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

Interactive Project Phase 2.0 part II

Two more lodges of the 1613 Nation have had their websites restored. Lodge John Yarker, our lodge in London, England and the fifth lodge of Postmodern Freemasonry. Lodge Yarker is very dear to my heart as it is named after who I feel was the most important Freemason in history. If it weren't for the work of John Yarker the 1613 Nation would not be here.

Lodge of the Royal Tiger is located in Mumbai India. It is a very young and enthusiastic lodge that like John Yarker works the Rite of Memphis.

Both lodges are open to visitation. Please, feel free to contact them and show your support.

Lodge John Yarker

Lodge of the Royal Tiger

IN LVX,
BC

Interactive Project 2.0 Phase One

As many of you know, the Nation suffered a severe blow in the summer of 2010. A former member who also so happened to be our webmaster decided to leave the Nation without any previous discussion let alone warning. In doing so he felt it a reasonable and Masonic action to wipe clean the websites of the vast majority of our Masonic lodges.

Now, it is the 1613 position not to interfere in any way with someones destiny. If this includes doing us harm in either the short or long term due to lack of communication, or actions we cannot explain and do not understand; it is then our responsibility to accept and endure. We will not speak against such actions, we will instead embrace this persons choice to remanifest in their own way, and in that way we wish them happiness.

The after effect is not for us to restore our loss. How can one simply rebuild what what lost? Instead, we need to take this as an opportunity to improve. To make better what was, and to continue on the path of Kaizen, according to our principles.

We have chosen to do just that.

The early results have been the rebuilding of our face on the internet. Now, please keep in mind that we being a community of free sharing and limited resources and simply cannot get all of this done at once. I have decided to take on the beginning of this project myself, contributing both the funds and the time. Of course nothing will be asked in return but patience and understanding.

The websites that have rebuilt thus far have been done in the order of their lodges consecration. All of the others will follow as resources allow. In the meantime please enjoy the new sites and give these Brethren all the support you can.

Love and happiness to all of you. Cooperation, compassion and community. We, my Brethren are the pillars of the temple.

Lodge Ptah

Lodge Helios

Lodge of the Golden Fleece

IN LVX,
BC