Podcast 50 – Freemasonry and the Western Esoteric Tradition

Originally published on July 26, 2008

On this the occasion of the 50th episode, I want to express my thanks to all who have listened to Occult of Personality podcasts as well as all the writers and researchers who have graciously spent some of their time with us. It is my humble wish that you may have learned as much by listening to these podcasts as I have by helping to create them.

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In this 50th episode, we’re joined by historian of Freemasonry, Angel Millar. Angel has an extensive historical knowledge of the Craft and associated fraternal orders and societies. We begin our conversation with the subject of the origins of Freemasonry and the seemingly diverse streams that may have fed it – specifically ancient Mysteries, stone masons, neo-Templarism, Enlightenment philosophies, and Christianity.

The discussion delves into Rosicrucianism, particularly the Golden Rosicrucians that formed the basis for later Masonic Rosicrucian societies, such as Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia. This material is fascinating for those that enjoy the mystery of the origin of Freemasonry and Rosicrucianism. Millar does a fantastic job of explaining his perspective based on scholarly research displayed in both his first book, Freemasonry: A History.

We also cover topics like Sacred Geometry, the concept of clandestine or irregular Masonry, the Rite of Strict Templar Observance, the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and Aleister Crowley’s Masonic adventures.

As an expert in Masonic symbolism, art, regalia and textiles, and as an accomplished artist, Millar has also created a number of artworks inspired by classical Masonic imagery. His artwork has been exhibited in Britain, the U.S.A. and elsewhere, and several of his Masonic-inspired works are in the permanent collection of the Chancellor Robert R. Livingston museum in New York City.

Artwork by Angel Millar (inspired by the Masonic Fellowcraft tracing board) Artwork by Angel Millar (inspired by the Masonic Fellowcraft tracing board)

relevant links:

Freemasonry: A History by Angel Millar

The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order by Paul Foster Case

Esoteric Keys of Alchemy by Paul Foster Case

Morals and Dogma by Albert Pike

Devil Worship in France (an exposition on the Leo Taxil hoax) by A.E. Waite

Pythagorean theorem: Euclid’s proof“, Wikipedia entry

The Rite of Strict Observance

intro music by HipGnosis

{ 2 comments… add one }
  • Nat Lowson August 31, 2014, 10:29 AM

    Great interview. I’ve been getting frustrated on Youtube with celebtity rapper obsessives. Good to hear a measured voice.

  • Nate Lowe February 3, 2020, 10:04 PM

    Rationalism goes further than Intuition? Fuck out of here lol

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