic Conspiracies by Bro:. Robert Johnson Enjoy another installment of our popular segment Masonic Conspiracies, brought to you by Brother Robert Johnson. Brother Johnson is the producer of the Masonic Podcast "Whence Came You?" and is the Managing Editor of "The Midnight Freemasons".   You can also follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

You probably already know that life is comprised of a series of ups and downs; Twists and turns which end up testing us to the core. Hopefully, in our formative years, we were able to establish a solid foundation upon which to continue constructing the building that will ultimately be our life's biggest achievement. Even if we were fortunate enough to be standing upon a solid foundation, the solidity and stability of that foundation is bound to be tested from time to time. For some, a challenging situation could present itself in the form of a medical diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, a sudden financial burden or a host of other reasons. Regardless of what this traumatic situation might be, there are several steps you can follow to give you a better chance of recovering promptly from it. I have developed a simple to remember formula that can help you see things from a different perspective and hopefully surpass whatever situation is affecting you. I call it the S.T.A.R.T. Formula. Here are the steps: Survey Transform Aim Reach Transcend I have been working on this formula for a while and continue to improve upon its definition; However, its core definition and purpose has the potential of helping you endure and triumph over life's relentless challenges. Here is a detailed look at what each one of these steps can do to help you in your journey to triumph over your challenges and difficulties. Survey While you are enduring the challenge and immediately after it has passed (if it is a transient situation), pay close attention to what has actually happened and what damage has to be dealt with. The Survey phase of this formula has a dual purpose; It helps you measure the damage and how the situation has affected you and those around you.  If we were talking about the passing storm, then the Survey phase is the time spent evaluating the speed of the winds, the amount of precipitation and the potential damage that may affect the land in its path. This is also a good time to also spend time focusing on what has survived. Finding a silver lining during the surveying phase is an essential step because it helps us be grateful for that which we still have and reminds us that not all is lost. This gives us something to fight for and can help fuel our determination to fight and recover. Transform Sometimes all we need to do to begin changing our current situation, is to change our perspective about it. I love how Dr. Wayne Dyer puts it, he says "When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change". It often times is a change in perspective that can get your mind ready to begin moving in the right direction. After you have surveyed the damage, it is in your best interest to begin thinking objectively about the aftermath and prepare to change your attitude to recovery-mode. We often feel sorry for ourselves after enduring a tragedy and it is completely normal to run through a wide gamut of emotions when we face loss. However, here is where we do our best to employ the virtue of  Fortitude; Thereby, transforming our attitude from looking backwards to setting our sights forward. Aim   Surrendering to the circumstances is not an option, understanding the circumstances, learning from them and moving forward is our only option. Now that we have objectively surveyed the damage and transformed our attitudes about it, it is time to set our sights on rebuilding that which has been destroyed. It is now time to set new goals and begin looking optimistically at what is yet to come. This triumphant mentality can help us shake off the sadness and redirect our energy into taking action. After all, simply sitting down and doing nothing is not something that characterizes us. Of course, every circumstance is different and unique to every individual and there will be times that previous efforts and projects might have to be abandoned and a new plan must be started from scra...

Imagine losing 100% of your eye sight in the blink of an eye. How would that change your attitude towards life and the life of those who surround you.? On this episode of The Winding Stairs Masonic Podcast, we sit down with a best-selling author, public speaker and extraordinary Brother, who can answer these questions from a first person perspective. In this interview Marcus Engel talks to us about his journey in life and how he has made the best out of the horrible experience that almost took his life. In this interview we learn about: The importance of a Story and how it can help people change the way they look at life. How being present and helping others can turn any situation from horrible to inspiring. How we deal with our past and make decisions for the future. How empathy and compassion are not just good for those in the receiving end. How simply saying "I am Here" can transform somebody's life and even change their mission in life. In the interview you will hear us speaking about a challenging moment of his recovery. As a part of his recovery process, he had to learn how to live as a blind person. At one point he was challenged with what is called "The Drop". Instead of trying to explain it to you, I will let the talented filmmakers show you.  "There is nothing I can do to change what happens, All I can do is change the Future” -Marcus Engel Here are some of the books published by Marcus Engel. I'm Here- Compassionate Communication in Patient Care Everyday Inspiration After This- An Inspirational Journey for all the Wrong Reasons You can learn more about Marcus Engel by visiting his website: www.MarcusEngel.com  Masonic Art Prints Please remember to visit our Masonic Marketplace at FreemasonryArt.com, where you can find a growing selection of Masonic Art and Regalia. We are very proud of the quality and meaning behind every product we share through FreemasonryArt.com. Remember that in addition to including an inspirational artwork to your home, Lodge or Office, you are also helping in mitigating the growing costs of producing a quality podcast and blog.  We created this collection of Masonic Art Prints to inspire you and remind you of the powerful lessons that are contained within the beauty and wisdom of Masonic Symbolism. Whether you are looking to start your own collection or to decorate your Lodge, these prints make a good addition to your environment. To place your order visit FreemasonryArt.com Don't forget to continue your Masonic Education by visiting our Friends and Brothers at: Whence Came You Podcast The Midnight Freemason   Question of the Week: What would be a good way to show someone that you are there for them? How could you let people know "I'm Here" without using those exact words? -Please enter your answer in the comment section below and help us all be there for others-

5 Reasons why reading is not a waste of time Have you ever thought about reading a book and instead chosen to work on something else? or Have you ever felt the desire to just lay back on your favorite couch with a book on your hands, but changed your mind after thinking that it would be a waste of time? Think again! On this episode I want to share with you, 5 reasons Why reading daily is not a waste of time. Reason #1 Reading Reduces Stress. We are used to a fast paced lifestyle with many different things trying to get our attention. It is a healthy practice to take a few minutes or hours in a day to relax and read. Doing this can quiet all the noise that we have in our heads and helps us focus better and reduce our level of stress. Why is it so important that we reduce our level of stress? Because although stress is a mental response to stimulus, it can have a detrimental physiological effect. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the effects of stress in our body include: Anxiety Sleeping disorders irritability anger social withdrawal Each one of these physical effects could add other troubles to our already-complicated life. Reason #2 Reading Improves Memory. Especially when you read right before bed. According to a study conducted by the University of Notre Dame and headed by Psychologist Jessica Payne on March of 2012. Recollection and accuracy were improved when the subjects of the study read or studied right before going to bed in contrast to their counterparts who read at the beginning of their day. This means that there is a marked benefit derived from spending a little time with a book, just before going to sleep. Another way in which memory is improved is by acting as stimulating brain activity. Similarly to playing board games or doing crossword puzzles, reading may reduce memory loss due to aging, according to a paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine from 2003. Reason #3 Increase your Knowledge. By reading every day, you also increase your knowledge and consequently become a more engaged conversationalist. Imagin the great benefits that can arise out of spending some time reading and learning new things. Things, which in turn become links which solidify your relationships and make you a more effective contributor to the education of future generations and of Masons who are initiated after you. You become a source of knowledge for the Craft. Reason #4 Become more creative.   From an artist perspective, I tend to be inspired the most, when I am exposed to new ideas and the creativity of others. Regardless of what your artistic inclination might be, you can derive inspiration when you read about other people and their resourcefulness. If you are a writer, then you need to consume material before you can produce material. Therefore, it is in your best interest as a creative individual to immerse yourself in books as sources of inspiration. Being careful not to simply imitate, but to explore different variations of your craft and start creating. Becoming aware of the creative expressions of others, might inspire you to create your next work of art; tangible or otherwise. Reason #5 Become a role model.   Not just to the newer generation of Masons who join our Fraternity, but also to the children in our lives. Children are very impressionable in their first few years of life and if we demonstrate a good example, they are likely to follow it. Imagine a child who grows up in a household where reading for an hour every night is a common practice. They are more likely to see this behavior as natural and by consequence more likely to emulate it. I remember my Mother reading her Bible every night, just before going to sleep. It served as an inspiration to me. I wish that I was as disciplined and dedicated to reading the Holy Scriptures daily, but today I look up to her example and look forward to living a similar life. In conclusion,

5 Simple Tips to help improve your Masonic Education Experience As you already know, the stability of a building is dependent on the strength of its foundation. Similarly, the educational foundation of every newly-initiated Mason is equally as important to their growth and progression through life. I have seen many Brothers who, soon after being accommodated in the North East corner of the Lodge, are anxious to rush through the Degrees of Craft Masonry. They are anxious to get through their memory work, to quickly get started learning what the York Rite, the Scottish Rite or any other Appendant Body of Freemasonry has to offer. Unfortunately, not all Brothers have the privilege of discovering the many levels of education within the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry and that by rushing through them, they are leaving on the table an inexhaustible amount of information that could strengthen their foundation. Here are 3 Simple Tips you could implement today in your Lodge, to make sure that Brothers gain a better appreciation for the wealth of information and experience that is at their service, if they take the time to dig deeper. Tip #1: Meeting Regularly In the united states, it is common that there is a stated meeting every other week. For ease of explanation, I will use my Lodge as an example. My Lodge has stated communications (regular meetings) the first and third Tuesday of every month. This gives us the chance to schedule Masonic Education Nights on the Second and Fourth Tuesdays of the Month, in addition to our regularly-scheduled stated communications. What are the benefits of doing this? The first benefit is consistency. For the Brothers who are married or have variable schedules at work, your spouse or boss will know that on Tuesday Nights, you have a commitment. It is clearly easier to answer, Is today tuesday? than to answer, is today the third Tuesday of the month? The second benefit of implementing the consistency of weekly meetings, is that there is always something to work towards. In some of the Lodges that I have seen implementing this technique, on the Masonic Education Night, they help brothers with their Memory Work. If there is an upcoming Degree, the Brothers can practice and help one another to improve upon their roles. Finally, the benefit of Fellowship and Brotherly Love. In today’s busy world, we often lose track of the importance of having regular diversions or interactions with our friends and Brothers. Having this weekly meeting, gives you an opportunity to know your Brothers better and solidify your relationships. Tip #2: Distinction between Instructor and Mentor Let’s face it, there is a lot to learn through the study of the Three Degrees in Freemasonry. The amount of memory work can be a little intimidating. However, by ensuring that there is a separation of roles between the Instructor and the Mentor, the newly initiated Brother has two experienced Brothers to help him in this task. First, let’s define the roles of the Instructor and the Mentor. The Instructor The instructor is that Brother who will assist the the newly-initiated Brother in learning his Memory work. He is the one to share techniques on how to better go through the material and memorize it. He will provide the technical feedback what is the best method to learn the lessons of the Craft and how to recall them when it is time to prove proficiency before the Craft. The instructor will also be the person to meet in the lodge room with the Brother, shortly after his initiation, to refresh his memory of everything that went through and help him remember the sequence of events which took place. I have seen this step being ignored too often, to the detriment of the instruction process. The importance of this exercise is that our brains are able to recall information more easily when provided with context. Basically, our brain will create connections between the information being received and the fe...

We are Honorable Men and should always act as such. Being an honorable man and behaving honorably are qualities that should set every Man and Mason apart. As members of the Most Honorable fraternity in the world, we are called to lead exemplary lives, which model the virtuous tenets inculcated in Freemasonry. Our Masonic Duty calls us to work daily in improving ourselves and become a better fit to the improvement of society. Join us as we explore a few ways in which we can lead by example and live a life worthy of a Master Mason. We are not perfect, but the acknowledgement of those imperfections are the first steps in becoming a better version of ourselves. Have you been witness to behaviors unbecoming of Masons? Learn how can you make a difference in your Lodge, in your Family and in your Community by behaving honorably. In this episode, we unveil the latest addition to The Winding Stairs lineup of Masonic Regalia and Art. Our Composite Collection of High Quality Masonic Aprons. View this collection by visiting http://www.TheWindingStairs.com/MasonicAprons Masonic Conspiracies by Brother Robert Johnson In this episode, Brother Robert Johnson from Whence Came You? Podcast brings us another insightful episode of Masonic Conspiracies. Brother Johnson is a regular contributor to The Winding Stairs, as well as to The Midnight Freemasons. His program brings a variety of interviews to prominent members of our fraternity. He also presents short masonic bulletins and varied forms of Masonic Education. I invite you to visit his page and make sure to subscribe to his show on iTunes and LIKE his Facebook Page.  How to behave honorably? To be mindful that people look at us extra carefully and expect us to act with honor. If we display the Square and Compasses in our vehicles, we should drive with courtesy, patience and restraint. If we see Brothers who are not making right decisions or are about to err, it is our duty to speak wise counsel to them and prevent them from falling.

  I In my search for light, I have found why "common sense" is so rare  am sure that you have heard the expression "common sense". I am also sure that by now you have probably noticed that there is nothing common about common sense.and why we should use the word "PRUDENCE" instead. I suggest we first look at prudence by exploring various definitions of the word. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, prudence is defined as: 1: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason 2: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs 3: skill and good judgment in the use of resources 4: caution or circumspection as to danger or risk When looking carefully at the first definition, we encounter the words govern and discipline, in reference to oneself. In other words, prudence is a person’s ability to exercise self control in their decision making process. Through the use of reason, we are able to become better decision makers, especially when we are disciplined and controlled. I can’t help to think of government when I read the portion of the aforementioned definition which says “Govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason”. If we think of the non-political aspects of Governments, we can describe it as the development, implementation and revision of rules and regulations, with the intent of creating and preserving order in society. Likewise, when we govern ourselves, we should dedicate time to learn from our life experience and the lessons shared by others, to create rules and regulations to follow in order to implement and preserve an orderly life. In other words, you should look at the various scenarios you live through and attempt to develop your own set of rules on how to act in said circumstances. If you have these predetermined solutions to possible future conflicts, the probability of a satisfactory outcome when facing these hypothetical scenarios in real life, is increased. I compare this to the professional fighters of mixed martial arts, a multidisciplinary fighting style, who before entering the ring (or octagon) prepare for the fight by studying the various responses he is to implement when presented with specific sets of circumstances. A well rounded fighter would have enough experience in stand-up combat like kickboxing; enough experience in wrestling or judo to bring their opponent to the ground or resist being taken down and would have floor work experience like that provided by Jiu Jitsu. Each one of these examples of individual martial art styles have a vast number of moves for which their opponent needs to have a counter measure or defense. The greater the experience or knowledge in these various fighting disciplines, the better the chances the fighter has to at a moments notice, make the right moves to gain an advantage in the fight. This is the way we should look at Prudence. When we think of the possible scenarios we may face in life, or analyse those which we have already encountered, we can decide on what our reaction will be if we face those scenarios in the future. If this is the strategy we adopt, then by the time we enter the octagon of life and face our most feared contender, we have a fighting chance at a victory,  because we have prepared ourselves and envisioned our possible offensive and defensive strategy. On this episode of The Winding Stairs you can hear another installment of Masonic Conspiracies by Brother Robert Johnson from Whence Came You? Podcast. This time, he explores conspiracies about Draconian, Reptilian Entities bend on global domination through the implementation of secret societies. Yes, there are people out there that believe this is what we are about. I invite you to head over to Whence Came You? Podcast and enjoy the great content about Famous Freemason, Short Masonic Papers and Inspiring Stories from our Fraternity. If you are on Twitter, make sure to follow @WhenceCameYou Question of the Day: