Well done to our brethren 'down under' in Brisbane. There is a familiar theme that I constantly report on here from around the world, the US, Australia, New Zealand and (more recently) India. Opening the doors of our temples and showing people around. I wonder how many generations will have to pass before we are not known as a 'secret society'.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/east/brisbane-freemasons-want-to-dispel-myths-about-rituals-by-inviting-public-into-their-temple/story-fni9r0lo-1226684919421
Friday, July 26, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
New look UGLE website
The "new look" UGLE website looks great:
http://www.ugle.org.uk/
Not only is the design contemporary, so is the content, style and narrative
http://www.ugle.org.uk/
Not only is the design contemporary, so is the content, style and narrative
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Freemasonry as an Art Form
I have just finished reading The Interpretation of Cultures by Clifford Geertz. This is an extremely well known book by a highly rated academic. Although it is an anthropological piece of work, its findings can be extrapolated to micro-cultures such as those found in organizations. Many of us are part of multiple organizations, be they family, work, or voluntary organizations (such as freemasonry, Round Table or Lions).
The book is actually a collection of essays. The last one is the one for which Geertz became most well known for; Notes on the Balanese Cockfight. The analysis at the end had a particular resonance for me with freemasonry as I try to consider the impact of this enigmatic organization has to those inside the organization, and those outside. How do we explain its compelling attraction to those outside in a way that does not seek to alienate, or use the institutionalized language we use to communicate with each other?
The first hint of this came from reading Victor Turner's From Ritual to Theatre. From this we could describe freemasonry as a form of performing art. An art form that is consumed at the same time it is performed; in front of a live audience of other freemasons. Geertz's analysis provides us with a deeper insight, however. He talks about ritual as forming an art form; in his case he was referring to what happened in Bali. In our case freemasonry can be considered an art form because it is subjective and can only be really appreciated by those who have some insight into its meaning, construction and performance. Freemasonry as an art form conveys all the nuances, subjectivity, accuracy and challenge that needs to be associated with the world's least understood organization.
The book is actually a collection of essays. The last one is the one for which Geertz became most well known for; Notes on the Balanese Cockfight. The analysis at the end had a particular resonance for me with freemasonry as I try to consider the impact of this enigmatic organization has to those inside the organization, and those outside. How do we explain its compelling attraction to those outside in a way that does not seek to alienate, or use the institutionalized language we use to communicate with each other?
The first hint of this came from reading Victor Turner's From Ritual to Theatre. From this we could describe freemasonry as a form of performing art. An art form that is consumed at the same time it is performed; in front of a live audience of other freemasons. Geertz's analysis provides us with a deeper insight, however. He talks about ritual as forming an art form; in his case he was referring to what happened in Bali. In our case freemasonry can be considered an art form because it is subjective and can only be really appreciated by those who have some insight into its meaning, construction and performance. Freemasonry as an art form conveys all the nuances, subjectivity, accuracy and challenge that needs to be associated with the world's least understood organization.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Charity Bike Ride
Last Saturday I completed a charity bike ride of 117 miles. Starting off and ending in Leeds the route was (mostly) the same as the Tour de France Route Grand Depart in 2014. I did this along with members of Mirfield Lodge 1102 (Five of them) and the WM of Woodsmoke Lodge 9317.
Here are the details of the route, as recorded on my Garmin:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/334925524 (We missed out Buttertubs)
If you feel disposed, please donate to the charity, Candlelighters. This is a Leeds-based charity for children's cancer:
http://www.justgiving.com/1102riders
The money goes straight to the charity. (The page is administered by a member of Mirfield Lodge).
Oh yes, and we had a great day's cycling. Many thanks to the support team!
Here are the details of the route, as recorded on my Garmin:
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/334925524 (We missed out Buttertubs)
If you feel disposed, please donate to the charity, Candlelighters. This is a Leeds-based charity for children's cancer:
http://www.justgiving.com/1102riders
The money goes straight to the charity. (The page is administered by a member of Mirfield Lodge).
Oh yes, and we had a great day's cycling. Many thanks to the support team!
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