Carpe diem

One of my major motivators is to help build a better planet through the free community that is the 1613 Nation. We are not an Order, not a Grand Lodge. We are something much different and far removed from these types of institutionalized constructs. We are a free and open community who share a common interest. Brought together by Brotherhood and bonded through the occult practice of our divine art.

The Nation has been designed from the very beginning, to be a free and open community where every single member and every single lodge has a clear and open voice. We value creation, we value creativity, we value the opportunity to openly challenge ourselves. We seek to eliminate all previous boundaries and barriers and unite all people who seek via our most important work and strengthened by the bond that is family.

We cannot be concerned with attempts to appeal to those who are already members of the Craft. Of course, we must always encourage free association regardless of jurisdiction.However, if we are to grow, to thrive and really change the world be need to continue to reach those who's voices have yet to be heard.

Life is improved through Freemasonry. Talent is nothing without opportunity, and we need to be the guide who makes that opportunity for change available to all.

let us always remember the simple things. The basics are the bedrock of our Craft. Let us be optimistic in our outlook. Embrace ever challenge and even opposition with great energy and enthusiasm.

Let's not be ashamed or shy away from our heterodoxical way of doing things, but instead embrace and promote our style of mind shift.

The world is changing every day, let's be a force for at least some of that change. Change of ourselves, our communities and eventually the planet.

Cooperation ,Compassion, and Community. We are the pillars of the Temple!

Seize the moment my Brethren.

1613

IN LVX,
Brad

What have you come here to do?

The first question a candidate is asked in the Rite of Misraim, arguably the most important question ever found within Freemasonry. This is what we need to always keep in perspective. Believe me when I tell you, it's far easier said than done.

Freemasonry is a personal journey. So often we find ourselves looking beyond ourselves we fail to continually ask that simple and seemingly basic question. What have we come here to do?

Really; think about it.

The answers are not always black and white. In fact I am starting to really question if they ever are and if they where would that be a good thing? I get accused a lot for "having it all figured out." I never claim any such thing, in fact the mere idea of it scares the Hell out of me. Once I had everything all figured out, just what would I continue to do?

It seems that would be a gateway to entropy.

It's been a long couple of days. Frankly, I'm pretty exhausted. A lot of work is ahead of me that in all honesty I have been putting off doing. I have others that count on me and the nature of the responsibility that I have volunteered for, so I can't complain. I really have no right to.

I'm a lucky man. I just need to remind myself to ask this simple question more often than I do. the last place I need to be is at a point of satisfaction, as that will plunge me into stasis, not a place any Post-Modern Freemason wants to be.

So, with that said let me continue in my heterodoxy. I'm here if you need me and glad to be of service. Always question, think and embrace freedom.

1613

IN LVX,
Brad

Straight to the point

Sometimes, someone comes up with something that says what needs to be said. This is one of those times.

This should apply to all people, all over the world. Know your rights, embrace freedom!

1613

IN LVX,
Brad Cofield

The Pragmatist Buffet

Pragmatist: noun

A practical, matter-of-fact way of approaching or assessing situations or of solving problems.

To me a Post-Modern Freemasonry one must be a pragmatist. The sheer nature of the opposition requires constant assessing of situations and the solving of problems. The establishment and others are violently opposed to what we do, and they actively seek to eliminate our freedom by attempts to destroy our will and conviction.

Fear leads to hatred, which then becomes a motivation. Make no mistake that these individuals are fully motivated to wipe Post-Modern Freemasonry off the face of the Earth. While, the constant cry baby behaviors are actually comical, to underestimate these deranged individuals could very well be a fatal mistake.

Freemasonry is about energy. Both positive and negative. Anyone who understands the basics of Qabalah would see where the Craft degrees fall upon the tree of life and the direct manifestation the Craft degrees represent. Take the lessons of the negative degree (EA) draw upon that energy and use it to sustain your purpose.

If you do this as a matter of habit, the negative attacks quickly turn into a positive attribute. You'll notice how the fanboys run from board to board to cry and console one another. You can actively not only predict, but actually control their behaviors. It's really powerful work.

Don't let the negativity envelope you. take a pragmatic view and use it instead to feed your fire. If you do you'll quickly find, not only are the fanboys feeding you, they are tripping over themselves to pay the bill.

1613

IN LVX,
Brad Cofield

Understanding the agenda part II

Have you ever noticed when some crazy law is proposed that totally violates your personal freedom they always use "to protect our children" as an excuse for this violation?

The current anti 1613 hysteria really reminds me of this exact same phenomena. It seems that a major complaint is that I am on the Internet. When we found a new lodge I write about it, here and on other forums and social media that I have access to. This is a point of issue for those who do not want us to exist. it seems that if we agree to "stay off the Internet" they'll agree to "leave us alone."

WTF?

They state that the unsuspecting seeker of light needs "protecting" from our "Nigerian email scam."

They have admitted that we have never solicited any funds, so how are we in anyway related to anything that does? A bad analogy, yes, I can forgive them for that. Still, what is it that people need protecting from?

Conversations?
Association ?
Mutual growth?
Free exchange of opinions and ideas?
The opportunity to live a Masonic outside of institutionalized control?

Once you step back, take off the emotional hat and actually take a look the agenda is easy to see. This is one more example of the institutionalized attempts to crush personal freedom.

Think, be aware and rely on your own judgement. None of you need a nanny to tell you what to do, how to do it or control your right to Masonic light.

Understand all options, make educated decisions based on your desires and goals. Embrace your freedom.

IN LVX,
Brad Cofield

A quick note on personal freedom

A simple truth about the age we're living in is the seeker of Masonic light has more choices available now than ever. There are plenty of options and this is in my opinion a very good thing. What works for some may not work for others, and that's all well and good. As it should be. What does scare me though are tactics designed to restrict personal freedom and I think these need some serious thought by the potential seekers.

Most Masonic organizations practice what is in my opinion a gross violation of basic human rights. The right to freedom of association and freedom of assembly. Many Masonic organizations require as a condition of membership exclusive membership. That means that you may not be a member of any other Masonic organization other than that particular one. Choose to break this "rule" and the consequence will be removal and the (at least very uncomfortable) situation of being ostracized.

Others will allow "affiliation" in another Masonic organization that they are in official relationship with. While this is better than an outright ban, this is still a severe restriction of personal freedom.

The 1613 Nation and MEAPRMM/Grand Orient Egyptian would never restrict the seeker of Masonic light. We respect the individuals rights and we fight to preserve individual freedoms.

It is up to the individual to really ask themselves, if the crowd they are about to associate with is worth the elimination of other possibilities. In my opinion, the answer would be clear. No.

Your mileage may very. Think long and hard about not only what you are getting into when you knock on the West Gate, but what you may be ask to forever give up.

IN LVX,
Brad Cofield- 1613 Nation

Oh no, a whole in the bucket

Rumor has it, that the Hellenic Rite of Freemasonry, created within the 1613 Nation; has been leaked. OH, how shocking. As if this would cause the Earth to stop spinning or the sky to fall,

Now, should this rumor turn out to be true, (I know how it would be possible) I am going to give my official reaction. I'm thrilled about it. I hope that whoever has it works it, as that is what it is for. The version of the Rite that they would have would no doubt be a early version of the Entered Apprentice degree. Different to what we do now as the Hellenic Rite was never intended to be static. Since they do not have either the Fellowcraft nor Master Mason degrees, I hope that they have used the degree they do have as a framework to build the other two. This would indeed be pretty exciting. Nothing is better than creation and applying that work.

One of the things that makes us special, at least in our opinion is that the 1613 Nation is an open source movement. Everything we do is to be freely shared. We invite continued collaboration. Changes and improvements are to be actively encouraged. We embrace the creative process on all levels.

This would include outside the community. I would never discourage this type of thing in others. It's not 1613 membership that matters, it's effecting transmutational change on a global scale. If getting their hands on a version of our Hellenic Rite is indeed a catalyst for transmutational change , the divine work is accomplished.

So, at the end of the day whatever works, works. We wish these men and women all the best. May G.A.O.T.U. bless them in all that they do and may the Goddess be present within their middle chamber.

1613

IN LVX,
BC

It is what it is

Boy, there has been a lot of pouting and shouting from fanboys lately. I find most of it kind of funny, I find all of it useful. The thing that they either refuse to see or simply cannot comprehend is that I have zero problem with their collective opinion of me. I have no problem being cast in the role of the adversary. I don't wilt like some sort of fragile flower. I can take everything they throw at me and come out just fine. I'm not new to battle, and I don't put myself in a situation where I'll loose.

The 1613 Nation wasn't founded to attract existing Masons. They aren't our targeted audience. They never have been so any condemnation from them really is misplaced. They fear a free Masonic "market" and this much is perfectly clear. They simultaneously state how insignificant I am while they scream about what a terrible person I am and that the 1613 is a fraud. Which is it? It's all funny as Hell, that's what.

Whatever the case i give them something to do, a reason to live. This is a good thing. The Nation has caused them all to sit up and take notice, this too is a good thing. The mainstream and some "fringe" Masonic groups have circled their wagons collectively against us. This is also a good thing as we have managed to do for them what they couldn't do on their own. Have a sense of collective unity.

This may appear like a negative post. While it does have negative components understand as Post-Modern Freemasons we must always be pragmatic. What we do requires energy and we need to take what comes our way, both positive and negative and use that energy to our advantage. This is all fuel for our collective fire. Conflict,misinformation and ridicule are always going to launched against us in futile attempts to break our will. That will never happen.

I remain absolutely resolute in my conviction.

The answers to most 1613 Nation questions remain where they have always been, within the Manifesto. Of course most fanboys refuse to read it as to piss and moan is so much easier.

1613

IN LVX,
BC

Leading the Lambs to Slaughter

The more and more outrageous accusations I am accused of the more amusing I tend to find it. There is one how ever that I actually find offensive, it's not the accusation really but the implication that everyone who seeks is just so stupid.

We are accused of "duping" poor innocent fools into joining the 1613 Nation. As if we have some secret powers of mind control or, despite the fact that we are open and transparent about everything. Somehow, innocents still fall into our web of deceit. It seems that many must feel that all seekers of Masonic light (other than themselves of course) are just one step above clinical retardation.

From the very beginning, even before the nation when we founded Lodge Napoleon Bonaparte, we have been clear about who we are and what we are about. You can about it in our Declaration of Sovereignty. You can read about it on our lodge FAQ. You can read about it on the What We Do Differently page. And that is just one lodge website.

On every single 1613 lodge has a page just like this one, that clearly spells out in black in white that we are independent, and not in any way related to nor recognized by the major Masonic body of the land.

Yet we are still deceiving poor souls? This leads me to conclude that those who accuse us of such things really don't have a problem with us, or how we do things. Oh no, they have contempt for the seeker themselves.

This might explain why many of the loudest fanboys have actually been inactive in Freemasonry other than to pound away on message boards with myself the usual topic of conversation. How sad of an existence to honestly believe that others are so much less than you are.

Out tenant of compassion must come into play with folks like this.

IN LVX,
BC

eMasonry Communication V 2.0

When I fist started my eMasonic journey in 2006 the landscape was far different than it is now. Masonic forums ruled the day. Along with blogs (done by the same people who dominated the forums) they served as the single solitary source of Masonic intercourse over the internet.

At first it seemed like such a variety of forums. It was all very new to me and very exciting. There seemed to be some with rather radical ideas, and others who where what I called then "traditionalists." The arguments where many and often very heated. There was always a lot of activity, over many posts per day by many different participants.

I soon found myself almost addicted to it. I found some who where willing to help me, answer my questions and help me through my unfortunate event with my mother lodge. I was very grateful for this help of course and excited to know that these "Brothers" did indeed have my back. It felt good, reassuring and nurturing in a way. I guess much like the victim of any sort of crime I grasped on to wherever I could. Looking back now I was bit too eager and my eyes where slammed firmly closed. I trusted the wrong people but all of that is for a different and perhaps a different blog.

well fast forward and I am probably the most banned Mason on the internet. Last count I have been banned from twelve Masonic forums (coincidentally 12 has always been my lucky number.) This is a fact the few who still use forums now love to beat their chests about, until you realize that 90% of the Masonic forums I have been banned from are all administered and moderated by the exact same clique of friends.

The good part is that even to this day, anytime my name is mentioned it's always the hottest topic on any Masonic forum. Always, without fail. Now there is of course a negative side to this seeing how the conversations about me always revolve on how I love to steal crack, then feed it to puppies, or other equal nonsense of a negative nature. I have grown to find it quite comic and actually a bit flattering, considering those who seem to live their lives on forums I have never met, never had a phone conversation with nor will ever have any actual interaction with. Yet, they have made me into this mythical figure. I'm not complaining.

Well, fast forward and we see the landscape has totally changed. The first forum i was ever banned from used to be the most active, LRUS. It's now a total graveyard, with any luck one to three posts per month. There is a guy who tries his damnedest to get the party going by posting the latest about the West Virgina situation and other topics like that.But it seems that for the most part others have moved on.

It's the same for pretty much all of the others. One of the most popular had a cadre of folks who where so preoccupied being my fanboys they forgot to pay for their own domain. That's a fun bit of irony.

There are a very few who have any type of active conversation. usually about the correct way to wear a Masonic ring and other totally unexciting mundane topics. To make a long story short we are now seeing the once dominant form of Masonic communication become the VHS of the web 2.0 era.

And guess what, it's a good thing.

Facebook has totally came in, and wiped the floor with outdated forms of internet communication run by the same cliques spouting the same old group think. Facebook has made it possible for real time communication, with Masons and those interested in Freemasonry from around the world. The user actually has control over who they want to talk to so no more need to endure any abuse simply because you are not a moderator or administrator of a forum or are outside the clique.

Groups and pages, including lodge pages and communities can be established and the interaction controlled. We have a general 1613 group as well as individual lodge pages. No flaming, no harassment. Everyone gets along, gives and gets respect and in general act like,,,actual adults. To make a long story short it has been a real bonanza for those of us who have taken too much crap from too many bullies over the years.

In other words, highly recommended.

I would like to give a shout out however to one Masonic forum that has stood the test of time. ran by a real Mason who lives as he types. Free from bullies, open minded , caring and true. The Chequered Pavement , run by my good friend and Brother Steve Foley. He's hated by the fanboys and he is A-OK in my book. Thank you Steve.

1613

IN LVX,
BC

1613 Nation Vistation-General Practice

I am often asked what is required to visit a 1613 Nation community lodge. While all of our lodges are independent there are basic guidelines that every lodge abides to. I am going to offer a brief outline of those requirements.

Non Masons may attend any publicly advertised 1613 event. Such as an open "table lodge." These events are designed to be both social and informative. All lodges are encouraged to have such events so that they may get to know the community and that the community may get to know them. It's a great opportunity to ask questions and to give some Masonic and Nation education to those who seek, without being too intrusive or giving out information that they are not yet in the position to know. Simply respond to the advertise event and take it from there. Keeping in line with the 1613 Manifesto all open events are free of charge and open to all.

When it comes to visitation by other Masons, here is where the Nation is different than other Masonic orders or jurisdictions. We consider all Masonic jurisdictions equally. That is that mere membership in any of them is equally irrelevant. All membership really means is that someone probably paid someone for the right to associate with a particular group of people. Membership alone is not a qualifier or character, nor of skill proficiency. In other words, keep your dues card in your wallet as it means nothing when approaching our west gates.

When a visiting Mason comes to us, they must pass examination according to the level of skill they claim to posses. Should this occur then the lodge will take a vote on weather or not the potential visitor will be admitted. Should this vote be unanimous, the visitor will be welcomed. Should the visitor fail examination, better luck next time.

Then of course there is always the option for a lodge to simply reject all visitation. They are under no mandate to admit anyone should they feel it would be detrimental to the lodge who is not a Nation member. There are a few lodges who have this policy , as is their right.

If you are interested in visiting a 1613 lodge I suggest you contact the lodge for exact clarification. What I have presented here is a rough guideline but should not be considered official policy to be followed by all 1613 Nation lodges.

1613

IN LVX,
BC

Foundations of the divine path

As 1613 Freemason, we approach the Craft as just that. A Craft, an operative force for personal (and as a result) community change. A deep change that we refer to as "remaniestation." A means to an end. To go from an ordinary human being to something that is not capable of description by mere words.

We accomplish this through ritual, and via continuing education. It is our responsibility to educate ourselves in not only the basis of our work, but from which it came. We must understand the foundation before we start adding on to the house so to speak.

In the following weeks I will be posting on the foundational arts of Qabalah, Rosicrucianism and Hermetics. It is our sincere belief that our Freemasonry is not simply a fraternity, social club or charitable organization, but rather a divine path. It owes it's existence to the other cosmologies that have not only come before, but have lent themselves to the creation of the very Craft itself.

I deeply appreciate all of the support. The goal for 2011 is to both educate others and learn from them. There is so much more to what we do than meets the eye, I know that it is my responsibility to help make this known to all who seek deeper knowledge.

1613

IN LVX,
BC

Understanding the art of the agenda- Part One

Agen-da

1.): an underlying often ideological plan or program agenda>

I have to admit, I find human motivations fascinating. I have come to learn that no action undertaken by man comes without a distinct motivation. The consumer market floods me with images and enticements so that I may contribute to the bottom line. The Mormon who knocks on my door so that he may eventually convert me to his way to eternal life. The real estate agents drives a BMW to convey confidence and success.

The same holds true for the Masonic community. Everyone has an opinion about everyone else, and they all have their motivations. A specific agenda is always there, even if you don't know it.

The same is true with the 1613 Nation. The difference is that we, unlike many others are open and clear about our motivations and agenda. They are outlined by the 1613 Manifesto, in plain language and easy to understand. We state on all of our web pages who we are, what we do and what to expect. It all seems pretty simple to understand.

So what's the big deal?

Well, we have a lot of misinformation out there about us. This too, is also because of distinct motivations and specific agendas. It's pretty easy to spot once you know what you're looking for.

The first agenda, is one that is very popular. Some rather famous names in the mainstream Masonic community have been paying us a high amount of attention. Many have resorted to utter fabrication, in order to make us look, as a community below ethical.

Ask yourselves, what's the motivation? What is the specific agenda? To answer this look at the basic blood of the world, simple economics. many of these men either directly or indirectly make their living off of mainstream Freemasonry. Books, television appearances, speaking engagements etc. all amount to a pretty nice source of income. I fully understand this agenda and I have some respect for it. For these men (and some women) have found for them not only what they enjoy, but they can make their living from it as well. That's the American dream, the best of both worlds.

What we, the 1613 Nation propose is very dangerous to these individuals. We run on an agenda of personal empowerment and freedom. We intentionally show no respect for their authority. We pay no attention to their rules and restrictions because we know as we are not members of their organizations they have no authority over us. Freemasonry is no more owned by them as is owned by us. Freemasonry is just that; free. We make this part of our mission statement. We charge no dues, no fees, no tributes. We don't play on doing so anytime soon. We've eliminated both an economic motivation and the motivation of societal status from our platform.

When we put on our pragmatic glasses and look at the real situation, even though tiny and neonatal, the 1613 Nation and friends of it are very dangerous to the status quo. The motivation that is one of economics and social status is very understandable, and from where they sit totally understandable.

The more dangerous motivational agenda that really deserves no respect is the agenda of the institutionalised mind. We will examine that one in depth in my next installment.

1613.

IN LVX,
BC

The One True Key

Short, sweet and to the point. This is it folks, the foundation of it all. If you do not have a basic understanding of this, learn. You cannot be a true Freemason (Craftsmen) without it. It's that important.

IN LVX,
BC

A Magickal Day at Lodge Hera

Today something amazing occurred. In a simple room,draped in dark green, a picture of Hera hanged in the East, the square, compass, rule and peacock feather atop the alter; a member of the Hellenic cult, received her raise in wages.

The first Fellowcraft degree of the Hellenic Rite to occur in the USA. The officers dressed in their ceremonial garments, aprons and collars. The music of the occasion played softly in the background. the energy was raised as the candidate was lead skillfully around the middle chamber.

People often ask "why 1613?" Well, today is why. A new ritual, from a simple idea to a leaving and breathing member of the royal art. I have never been as proud of my path, never as resolute in my convictions.

IN LVX,
BC

Membership Reality Check

The Masonic community is really a strange thing indeed. Often, you get members of specific jurisdictions who believe (honestly) that the criteria for membership in their jurisdiction blindly applies as some sort of universal Masonic membership criteria. The fact is, this belief while often sincere is totally false. No one jurisdiction, order or the like owns Freemasonry. Nor do they have any authority over anyone who is not a member under their jurisdiction. No authority at all.

So if group A has a requirement of a belief in a supreme being or that the membership be exclusively male, those requirements only apply to their own membership. Now, they may also been in fraternal relations with other jurisdictions that share those same requirements. But this is a voluntary agreement between sovereign institutions, it is not mandated by one on the other.

The 1613 Nation, while not a Grand Lodge, Grand Orient nor Supreme Council, does have it's own set of shared requirements that prospective member lodges must be in agreement with. These in no way have any effect on anyone outside the community, nor are they intended to. It should be well understood that since no one owns Freemasonry, we are within our constitutional and human rights to govern ourselves as we see fit.

This really should be the end of the confusion. The world is big enough and we are not making demands on anyone other than ourselves. Of course that would be the gentlemanly and mature way to behave. Sadly, many in the Masonic community are not gentlemen, nor are they mature. Instead they feel that it is their mission to drive everyone who does not yield to their supreme authority into a submissive state of non existence.

This type of bullying is nothing new. When one bully passes into the great beyond there soon comes another to take their place. This is the reality one must fully comprehend , understand and prepare for if they are going to join any alternative form of the Craft, especially one that promotes freedom, liberty and self determination as does the 1613.

IN LVX,
BC

Happy New Year

Wow, what a year 2010 was. We will mark it as a landmark year for Post-Modern Freemasonry. From a simple idea that grew into a single lodge two years ago, to twenty seven lodges around the world. The birth of the Masonic age of self empowerment, the 1613 Nation.

Of course, we got to see the fanboys get even more creative in their attempt to block out the sun. Some of them where admittedly pretty fabulous. I kind of became famous by being the first out of literally thousands of blog subjects to forever be immortalized on Chris Hodapp's blog page. What an honor that was. Sure, he didn't intend it that way ad he played fast and loose with the facts, but when the results are what they have been, who the Hell cares. After all, we 1613 Freemasons are a pragmatic lot by nature and over 6000 reads of this blog alone since he published his little love letter, I won't argue with the results. So, a huge thank you to Mr. Hodapp.

We got to actually see the Hellenic Rite come from idea into action with our first initiates into the Rite. Lodge Star of Minerva's Dawn initiated the first Hellenic Rite EA in April 2010. Lodge Hera followed with two initiations in September. Now, if that has to end up being the extent of my accomplishment in Freemasonry, that's a legacy I can deal with.

We saw a new interactive project take shape. 1613 Radio. Still working out the kinks but in 2011 it will be pretty awesome, you can count on that.

We had our share of tough times. We had more lodges leave the Nation than we would've liked, but the universe will do as it will. There are those for who we are not a good fit and in the end, it was better that those lodges die young, than continue to be unhappy. While we may be puzzled as to the motivation and continued actions of some, it is our duty and our obligation to wish them all the best as fellow citizens in this kingdom under Heaven.

We ended the year with new growth. We saw five new lodges including three new countries that thanks to these brave and dedicated Brethren now have 1613 Freemasonry as an alternative for those who so desire.

We saw talent show itself in the most unexpected ways. brethren, it is my honor every day to be able to work in the same quarry as you. Each and every one of you are blazing stars.

And finally, the Nation was blessed with the most wonderful news of all. We will have four new babies in 1613 families. Proof, that miracles do happen and that G.A.O.T.U. provides for those who provide for themselves.

In conclusion that you all, Brethren, friends and fanboys because you are all so important to what we do. Each a key piece to this divine work that we all must provide to the world. May bless you and yours in this new year. May your success be plentiful, and may your obstacles be met with energy and enthusiasm.

Cooperation, Compassion and Community; we are the pillars of the temple!

1613

BC