Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
In October, during the 10th Moon Cycle, we focus on the teachings of “Weaves the Web,” the Keeper of the creative and destructive principle. It is here that we are taught to Walk the Truth by manifesting beauty and truth into physical form. When we use our hands, we demonstrate our willingness to serve all our relations and break through limitations, forging something new.
Weaves the Web guides us in utilizing the life force present in the four elements: air, earth, water, and fire. We learn to blend these elements with the creative essence bestowed upon us by the Great Mystery. This creative spark, known as the Eternal Flame of Love, resides within our spiritual essence.
“Weaves the Web Shamanism”
While it is said that weaving the web of our life experience with love and truth, with the desire to share the abundance caught therein, will manifest balance and the fulfillment of dreams, weaving a web through vices such as greed or laziness will imprison us. Greed binds the strands too tightly to receive and is too restrictive for generosity and sharing. When woven too loosely, the strands of sloth lack the necessary strength and durability. A web woven from fear (cowardice) or anger (wrath) will only attract the challenges needed to overcome them. It seems that across many philosophies and schools of thought, the axiom “the Truth will set you free” prevails.
At first glance, one might consider the Chapter Rose Croix, with its four degrees, as contributing to a single general message rooted in Rosicrucianism. While there are numerous connections to nature and processes of alchemical transformation, the literature of these degrees groups them differently.
The 15th and 16th degrees are referred to as the Second Temple Degrees, marking the period when King Solomon’s Temple underwent reconstruction. This was a challenging and dark time, but it taught us to persevere through adversity.
Jewel of the 15th Degree – Knight of the East, of the Sword, or of the Eagle
In the 15th Degree, Knight of the East, of the Sword, or of the Eagle, we are instructed in the duties of “Rebuilding the Masonic Temple of Liberty, equality, and fraternity in the souls of men and of nations” (A Bridge to Light). Here, we learn of King Solomon and the Israelites finding themselves abandoned by the Lord and cast into slavery in Babylon. Brother Zerubbabel endeavors to ask King Cyrus (“The Great”) to free his people and permit them to resume the building of the temple. The trials and tribulations found in this degree are lessons in “fidelity to trust, honor, and duty” and “perseverance and constancy under difficulties and discouragements.”
I found an interesting parallel between the Shamanic Web and the Masonic Sword of the 15th degree, particularly in their shared philosophy of how they should be forged:
“Great swords are made by repeatedly plunging their blades into the extremes of hot and cold. By analogy, we here learn a lesson that foreshadows the reconciliation of opposites: we are taught to make advantage out of adversity (AASR RM&G).”
I ask that in the month of October, you meditate on how you can work towards Walking the Truth and demonstrating your willingness to serve the fraternity. I call you to defy limitations and forge something new. I invite you to attend and/or participate in our October 2024 Fall Reunion (Saturday, October 19th, and Sunday, October 20th, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Aho,
Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
