Salman asks Troy what actually makes good ritual
Bro. Salman Arif asks Troy Spreeuw what it actually means to be good at Masonic ritual: why Freemasons call it the Work, why word perfect is only the beginning, delivering with feeling, memory palaces, and Kim March's The Five Minute Ritualist.
Episode 56 is live. Bro. Salman Arif turned the microphone around on me again, this time with a page of questions about one thing: ritual. What does it actually mean to be good at it? My answer is that getting the words right is only the barest minimum. The real work is bringing them to life.
Also in this issue: details on The Five Minute Ritualist classes starting in November, a public showing of Join or Die, and the full conversation on the blog.
New Episode
Episode 56: Bringing the Work to Life
w/ Bro. Salman Arif | On Masonic Ritual
Salman asks why Freemasons call it the Work, and I make the case for roughly 200 man-hours behind every degree. We get into the magic that works whether you want it to or not, why I would rather a brother missed half the words and felt the half he said, the actor's trick of saying one line every possible way, cipher books and mouth to ear instruction, and why every chair in the lodge gives you a different view of the same ceremony.
Then the practical side: memorize first or internalize first, what to do when you are handed an installation at the last minute, memory palaces and the archetypal temple, and why, after a rough performance this spring, I started using Kim March's The Five Minute Ritualist. If you have six weeks to learn a piece, start, not now, but right now.
In Case You Missed It
If you missed it, Episode 55 has Bro. Julian Rees, nearly sixty years a Freemason, on his memoir A Life in Many Colours, the ritual he learned word perfect and then understood, and why he walked out of UGLE over one sentence about spirituality. It pairs well with this week's episode. You can also watch it on YouTube. Before that, Episode 54 is the Best of EFC, seven conversations from the conference floor in Seattle. Browse the full catalog anytime at mystictye.com/episodes.
Coming Up
The Five Minute Ritualist Classes
Monthly on Zoom | Starting November
A monthly class working through Kim March's The Five Minute Ritualist, plus the performance techniques I use on top of it, for anyone learning ritual, a lecture, or any piece they have to deliver from memory. You don't need a copy of the book, though it helps. Sessions will likely land on a Sunday or Monday, depending on availability. Details will come through this newsletter, and if you want a seat, email troy@mystictye.com. A tarot and Qabalah class is in the works too.
A Showing of Join or Die
Saturday November 28th | Agnes Street Temple, New Westminster
The documentary on Robert D. Putnam, the author of Bowling Alone, and why fraternal organizations, unions, sports teams and clubs are struggling to attract members. It's open to the public, so bring a friend who would make a good Mason. There will be a Q&A afterwards and a short talk on how to become a Freemason. More details to come.
Where I'll Be This Month
District Deputy Grand Master official visits
Friday October 9th, Mount Garibaldi Lodge, Squamish
Saturday October 17th, Mount Elphinstone Lodge, Roberts Creek
Tuesday October 27th, North Shore Lodge No. 93
Wednesday October 28th, Capilano Lodge: Freedom of Conscience, a new presentation on religious forbearance and why no one can be forced to believe
If you're a brother in the district, come say hello.
Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference 2027
2027 is coming soon. Details and early bird tickets will be announced shortly.
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
Bringing the Work to Life: Bro. Salman Arif Asks Troy What Makes Good Masonic Ritual
The full Episode 56 conversation in print, edited only for readability, with eight key takeaways at the top if you want the short version first.
Support the Show
Early episodes, extended cuts, outtakes, and event updates. Patreon supporters keep this podcast moving forward.
Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.
