What intelligent being, what being capable of responding to a beautiful sight, can look at the jagged, silvery lunar crescent trembling in the azure sky, even through the weakest of telescopes, and not be struck by it in an intensely pleasurable way, not feel cut off from everyday life here on Earth and transported toward that first stop on celestial journeys? What thoughtful soul could look at brilliant Jupiter with its four attendant satellites, or splendid Saturn encircled by its mysterious ring, or a double star glowing scarlet and sapphire in the infinity of night, and not be filled with a sense of wonder? Yes indeed, if humankind – from humble farmers in the fields and toiling workers in the cities, to teachers, people of independent means, those who have reached the pinnacle of fame or fortune – if they knew what profound inner pleasure awaits those who gaze at the heavens, then France, nay, the whole world, would be covered with telescopes instead of bayonets, thereby promoting universal happiness and peace. – Camille Flammarion, 1880
Recent Posts
Refuge and Strength in Adversity
The idea of Freemasonry as a refuge, a haven, is of course not a new one. I have been reading an account of Freemasonry in the Yukon, in the days of the gold rush at the end of the nineteenth … Continue reading →
Tracing Boards of the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry
Tracing Boards of the Three Degrees in Craft Masonry Explained, 2nd Edition Although all Freemasons will be familiar with the Tracing Boards – painted or printed boards developed in the early years of Freemasonry which are used in Lodges to … Continue reading →
Symbols of High Resonance
It has been pointed out to me twice recently that we more often use the word ‘compasses’ in Freemasonry, than ‘compass’. The compasses, of course, are a draughtsman’s, architect’s and mathematician’s implement for describing circular figures and for delimiting objects. … Continue reading →
Hiding the Reality
Traveling around as much as I do, I am constantly being told ‘Mind the gap between the platform and the train’. The phrase became mutated in my brain into ‘Mind the gap between the pretence and the reality’, reminding me … Continue reading →
Respect of Persons
Disrespect and violence so often occupy centre stage in life today. We have had instances recently where respect appeared to be, at best, lacking, perhaps wilfully ignored. Two such instances spring to mind. First, we have had a distressing instance … Continue reading →
Rank is but the Guinea Stamp
What originally did I join Freemasonry for? Comradeship. In that, I think I have a lot in common with many an aspirant. At the time of my initiation, I had only a hazy idea about the spirituality, the esoteric side. … Continue reading →
Books by Julian Rees
