So, my Interview on the Old-Fashioned Masonic Podcast dropped on Sunday. It was fun going back and listening to that one, as it was recorded in March. The Brothers at OFMP are seriously backlogged with episodes and Masonic News to release. I really think they do an excellent job with what they do.
On the Podcasts YouTube Channel, they had a few comments about the show and what people thought. There was one question posted that I wanted to bring over to my blog and answer here, as well as a brief response there.
“I'm also a Pagan and Mason, and I was wondering if W:. Marshall ever got any static for his religion? I'd also love to hear about in what ways his faith informs or influences his Masonic experience, and vice versa?”
I want to say it was really my spiritual practice that drew me to Masonry. I heard on a Podcast once that if Gerald Gardner and Aleister Crowley brought you to Masonry. Well, I had to raise my hand. I had heard that they were both Masons, and there were many similarities in the rituals I had done in my spiritual practice and Masonry. I will not confirm or deny such a claim. But, read between the lines.
As for getting any static for my faith? No, in fact, my jurisdiction has been incredibly supportive of me as a Brother. They know my faith, and for the most part, we do not discuss it. I will say my home Lodge always thanks me when I am acting Chaplain, and have told me they get a lot out of the prayers I offer. Asking when do I come up with my words. I will smile and tell them as soon as my knee is bent to pray. The best prayer is spur of the moment and comes from the heart. My second Lodge, when I joined as which Volume of Sacred Law I would like on the altar to represent me. I have given them the Emerald Tablet of Hermes. They were excited to place it with the others, and it has remained.
Now, while I am an initiated Wiccan and Elder in my Tradition, I am not the “poster boy” for Paganism within Masonry. I am happy to discuss the topic and assist those of other faiths to come to the Lodge and the Lodge to understand the possible new Brother. It is a give and take requiring understanding from both sides. Interesting, as I was reading that in some mentor documents tonight.
My faith and Masonry really enhance each other. My view of the “Divine” is there is one grand “All the is” and from that, because that is a very infinite concept, we have aspect to break it down, so it is more understandable. So, I see masculine and feminine aspects of the “ALL.” Because of that I can relate to how you see the Divine.
Why? Because you are 110% correct and you see the Divine how it has chosen to show itself to you. Why am I to question that? I can’t…but I’d love to learn about it. I also leave my faith at the Tylers station. My job is to minister to my Brothers not the other way around. The most Brotherly thing I could ever do is meet them at THEIR need, not mine. Seems like a Godly kind of thing, so I am good with it.
The other way that my spiritual practice and Masonry work well is in the area of equality. I know that does not happen in all jurisdictions, but I am very lucky it does in mine. Are we 100%? No, but pretty darn close. We still have some of that political crap come up. But we are human and it happens. But my faith (my understanding of it) and Masonry teach me that we are all a part of the Creator. So, when I look at you I see a creative work in progress. To honor that is to honor the one who started it. If I dishonor you, I dishonor the Divine, which means I dishonor me.
One of the sayings I really like and have not used in a while but seems appropriate now. They way you treat the person you like the least is how you honor God the most. Something we all need to meditate on.
Great Question, Thank you.
I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly.
WB Duane Marshall
