Hon. James McCallion, 32° KCCH
Venerable Master, Director of Education
In last month’s issue, we learned about discernment and introspection, particularly addressing our heart’s (inner) voice, honoring the hearts of others, and embracing the voice of Truth and reason. By this practice, we discovered the art of listening with our hearts and attuning to the unspoken words within others’ hearts. We were charged with showing compassion, and responding with grace, dignity, and patience, leading us on the path towards spiritual maturity.
In June 2024, during the 6th Moon Cycle, we direct our attention towards the wisdom of “Storyteller,” who guides us in keeping our innocence intact.
It is here that we are taught the ways of speaking the truth and doing so without adding unwanted advice, without projections of self-righteousness or petty judgements. Speaking the truth in this respect means “speaking with our hearts, always saying what we mean, in a truthful, clear, and concise manner.” I find a beautiful similarity with the lessons of Psalms 15:2, “He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart.”
Storytelling has been an oral tradition passed down throughout the ages. Fundamentally, it was a way to share life experiences in the hopes that listeners would learn and gain perspectives on their own Rites of passage. We see this tradition prevalent even today among certain religious orders and mystery schools, and especially in Scottish Rite Masonry. As you know, “Storytelling” can also be facilitated using visual cues or symbols.
Within the antiquity of Hermeticism lies the axiom “As above, so below, as within, so without.” It suggests that there is a relationship between the physical and spiritual realms, and that we can learn about this principle of correspondence through the Book of Nature. In Shamanism, when one is in balance with Nature, their hearts speak with this wisdom, and they can cherish the interconnectedness between themselves and the Divine.
In the teachings of the 27th degree, the Knight of the Sun, or Prince Adept, we are instructed on the nature of symbolism. We are taught what symbols are, and how to read them. It is explained to us that by using symbols, we are better enabled to understand the otherwise “abstract philosophical and profound truths and realizations that cannot be expressed by words alone.” Further, we learn that the nature of symbolism is to both “conceal and reveal” information. We are taught to emulate Nature, with all living forms following a great cycle and that after fulfilling the measure of their creation, return to the Earth only to be reborn as a new form of life. It is here that we learn of the alchemical process of “analyze & synthesize” – taking apart that what you have learned and putting it together in new and useful ways.
When we are in communion with Nature through the principle of correspondence, our hearts speak the truths of ancient wisdom. We both exemplify the micro and macrocosms, the voice of G-d, the speech of our hearts.
I ask that in the month of June, you meditate on how you can work towards speaking the truth through the voice of your hearts, by analysis & synthesis.
I would (once again) like to welcome our newly initiated Masters of the Royal Secret. It was truly a pleasure to share with you the philosophical gems of the Scottish Rite within the classroom setting. If you have any questions about the Master Craftsman education program, or the Academy of Reflection, please feel free to contact me.
