A Brother Asks: The Winding Staircase...

A Brother Asks:  What is the "Winding Stairs" emblematic of?

My Response: It is Emblematic of "The Path" we must Take to "Raise Ourselves" through Specific Realizations and Trainings so denoted by what each step represents.

He Continues: How are our lives reminiscent of this symbol?

My Response:  Great Question!  Let’s go through them, but take it in a different direction than you might have imagined.

 

Steps 1, 2, 3…

• For Ruffians: These steps have upon them the three degree titles one obtains for just going through the motions.
• For Freemasons: The steps represent the three degree titles, the three central elected officers of the blue lodge and memorizing and/or hearing another lecture blurb that one is told is important to memorize and preserve, for reasons that shall be revealed to one over time and with further reflection.
• For Masons: The stages of two different developments through which one will progress 1) from Youth, Adulthood and Age (physically, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually) AND 2) from Apprentice, Fellow and Master (Skill development if one actually applies oneself!).  
• For Symbologist: Examples of differentiation and the representations that each differentiation brings forth.

Steps 4, 5, 6, 7 8…

• For Ruffians: Pretty upright things with explanations that are far too long and useless and a lot of nonsense about the senses.
• For Freemasons: Five steps that mean memorizing or hearing another lecture blurb that one is told is important to memorize and preserve, for reasons that shall be revealed to one over time and with further reflection.
• For Masons: What we must use to further travel our Path AND a road map of the Path. [From One (T) to Three (DOC) to One (C)].
• For Symbologist: Representations of what one must use to explore and examine things symbolically and a hidden map of the path required to become Masterful.

Steps 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15…

• For Ruffians: Seven steps one must avoiding talking about or studying; they’re boring topics one will never use.
• For Freemasons: Seven steps that mean memorizing or hearing another lecture blurb that one is told is important to memorize and preserve, for some reason that shall be revealed to use over time and with further reflection.
• For Masons: Seven steps point to subjects of study that cultivate one’s mind toward pattern recognition of symbols as they appear in number and word form.
• For Symbologist: Seven steps alluding to the preparation required for serious study of Theology and Philosophy.

As a Recap:

 

The “Winding Staircase” is…

…Emblematic of "The Path" we must Take

and

...Symbolic of "The Work" we must Do along that Path...

...to "Raise Ourselves" through Specific Realizations and Trainings so denoted by what each step represents.

 Here's a COACH'S CHALLENGE for you: Please define "emblem" and differentiate it from "symbol".

F&S,

Brother “Coach” John S. Nagy