Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
During the 12th Moon Cycle in December, shamanic traditions encourage a focus on gratitude through the teachings of “Gives Praise.” This Clan Mother emphasizes recognizing the healing power in each life experience, teaching us to appreciate challenges as opportunities for growth. By embracing life’s difficulties, we learn to develop inner strength and adopt an outlook of gratitude, even in moments that test us.
These lessons also highlight the importance of modesty and reciprocity in our interactions with others. Through giving and receiving, we contribute to the cycle of harmony, acknowledging the simple joys of Earth, like sunlight, rain, and breath. The 12th Moon prompts us to celebrate these often-overlooked blessings and express gratitude for fundamental truths that enrich our existence.
“Gives Praise” also serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of materialism, status, and superficial wisdom. It reminds us that filling one’s life with possessions or hollow knowledge cannot replace genuine happiness or a sense of wholeness. This shamanic teaching encourages profound introspection, urging individuals to turn away from external validation and focus on internal fulfillment.
The journey toward true gratitude involves a “Journey without Goal”: a metaphorical “death” to the ego, a concept resonant across multiple spiritual traditions. In Christianity, for example, “dying to the self” means letting go of personal desires to live in alignment with God’s will, embodying a life guided by a higher purpose. Tantric Buddhism similarly promotes “ego death” as a path to enlightenment, where the self is understood as an illusion that must be transcended to achieve liberation. Even Jungian psychology refers to “psychic death,” which Carl Jung described as a fundamental transformation of the psyche involving dissolution of the ego, leading to a more integrated and authentic self.
Eastern philosophies like Taoism encourage embracing simplicity, humility, and non-interference (“Wu-Wei”), cultivating gratitude naturally by acknowledging life’s interconnectedness. True gratitude and love, they suggest, emerge when one removes personal ego, allowing others to follow their paths unimpeded. This selflessness, far from being passive (or “too nice”), embodies a profound appreciation for each person’s journey, fostering a harmonious existence anchored in compassion and understanding.
In Norse and Celtic traditions, gratitude and reverence for Truth are celebrated. Norse shamanism, represented by Odin’s quest for wisdom, underscores the value of truth-seeking and knowledge. Odin is renowned for his relentless quest for wisdom, even sacrificing himself on the World Tree, Yggdrasil, to gain the knowledge of the runes.
Celtic shamanism, closely connected to nature, expresses gratitude through poetry and song, honoring the wisdom revealed in the natural world. These traditions exemplify a respect for the interconnectedness of life and the divine source of all knowledge.
The philosophy of Freemasonry shares a profound connection with these teachings as it emphasizes moral cultivation, spiritual rebirth, and the pursuit of truth essential to personal transformation. Like the Indigenous Clan Mother “Gives Praise,” who advocates gratitude for life’s trials and growth through humility, Freemasonry encourages self-refinement through symbolic death and rebirth, shedding the ego to uncover a truer self. Freemasonry’s moral instructions and rituals, akin to the symbolic journey of Hiram Abiff, reflect a commitment to inner strength, reciprocity, and gratitude for life’s truths, fostering a balanced life aligned with wisdom, compassion, and selflessness—hallmarks of a complete and harmonious existence.
The 25th Degree: Knight of the Brazen Serpent, or Sufi Master. This degree explores the nature of truth and its elusiveness. Its symbolism carries profound biblical connections, rooted in the story of Moses and the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. This degree draws from the parable in the Book of Numbers (21:6-9) when God sends serpents to punish the Israelites for their lack of faith. To save them, Moses creates a serpent of brass at God’s command, which heals anyone who looks at it. The bronze serpent becomes a symbol of salvation through faith and obedience.
In Deuteronomy 8, we learn that the Israelites wandered the wilderness for forty years to develop humility and obedience, learning to rely on the Lord as the source of all blessings. However, as their hearts became hardened and bitter, many perished from snake bites.
The brass serpent, as described in Numbers 21:4-7, represents more than physical healing. It serves as a reminder of salvation through trust in divine will. To simply contemplate the serpent on the rod was enough to bring healing, emphasizing the power of faith and submission to the Divine Plan. The Brazen Serpent urges us: “Never doubt the divine, the plan, or Deity.” Trust in the path laid before you, and remain steadfast in faith, even in the face of trials.
I ask that in the month of December, you meditate on how you can work towards gratitude and ego death, embracing each experience as a lesson and letting go of personal desires that cloud true contentment. Reflect on how shedding attachments and cultivating humility can lead to a deeper sense of interconnectedness and compassion. Let this season be a time to honor the simple, often overlooked blessings around you, fostering a spirit of gratitude that aligns with the wisdom of the ages. May this journey bring you closer to inner harmony and a renewed commitment to living authentically, guided by truth and selflessness, and blessed by the Great Creator above.
Aho,
Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
