Way of the Hermit

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In this episode, the rich symbolism and rituals of the "Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew" degree in Freemasonry are explored in depth. The Saint Andrew’s Cross, an equal-armed x-shaped cross, is identified as the main symbol of the degree, with its presence in the ritual spac...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In the episode, the exploration of light and darkness as primary metaphors in "The Mysteries" is revisited, with a deep dive into the symbolic significance of these elements across various religious and mythological contexts. The unity underlying apparent dualities is emphas...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In the episode, the depth and complexity of the 28th Degree - Knight of the Sun are explored, revealing its position as a distillation of the entire Scottish Rite system. The discussion begins with Albert Pike's Christian interpretation of the Blue Lodge Degrees, which symbolizes...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In the episode, a comprehensive examination of the "Knight of the Sun" degree's Ritual, both in its original and revised forms, is undertaken, revealing significant philosophical and symbolic depth. The revised Ritual, simplified for modern practice, is described as fea...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In the episode, the intricate rituals and profound symbolism of the "Knight Commander of the Temple" degree are explored, revealing a ceremony steeped in historical reverence and moral testing. The degree, originating from the siege of St. Jean d'Acre, is depicted as a...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In the exploration of the third and final Degree dedicated to the Greater Mysteries, a profound journey through the symbolism and progression of the Mystery Degrees is undertaken. The discussion delves into the intricate teachings and secrets reserved for the final degree, where the g...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This episode marks a significant shift from the previous degree's focus on Jewish Mysteries, in that it delves into the teachings and traditions of Islamic mysticism, emphasizing the importance of inward purification and personal sacrifice to establish a covenant with God. The ri...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This degree is associated with the Greater Mysteries, following the "Chief of the Tabernacle" degree, and its timing is linked to the Jewish festival of Sukkot, also known as the "Feast of Tabernacles." David and Gene discuss the ritualistic aspects of the degree,...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This degree begins with a journey back to the biblical era of Moses and the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, a structure that symbolizes the universe and reflects the Hermetic principle of "As Above, So Below." This allegorical representation serves as a fou...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In this episode, Gene and David first discuss the Degree Ritual, a ceremony with roots tracing back to the Crusaders' interactions with the Druze, a mystical Islamic sect from Lebanon. This ritual, set in the Middle Ages, involves a candidate assuming the role of a Prussian Knigh...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In this episode, Gene and David delve into the 21st Degree’s dark and strange Degree Ritual, which is based on the secret medieval German tribunal, the Vehmgericht or "Holy Vehm". The Vehmgericht was an extra-legal but efficient criminal tribunal that emerged in Westphalia n...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This degree is characterized by its simplicity and focus on the fundamental principles of Masonry. The ritual involves a straightforward lecture on symbols, with an emphasis on personal interpretation rather than elaborate drama. The degree uses classic Masonic symbols such as squares...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This degree is the first in the "Council of Kadosh," a series of "Chivalric" degrees, and discuss the mystical and philosophical nature of these degrees, as well as the meaning of the term "Kadosh," a Hebrew word often translated as "holy" but m...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This episode delves into the capstone Degree of the "Chapter of Rose Croix", which  reveals the "Secret of the Reconciliation of Opposites". David and Gene discuss the three "apartments" or scenes that the candidate is taken through in the "Ritual of...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . The ritual of the degree involves a narrative drawn from the New Testament, featuring a confrontation between King Herod II and John the Baptist, symbolizing the dangers of pride and sin, and emphasizing spiritual aspirations over worldly gains. The purpose of the degree is highlighte...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This episode explores the mythological and historical context of the "Prince of Jerusalem" degree, which begins with  the story of Zerubbabel, a direct descendant of David and Solomon, who is entrusted by God to return the "holy fire" to the new temple in Jerusalem...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com .  This is the first degree of the "Chapter of Rose Croix," which is composed of the 15th through the 18th degrees. The goal of these degrees is to reveal the solution of one of the great enigmas of Nature and the manifested world - the "Secret of the Reconciliation of Op...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This episode explores the 14th Degree of the "Lodge of Perfection" - "Perfect Elu." The episode begins with a brief recap of the Royal Arch of Solomon Degree, highlighting Enoch's efforts to preserve the "True Name of God" amidst a forewarned calamit...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In this episode, Gene and David, delve into the myth of the Royal Arch of Solomon degree, focusing on the Biblical Patriarch Enoch. In Enoch's dream, God reveals his "True Name" and shows him a vault of nine arched chambers, with the last one containing a triangular pla...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This episode discusses the 12th Degree of the Scottish Rite, exploring themes of leadership, morality, and the philosophical underpinnings of Masonic teachings. The degree ritual centers around the promotion of Adoniram to Chief Architect, symbolizing the elevation of the wise and abl...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This episode delves into the 11th Degree of the Scottish Rite, "Elu of the Twelve." It explores the symbolism of the trial and judgment of the Ruffians, highlighting the themes of truth, fidelity, and moral virtues as outlined in Freemasonic teachings. The discussion also co...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This episode explores the 10th Degree of the Scottish Rite, "Elu of the Fifteen". The episode begins with a discussion of the mythological setting, where Solomon forms a group of fifteen men to bring justice to the murderers of Hiram Abiff. The episode delves into the teachi...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . In this episode, we explore the 9th Degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry -  "Elu of the Nine", and discuss its ceremonial narrative, the capture of the ruffians involved in Hiram Abiff's murder. This degree addresses the need for personal self-control, for rebukin...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This episode provides an in-depth analysis of the 8th Degree in the Scottish Rite, "Intendant of the Building." Set in the period after Hiram's death, the narrative of the degree revolves around the challenges faced in continuing the construction of King Solomon's...

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com . This podcast episode explores the 7th Degree of the Scottish Rite, "Provost and Judge," focusing on themes of judgment, fairness, and self-reflection. The narrative of the degree is set in the time of King Solomon and revolves around the characters Uriah, Naboth, and Zabud....