Way of the Hermit

In this episode, David and Gene begin their deep dive into Gnosticism and its intimate connection to Freemasonry. They explore the key concepts that form the foundation of Gnostic thought, including the Monad, Emanations, Duality, and the pursuit of Gnosis, and discuss how these ideas are woven into the fabric of Masonic philosophy, particularly within the Scottish Rite system. The

In this episode, David and Gene delve into the world of esoteric Freemasonry with their esteemed guests, Worshipful Brother Ben Wallace and Most Worshipful Brother Shaun Bradshaw. As authors of the book "A Path to Providence", Shaun and Ben share their inspiring journey in reviving the mystery school roots of Freemasonry through the establishment of groundbreaking esoteric educatio

In this first episode of the second season of the “Way of the Hermit” podcast we are “tying up loose ends” left over from last season. In this first part of our two-part season opener, we are looking at the book “A Path to Providence: The Creation of the Middle Chamber Program.”The Way of the Hermit Podcast: https://www.wayofthehermit.comIn "A Path to Providence", autho

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.In the podcast, the evolution of the Square and Compass, the primary symbol of the "Blue Lodge," is examined after the hosts' journey through the Scottish Rite degrees. It is now seen as a more profound representation, with the Compass over the Square symbolizing Spirit

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.In this episode, the intricate details of the Degree Ritual and its profound symbolism are explored, shedding light on the culmination of Masonic teachings. The ritual, set against the backdrop of the Vernal Equinox, serves as a symbolic journey through the Scottish Rite

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.In the heart of the episode, the mythological setting of the Egyptian "Hall of Judgment" from the Book of the Dead is explored, serving as the backdrop for the degree ritual. This setting is not just a mere stage but a profound allegory for the final judgment, a theme re

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.In the episode, the historical context of the Knights Templar's fall and the execution of their Grandmaster, Jacques de Molay, is examined, revealing the financial might that led to their downfall by King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V. The degree ritual is descr

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 ritua

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 em

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 s