Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
In September, during the 9th Moon Cycle, we direct our attention to the teachings of Setting Sun, the Keeper of Tomorrow’s Dreams. This Clan Mother shows us how to Live the Truth. She begins by emphasizing the sacredness of using “every part of what we harvest—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—and never wasting anything that can be used (Sams)”. Represented by the color green, which symbolizes Will, Setting Sun teaches us how to harness our will effectively to ensure future abundance. She imparts the will to live, to survive, and to be diligent in preserving the Earth and its resources for our Earth Walk (life on this plane). Setting Sun allows us to meet our futures without fear because we have endeavored in preparation for generations to come.
In September, during the 9th Moon Cycle, we direct our attention to the teachings of Setting Sun, the Keeper of Tomorrow’s Dreams. This Clan Mother shows us how to Live the Truth. She begins by emphasizing the sacredness of using “every part of what we harvest—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—and never wasting anything that can be used (Sams)”. Represented by the color green, which symbolizes Will, Setting Sun teaches us how to harness our will effectively to ensure future abundance. She imparts the will to live, to survive, and to be diligent in preserving the Earth and its resources for our Earth Walk (life on this plane). Setting Sun allows us to meet our futures without fear because we have endeavored in preparation for generations to come.
ᛋᛒᛅᛘᛅᚦᚱ
“Prophet” Runic inscription in Younger Futhark
In Norse Shamanism, there is a visionary ritual called seiðr (pronounced “SAY-der”), which is an ancient indigenous practice of meditation aimed at manifesting one’s future. This practice is akin to the vision quests found among the indigenous tribes of the Americas where drumming, plant medicines, Shamanic trances, and altered states of consciousness are ritualistically employed as a means to manifest change in one’s life. Both forms of shamanic practice rely heavily on the balance of nature and living a good life while traveling upon the “Red Road” of this lifetime. These rituals are conducted by a seiðr-man or seiðr-woman.
In the 19th Degree, Grand Pontiff, we are instructed in the duties of being “content to labor for the future, to serve the cause of truth with patience and industry, and to destroy error, falsehood, and intolerance with truth, honesty, honor, and charity (A Bridge to Light).”
While the 19th Degree, Grand Pontiff is the first degree in the Council of Kadosh, the third body within the Scottish Rite that is generally associated with the comparative philosophies of the mystery schools, it is deeply connected with the 17th & 18th degrees of the Chapter Rose Croix as a trilogy.
As the 17th degree introduces us to the Apocalypse of St. John, who the Norse Shamans would have called Spámaðr (“spow-modiv”) Icelandic for “he who prophesizes,” the 18th provides us with a new law (the Law of Love). The 19th Degree expands on the mystical teachings of the Book of Revelations, contrasting the ancient city of Babylon (symbolizing wickedness and intolerance) with the New Jerusalem (representing the perfection we strive for as Masons and the goal toward which humanity is moving).
In this degree, we come to understand “Peace as the Universal law for all Children of a common Father.” As we share Masonry’s wisdom, moral integrity, and mission, we do so with the belief in a future faith and the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of God. It is a remarkable opportunity for man to extend beyond his own time and influence the destiny (or “Wyrd”) of others.
I ask that in the month of September, you meditate on how you can work towards living the truth and honoring the promise of tomorrow. “Let us live, that our acts may endure to uplift a Brother yet to be born.”
Aho,
Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
