March has been a challenging month to say the least. It has been 14 years since I last had an infant in the home and I must say, I need to get in better shape. The combination of fatigue and the normal mundane tasks have put a big lag in my Masonic duties, including this blog.
A lot has happened, much of it very good. At the same time the Nation is still very much feeling the loss of our dear Sister Shyla Capehart. A fanboy has even attempted to use her death as some type of nefarious plot on my part. I hate to even answer such twits but the facts are the facts. What we are doing in regards to those left behind by our Sisters death is what is demanded of us as Masons. If these pathetic individuals even spent a tiny amount of time reflecting upon the work of Freemasonry as they do hanging on my every word and move they wouldn't need to be reminded. Just in case you wondered, the 1613 Nation nor the MEAPRMM/GOE or any other order or community that I am associated with has ever made a "play" for cash. We never will.
With that aside we have lots of new things to announce. April will be a very busy month for us. We welcome with open arms are newest Brethren, the task that they have chosen to undertake is not an easy one. We appreciate their fortitude, enthusiasm and self sacrifice. We are helping to redefine what the Craft means to the planet in the 21st century, and these brethren will help lead the way. Much more to come in upcoming blogs.
Anyway, it's late and I have to hurry up and catch some sleep while the baby allows me to do so. In conclusion of this little post I want to thank you all for your support and patience. Please feel free to contribute to our divine work to come.
Support your local 1613.
IN LVX,
Brad Cofield
Proud to represent: 1613 Nation-Post-Modern Freemasonry International Association of Egyptian Obediences Grand Orient Egyptian (Authentic M.E.A.P.R.M.M.)
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Sorrow and the fast burn
We have a lot going on. I have lots of good things to report. Reality on the other hand has taken some of the steam out of my sails lately so please bear with me.
On February 27th, the 1613 Nation and specifically Lodge Hera lost a member. Sis, Shyla Capehart was taken from us and called to the celestial lodge in the early hours of the morning. This came as a total shock to all of us. Shyla was only 36 years of age, far too young for anyone to die. She was also a mother of five children including an infant.
I was there in November when Shyla was initiated into Lodge Hera. It was a very proud and special moment for us all as she was amongst the first initiates into the Hellenic Rite in North America. being one of the creators of the Hellenic Rite I was understandably very proud of this accomplishment. So far the pinnacle of my Masonic achievements.
This however is not the reason why Shyla will be missed so much. She was a constant source of light for all who knew her. A very accomplished magician and occultist, she dedicated her life to the divine arts and she served as a inspiration to us all. She worked hard, loved large and practice what she preached.
Words cannot describe how she will be missed.
Please remember Sis. Shyla and donate to help keep her children fed, clothed and with a roof over her head. It's the Masonic thing to do. If you are interested let me know and I will put you in touch with her family.
The devastation in japan has also cast a wide net of depression over me. The lack of sleep has made expressing myself in a positive manner very difficult.
So good readers, please put up with my seeming neglect of reporting 1613, MEAPRMM and other Post-Modern Masonic news this month. I promise I will get back in the swing of things ASAP.
1613
IN LVX,
Brad
On February 27th, the 1613 Nation and specifically Lodge Hera lost a member. Sis, Shyla Capehart was taken from us and called to the celestial lodge in the early hours of the morning. This came as a total shock to all of us. Shyla was only 36 years of age, far too young for anyone to die. She was also a mother of five children including an infant.
I was there in November when Shyla was initiated into Lodge Hera. It was a very proud and special moment for us all as she was amongst the first initiates into the Hellenic Rite in North America. being one of the creators of the Hellenic Rite I was understandably very proud of this accomplishment. So far the pinnacle of my Masonic achievements.
This however is not the reason why Shyla will be missed so much. She was a constant source of light for all who knew her. A very accomplished magician and occultist, she dedicated her life to the divine arts and she served as a inspiration to us all. She worked hard, loved large and practice what she preached.
Words cannot describe how she will be missed.
Please remember Sis. Shyla and donate to help keep her children fed, clothed and with a roof over her head. It's the Masonic thing to do. If you are interested let me know and I will put you in touch with her family.
The devastation in japan has also cast a wide net of depression over me. The lack of sleep has made expressing myself in a positive manner very difficult.
So good readers, please put up with my seeming neglect of reporting 1613, MEAPRMM and other Post-Modern Masonic news this month. I promise I will get back in the swing of things ASAP.
1613
IN LVX,
Brad
Sunday, March 6, 2011
1613 Nation: The Masonic Heterodoxy
Let me be perfectly clear. 1613 Freemasonry is dangerous. We are not in any way shape or form a "traditional" Masonic body. We in no way represent any form of Masonic "restoration." We are not interested in the romantic fantasy of "Masonic unification."
No, we are none of those things. What we represent is total 21st century Masonic heterodoxy. For those unfamiliar, Heterodoxy is defined as: a position not within the standards of orthodoxy. An example of Heterodoxy was Capernicus's theory of the Earth revolving around the sun was the height of heterodoxy during his time.
1613 Nation Freemasonry does not fit within Masonic orthodoxy. We are a community, not a Grand Lodge nor Grand Orient. We do not recognize outside authority, we do not expect to have fraternal relationships with those outside of the community. We hold the position that we get along with those who get along with us, but we do not actively seek formal relationships with other Masonic parties.
We do not respect any claims of "Exclusive Territorial Jurisdiction." We hold such a position to be totally bogus, unenforceable and a violation of personal freedom.
We do not respect the edicts of others. The fact is we see such as another violation of personal freedom.
We do not restrict the members of our community as to where they seek Masonic light. Those who do cannot be considered to be in any way philosophically compatible with us and what we seek to accomplish.
We seek to create our own standards of regularity and determine for ourselves what this means for our community. We do not in any way endorse the label of "irregular" that is used against us by the ignorant. To do so would be to endorse gross misinformation.
We do not seek outside validation or permission of any kind.
We understand and respect the cold hard fact that no one individual, organization nor group owns Freemasonry , it's symbols nor the Rites and rituals that are it's critical components. We embrace that we are full within our rights as free citizens to build how we choose to build.
With these things being laid out clearly, I feel that it is important that the potential aspirant understand fully as to what they would be getting into if they are seriously going in the direction of the 1613 Freemason.
You will be challenged to work hard in a number of key disciplines. To become the total Craftsman is the goal. This does not mean running through a ritual, doing a small test then on to the next happy hour. It means a life long commitment to not only intensive learning, but also to the perfection of the application of skills you have learned.
You will have to "think outside the box" in order to solve any challenge that arises. There is no large book where all of the answers are located. 1613 Freemasonry requires a pragmatic approach. In many ways it is the difference between being a employee and creating your own company. It's very challenging and very difficult. Not for everyone.
You'll have to have strong will and rock solid determination. Masons from the establishment will hate you, without ever knowing a single thing about you. Should you make yourself known as a 1613 Freemason, you can bet that you'll open yourself up to a lifetime of brutal attacks and attempts to bully you into submission. These can very in severity from simple harassment all the way up to death threats and your employment being threatened. Make no mistake, as a 1613 Freemason you are an activist. What you do stands as a example of personal freedom, self determination and grass roots activism. All of these represent real threats to the institutional establishment and it's profiteers. You must be prepared for the heat that our light will generate.
You'll be challenged to improve yourself in applicable ways to may your life, and your community better. We expect you to improve yourself in ways that are outside the lodge room and that will effect your life in tangible real world ways. It could be something as simple as if your lodge needs aprons, learn to sow. If you are sick and tired of living paycheck to paycheck learn the skills you need to improve the situation. Make the very best you that you can. This is part of our total remanifestation into the perfect ashlar.
You'll be a part of a worldwide community. You must be there for your Brethren as we do treat each other as an extended family. This too is also not as easy as it sounds. You really need to ask yourself if you are ready for this kind of commitment.
Really be honest with yourself.
1613
IN LVX,
Brad
No, we are none of those things. What we represent is total 21st century Masonic heterodoxy. For those unfamiliar, Heterodoxy is defined as: a position not within the standards of orthodoxy. An example of Heterodoxy was Capernicus's theory of the Earth revolving around the sun was the height of heterodoxy during his time.
1613 Nation Freemasonry does not fit within Masonic orthodoxy. We are a community, not a Grand Lodge nor Grand Orient. We do not recognize outside authority, we do not expect to have fraternal relationships with those outside of the community. We hold the position that we get along with those who get along with us, but we do not actively seek formal relationships with other Masonic parties.
We do not respect any claims of "Exclusive Territorial Jurisdiction." We hold such a position to be totally bogus, unenforceable and a violation of personal freedom.
We do not respect the edicts of others. The fact is we see such as another violation of personal freedom.
We do not restrict the members of our community as to where they seek Masonic light. Those who do cannot be considered to be in any way philosophically compatible with us and what we seek to accomplish.
We seek to create our own standards of regularity and determine for ourselves what this means for our community. We do not in any way endorse the label of "irregular" that is used against us by the ignorant. To do so would be to endorse gross misinformation.
We do not seek outside validation or permission of any kind.
We understand and respect the cold hard fact that no one individual, organization nor group owns Freemasonry , it's symbols nor the Rites and rituals that are it's critical components. We embrace that we are full within our rights as free citizens to build how we choose to build.
With these things being laid out clearly, I feel that it is important that the potential aspirant understand fully as to what they would be getting into if they are seriously going in the direction of the 1613 Freemason.
You will be challenged to work hard in a number of key disciplines. To become the total Craftsman is the goal. This does not mean running through a ritual, doing a small test then on to the next happy hour. It means a life long commitment to not only intensive learning, but also to the perfection of the application of skills you have learned.
You will have to "think outside the box" in order to solve any challenge that arises. There is no large book where all of the answers are located. 1613 Freemasonry requires a pragmatic approach. In many ways it is the difference between being a employee and creating your own company. It's very challenging and very difficult. Not for everyone.
You'll have to have strong will and rock solid determination. Masons from the establishment will hate you, without ever knowing a single thing about you. Should you make yourself known as a 1613 Freemason, you can bet that you'll open yourself up to a lifetime of brutal attacks and attempts to bully you into submission. These can very in severity from simple harassment all the way up to death threats and your employment being threatened. Make no mistake, as a 1613 Freemason you are an activist. What you do stands as a example of personal freedom, self determination and grass roots activism. All of these represent real threats to the institutional establishment and it's profiteers. You must be prepared for the heat that our light will generate.
You'll be challenged to improve yourself in applicable ways to may your life, and your community better. We expect you to improve yourself in ways that are outside the lodge room and that will effect your life in tangible real world ways. It could be something as simple as if your lodge needs aprons, learn to sow. If you are sick and tired of living paycheck to paycheck learn the skills you need to improve the situation. Make the very best you that you can. This is part of our total remanifestation into the perfect ashlar.
You'll be a part of a worldwide community. You must be there for your Brethren as we do treat each other as an extended family. This too is also not as easy as it sounds. You really need to ask yourself if you are ready for this kind of commitment.
Really be honest with yourself.
1613
IN LVX,
Brad
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Happy Birthday 1613 Nation
March 1st is an important day in the history of Post-Modern Freemasonry. It was on this day, 2010 that four lodges of Post-Modern Freemasonry ; Lodge Napoleon Bonaparte, Lodge Ptah, Lodge Hera and Lodge Helios banded together in total communal cooperation. From that day forward they would presented a united Brotherhood dedicated to freedom and the spread of Masonic activism.
Taking from other successful movements, they decided upon a euphemism that would identify all that would be united in this cause.
16 = P for Post
13= M for Modern
Thus using the universal language of math to easily identify a Post-Modern Freemason. 1613.
The manifesto was drafted, ratified and adopted as the guiding platform and principles behind the movement. The first official lodge born to this new union was consecrated. Lodge John Yarker- London, England.
And this was just the beginning.
Those first few month where filled with rapid and intense kinetic energy.By the summer of 2010 the Nation had grown to 23 lodge representing 14 countries and four continents. The current was expanding at a pace that was so kinetic, the Nation became in danger of being run over by it's own momentum.
Some who where initially enthusiastic soon found the practical life of an activist Freemason ill suited for their particular constitution. Others, where not honest with themselves and their own motivations. As a result we lost some lodges. Some good people where caught in the crossfire. Some unfortunate events where to come.
Persistence, fortitude and determination are essential characteristics of an activist. The Nation proved to be filled with such individuals. despite the barrage of attacks from a few, the Nation rebounded in spectacular fashion. In fact it quickly became so successful the Nation accomplished what previously had been though to be impossible. Both mainstream and fringe, Antient and Modern, gender exclusive and gender equal camps of Freemasonry banded together, put their differences aside and decided to concentrate on a common threat; the 1613 Nation.
The world had not seen such a group like the Nation before. Men and women, united in simple common principles and mutual ideas actually working Freemasonry in a practical way, regardless of any establishment, external validation or any institutional limitation. This was a revolution based upon the principles of remanifestation, and the empowerment of the individual to both seek the light of Freemasonry but to grow and improve through Freemasonry based upon their individual journey.
No money exchanged, no mandates nor edict, no atmosphere of fear or repression. In the place of these institutionalized static regressive ways we had shown the world what focus, freedom and self determination could do. Not what was "better" for every Freemason nor someone who was interested in the Craft, but what was better for us, and those who share our common values and goals.
What we represented was choice, truth and freedom. This is what we will always represent.
It was an amazing year 2010. The 1613 Nation became so much more than I ever could have imagined. Instead of yet another Masonic order, we have created the worlds first living, breathing and growing independent and free Masonic community. We should not underestimate the scope of this achievement. We must always seek to do what Masons should do, build upon our foundation.
1613 Freemasons, I am proud of each and every one of you. It is not easy to build something that is sustainable. It is one Hell of a feat to have built this community to not only see it's first birthday, but to come out better, bigger and stronger than before. For this you'll always have my most sincere appreciation and admiration.
On this I swear.
Happy Birthday 1613 Nation!
Cooperation, Compassion and Community! We are the pillars of the temple!
1613
IN LVX,
Brad Cofield
Taking from other successful movements, they decided upon a euphemism that would identify all that would be united in this cause.
16 = P for Post
13= M for Modern
Thus using the universal language of math to easily identify a Post-Modern Freemason. 1613.
The manifesto was drafted, ratified and adopted as the guiding platform and principles behind the movement. The first official lodge born to this new union was consecrated. Lodge John Yarker- London, England.
And this was just the beginning.
Those first few month where filled with rapid and intense kinetic energy.By the summer of 2010 the Nation had grown to 23 lodge representing 14 countries and four continents. The current was expanding at a pace that was so kinetic, the Nation became in danger of being run over by it's own momentum.
Some who where initially enthusiastic soon found the practical life of an activist Freemason ill suited for their particular constitution. Others, where not honest with themselves and their own motivations. As a result we lost some lodges. Some good people where caught in the crossfire. Some unfortunate events where to come.
Persistence, fortitude and determination are essential characteristics of an activist. The Nation proved to be filled with such individuals. despite the barrage of attacks from a few, the Nation rebounded in spectacular fashion. In fact it quickly became so successful the Nation accomplished what previously had been though to be impossible. Both mainstream and fringe, Antient and Modern, gender exclusive and gender equal camps of Freemasonry banded together, put their differences aside and decided to concentrate on a common threat; the 1613 Nation.
The world had not seen such a group like the Nation before. Men and women, united in simple common principles and mutual ideas actually working Freemasonry in a practical way, regardless of any establishment, external validation or any institutional limitation. This was a revolution based upon the principles of remanifestation, and the empowerment of the individual to both seek the light of Freemasonry but to grow and improve through Freemasonry based upon their individual journey.
No money exchanged, no mandates nor edict, no atmosphere of fear or repression. In the place of these institutionalized static regressive ways we had shown the world what focus, freedom and self determination could do. Not what was "better" for every Freemason nor someone who was interested in the Craft, but what was better for us, and those who share our common values and goals.
What we represented was choice, truth and freedom. This is what we will always represent.
It was an amazing year 2010. The 1613 Nation became so much more than I ever could have imagined. Instead of yet another Masonic order, we have created the worlds first living, breathing and growing independent and free Masonic community. We should not underestimate the scope of this achievement. We must always seek to do what Masons should do, build upon our foundation.
1613 Freemasons, I am proud of each and every one of you. It is not easy to build something that is sustainable. It is one Hell of a feat to have built this community to not only see it's first birthday, but to come out better, bigger and stronger than before. For this you'll always have my most sincere appreciation and admiration.
On this I swear.
Happy Birthday 1613 Nation!
Cooperation, Compassion and Community! We are the pillars of the temple!
1613
IN LVX,
Brad Cofield
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