The Masonic Art Exchange

The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual

by Timothy Hogan
PM, 32* KCCH, KT, ROS, FRC, S.I.I. PSM OF AMD

This book is a gold mine !

Valuable as informative in its esoteric knowledge. This book gives a thorough explanation in minute detail of the process of alchemy. It ties in chemical to spiritual alchemy and the direct path extracted in the Masonic Rituals

Timothy Hogan delivers an extensively detailed and easy to understand explanation of the keys to understanding Masonic symbols and alchemical symbols and practices that are presented symbolically in Blue Lodge Degrees, Upper Degrees and especially the Initiation Process. This book also covers in great detail historical and religious aspects of alchemy and once again show the connections to Masonic symbolism and ritual that is easy to comprehend and understand. The pictures in this book are of minute detail at every angle, full of Masonic symbolism just crying out for the reader to look further.

Quoted from the book “I hope I have demonstrated that nearly all of the symbolism in Masonry, while at first glance appearing to be building symbols, are actually referring to the more hidden and esoteric craft of alchemy.” In my honest opinion, Hogan has achieved this with a detailed yet understandable narrative process.

This book made me feel like I found the golden key that opened the door of my mind. I think that your next Lodge meeting will be more colorful after reading this book. Your eyes will be more open as your mind. I finally found the knowledge to tie it all together.

Thank you so much Bro. Timothy Hogan for this great extensive research and contribution to Freemasonry !!!

Cassondra DeMolick Kuros

Decipering THE LOST SYMBOL

by Chris L Hodapp

As I sipped the warming liquid of my coffee and the wind was throwing the rain against my window I opened the well designed covers of Chris Hodapp’s most recent book ‘Deciphering THE LOST SYMBOL’.
The cover of his book; easily as intricate as that of the recent tome that covers the Washington DC outing of the Harvard Professor made popular in the DaVinci Code, is a pleasing combination of browns and reds with ghost effects of symbolism akin to a journal from the mystical past.
Someone said you should never judge a book by its cover but so often it is impossible not to do so, and with that in mind I expected great things. I must admit up front I consider Chris a friend and have never found anything lacking in his previous works which include ‘Freemasons for Dummies’ and ‘Solomon’s Builder: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and The Secrets Of Washington DC’ if anything I found this position had me requiring a bit more than if I didn’t know him.
In his opening statement he describes Dan Browns book as a

‘509-page love letter to the
fraternity of Freemasonry.’

…something that many men in the fraternity were surprised by as they had expect a book which may have painted Freemasonry in the same dark tone as Brown had previously painted the Opus Dei and the Catholic Church.
Hodapp weaves his way through the many twists and turns of THE LOST SYMBOL trying and succeeding to explain some of the inconsistencies of the book, and to explain where Brown hit the nail on the head and where he was at the risk of hitting his thumb with near misses and of course where he just hit the table with a complete error of information. But in these instances Hodapp puts forward a hypothesis which I will let you read and in which I found myself agreeing.
With his usual humour Chris presents us short easy to read chapters much akin to Browns writing style that makes this a very informative, educational yet easy read. I found his chapter on Noetics a huge help in further understanding the theories that Katherine Solomon puts forward in the book and he provided information on where; should you want, you can read more about this fascinating subject.
Chapter 3: Art, Codes, and the Cover of The Lost Symbol and Chapter 4: Symbolism had to be my two favourite pieces in the book but not once did I feel I was wasting my time in reading this book and feel confident in recommending it to everyone Mason and non-mason alike, this is the perfect a compliment to The Lost Symbol and I feel it should be on the shelf right next to it on your bookcase.
In conclusion this is a great book well worth its cover price and a great way to spend a chilly winter night, which everyone should own.

David Naughton-Shires

The Green Lama - Volume One

by Kevin Noel Olson, Adam Garcia, Peter Miller, Jay Piscopo, Mike Fyles
6x9 Softcover 200 pages
ISBN 1-934935-53-0

The Green Lama - Master of the Mystic Arts. Pulpdom's most unique and memorable heroes returns in three new adventures. From the peaks of Tibet, to the streets of New York, the Green Lama battles the wicked in defense of the innocent. Features three new adventures by Kevin Noel Olson, Adam Garcia & Peter Miller. With illustrations by Jay Piscopo and a cover by Mike Fyles. Not to be missed.

Produced by Airship 27 Productions
www.cornerstonepublishers.com.

I've ordered one and will have a full review here soon. now available at Amazon

David Naughton-Shires

My Book! My Opinion!
or
Thoughts Garnered on My Masonic Journey

by
MW Bro. Hugh Young

This is an absolute little Gem of a book. Hugh Young has used his 40 plus years in Freemasonry to amass a knowledge which he releases here in a tidal wave of common sense. “My Book My Opinion” is more than just a helpful guide for new Masons, this book is carefully crafted for anyone who is interested in the future of not only their own lodge but the craft at large.

This wonderfully refreshing book demonstrates through Hugh’s ability to break things down, plenty of positive changes we can make in our own lodges that will help guarantee a bright future for our fraternity. With analysis becoming of Freud Hugh takes various aspects of the lodge and its members and shows how with a can do attitude and some planning we can make a difference.

As a relatively new member of the craft and as I head to the Master’s Chair next year I found this book inspiring and quite invaluable as a resource. With chapters as diverse as planning meetings to how to deal with ageing Brethren it really is a master-class on Lodge affairs.

His opinions will no doubt lead to debate, I happen to think that is a good thing.

“My Book review, My Opinion”

Martyn Greene

The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual by Timothy Hogan PM, 32* KCCH, KT, ROS, FRC, S.I.I. PSM OF AMD This book is a gold mine ! Valuable as informative in its esoteric knowledge. This book gives a thorough explanation in minute detail of the process of alchemy. It ties in chemical to spiritual alchemy and the direct path extracted in the Masonic Rituals Timothy Hogan delivers an extensively detailed and easy to understand explanation of the keys to understanding Masonic symbols and alchemical symbols and practices that are presented symbolically in Blue Lodge Degrees, Upper Degrees and especially the Initiation Process. This book also covers in great detail historical and religious aspects of alchemy and once again show the connections to Masonic symbolism and ritual that is easy to comprehend and understand. The pictures in this book are of minute detail at every angle, full of Masonic symbolism just crying out for the reader to look further. Quoted from the book “I hope I have demonstrated that nearly all of the symbolism in Masonry, while at first glance appearing to be building symbols, are actually referring to the more hidden and esoteric craft of alchemy.” In my honest opinion, Hogan has achieved this with a detailed yet understandable narrative process. This book made me feel like I found the golden key that opened the door of my mind. I think that your next Lodge meeting will be more colorful after reading this book. Your eyes will be more open as your mind. I finally found the knowledge to tie it all together. Thank you so much Bro. Timothy Hogan for this great extensive research and contribution to Freemasonry !!! Cassondra DeMolick Kuros back to top
Decipering THE LOST SYMBOL by Chris L Hodapp As I sipped the warming liquid of my coffee and the wind was throwing the rain against my window I opened the well designed covers of Chris Hodapp’s most recent book ‘Deciphering THE LOST SYMBOL’. The cover of his book; easily as intricate as that of the recent tome that covers the Washington DC outing of the Harvard Professor made popular in the DaVinci Code, is a pleasing combination of browns and reds with ghost effects of symbolism akin to a journal from the mystical past. Someone said you should never judge a book by its cover but so often it is impossible not to do so, and with that in mind I expected great things. I must admit up front I consider Chris a friend and have never found anything lacking in his previous works which include ‘Freemasons for Dummies’ and ‘Solomon’s Builder: Freemasons, Founding Fathers and The Secrets Of Washington DC’ if anything I found this position had me requiring a bit more than if I didn’t know him. In his opening statement he describes Dan Browns book as a ‘509-page love letter to the fraternity of Freemasonry.’ …something that many men in the fraternity were surprised by as they had expect a book which may have painted Freemasonry in the same dark tone as Brown had previously painted the Opus Dei and the Catholic Church. Hodapp weaves his way through the many twists and turns of THE LOST SYMBOL trying and succeeding to explain some of the inconsistencies of the book, and to explain where Brown hit the nail on the head and where he was at the risk of hitting his thumb with near misses and of course where he just hit the table with a complete error of information. But in these instances Hodapp puts forward a hypothesis which I will let you read and in which I found myself agreeing. With his usual humour Chris presents us short easy to read chapters much akin to Browns writing style that makes this a very informative, educational yet easy read. I found his chapter on Noetics a huge help in further understanding the theories that Katherine Solomon puts forward in the book and he provided information on where; should you want, you can read more about this fascinating subject. Chapter 3: Art, Codes, and the Cover of The Lost Symbol and Chapter 4: Symbolism had to be my two favourite pieces in the book but not once did I feel I was wasting my time in reading this book and feel confident in recommending it to everyone Mason and non-mason alike, this is the perfect a compliment to The Lost Symbol and I feel it should be on the shelf right next to it on your bookcase. In conclusion this is a great book well worth its cover price and a great way to spend a chilly winter night, which everyone should own. David Naughton-Shires back to top		<p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
The Green Lama - Volume One by Kevin Noel Olson, Adam Garcia, Peter Miller, Jay Piscopo, Mike Fyles 6x9 Softcover 200 pages ISBN 1-934935-53-0 The Green Lama - Master of the Mystic Arts. Pulpdom's most unique and memorable heroes returns in three new adventures. From the peaks of Tibet, to the streets of New York, the Green Lama battles the wicked in defense of the innocent. Features three new adventures by Kevin Noel Olson, Adam Garcia & Peter Miller. With illustrations by Jay Piscopo and a cover by Mike Fyles. Not to be missed. Produced by Airship 27 Productions www.cornerstonepublishers.com. I've ordered one and will have a full review here soon. now available at Amazon David Naughton-Shires back to top
My Book! My Opinion! or Thoughts Garnered on My Masonic Journey by MW Bro. Hugh Young This is an absolute little Gem of a book. Hugh Young has used his 40 plus years in Freemasonry to amass a knowledge which he releases here in a tidal wave of common sense. “My Book My Opinion” is more than just a helpful guide for new Masons, this book is carefully crafted for anyone who is interested in the future of not only their own lodge but the craft at large. This wonderfully refreshing book demonstrates through Hugh’s ability to break things down, plenty of positive changes we can make in our own lodges that will help guarantee a bright future for our fraternity. With analysis becoming of Freud Hugh takes various aspects of the lodge and its members and shows how with a can do attitude and some planning we can make a difference. As a relatively new member of the craft and as I head to the Master’s Chair next year I found this book inspiring and quite invaluable as a resource. With chapters as diverse as planning meetings to how to deal with ageing Brethren it really is a master-class on Lodge affairs. His opinions will no doubt lead to debate, I happen to think that is a good thing. “My Book review, My Opinion” Martyn Greene back to top		available from
'Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry' I know for many in the US the whole Morgan scandal is a bit of a ‘bug bear’ however for us over the pond this book came as a fantastic work of knowledge giving us an insight into an often heard about but little understood period in the history of American Freemasonry. The whole Morgan Scandal could be said to have been the reason why on the surface European and American freemasonry differs with the Morgan case being the main reason that Freemasonry in the United States is seen as much more open and less secretive society; whilst still holding onto it’s mysteries but after reading this book one can understand the reason why. Stephen Dafoe presents an informative, education and well researched piece of historical narrative in a style which is comfortable on the shelves with both novels and textbooks. His use of contemporary reports and documents to bring to life the characters in the story and put words in their mouths is wonderful and makes this book a perfect companion on a sunny afternoon in the garden or with a warm cup of coffee on an autumns evening. As you read of the ‘adventures’ and follow the court case in which we meet Captain William Morgan you are drawn in and at the same time rush to read the conclusion and slow so as not to finish. Not only has Stephen Dafoe shared with us a fantastic historical rollercoaster ride of a story he has also shared with us his artistic ability. He not only wrote the "Morgan: The Scandel That Shook Freemasonry" he is also responsible for the cover art which included the unmistakable Square and Compasses of that other talented Stephen; Stephen McKim. I highly recommend this book and say go and buy it now!!!! David Naughton-Shires back to top

With the start of the continuing article in the September issue of the Masonic Art Exchange on The Art of the Templar Knight: drawings and paintings of the crusader knights of God. I decided this would be a good time to give my humble opinions on the Nobly Born book by author Stephen Dafoe. Stephen. Dafoe has been writing on the subject of the Knights Templar for many years and I don't feel I am exaggerating when I say he is one of the world foremost experts on the crusading warriors of God. He once told me a good way to tell if a book on the Knight Templar would be any good is if the history ends in the early 1300 and doesn't start there. Here he presents a beautifully illustrated book that is a pleasure to read, easy to follow (for us lesser mortals) and makes a fine conversation point if placed on your coffee table. To quote his own web site: "In Nobly Born, author Stephen Dafoe presents the fascinating story of the Knights Templar in pictures and prose as he examines not only the history of the Knights Templar, but the history of the world in which they operated." "The Templars were an unusual Order, in that they lived both an active and contemplative life, making them effectively the first warrior-monks in the western world. As such, the Templars quickly expanded beyond their role as protectors of pilgrims and played a vital role in many battles of the Crusades. Although they suffered more defeats than they celebrated victories, the Templars are nonetheless remembered as Christendom's most fearless military force." Other reviews: "For a true understanding of the Templars-warts, haloes, and all, this is the best book I know." *-The Scottish Rite Journal* "Stephen has managed to do something fresh in the Templar book universe..." - Christopher Hodapp Author Freemasons For Dummies "If you wanted an accurate and comprehensive account of the Templars this is the one to buy." - Simon Brighton Author In Search of the Knights Templar David Naughton-Shires back to top

The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual

Decipering THE LOST SYMBOL

‘509-page love letter to the fraternity of Freemasonry.’

The Green Lama - Volume One

My Book! My Opinion! or Thoughts Garnered on My Masonic Journey by MW Bro. Hugh Young

'Morgan: The Scandal That Shook Freemasonry'

‘509-page love letter to the
fraternity of Freemasonry.’

My Book! My Opinion!
or
Thoughts Garnered on My Masonic Journey

by
MW Bro. Hugh Young