The Communicator Nov/Dec 2013

The

Communicator The Official Publication of the Valley of Seattle Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

volume 60, No. 06 206-324-3330

Nov / Dec 2013

USPS 485-660 Periodicals postage paid

New Dues Cards

Qabalah 101

S.O.T.A.R.

pg 5

pg 12

pg 14

Page 2

Scottish Rite Communicator Valley of Seattle

www.seattle-scottishrite.org

SCOTTISH RITE OFFICERS Ill. Ronald A. Seale, 33° Sovereign Grand Commander

Ill. Alvin W. Jorgensen, 33° S:.G:.I:.G:., Orient of Washington Ill. Sat Tashiro, 33° Personal Rep. of S:.G:.I:.G:. stashiro@comcast.net Ill. Gregory J. Goodrich, 33° General Secretary Communicator Editor secretary@seattle-scottishrite.org Ill. Norman Miller, 33° Treasurer Ill. George A. Lofthus, 33° Almoner

Leave a legacy that will make a difference!

M

embers can leave gifts and bequests to deserving activities within your Valley, i.e. - Almoner’s Fund, RiteCare Seattle Clinic, or the Valley of Seattle activities in general. You can specify where you want your legacy to make the most difference. All legacy and bequest gifts – large or small– will make a significant difference to ensure the future of the Valley of Seattle and its ongoing support for our charities.

P

lease contact the Valley office for further information and to include your Planned Giving with the Seattle Scottish Rite.

PRESIDING OFFICERS Harold Federow, 32° Venerable Master, Lodge of Perfection Bryan Bechler, 32° Wise Master, Chapter of Rose Croix Grover Partee, 32° K:.C:.C:.H:.

Commander, of Kadosh

Orient of Washington Knight Commander Court of Honur Class of 2013

Steve Dazey, 32° Master, Seattle Consistory Jeff Harden, 32° K:.C:.C:.H:.

Chief, Knights of St. Andrew Scottish Rite Masonic Center 1207 N 152nd St Seattle, WA 98133-6213 206 324-3330 voice 206 324-3332 fax Brian Lorton Building Manager brian@seattle-scottishrite.org Lorna Schack Administrative Assistant lorna@seattle-scottishrite.org The Communicator (USPS 485-660) is published by the Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite, 1207 N 152nd St., Seattle, WA 98133-6213, for the benefit of its members, bi-monthly and is mailed as a non-profit publication to all members of the Seattle Valley and to specified other interested parties. $2.00 per member is assessed for the publication of The Communicator. Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, Washington and at additional mailing offices.

The material contained within this publication is intended for the education and enjoyment of the members of the Masonic Fraternity and all material published becomes the property of Seattle Valley of Scottish Rite. Permission to reproduce material from this publication for Masonic publications is hereby granted.

Postmaster: Send address changes to — The Communicator at 1207 N 152nd St., Seattle, WA 98133-6213.

Hosted by the Valley of Seattle

News from the Personal Representative

Page 3

A

s you read this Communicator, we know that fall is upon us, and winter is around the corner with the colder temperatures, as well as the shorter days and longer nights. Although Thanksgiving and Christmas season is rapidly approaching, we have major events scheduled by the Valley of Seattle for the remainder of 2013.

I

t was but a few weeks ago that we celebrated the Feast of Tishri on our October stated meeting. My thanks to those officers of the Scottish Rite who participated in the readings of this special event, and to the wise words of our speaker, Rabbi Mirel of Temple B’nai Torah, who gave us insight into the meaning of this feast in the Old Testament. He and others commented upon the significance of the words spoken by our brethren at this season of the year.

T

he upcoming stated meeting in November is an important event in two respects for the brethren of the Seattle Valley, as we hold our customary RWB (Red, White and Blue) dinner at this time, and as we elect those new officers of the bodies of the year. We invite all members to attend to celebrate and congratulate those who will have attained their 50 years in the body. Ladies are invited. A business meeting will follow the dinner for elections of officers.

T

here will be no stated meeting in December. There will be a Holiday Party on December 10th, Tuesday, for the entire family, including children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of our members. A gift will be given to every child of elementary school age. We will have our own Santa Claus and caroling music. Santa will be bringing his friends to provide music.

T

he 32nd degree is scheduled to be held on November 16, Saturday at 1 PM. A lunch will be served before the degree. This will be the last degree for the class of 2013, and we are all looking forward to this event. We will be using the new canvas, depicting the camp scene, which was purchased last year. The cast will include the leaders of the four major bodies, and a large supporting cast.

A

s we say farewell to 2013 in less than two months and await eagerly the New Year, we want to encourage members, new and old, who wish to participate in the bodies, participate on working committees of the Valley or in the degrees in any capacity, from major to minor roles, to please contact the office and talk to the General Secretary.

O

ur attendance at our meetings and degree are increasing. We will continue to serve the needs of the membership by offering new programs in 2014 that emphasize our goal of being the University of Freemasonry.

Fraternally, Sat Tashiro, 33° Personal Representative of the SGIG

Page 4

B

rethren, we have some exciting times in our future as we wrap up 2013. Besides the new members, we are also seeing long-time members come back and participate at stated meetings and degrees. Our Valley is growing again and we continue to encourage you to attend, be active, and learn from the teachings of Scottish Rite Freemasonry.

W

e have also launched a new website to keep us moving forward with fresh new graphics and recognition pages. When you have a minute surf on over to seattle-scottishrite.org and familiarize yourself with the new layout. You can also find a digital copy of our bimonthly Communicator as well as our on-line calendar. Not to mention the ability to pay for our monthly dinners. I would also recommend purchasing the 2014 dinner card at this time as it costs less and automatically reserves a space for you at our monthly stated meeting dinners.

I

n February we will be starting up a new forum called the “School of the Ancient Rite”. We are excited to have Dantes LaHens, 32° as the director of the School and we look forward to the great conversations and presentations to come.

L

astly, to give you one final reminder before the end of the year. You have until December 31st 2013 to pay for a life membership at the existing rate of $500.00. On January 1st the rate will be $1,000.00. Annual dues will be $100.00 starting in 2014.

Fraternally, Greg Goodrich, 33° General Secretary

Page 5

New Dues Card

As you are reading this, the new PERMANENT dues cards are being mailed out from the Valley office. There are a few things to remember about the new cards.

• They are permanent and will not be replaced every year.

• Every year you will get a new sticker to be placed on front of the card indicating that you have paid dues for that year.

• Life Members will not receive any stickers as your card will say “life member” and will also be a different color than others.

• Be sure to sign the back of the card once you receive it and place it in your wallet.

• Come to the stated meetings and enjoy the fellowship!

Page 6

Seattle Valley 2013 Honour Recipients Congratulations to all of those have been honoured for their service.

33° Inspector General Honorary

Ill. Gregory J. Goodrich, 33°

Ill. George A. Lofthus, 33°

Knight Commander Court of Honour

William C. Harker, Sr., 32° K:.C:.C:.H:.

Gene F. Ulrich, 32° K:.C:.C:.H:.

Page 7

Beyond Words 2013 RiteCare of Washington’s Brunch Fundraiser for the Seattle Clinic, held Sunday October 13th, was a resounding success. Brunch was served to over 100 people in the Seattle Scottish Rite Center banquet room.

Our guest speaker was Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, a five time space shuttle astronaut. Dr. Dunbar was also the president and CEO of Seattle’s Museum of Flight and currently serves on the faculty of the College of Engineering at the University of Houston.

Dr. Dunbar’s presentation included captivating photographs of her projects in space as well as her fascinating journey to becoming a scientist, engineer and astronaut.

Following a brief video showcasing children, parents and speech therapy in RiteCare’s clinics we heard from Jerri Wood, a mother of now 23 year old Christopher. Chris received services at RiteCare when he was just two- she credits his academic successes to our services. Chris recently graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in journalism.

Attendants were most generous in helping us continue our vital work. Thanks to their donations!

Dr. Bonnie Dunbar

Page 8

The (Chapter Kyballion 1) THE HERMETIC PHILOSOPHY

From old Egypt have come the fundamental esoteric and occult teachings which have so strongly influenced the philosophies of all races, nations and peoples, for several thousand years. Egypt, the home of the Pyramids and the Sphinx, was the birthplace of the Hidden Wisdom and Mystic Teachings. From her Secret Doctrine all nations have borrowed. India, Persia, Chaldea, Medea, China, Japan, Assyria, ancient Greece and Rome, and other ancient countries partook liberally at the feast of knowledge which the Hierophants and Masters of the Land of Isis so freely provided for those who came prepared to partake of the great store of Mystic and Occult Lore which the masterminds of that ancient land had gathered together.

In ancient Egypt dwelt the great Adepts and Masters who have never been surpassed, and who seldom have been equaled, during the centuries that have taken their processional flight since the days of the Great Hermes. In Egypt was located the Great Lodge of Lodges of the Mystics. At the doors of her Temples entered the Neophytes who afterward, as Hierophants, Adepts, and Masters, traveled to the four corners of the earth, carrying with them the precious knowledge which they were ready, anxious, and willing to pass on to those who were ready to receive the same. All students of the Occult recognize the debt that they owe to these venerable Masters of that ancient land.

But among these great Masters of Ancient Egypt there once dwelt one of whom Masters hailed as “The Master of Masters.” This man, if “man” indeed he was, dwelt in Egypt in the earliest days. He was known as Hermes Trismegistus. He was the father of the Occult Wisdom; the founder of Astrology; the discoverer of Alchemy. The details of his life story are lost to history, owing to the lapse of the years, though several of the ancient countries disputed with each other in their claims to the honor of having furnished his birthplace--and this thousands of years ago. The date of his sojourn in Egypt, in that his last incarnation on this planet, is not now known, but it has been fixed at the early days of the oldest dynasties of Egypt--long before the days of Moses. The best authorities regard him as a contemporary of Abraham, and some of the Jewish traditions go so far as to claim that Abraham acquired a portion of his mystic knowledge from Hermes himself.

As the years rolled by after his passing from this plane of life (tradition recording that he lived three hundred years in the flesh), the Egyptians deified Hermes, and made him one of their gods, under the name of Thoth. Years after, the people of Ancient Greece also made him one of their many gods--calling him “Hermes, the god of Wisdom.”

The Egyptians revered his memory for many centuries-yes, tens of centuries-- calling him “the Scribe of the Gods,” and bestowing upon him, distinctively, his ancient title, “Trismegistus,” which means “the thrice-great”; “the great-great”; “the greatest-great”; etc. In all the ancient lands, the name of Hermes Trismegistus was revered, the name being synonymous with the “Fount of Wisdom.”

Even to this day, we use the term “hermetic” in the sense of “secret”; “sealed so that nothing can escape”; etc., and this by reason of the fact that the followers of Hermes always observed the principle of secrecy in their teachings.

They did not believe in “casting pearls before swine,” but rather held to the teaching “milk for babes”; “meat for strong men,” both of which maxims are familiar to readers of the Christian scriptures, but both of which had been used by the Egyptians for centuries before the Christian era.

And this policy of careful dissemination of the truth has always characterized the Hermetics, even unto the present day. The Hermetic Teachings are to be found in all lands, among all religions, but never identified with any particular country, nor with any particular religious sect. This because of the warning of the ancient teachers against allowing the Secret Doctrine to become crystallized into a creed. The wisdom of this caution is apparent to all students of history. The ancient occultism of India and Persia degenerated, and was largely lost, owing to the fact that the teachers became priests, and so mixed theology with the philosophy, the result being that the occultism of India and Persia has been gradually lost amidst the mass of religious superstition, cults, creeds and “gods.” So it was with Ancient Greece and Rome. So it was with the Hermetic Teachings of the Gnostics and Early Christians,

Page 9 which were lost at the time of Constantine, whose iron hand smothered philosophy with the blanket of theology, losing to the Christian Church that which was its very essence and spirit, and causing it to grope throughout several centuries before it found the way back to its ancient faith, the indications apparent to all careful observers in this Twentieth Century being that the Church is now struggling to get back to its ancient mystic teachings.

But there were always a few faithful souls who kept alive the Flame, tending it carefully, and not allowing its light to become extinguished. And thanks to these staunch hearts, and fearless minds, we have the truth still with us.

But it is not found in books, to any great extent. It has been passed along from Master to Student; from Initiate to Hierophant; from lip to ear. When it was written down at all, its meaning was veiled in terms of alchemy and astrology so that only those possessing the key could read it aright. This was made necessary in order to avoid the persecutions of the theologians of the Middle Ages, who fought the Secret Doctrine with fire and sword; stake, gibbet and cross. Even to this day there will be found but few reliable books on the Hermetic Philosophy, although there are countless references to it in many books written on various phases of Occultism. And yet, the Hermetic Philosophy is the only Master Key which will open all the doors of the Occult Teachings!

In the early days, there was a compilation of certain Basic Hermetic Doctrines, passed on from teacher to student, which was known as “THE KYBALION,” the exact significance and meaning of the term having been lost for several centuries. This teaching, however, is known to many to whom it has descended, from mouth to ear, on and on throughout the centuries.

Its precepts have never been written down, or printed, so far as we know.

It was merely a collection of maxims, axioms, and precepts, which were nonunderstandable to outsiders, but which were readily understood by students, after the axioms, maxims, and precepts had been explained and exemplified by the Hermetic Initiates to their Neophytes. These teachings really constituted the basic principles of “The Art of Hermetic Alchemy,” which, contrary to the general belief, dealt in the mastery of Mental Forces, rather than Material Elements-the Transmutation of one kind of Mental Vibrations into others, instead of the changing of one kind of metal into another. The legends of the “Philosopher’s Stone” which would turn base metal into Gold, was an allegory relating to Hermetic Philosophy, readily understood by all students of true Hermeticism.

In this little book, of which this is the First Lesson, we invite our students to examine into the Hermetic Teachings, as set forth in THE KYBALION, and as explained by ourselves, humble students of the Teachings, who, while bearing the title of Initiates, are still students at the feet of HERMES, the Master. We herein give you many of the maxims, axioms and precepts of THE KYBALION, accompanied by explanations and illustrations which we deem likely to render the teachings more easily comprehended by the modern student, particularly as the original text is purposely veiled in obscure terms.

The original maxims, axioms, and precepts of THE KYBALION are printed herein, in italics, the proper credit being given. Our own work is printed in the regular way, in the body of the work. We trust that the many students to whom we now offer this little work will derive as much benefit from the study of its pages as have the many who have gone on before, treading the same Path to Mastery throughout the centuries that have passed since the times of HERMES TRISMEGISTUS--the Master of Masters--the Great-Great. In the words of “THE KYBALION”: “Where fall the footsteps of the Master, the ears of those ready for his Teaching open wide.”--The Kybalion.

“When the ears of the student are ready to hear, then cometh the lips to fill them with Wisdom.”--The Kybalion.

So that according to the Teachings, the passage of this book to those ready for the instruction will attract the attention of such as are prepared to receive the Teaching. And, likewise, when the pupil is ready to receive the truth, then will this little book come to him, or her. Such is The Law. The Hermetic Principle of Cause and Effect, in its aspect of The Law of Attraction, will bring lips and ear together--pupil and book in company. So mote it be!

Page 10

Master Craftsman III Now Available T

he Scottish Rite Master Craftsman: Symbolic Lodge course 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).

A

lbert Pike`s book, Esoterika: The Symbolism of the Blue Degrees of Freemasonry, along with Arturo de Hoyos`s Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide will be used to demonstrate a rational and philosophical interpretation for much of what is found in Craft Masonry.

A

s with the other courses in the Master Craftsman Education Series, this course is a by-mail correspondence course that can be taken individually or with others in a group setting. The course consists of 7 quizzes, after completion of which the participant will receive a certificate and a lapel pin.

T

he Valley office has a few copies on hand for those who are interested. You may also purchase the program and book (Pike’s Esoterika is required) from the Supreme Council’s web store.

New Master Craftsman

The Valley of Seattle would like to congratulate and recognize the members below for completion of the Master Craftsman I program. These members have worked hard on the completion of the six required quizzes.

Dantes LaHens, 32° Tomas T. Aquino, 32° The Valley of Seattle would like to congratulate and recognize the members below for completion of the Master Craftsman II program. These members have worked hard on the completion of the required essays.

Brian C. Thomas, 32° KCCH Tomas Lamb, 32° KCCH

XIX° GRAND PONTIFF

Page 11

T

he true Mason labors for the benefit of those who are to come after him, and for the advancement and improvement of his race. That is a poor ambition which contents itself within the limits of a single life. All men who deserve to live, desire to survive their funerals, and to live afterward in the good that they have done mankind, rather than in the fading characters written in men’s memories. Most men desire to leave some work behind them that may outlast their own day and brief generation. That is an instinctive impulse, given by God, and often found in the rudest human heart; the surest proof of the soul’s immortality, and of the fundamental difference between man and the wisest brutes. To plant the trees that, after we are dead, shall shelter our children, is as natural as to love the shade of those our fathers planted. The rudest unlettered husbandman, painfully conscious of his own inferiority, the poorest widowed mother, giving her life-blood to those who pay only for the work of her needle, will toil and stint themselves to educate their child, that he may take a higher station in the world than they;—and of such are the world’s greatest benefactors.

I

n his influences that survive him, man becomes immortal, before the general resurrection. The Spartan mother, who, giving her son his shield, said, “WITH IT, OR UPON IT!” afterward shared the government of Lacedæmon with the legislation of Lycurgus; for she too made a law, that lived after her; and she inspired the Spartan soldiery that afterward demolished the walls of Athens, and aided Alexander to conquer the Orient. The widow who gave Marion the fiery arrows to burn her own house, that it might no longer shelter the enemies of her infant country, the house where she had lain upon her husband’s bosom, and where her children had been born, legislated more effectually for her State than Locke or Shaftesbury, or than many a Legislature has done, since that State won its freedom.

I

t was of slight importance to the Kings of Egypt and the Monarchs of Assyria and Phœnicia, that the son of a Jewish woman, a foundling, adopted by the daughter of Sesostris Ramses, slew an Egyptian that oppressed a Hebrew slave, and fled into the desert, to remain there forty years.

But Moses, who might otherwise have become Regent of Lower Egypt, known to us only by a tablet on a tomb or monument, became the deliverer of the Jews, and led them forth from Egypt to the frontiers of Palestine, and made for them a law, out of which grew the Christian faith; and so has shaped the destinies of the world. He and the old Roman lawyers, with Alfred of England, the Saxon Thanes and Norman Barons, the old judges and chancellors, and the makers of the canons, lost in the mists and shadows of the Past,—these are our legislators; and we obey the laws that they enacted. - Albert Pike, Morals & Dogma of the A&ASR

Page 12

Qabalah 101

CHOKMAH, THE SECOND SEPHIRAH Every phase of evolution commences by being in a state of unstable force and proceeds through organisation to equilibrium. Equilibrium having been achieved, no further development is possible without once more oversetting the stability and passing through a phase of contending forces. As we have already seen, Kethet is the Point formulated in the Void. According to Euclid’s definition, a point has position but no dimensions. If, however, a point may be conceived of as extending through space, it becomes a line. The nature of the organisation and evolution of the Three Supernals is so remote from our experience that we can only conceive of them symbolically; but if we conceive of the Primordial Point which is Kether as being extended into the line which is Chokmah, we shall have as adequate a symbolic representation as we may hope to achieve at our present state of understanding.

This forth-flowing energy, represented by the straight line or the uplifted rod of power) is essentially dynamic.

It is, in fact, the primary dynamism, for we cannot conceive the crystallisation of Kether in space as a dynamic process; it partakes rather of a staticism-of the limiting of the formless and free in the bonds of form, tenuous as that form may be in our eyes.

The limits of the organisation of such a form having been reached, the ever-inflowing force of the Unmanifest transcends its limitations, demanding fresh modes of development, establishing fresh relationships and stresses. It is this out-driving of unorganised, uncompensated force which is Chokmab, and because Chokmah is a dynamic Sephirah, ever out-flowing in boundless energy, we do well to look upon it as a channel for the passage of force rather than a receptable for the storage of force.

Chokmah is not an organising Sephirah, but it is the Great Stimulator of the Universe. It is from Chokmah that Binah, the Third Sephirah, receives its influx of emanation, and Binah is the first of the organising, stabilising Sephiroth. It is not possible to understand either of the paired Sephiroth without considering its mate; therefore in order to understand Chokmah we shall have to say something about Binah. Let it be noted, then, that Binah is assigned to the planet Saturn and is called the Superior Mother.

In Binah and Chokmah we have the archetypal Positive and Negative; the primordial Maleness and Femaleness, established while “countenance beheld not countenance” and manifestation was incipient. It is from these primary Pairs of Opposites that the Pillars of the Universe spring, between which is woven the web of Manifestation.

6. As we have already noted, the Tree of Life is a diagram matic representation of me Universe on which the positive and negative, male and female aspects are represented by the two flanking Pillars of Mercy and Severity. It may seem strange to uninstructed thought that the title of Mercy should be given to the male or positive Pillar, and that of Severity to the female Pillar; but when it is realised that the dynamic male type of force is the stimulator of upbuilding and evolution, and that the female type of force is the builder of forms, it will be seen that the nomenclature is apt; for form, although it is the builder and organiser, is also the limiter; each form that is built must in turn be outgrown, lose its usefulness, and so become a hindrance to evolving life, and therefore the bringerin of dissolution and decay, which lead on to death. The Father is the Giver of life; but the Mother is the Giver of death, because her womb is the gate of ingress to matter, and through her life is ensouled in form, and no form can be either infinite or eternal. Death is implicit in birth.

It is between these two polarising aspects of manifestation-the Supernal Father and the Supernal Mother-that the web of Life is woven; souls going back and forth between them like a weaver’s shuttle. In our individual lives, in our physiological rhythms, and in the history of the rise and rall of nations, we observe the same rhythmic periodicity.

In these; the first paired Sephiroth, we have the key to sex-the pair of biological opposites, maleness and femaleness. But the pairing of opposites does not only occur in type, it also occurs in time, and we have alternating epochs in our lives, in our physiological processes, and in the history of nations, during which activity and passivity, construction and destruction alternately prevail; the knowledge of the periodicity of these cycles is part of the secret, guarded, ancient wisdom of the initiates, and is worked out astrologically and Qabalistically.

The Magical Image of Chokmah and the symbols assigned toit bear out this idea. The Magical Image is that of a bearded male, bearded to indicate maturity; the father who has proved his manhood, not the untried virgin male.

Page 13 The symbolic language speaks plainly, and the lingam of the Hindus and the phallus of the Greeks are the male generative organ in their respective tongues. The standing-stone, the tower, and the uplifted rod all signify the same virile member at its most potent.

It must not be thought, however, that Chokmah is a phallic or sexual symbol and nothing else. It is primarily a dynamic or positive symbol, for maleness is a form of dynamic force, just as femaleness is a form of static, latent, or potential force, inert till stimulus be given. The whole is greater than the part, and Chokmah and Binah are wholes of which sex is a part. In understanding the relationship which sex has to polarising force as a whole, we find the key to the right understanding of sex, and we can assess against a cosmic standard the teachings of psychology and morality relating thereto. We can also see how it comes about that the subconscious mind of man can represent the sexes by so many and such diverse symbols, as the Freudians aver; and why sublimation of the sexual instinct is possible, as the moralists aver. Manifestation, then, is sexual insomuch as it takes place always in terms of the pairs of opposites; and sex is cosmic and spiritual because it has its roots in the Three Supernals. We must learn not to dissociate the airy flower from the earthy root, for the flower that is cut off from its root fades, and its seeds are barren; whereas the root, secure in mother earth, can produce flower after flower and bring their fruit to maturity. Nature is greater and truer than conventional morality, which is often nothing but taboo and totemism.

Happy the people whose morality embodies Nature’s laws, for they shall lead har monious lives and increase and multiply and possess the earth. Unhappy the people whose morality is a savage system of taboos designed to propitiate an imaginary Moloch of a deity, for they shall be sterile and sinful. Equally unhappy the people whose morality outrages the sanctity of natural process and in plucking the flower has no regard for the fruit, for they shall be diseased of body and corrupt of estate.

In Chokmah, then, we must see both the creative Word which said “Let there be light,” and the lingam of Siva and the phallus adored by the Bacchantes. We must learn to recognise dynamic force, and revere it wherever we see it, for its God-name is Jehovah Tetragrammaton. We see it in the spread tail of the peacock and the iridescence of the neck of the dove; but we also hear it in the yowl of the tom-cat and smell it in the stench of the he-goat. Likewise we meet it in the colonising adventurers of the most virile epochs of our history, notably those of Elizabeth and Victoria-both women! We see it again in the man diligent in his toil, strenuous in his profession, in order that his home may be provided for. All these are types of Chokmah, whose additional titles are Abba-Father. In all these manifestations let us see the father, the giver of life to the unborn as well as the male lusting after its mate; thus we shall get a truer perspective in matters of sex. The Victorian attitude, in its reaction against Restoration grossness, practically arrived at the standard of the most primitive tribes, who, travellers tell us, do not associate the union of the sexes with the production of offspring.

The colour of Chokmah is said to be grey; in its higher aspects, pearl-grey, iridescent. In this we see the veiling of the pure white light of Kether descending in its path of emanation towards Binah, whose colour is black.

13. The Mundane Chakra, or direct physical manifestation of Chokmah, is said to be the Zodiac, called in Hebrew Mazloth. We thus see that the ancient rabbis rightly understood the process of the evolution of our solar system.

14. The Yetziratic Text assigned to Chokmah is, as usual, exceedingly obscure in its wording; nevertheless we can gather from it certain illuminating hints. The Second Path, as it denominates Chokmah, it calls the Illuminating Intelligence. We have already referred to the creative Word which said “Let there be light.” Among the symbols assigned to Chokmah in “777” (Mathers-Crowley system) is that of the Inner Robe of Glory, a gnostic term. These two ideas, taken together, lead on the imagination to the idea of the ensouling life, the illuminating spirit. It is the male force that implants the fecundating spark in the passive ovum on all planes and transforms its inert latency into the active up-building of growth and evolution. It is the dynamic force of life, which is spirit, that ensouls the clay of physical form and constitutes the Inner Robe of Glory that is worn by all beings in whom is the breath of life. Force embodied in form, and form ensouled by force, is signified by the Illuminating Intelligence and the Jnner Robe of Glory.

The Yetziratic Text also calls Chokmah the Crown of Creation, thus implying that, like Kether, it is overshadowing and external to, rather than imminent and absorbed in, the manifested Universe. Actually it is the virile force of Chokmab which gives the impulse to manifestation, and thus is prior to manifestation itselŁ The Voice of the Logos was crying “Let there be light” long ere the waters were separated from the waters and the firmament appeared. This idea is further borne out in the phrase of the Yetziratic Text which speaks of Chokmah as the Splendour of Unity, equalling it, thus clearly indicating its affinity to Kether, Unity, rather than to the planes of dualistic form. The word splendour, as used here, clearly indicates an emanation, or shining forth, and teaches us to think of Chokmah as the emanating influence of pure being rather than as a thing in itself. This again leads us on to a truer apprehension of sex. Let it be made quite clear, however, that the sphere of Chokmah has nothing to do with fertility cults as such, save that maleness, dynamic force, is the primary life-giver and caller into manifestation.

Page 14

School of the Ancient Rite

I

n February 2014, we will be starting up the School of the Ancient Rite (SOTAR). This is an open forum designed to allow members and guests to explore the depths of esoteric thought and knowledge in an open and relaxing atmosphere. All will be encouraged to attend to learn and talk about subjects in an open and inviting way..

F

or more information or to simply ask a question about SOTAR, please contact the Director of SOTAR, Dantes LaHens (dlahens@outlook.com) or the General Secretary (secretary@seattle-scottishrite.org). “The study of the ancient religions is of such vast proportions, that were one able to devote his entire lifetime to it, he could not hope to complete it. The worship of the sun and its planets, with more or less variations, was the most prevalent, although originally the planets, as well as fire, light and heat, were but symbols or rather the outward manifestations of the Supreme Being or Intellect. Almost every heathen nation, or at least all of whose mythology we have any knowledge, believed in one supreme God, whose name was never uttered. All rites and creeds, the evolution of some one or more of these ancient beliefs, have come down to us, sometimes purified by experience and added wisdom, but often a distorted vision has made what was once pure gold nothing but dross. This Degree especially was the real belief of our first Brethren, who lived long before the Pyramids of Egypt or the first Babylon� - Twenty Seventh Degree, Knight of the Sun.

Page 15

Messages Lodge of Sorrow Our brethren lie before us, overtaken by that relentless fate which, sooner or later, is to overtake us all..

Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit Jeff Bartow Jim Cox Le Roy Eagon Hiram Gibson Sven William Halgren Robert J. Hughes Reid Kinne James F. Miller Dave Symington

9/30/2013 2/15/2013 8/16/2013 6/28/2013 9/15/2013 9/15/2013 9/23/2013 7/01/2013 10/2/2013

Happy Birthday!

Congratulations from all your Scottish Rite brethren to our members who have reached a very important birthday!

Arthur Shipe 11/6/1919 Walter Somers 11/3/1920 Peter Southas 11/1/1921 Wilbur Otwell 11/4/1921 Earl Conom 11/21/1921 Joe Gruber 11/24/1921 Edward Billodue 11/15/1923 RichardSpeidel 11/27/1923 Joseph David 12/1/1913 Kenneth Heggen 12/9/1914 Frank Piskur 12/28/1916 Paul Russom 12/2/1918 RobertHerrington 12/13/1919 Joseph Haleva 12/19/1919 Eugene Pettler 12/21/1920 Edward Kenny 12/25/1920

Jackson Davis John Majnarich Bert Butterworth Albert Levinski Wesley Leedy Charles King Robert Payne Walter Russell

12/9/1921 12/18/1921 12/31/1922 12/6/1923 12/13/1923 12/14/1923 12/27/1923 12/31/1923

Page 16 Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 1207 N 152nd Street Seattle, WA 98133

Periodicals Postage Paid USPS 485-660

Schedule of Events

November 2013

Saturday Nov 2nd, Saturday Nov 16th, Saturday Nov 16th, Tuesday Nov 19th, Saturday Nov 23rd,

www.seattlescottishrite.org

9:00 am 1:00 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:00 pm

Executive Council (32째 practice at 11:00) 32째 - Candidates arrive at 11:00 am degree at 1:00 pm Cigar Night (ask Secretary for details) Stated Meeting (Red, White & Blue, election of officers, 2014 budget) St. Andrews Celebration (RSVP required)

6:30 pm

Annual Holiday Party (Family welcome, gifts for children)

December 2013 Tuesday Dec 10th,

Happy Holidays from Seattle Scottish Rite