New Episode: The Origins of the "Higher" Degrees with Josef Wages and Arturo de Hoyos
Episode 38 is live. This one is a recording of the opening presentation from Grand Masonic Day 2026, featuring Bro. Josef Wages and Bro. Arturo de Hoyos. Two of Masonry's top historians on one stage,…
Episode 38 is live. This one is a recording of the opening presentation from Grand Masonic Day 2026, featuring Bro. Josef Wages and Bro. Arturo de Hoyos. Two of Masonry's top historians on one stage, tracing the origins of Écossais masonry and the "higher" degrees from 18th century Bordeaux through Atlantic trade networks to the ritual we work today. If you've ever wondered where the Scottish Rite actually came from, this is the one.
Also in this issue: tickets are now available for the Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference, Esotericon is coming up, and a couple of articles from the blog worth your time.
New Episode
Episode 38: Écossais Masonry and the "Higher" Degrees
w/ Bro. Josef Wages & Bro. Arturo de Hoyos | Grand Masonic Day 2026
These respected Masonic historians trace the Élu Parfait degree system from its roots in the Irish wine trade in Bordeaux through the Atlantic networks of ships' captains and merchants who carried French high degrees to the Caribbean and North America. They examine how Stephen Morin's capture at sea in 1744 led to an unlikely chain of Masonic authority, how the original Scots Master degree forked into what became the Royal Arch, and how Laurence Dermott strategically appropriated French high degree material to build the Ancients Grand Lodge system that ultimately won the day in the Union of 1813.
In Case You Missed It
We've been busy. Over the last couple of months we've released a string of new episodes covering everything from the Illuminati to lodge leadership to conspiracy theories in the Craft. If you've fallen behind, there's a lot of good listening waiting for you. Follow The Mystic Tye on your favorite podcast platform so new episodes land automatically, and check out the full catalog anytime at mystictye.com/episodes.
Upcoming Events
Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference 2026
Saturday September 19th | Ballard Masonic Centre, 2006 NW Market St, Seattle, WA
Keynote: Br. Lon Milo DuQuette on "The Tarot Architect"
Also appearing: Br. Ike Baker on "Catechism in the House of Life"
$50 · Brethren and Invited Guests Only. Business casual dress.
Tickets and full details are now available at the conference website.
Esotericon 2026
Saturday June 20th
We are looking to create a directory of Freemasonic events and publications. If you are aware of something coming up please let me know by email. In the meantime check out the Masonic Conferences website.
From the Blog
What Are the Three Days of the Writing of the Book of the Law?
Cairo, 1904. Aleister Crowley. A voice from the corner of the room. Three chapters written in three hours across three days every April. The full story, with context for Freemasons and esoteric students.
Arthur Conan Doyle and the Occult: The False War Between Reason and the Unseen
Conan Doyle spent the second half of his life as one of spiritualism's most committed public advocates. Most people treat this as a contradiction for the man who created the world's great rationalist detective. It wasn't. This article looks at what he actually believed and why.
Support the Show
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