The Ashlar Progression

 

 

Okay, this one's for my Speculative Brothers and should be filed under: What most Speculative Masons should know that supports them in realizing what Freemasonry has to offer.

Brothers, please take note! This is the Progression that an Ashlar takes when being advanced in Operative Masonry with relevant linked information to assist you in understanding the basis for each step along the path.  

I hope that you can make the metaphorical connections as to how this should be overlaid upon your Speculative Work.

1) Aggregate -> 

    Earth Bound Stone

2) Freestone -> 

    A piece of Superior/Excellent Aggregate that has been freed from its bound condition for the purposes of being Worked upon. (This is not just an freed stone!)

3) Bastard Ashlar ->

    An unclaimed Hewn Freestone (as in: one that cannot Claim a Father) eventually used for the surface facade of buildings due to its thin nature (where one of its three dimensions is less than 2 inches in thickness.)

4) Rough Ashlar - > 

    A Claimed but unWorked Ashlar (as in: one that Claims a Father) where all of its three dimensions is greater than 2 inches in thickness.

5) Common Ashlar -> 

    A Worked Rough Ashlar that not quite Perfect

6) Perfect Ashlar -> 

    A Common Ashlar that has become Suitable for the Builder's Use (not to be confused with one of those imaginary Flawless Ashlars. It will likely have flaws chosen specifically by the Builder to add desired Characteristics to what He is Building, but shall contain no flaw that will weaken the Integrity of the overall Structure.

7) Raised Ashlar -> 

    A Perfected Ashlar that has been Raised

8) Positioned Ashlar -> 

    A Raised Ashlar Properly Placed

9) Cemented Ashlar -> 

    A Properly Placed Ashlar that helps make up a Unified Mass; a part of that House not made by Hand.

10) Perpend Ashlar -> 

    A Connecting Stone used to connect the inner and outer walls (a.k.a. Bond-Stone, Tie-Stone) 

 When you overlay this offered path upon the implied Speculative process, you get the following:

1) Aggregate -> 

    The Profane Masses

2) Freestone -> 

    A Potential Mason

3) Bastard Ashlar -> 

    A person with no potential as a legitimate member

4) Rough Ashlar - > 

    A Pre-mason or an Apprentice who has yet to begin his Work. Not to be confused with a Master Mason who claims to be an Apprentice and Rough Ashlar still.

5) Common Ashlar -> 

    An Apprentice who is Working upon his Ashlar but has yet to Perfect it.

6) Perfect Ashlar -> 

    An Apprentice that has completed his Apprentice Work and is now suitable for passing to the Fellow Craft Work.

7) Raised Ashlar -> 

    A  Fellow Craft Mason who has completed his study of the Seven Liberal Arts and Sciences.

8) Positioned Ashlar -> 

    A Raised Fellow Craft Masons who is Properly Placed within the House not made with hands that is the Fraternity.

9) Cemented Ashlar -> 

    A Master Mason who has become a part of the Fraternal mass and is now a full member of the Craft Lodge.

10) Perpend Ashlar -> 

    A Master Mason who has integrated into his life all the lessons he has been provided along the Masonic path and is who assists others to do the same.

-- Coach John S Nagy 

 

 

 

Building Janus – Scavenger Hunt

Building Janus - 01/18/2011

Hello Fellow Travelers!

I've worked long and hard on this last volume and, as always, I've Built a list of questions in the form of a Scavenger Hunt.  They are answered by already available Light or by reading the chapters within my latest volume: Building Janus - Uncommon Catechism for Uncommon Masonic Education - Volume 4.  I hope you find them interesting.

1. What is the true purpose behind Catechisms and how is this purpose sabotaged by mechanistic application?
2. What is a “Bourne,” what Bounes are alluded to by Masonic activities and what are Masons directed toward that helps them identify and deal with these Bournes?
3. How do the words "Winnow" and "Widow" relate?
4. What did the word, “Speculation” mean at the beginning of the Grand Lodge era?
5. What is the Work of the first Degree and what Order does it create within Masons who complete it.
6. What are three symbolically doors that the Masonic Square and Compasses represent?
7. How many “Foreign Paths” does Masonry offer through its Blue Lodge activities?
8. What is the primary Working Tool of Master Masons?
9. To what concepts does the phrase” House not made by hands” Allude?
10. How do the Blue Lodge Grasps relate to Plato’s “Cave” Allegory?
11. What important alchemical symbol is represented by an Apron with the flap turned down?
12. What activities are Masters responsible for as they relate to the symbolism of Lions?
13. What is the root of the word “Widow?”
14. What “college” is believed by some to have been a catalyst for “Speculative” Masonry’s Formation?
15. To what does the Masonic Trowel spread to help create a "solid comprehension?"
16. Why was the Third Degree Legend added to Ritual?
17. What does the game “Bridge” have in common with Masons who do not complete the Work that Ritual refers to within the first two Degrees?
18. What three symbols offered collectively during the First Degree Allude to Metal Craft?
19. What is the Work of the second Degree and what Order does it create within Masons who complete it.
20. What variations of the “Points of Fellowship” have occurred over the years?
21. In what Western period was the Masonic “Grand Lodge Era” started?
22. What symbolic metallurgic processes are Masters involved in while mentoring?
23. What Threshing-floor activities are Masons expected to accomplish as it relates to the title “The Widow’s Son.”
24. How did early Speculative Lodge Members do to engage their members and “sharpen” their Brothers?
25. What types of Ashlars help to create a solid comprehension?
26. What purpose did the addition of the Ruffians serve as it relates to Masonic Quality Control?
27. What do Master Masons “draw out” from Rough and Perfect Ashlars if they do as Ritual directs?
28. What Characteristics will contribute to bright, intelligent and outstanding members becoming bored with Masonic instruction and interaction?
29. How do “Perpend Ashlars” and “Pontiff Activities” symbolically help Masters do their Work?
30. What does “Janus” have to do with Masonic Progress?
31. What is the Work of the Third Degree and what Order within a Mason does it confirm?
32. What must be present for bright, intelligent and outstanding members to remain engaged in what Speculative Lodges have to offer?
33. What title(s) is(are) related to Brothers who have a) “Sharpened their ability to Sharpen,” b) “Separated themselves as Ritual Directs,” and c) “been exalted and have Masonic students?”

Fraternally and Sincerely,

Bro. Coach N