Summer coming to a close

The month of October is close to halfway through. Hallows is rapidly approaching and I have a lot on my mind. I know that’s nothing new. But hopefully I will not write a novel.

Oh, Hallows that final harvest festival of the year. The Celtic Festival of the Dead, Samhain. Which translates in to “Summers End.” The time to butcher that fatted livestock and make sure you are fully prepared for the long cold winter. Memento mori, for remember you too shall die. None of us can escape that fate. In the story of the Decent of the Goddess there is a conversation where Death is asked “Why do you cause all things that I love and take delight in, to fade and die?” and his reply “My Lady,” replied Death, “it is age and fate, against which you speak. I am helpless, for age causes all things to wither; but when men die at the end of time, I give them rest and peace, and strength.”

While we are celebrating the end of our physical labors there is still internal work to be done. The days are shorter (unless you are on the other Hemisphere of the world) and the night grows longer; the temperature is colder. Soon it will begin to snow. During this time of year, we are entering our personal “Chamber of Reflection.” Doing, or we should anyway, a deep dive into the warmer months of the year to evaluation where we are, what worked and what may not have. In a way, isn’t that what Masonry is really all about. Doing that deep dive and the personal work with the tools presented?

Now let me ask this question and I know I do about this time of year. I believe in the paranormal. I do not believe it is dark, well unless you are a dumb, dumb baby, and looking for things best left alone.

But I am a strong believer in what are called “Spirits of Place.” I believe some of our Masonic Temples, especially our older ones, contain Spirits of Place. The energy of our Past Masters and Brothers that loved their Lodge so much they sometimes still attend. Have you ever flipped off the lights looked back in the Temple room and noticed figures still sitting in the chairs? I sure have, at a couple of Temples I have been a member or visited.

Like I said we will be doing a Third Degree soon at a local Mausoleum. When given the opportunity I love being Chaplain at this event. I mean I love the office anyway. But this night is special. Not just for what we are doing, but where. We are doing it in the “Home” of some of Kansas and Missouri’s “Honored Dead” who have been placed in this Mausoleum for a more decent interment.

When I say the prayer, I also like to no matter how briefly recognize where we are and to honor those that reside there.

So, let me ask this question real quick. At your end of year feasts, and celebrations, do you honor, and toasts do you raise a glass to your “Honored Dead”? Maybe you refer to them as “Absent Brothers.” 

With all I have mentioned above. Please, enjoy your end of summer celebrations, remember that life is fragile, and honor those who have made a way for us.

I love you and may we govern ourselves accordingly.