PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS RELEASE PRESS

Michael Baigent and Bob Cooper To Speak at Masonic Society Symposium

London Friday 28th and Saturday 29th May 2010

To celebrate the 350th anniversary of the Royal Society in 2010, The Masonic Society, in conjunction with Library and Museum of Freemasonry, will hold their 1st Annual Uk –Ireland Symposium in London on Friday and Saturday 28th/29th May.

On November 28th 1660, just months after the restoration of King Charles II, a select group of eminent scientist met to form ‘The Royal Society’. Their intention was to remove such limitations as language barriers in the scientific community and awaken the world to a new form of forward thinking science. This was meant to encourage the young men of the time to search for answers to many questions they had previously been afraid to ask.

Now, nearly 350 years later, another group of men met to form an organisation with the aim of researching Freemasonry: The Masonic Society

The name, deliberately chosen, alludes to the Royal Society and the visionary men, many of whom were Freemasons, who were at the forefront of the Age of Enlightenment. The Masonic Society has plans to be at the forefront of a new age of Freemasonry.

This first Symposium being held in England will have as its theme ‘The Royal Society’. The two selected speakers are well known historians:

Michael Baigent (The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception ) will present ‘Aspects of the Royal Society’ followed by questions and answers and a complimentary lunch. The second speaker Robert L D Cooper (The Masonic Magician: The Life and Death of Count Cagliostro and His Egyptian Rite , The Rosslyn Hoax ) will talk on ‘A Scottish View of the Foundation of the Royal Society’. The afternoon will end with a second session of questions and answers.

The whole day symposium will be preceded on the Friday by a private guided tour of their exhibition ‘Freemasons and the Royal Society’ (meet in the first floor lounge Freemasons Hall 4:00pm). This will be the last date of the exhibition which is being held between January 11th and May 28th 2010. The evening will end with an informal dinner and drinks at the popular Prince of Wales tavern on the corner of Great Queen Street.

The following day the symposium will move to the

Kensal Community Centre (177 Kensal Road London W10 5BJ)

where our talks for the day will be presented, each session followed by questions and answers. Delegates will be invited to a complimentary lunch. The total registration cost for the Saturday event is £ 10.00 inclusive of lunch.

The organising committee consists of Yasha Beresiner (Chairman) David Naughton-Shires (Secretary) and Martyn Greene (Treasurer)

A place at the symposium can be booked by downloading the application form at UK SymposiumWeb site

Does he ever stop?

With a hectic life as a photographer, author, speaker, and editor to name but a few of the aspects of this man it amazes me how he continues to find the time and energy to steam ahead with new projects.

With his summer publication of 'Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry' still forming the talking point in many Lodges across the world with it's alternative (and in my opinion correct) view of the Morgan Affair and the upcoming release of an in depth investigation into the formation and history Knights Hospitilar early in 2010 Stephen Dafoe has announced his next project that is sure to cause many heated conversation both within the craft and in the public realm as a whole.

How Freemasonry Saved The World And How It Can Do So Again

The text below is taken directly from the books Facebook page (which I advise joining for up to date information on what is going to be a much anticipate release.

With a pedigree and history that can be variously traced back to the medieval Templars and Hospitallers, the Egyptians, Greeks and many pre-Christian societies that cultivated and passed on arcane knowledge, Freemasonry has, in its various forms, risen time and again when the world needed it most. A tonic of reason to cure the ills of intolerance, ignorance, despotism and fanaticism, Freemasonry has - over the centuries - often been the only glimmer of light amid extended periods of darkness.

In How Freemasonry Saved the World and How It Can Do So Again, author, journalist and historian Stephen Dafoe takes the reader through Freemasonry’s rich tapestry of greatness - both recorded and unrecorded - to show how the Craft has subtly appeared time and again to save humanity from itself and to champion the oppressed. Dafoe shows that whether openly promoting democracy, education and knowledge or subconsciously transferring esoteric concepts only to be appreciated and understood by a few; Freemasonry has been the guardian and the carrier of the greatest parts of humanity from generation to generation, while staunchly opposing and fighting its worst parts.

At a time when the world is once again struggling, perhaps the most important message in Dafoe’s book is how and why Freemasonry can and must save the world yet again.

I know as soon as this book become available for pre-order the nice men and women at Amazon will be getting some (more) money from a certain man here in Ireland.

Holiday Issue is fast approching

As the Holiday season approches so does the publication date for the next issue of the Masonic Art Exchange Newsletter.

The upcoming issue has some wonderful content with an article on 18th Century Masonic Ephemera by Yasha Beresiner and an article by author of Genesis of Freemasonry David Harrison on 'The Masonic Rebellion in Liverpool'we are hoping for a Dec 15th publication date. There is just a short amount of time if you would like to submit a contribution via email for this issue

subs@masonic-ae.com

thinking of renaming ourselves the MAS

It seem that as the days go on it would be a good idea to change our name from the Masonic Art Exchange (MAE) to the McKim Appreciation Society (MAS) seriously though Stephen McKim continues from day to day to produce better and better pieces of artwork for the Masonic Community.

As the readers will hopefully know by now this months MAE Newsletter saw our lead article being on Brother McKim and some of his fantastic art then the previous post here in the blog was about some print on sale that Stephen had produced but just to show it's not about the money (which he definately deserves so do pop over and buy

a print

or a calender

but the major reason I have touched on the subject of Stephen McKims art again is because of the new addition of a fresh logo for the phoenixmasonry.org website, and it is also being used on their Facebook Page as well.

Again I say Brother McKim congratulations on raising the bar again.

Always a little fast

It seems after my last post Brother McKim went and posted a piece which was aimed just at me, I have been living here in Ireland now for over 15 years and have grown to love all things Irish (not least my family) so how could I not enjoy this Stephens latest piece .... no more words are needed just admire then go and buy.

this and more available here

McKim did it again.

For those of you who follow the BLOG, web site, forum or newsletter I think it is no secret that I am a huge Stephen McKim fan. He produces a level of artwork (both Masonic and non-Masonic which can be appreciated and loved by all. Well he gone and done it again producing another masterpiece which can be related to by every mason depicting a man approching the Alter from within a cloud of mist this is another beautiful example which is bound to find it's way onto many a masons wall. Take a bit of time to have a look through some more of his work and why not reread this months article in the MAE newsletter about this talented Brother.


buy your copy of this print here

Link To Another BLOG

It's not often I will just link to another blog but in the case of Bro. Chris Hodapp it is quite difficult not to do as his words and content are always second to non and worth sharing.
So what has lead me to do so on this occassion? I will let you read yourself but I consider this a definate move in the correct direction. Thanks for once again being one of the first to bring us the most up to date news Chris......

Jack Straw Rescinds England's Anti-Masonic Judiciary Rule

Templar Tarot: The Journey ........... available to order .... NOW

The information below is taken from Stephen Dafoes blog ( an interesting read at anytime!!) Stephen is taking a limited amount of orders for this wonderful and interesting collection (only 40 and I've already ordered one so thats now down to at the most 39 but I'd say they are going fast) ....

This expanded edition, Templar Tarot: the Journey, includes 101 cards that takes us further along the historical endeavors of the infamous Knights Templar. Unlike any other tarot deck, the Templar Tarot deck features two sets of Major Arcana cards taken from the original art of American artist Allen Chester. The significance of the art is interpreted by Stephen Dafoe, renowned Templar historian and Canadian author. Dafoe draws on his vast knowledge of the Templars and related traditions to see the mystical messages that Chester has captured in the art. As with the first edition of the Templar Tarot, this tarot deck will also be a limited edition. This is a perfect deck for those that use tarot as a meditation tool.

Stephen is taking a limited amount of orders for this wonderful and interesting collection (only 40 and I've already ordered one so thats now down to at the most 39 but I'd say they are going fast)

You can pre-order them via his web site (US and Canada only)

ORDER HERE

The Lost Symbol,an interview with Dan Brown.

An interview with Dan Brown (in 6 parts ....... make up your own mind .....

The Genesis of Freemasonry

This is an informative interview with David Harrison on the program Gardiners World in which he goes quite into depth and mentions Rosslyn, (who can mention Rosslyn without mentioning Robert L D Coopers book The Rosslyn Hoax) The Templars, the medieaval craft guilds, Dr John Dee and much more.

I found the interviewer to be just a little bias toward the idea of conspiratory theories and freemasonry being a governing body which was not democratically voted in, but found Harrisons answers to such questions clear and well informed.

His book is based on his phd at Liverpool University and just as soon as the book faries deliver a copy I will be reading it and reviewing it in the MAE newsletter.

Mystery stone found near church linked to Knights Templar

By sharing this link I am in no way agreeing this is a Templar stone (I actually feel the connection is quite weak) but just wanted to share.

A MYSTERIOUS carved stone has been uncovered alongside a 12th-century church associated with the Knights Templar.

The stone has been dated to the 12th century. Pictures: Kate Chandler

What appears to be the carved top of a sarcophagus was unearthed when builders were excavating and reinforcing a wall alongside the old ruined church in Temple, Midlothian.

But the inscriptions, which include symbols similar to those found in Viking monuments, in medieval graves and in West Highland Celtic carvings, have baffled archaeologists.



Crispin Phillips, who is renovating a house alongside The Old Parish Church, said: "I was on a mission to repair the wall – which was falling into the graveyard. We got near the bottom of the foundations and found something buried there.



"We found one stone carved with a cross and then another with these carvings on it."

PLEASE READ THE REMAINDER OF THIS REPORT HERE

Baals bridge Square

The old brass square, known as the Baal’s Bridge Square, was recovered from the foundations of Baal’s Bridge in Limerick when the bridge was being rebuilt in 1830. It is inscribed

“I will strive to live with Love and Care Upon the Level By the Square”

and bears the date, 1507.

This ancient Square, carefully treasured by Lodge 13 is recorded as being presented to Brother Michael Furnell, Provincial Grand Master, by Brother James Pain, (referred to as the Provincial Grand Architect).

In the Freemasons' Quarterly Review, 1842, p. 288, Bro. Furnell, under the date of 27th. August, 1842, printed a short note on this relic of antiquity, accompanying which is a facsimile sketch. He says that Bro. Pain, in 1830, had been contractor for re-building Baals Bridge in Limerick, and on taking down the old structure, he discovered under the foundation stone at the English town side, this old brass square, much eaten away. In the facsimile sketch, Bro, Furnell puts the date as 1517, which is a mistake, as the square bears the date 1507. A heart appears in each angle.

In the book by H. F. Berry, Assistant Keeper of the Irish Records, “The Marencourt Cup and Ancient Square.” dated 1905, Bro. Berry records that “Ball's (or Baals) Bridge is a beautiful structure, of a single arch, built in 1831, to replace an ancient bridge of the same name, which consisted of four arches, with a range of houses on its west side. The date of the erection of this ancient structure has not been ascertained, but possibly the old square, dated 1507, may have been placed, under the foundation stone in that year. In any case, Bro. Furnell informs us that the old bridge is mentioned in records of 1558.

In a most interesting and valuable paper on a " Diary of the Siege of Limerick Castle, 1642," Journal, R.S.A.I., 1904, p. 163, Mr. M. J. McEnery, M.R.I.A., reproduces a facsimile of a Map of Limerick, taken from Speed's Map of Munster, 1610, which shows the old bridge, called in the reference the Thye bridge ; also portion of the city of Limerick, cir. 1590, from Mr. T. J. Westropp's copy of a map of Limerick in the Library, Trinity College, Dublin, wherein the same bridge is shown, and called in the reference the Tide bridge.

James Pain, a distinguished architect, was born at Isleworth in 1779. He and his brother, George R, Pain, entered into partnership, subsequently settling in Ireland, where James resided in Limerick and George in Cork. They designed and built a number of churches and glebe houses. Mitchelstown Castle, the magnificent seat of the Earls of Kingston, was the largest and best of their designs. They were also architects of Cork Court-house and the County Gaol, both very striking erections, and of Dromoland Castle, the seat of Lord Inchiquin. James Pain died in Limerick 13th. December, 1877, in his 98th year, and was buried in the cathedral church of St. Mary in that city.”

A limited edition of 500 replicas in “distressed” silver, hall marked and numbered, has been struck from a mould taken from the original and each comes in a presentation box accompanied by a certificate of provenance together with a history of the artefact.

The replicas were made to commemorate the 160th Anniversary of the founding of the Provincial Grand Lodge of North Munster in 1842, and are now available to purchase. The proceeds will go towards the Masonic Centre near King John’s Castle in the old City overlooking the River Shannon and not far from where the Square was originally discovered in 1830.

The cost is €uro 195.00 including postage and packing. For your convenience they offer a secure payment link on their web site, using PayPal

BUY YOURS HERE

Issue 4 is here

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

I am delighted to let you know that the most recent issue of the MAE newsletter is available to view online and can be found by clicking here.

I  hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed preparing it. The next issue will be publish just before Christmas so I am hoping many of you will find the time to put pen to paper (fingers to keyboard) and contribute in some way.

10 Reasons to Become a Mason

OK I put my hand way up in the air and say I copied this from several brethren who had posted it on Facebook but decided it was so good I would share it on the blog, if you know someone who  is thinking of joining the Craft or you're thing of joining yourself have a read through these 10 reasons. I will say this is not a list of ALL you get from freemasonry but a very good starting point for your perusal and whilst on the subject of information I'd just like to remind you of a previous post where I mentioned Bro. Greg Stewart's great E-Book......

What is Freemasonry?

which is available for free download by clicking here

10 Reasons to Become a Mason

1. A place where you can confidently trust every person and trust your family with them also.


2. A place where, within moral and civil guidelines; free thought, free speaking and the spiritual growth of man, can grow into its fullest potential.

3. A place to meet outstanding individuals from all walks of life, that a person would not otherwise have had the opportunity to know and call brother.


4. A place to be part of an organization which has for its principal tenets – Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth.


5. A place that provides self-development opportunities, leadership training and experience, and to improve public speaking skills.


6. A place you can go to seek support as well as give it.


7. A place where moral virtues are taught and through these teachings a regular reinforcement of the moral virtues is experienced.


8. A place to spend time with a group of brothers, who by acting as good men, make me want to become a better man. Not better than others, but better than I would have otherwise been.


9. A place to become better equipped to serve Church and community.


10. A place to meet with established members of the community and to become a part of the community.

Lid lifted on history of an institution

MOST people walk past the 1950s era building on May Street in the heart of Belfast city centre without a second glance, the distinctive Masonic anvil woven into the metal of the gate a rallying point to only those in the know.

A gold plaque in memory of Henry Joy McCracken, the infamous leader of the Republican United Irishmen in Ulster, who staged a series of uprisings in the 18th century, adds further intrigue.

However, all and more was explained by the Provincial Grand Lodge Librarian of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Antrim, Robert Bashford, as he welcomed the News Letter over the threshold.

read the rest of this facinating report here

They wouldn't tell you if they ruled the world!!

this is the ending quote on this recnt CNN report titled.

FREEMASONS IN (US) CONGRESS

it seems to me Freemasonry is not as mysterious as it once was or as feared great news if you ask my humble opnion.

nothing going on!!!

I know I have been quiet lately but I've been just so busy, why I hear you all shout. I made a trip into the North of Ireland to visit with the Irish Lodge of Research which was being hosted by Ensor Lodge 625 in Loughgall Co. Antrim where I had a fantastic time.

This coming Tuesday I am taking part in a third degree in my mother Lodge then Thursday I fly over to the UK to sit in Logde in London with brethren from the Global Fraternal Network, whilst there I will be meeting with the 2nd Circle Chairmen of The Masonic Society for England and Scotland to try and arrange a seminar next March in London then at the back end of the month I am flying over to Scotland with my mother lodge for a few visits to a few lodges over there on top of this I am working a full time job, creating the lastest issue of the Masonic Art Exchange Newsletter and have just got back from the Doctor who tell me I am not actually dying but do have a nasty case of Sinusitas other than that I have all the time in the world oh and I forgot my wife who is one of the hardest working women in the known universe is taking a well deserved break in Mallorca for a week which means I also have the three children. All that said and done I am a very happy man who has a wonderful (and full) life which I enjoy with the love and support of my wife, children and family so this IS NOT complaining just an observation thats all.

a piece of music to acompany the way this month feels!

Christmas is coming

I know it's still a bit early for a header like that but it was brought to mind during a conversation with a friend during the week.

He was visiting a large town near his home and he had occasion to go into a well known department store (remember this was mid September) and he was greeted by a huge display of Christmas Trees and decorations, and to further cement the feeling through my mail box this morning came the christmas brochure of a chain of toy shops here in Ireland which my two boys and little girl grabbed with delight to start their Santa list.

Why you ask do I mention this well with the holiday season in mind I wanted to share with you a possible gift for the mason in your life.

In the upcoming issue of the MAE newsletter (published 16th October) I am delighted to say we will be featuring an article written by a Brother from Indiana called Carson Smith ( a name I am sure is familiar to many) he has shared with us a wonderful story about his good friend and a man who is equaliy well known in masonic and artistic circles Brother Stephen McKim.

I don't believe there are many members of the Craft who have not at one time or another come across the fantastic work of B:. Stephen. I am delighted to share Stephen has just made availble to buy through the lulu site his 2010 calender which he has called 'A Masonic Journey' you can have a look see at the artwork before buying but at the price he is asking (and believe me when I say it will go NO WHERE near to cover the amount of hours he would have put in) I think it is an ideal gift for a friend who appreciated good art when they see it mason or not.

Don't believe me just CLICK HERE to go and have a look yourself

I wasn't there

Quite a strange thing to blog about is the release of a book which I did not attend and have not (yet) read, but I have my reasons.

To date I have read many of Robert L Coopers books and have really enjoyed each one and I know via a friend his most recent book which is written in conguncture with Pippa Faulks (author of the brilliant The Freemasons Wife which I have read and do recommend) is a great read.

Telling the 'story'of the life and death of Count Cagliostro and the Egyption Rite. The book was officially release at the premises of Toye, Kenning and Spencer, Great Queen Street, London on Tuesday, 16th September. But has been available for a while. Judging by the previous records of these two authors I would hazard a recommendeation but would love to hear from those of you who have already read this tome  I will be visiting Edinburgh in October so will be buying my copy then so I can get Bob Cooper to sign it for me go on go out and buy it I think it will be worth it.....

UGLE web site

I know it's been around a couple of weeks but I wanted to have time to form an opinion of the UGLE web site, and I have concluded the following.

There is no denying that it is much prettier than the last, it has advanced it's look about a good 20 years however unfortunately I am finding it a bit harder to navigate wether this is because I had got used to the previous one or that it is genuenly more difficult to surf through remains to be seen.

I have to date been unable to find one of the resources I had used it extensivly for; which was the Lodge finder.

I question have they sacrificed funtionality for design....

.....on a positive note the inclusion of a video library is great as is the downloadable brochure and really like the openess of the inclusion of The Book of Constitutions.

I'll leave it up to you to form an opinion however they rae at least moving forward well done UGLE.

Ooops seems I was wrong

After months nearly years of wondering what will transpire in Dan Browns newest book 'The Lost Symbol' '(originally entitled The Solomon Key') it seems rather than being thriller based on the despicable Freemasons in the style of his anti-opus dei book 'Angels and Demons' it is actually pro-masonic.

How red faced am I!

I prepared myself for a barrage of negative comments and questions asking me if we really did that and and here I am getting the odd comment (when anyone even mentions it) of 'hey those masons seem quite a nice bunch' and ' hah I really don't believe you drink blood from skulls' so all in all the book I have been fearfully anticipating for so long really isn't all that bad.

As for Browns writing style that is up to personal interpritation. So I'd like to say 'sorry Mr Brown' for judging a book by it's cover and will enjoy reading 'The Lost Symbol' again.

In an earlier blog ( New website check it out ) I pointed you in the direction of a new web site 'The |Lost Symbol and Freemasonmry'  set up to answer the 'incorrect' portions of Dan Browns book, now there will be less I still think this wil be a fantastic resource to answer the many questions that will still be raised by the book and also make sure you download the FREE E-BOOK 'What is Freenasonry?' which will also be a great resource to have in the coming months are I still expect a huge influx of men asking that very question...

"What is Freemasonry?"

TIME: a positive piece

With all the interest in Dan Browns Book ( I got mine today and will do a small review in a few days if I can stop myself falling asleep each time I open it's pages) TIME online have interviewed author Jay Kinney about his upcoming book 'The Masonic Myth'

In the interview which accompanied by a bright positive pictuire of Freemasons in regalia hand in hand in a stance of fellowship, Kinney asnwers are clear and informative and totally unsecetarative. It touches on the Morgan Affair and his own initiation into the Craft. I won't repeat the interview because you can pop over to TIME to read it which I advise you to do.....

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1923149,00.html

The Masonic Society : An Odessey

This morning I took delivery of the most recent issue of the Journal of the masonic Society, and also renewed my membership for a second year. I believe this is a subscription fee well spent and would recommend any to join.

The cover features a Dutch engravingshowing Jerusalem and Solomons temple by an artist called Christian Van Adrichomd who lived from 1533 until1585.

Amounst the many great articles is one which grasped my imagination written by Kenneth W Davis of Indianapolis, Indiana, entitled........

'Brother Bloom, The Most Influential Mason Who Never Lived'.

A wonderfully written examination of the masonic links of the protaganist, Leopauld Bloom, from James Joyces masterpiece 'Ulysses' it has encouraged me to reach onto my bookshelf and dust off my copy to read it once again, if you are not already a member of the Masonic Society you should join now by heading here.

Why not take a few moments to listen to a few words from his materpiece from the man himself......

Join The Masonic Society today

The Lost Symbol - LA Times review

Well here it is the first review of the much anticipate 'The Lost Symbol' beware there are spoilers .... read the review at your own peril.

Read the LA Times review

What is Freemasonry – Free ebook

Download your copy of What is Freemasonry?

The talented guys at Freemasoninformation.com have produced a fantastic resource for everyone out there Mason or non-mason who has unanswered questions about Freemasonry, this brilliant book is the perfect springboard into further research of the Craft. When I requested the right to assit with the distribution of this masterpiece the editor informed me that .....

"While some want to try and answer the questions of the Dan Brown book, I'd rather answer the "what is Freemasonry" question so as to not mix the two, which is the driver on this."

With the release of Dan Brown’s book “The Lost Symbol” and the questions it will raise about the modern day fraternity, Stewert tells us...

 "the goal of this e-book is to make available some of the lesser discussed details of the contemporary fraternity."

Answering questions such as 'Why does Freemasonry not admit women?' and 'What is the Lodge experience like?' it is a must read for everyone. I for one would like to join the chorus of fans and say well done B:. Greg Stewart, not only has he produced a book crammed full of information but he has done a wonderful job of the design as well.

When forming the Masonic Art Exchange it was in the hope I could assit the craft to move in the direction where the standard of publications are more like this and here is one which most definately does not need help and should be used as an example for all.

Being a great fan of technology (if not too good a user) one of the greatest advantages of this is e-book is the fact it is available within minutes of recommendation why not print out a few cards with the address so when family, friends or work collegue ask you "What is freemasonry?"n direct them to this tome. you can direct them to this tome.

Please make sure you go along and see the great work they are doing at Freemasoninformation.com

just for fun I have put together a sheet of slips which you could print out and keep with for when you want to direct an enquiry to this book.

download your slips here

George Washington Masonic Memorial on MNBC

Leading up to Dan Brown's interview with Matt Lauer on Tuesday's Today show they have been presenting video 'clues' to places mentioned in his new book 'The Lost Symbol' this is the final one before it's release.....

remeber to check into the new web site http://www.freemasonlostsymbol.com/

Temples and Tattooed men

As promised this morning I woke, got dressed and took a stroll down to my local paper shop, (actually I drove) and picked up a copy of the Mail On Sunday......

“The initiate raised the skull to his mouth and his lips touched dry bone.”

...today the Mail On Sunday printed the Prologue and first two chapters of the much anticipated continuing adventures of Harvard Professor Robert Langdon.

The article and novel opens with the FACT.

In 1991, a document was locked in the safe of the director of the CIA. The document is still there today. Its cryptic text includes references to an ancient portal and an unknown location underground. The document also contains the phrase: ‘it’s out there somewhere.’

All organisations in this novel exist, including the Freemasons, the Invisible College, the Office of Security, the SMSC, and the Institute of Nordic Sciences.

All rituals, science, artwork, and monuments in this novel are real.

--------------

The Prologue takes us into an opening scene of an initiation in the House of the Temple. Describing the room as looking like ‘..a holy sanctuary from the ancient world.’ Brown goes into a dramatic description of a familiar ritual, ‘around his neck hung a heavy rope noose – ‘a cable-tow’ as the brethren called it’

You can tell that Brown has researched his ‘facts’ as he goes into great detail of the architectural speciation’s of the huge room and ‘colossal edifice’ found at 1733 Sixteenth ST NW, Washington D.C.

The initiate is conducted by the ‘white robed’ ‘Supreme Worshipful Master’ who instructs him as he lays a hand on his shoulder to ‘Take the Oath……complete your journey’ who is later described as an unsuspecting grey eyed man who had foolishly admitted him [the initiate] into the brotherhood; the short prologue finishes with the single line…..

‘Soon you will lose everything you hold most dear.’

Chapter Two sees the introduction of the familiar character garbed in his tweed jacket of the protagonist of the story Robert Langdon, seated aboard a Falcon 200EX (which means nothing to me) he wakes from a nightmare as he comes into land at Dallas airport and also introduces the character of Billionaire life long friend (don’t believe he has ever been mentioned before) Peter Solomon who no doubt will play an important in Langdon’s adventure.

The final chapter shared introduces who must be the BAD GUY Mal’akh a 6’3” naked tattooed man who strolls through his home plotting in his mind against brotherhood inside brotherhood who himself had ascended to the ‘…33rd degree, the highest echelon of the world’s oldest surviving brotherhood.’

In his own mind he is a ‘masterpiece…..an artefact…an evolving icon…..an intricate tapestry of ancient symbols and sigils’ who is waiting to be completed by a final tattoo on the crown of his head the only piece of his ‘saved and smooth’, body that is not adorned.

The opening prologue and two chapters set us up for an adventure that will ‘shake the capitol building’ introducing characters which require little imagination or appreciation of depth but it does promise to be a fun read … an un-mind stretching afternoons entertainment and judging by the opening a book which will require members of our craft to have a lot of correct answers and good resources with which to point enquiring minds in the right direction.

For some possible assistance with these resources and answers see my previous post New Website check it out

http://www.freemasonlostsymbol.com/