Just the facts

I don't know if I find it funny, or sad. Honestly, it's a little of both.

It's not a secret, many Masons of other stripes hate the 1613. That by itself is not the issue I will type about in this blog as it really isn't all that noteworthy. What is however is the basis by which many hate us is the pure sheer ignorance of what it is they claim to protect.

He is the newsflash, the 100% iron clad, stone cold fact. Everybody ready?

Freemasonry is not now, nor has it ever been a trademarked or standardized product. No one Freemason, lodge, grand lodge or any other group owns exclusive rights to it. This is not a new development , it has always been the case. Every single Masonic order or organization (at least in public) agrees on this point.

Period.

So, when someone goes on a rant regarding what is "legitimate" and what is "bogus" Freemasonry they are either:

A:) A Masonic idiot, who has no clue as to the facts.

B:) A zealot, who while they understand intellectually that they are dead wrong, would never admit it. They have a driving desire to enforce their own view of the world upon everyone they encounter. Anyone outside those lines they will either beat into submission or bully from their "scene."

C:) A Profiteer. These types realize that letting everyone know the factual truth behind Freemasonry and it's public domain status would be bad for business.

All three of these camps exist. Surely, anyone who promotes an alternative form of Freemasonry will have to endure the wrath of such individuals sooner or later.

Not a day goes by when some idiot doesn't try to pound me over the head with the "standards" of their Masonic organization. Since I don't claim to be a member of their club, why should I be compelled to live according to their rules and regulations?

On what planet does that make any sense?

So, just in case any of you are wondering. I do not care how many Masons your Grand Lodge requires to open a lodge. I don't care what your charter says. I don't care about your Masonic code. I don't care about your lineage.

Why? Because I am not a member of your club. The 1613 Nation and the lodge within the community do not care about your lodges best practices. We don't care about your requirements of regularity nor do we care about your recognition. It really is that simple. In a grey world this issue is pretty black and white.

None of you own Freemasonry so none of you have the authority to tell us what we can and cannot do. We do not answer to you.

The consequences for not subjecting ourselves to their iron heel? They don't now or will they ever recognize us as Masons.

Excuse me while I grab the Kleenex.

1613

IN LVX,
Brad

No Home for Malcontents

Many get rather jaded regarding their Masonic experience, and in many cases justifiably so. We know of more than a small handful who have been treated quite badly by their lodge, grand lodge etc. When this happens, they usually are a combination of both hurt and pissed off.

These types of emotions can serve as powerful motivation. I know, i speak from experience. There can be countless ways to vent your frustration. The avenues of eMasonry are many, while Masonic forums are in a state of decline there are still plenty out there. The blogosphere can be a home for dissatisfaction.

To make a long story short there are many ways to skin a cat.

More than a few alternatives have been founded to cater to the disenfranchised. With varying degrees of success. I'm the first to point out that an individual or group of individuals are free to do what they wish. Freemasonry is not the soul domain of any one person or group, so have at it I say. If you want to create a new lodge , grand lodge whatever to cater to the pissed off that is alright with me.

There are more than a few who would lump the 1613 into such a category, and I'm here to say that they are wrong. We are not a community based upon bad feelings for the mainstream, or any other group. Sure, some of us may have those feelings but we do not bring them into lodge with us. We do not use this type of thing as a platform.

We are a community with purpose. We exist to empower ourselves and one another through Freemasonry. We practice a spiritual science in the goal of improvement, first of ourselves and as a result our communities and with a little luck the planet we all call home.

Anger over what was done to anyone in the past can only get you so far. In order to take the next step you must take action. Those who complain about the way they are treated need to do so, but not for forever. There comes a time when energy must be kinetic to be effective.

We serve as a warm and friendly place for those of the same vision and passion. We are not here to get back at anybody. While not shrinking violets we cannot serve ourselves, our Brethren or our planet as just balls of fury. We must continue to build for ourselves and for those who come after us. This is done by the application of the Craft.

Let us not forget that.

1613

IN LVX,
Brad

No Shame

I have been accused by my ever so faithful fanboys of having "absolutely no shame." Fanboys are not often correct (they are always entertaining) but on this point I have to give credit where credit is do. They are 100% correct on this point. I am not ashamed of anything in my Masonic past, present or future. My path is just that, my chosen path and really it isn't for anyone one else to judge what is and isn't right for me.

I hope all of my readers can see what is really behind such comments. The facts are that there are people on this planet who are really pissed off at us who are not under the thumb of institutional control. They are so irritated that I choose as a free human being to embrace my freedom. The message that I promote is one of just doing that. Recognizing the gifts you have been given and taking full advantage of them.

I often get accused of stating that Post-Modern Freemasonry is the "only true way." Well, truth is you'll never be able to accuse a fanboy of being observant. I never state such a thing. In fact it would be the opposite of what Post-Modern Freemasonry is all about. Freemasonry isn't one size fits all no matter what you may run across.

No one organization owns Freemasonry and you do not have to subjugate yourself to threats and bullying behavior on your path to Masonic light. You just don't have to.

I embrace freedom and you're damned right, I'm in no way ashamed of any of it.

1613

IN LVX,
Brad

1613 Nation Introduces First HRA Chapter

2011 is shaping up to a banner year for Post-Modern Freemasonry. The Nation grows stronger with each passing day as our determined Brethren continue to prove what determined builders of pure motive and divine inspiration can accomplish. Holy Royal Arch Freemasonry is something very beautiful and unique. I never imagined in our still neonatal stage as a independent community we would be able to offer this current of Freemasonry. I am so proud that my expectations have been exceeded. Chapter St. Thomas Aquinas is located in Orlando, Florida. The Chapter is open to all 1613 Master Masons and they work in tandem with our Craft lodge in Orlando, Lodge Frederick Douglass. Chapter St. Thomas Aquinas works four degrees of Royal Arch Freemasonry.

4° Mark Master
5° Past Master
6° Most Excellent Master
7 ° Holy Royal Arch

This is a glorious and proud day for the Nation. Please join me Brethren and friends in offering sincere congratulations to our worthy Brethren. If you're a Master Mason currently in good standing within your local 1613 Nation lodge and our interested in the path of Royal Arch Freemasonry please, don't hesitate to contact Chapter Aquinas.

1613

IN LVX,

Brad

1613 Nation Welcomes new Rite of Memphis lodge in Florida

Oh how I love spring. The days are longer and gone are the endless hours of early darkness in the Pacific Northwest. I always find a new energy at this time of year.

The winter was very productive for the 1613 community, we are now seeing the seeds that where planet come into bloom. It does me great pleasure to announce to the world our newest addition to the family of Post-Modern Freemasonry - Lodge Frederick Douglass- 1613 Nation.

Named in honor of one of America's greatest hero's and fighter for the freedom of all men. That represents the attitude of the 1613 Nation perfectly. Equality and personal freedom are essential components of the 1613 platform. Lodge Frederick Douglass is lead by Worshipful Eric C. Collins. Worshipful Collins is a well known and hard working Brother who has shown through the years to walk as he talks. A veteran of Prince Hall Masonry, he brings a diverse skillset to the nation which we welcome with open arms.

I am personally very proud of these Brethren as they have shown great dedication and fortitude. It's not easy to establish a 1613 Nation lodge, the decision is one that is not appreciated by many. It shows great courage and a dedication to self sacrifice for the good of humanity. Please show these Brethren your support. When in Orlando stop on by, I'm sure they will welcome all friends and Brethren with open arms.

Lodge Frederick Douglass- 1613 Nation
4375 N. Pinehills Road #67
Orlando, FL 32808
Phone: (407) 455 8026

Support your local 1613.

IN LVX,
Brad

Light of the Rising Sun

I am proud to introduce the latest addition to the 1613 family and the growing current of Post-Modern Freemasonry. Lodge Light of the Rising Sun, located in Gifu City, Japan.

This is a very significant lodge in many ways. First, it is the premier lodge of the 1613 Nation and the pioneer ambassador for Post-Modern Freemasonry in Japan. Second, it is the very first Rite of Memphis lodge in Japan. To think that for nearly 200 years since the inception of the Rite it has never been introduced to Japan, until now. And finally, it is one of only two gender equal lodges in Japan (the other under the jurisdiction of LDH) and is the only one to actually work in Japanese.

This is a tremendous occasion. Anyone who knows me would tell you that next to Freemasonry and the occult, Japan holds the closest place in my heart. Everything Japanese has always been a passion for me. I am so excited to have Post-Modern Freemasonry represented in a magical land where tradition lives alongside rapid innovation.

Lodge Light of the Rising Sun is comprised of some awesome leadership. Worshipful Master Annie Matsunami forged her Masonic career in the quarry of LDH. She is also an active Rosicrucian and an advanced occultist. Her passion for the arts and her spirit of creativity also shine through. She is a passionate adept of the 1613 Nation and I can think of no one better suited to lead our efforts in Japan.

The lodge is dedicated to the development of open table lodges so if you are in the area contact the lodge and I am sure they will welcome friendly travellers with open arms.

Contact Details:

Worshipful Master: Annie Matsunami Annie@1613nation.org

Senior Acolyte: Ana Kowano Ana@1613nation.org

Lodge Secretary: Aalma Busaco Alma@1613nation.org

Lodge Address

23 bairin nishi machi gifu
Gifu City, Gifu 500 8116
Japan

Phone: 090 7684 2961

Skype: Annie Matsunami

1613

IN LVX,

Brad

Rockstar

I stumbled across a Martinist forum recently. On a whim I figured I would go ahead and register. After reading through and finding nothing of interest I never posted.

About a week or two went by and I thought I would check back in. Wouldn't you know it, but I was permanently banned. I guess the cadre of fanboys over at MFoL actually accomplished a goal for once. I laughed it off and went about my business.

The next thing I know I get an email from "Nathan Glover" spamming me about the improvements he made to said forum. He was quite proud of them it seems. Being that i was banned without a single contribution to the forum I wrote him back and in a gentlemanly manner asked him to stop spamming me.

This was his reply:

Sir,

It really is nothing personal, and I did not enjoy banishing you. To be quite honest, I did not want to as it goes against my ethos. However, I had to do so in order to preserve harmony. I had received complaints, and I was outnumbered by the voices of the other staff. I wish you nothing but the best, and hope that you find the light that you seek! All else is tertiary! You can be assured that you won't receive anymore emails and I deeply apologize for any anguish caused!

All the best,

Frater Ariel

Translation: I'm a big pussy and we are all terrified of you.

Of course, this left me with a deep sense of satisfaction.

It's the simple pleasures.

1613

IN LVX,
Brad