I was recently invited to attend an on-line discussion on the hermetic teachings of a spiritual path as it pertained to their program in the Brotherhood of Light.
Their approach is encapsulated by one man’s (C.C.Zain AKA Elbert Benjamine) vision of esoterica ‘G-d, truth, and eternity’- though he called it astrology, magic, and alchemy. E.B. was a prolific writer including a series of 21 white-bound books which are printed by the Brotherhood of Light. He was the founding father of Masonry.
With these materials one is carefully introduced to such disciplines. While you can just do the first five, like the Pentateuch, and then choose any others, there’s a push to finish all of them.
After you read all the books and pass all the tests, you then get a certificate stating you’re a ‘hermetician’. I’ve read part of one book, so am no expert, but found it stilted and somewhat difficult. (I like historical fiction, so usually can overlook such challenges.)
Evolution of the soul is what they’re after, right? But at my point in life, why would I want to spend years trying to memorize another’s revelations – when I already have my own?!
While waiting for the on-line portion to begin, a few of the men were chatting to each other- about life and such.
One of them mentioned about becoming used to being a “gray” man – as in invisible to a broader public with which the moderator agreed- both sounding resigned and disheartened as they continued their exchange – but with an unmistakable undercurrent of irritation- as if they were angry and blaming.
Normally, they consider themselves illuminated beings and used to feeling more visible? Lol, “welcome to a wo(e)-man’s real world”.
As they were going around Zoom’s ‘room’ encouraging people to introduce themselves, one young man said he was new to the area, and barely finding his way around. The moderator asked if he was a member of the Mason’s. As he was, the moderator gave him a special welcome.
At the time I didn’t know the B.O.L. is the church of the Masons.
IMO the Masons are a hyper-religious male-only fraternity that conditions men into conforming roles amongst a hierarchy. There are rites and rituals handed down in secretive sessions. They wear mysteriousl garb and utter spells and incantations. So they get to dress up and ~utter nonsense with magic syllables.
Members give years of their life and monies to support them. In return, they receive camaraderie and given magical tools with secret handshakes, etc.
Personally, I’ve no time for such cloistering. Not only am I too busy cultivating my life -as it does me, but belonging to such a group is the epitome of “unhealthy”.
Recapitulating rituals, you’re subsumed into someone else’s idea of living. But as an activity – it’s totally fun. I’d love to learn about all the mysteries with my buddies and be part of an international club. With the Mason’s activities, while some low or zero tax, not all are – so as ‘church’ corporate entity it’s still a source of monies to state and federal coffers.
Plus the Masons introduce the idea of hermetic law which is fabulous; it works for them – they got me to give critique for how they might become even more successful.
By using prayers of non-sense syllables, they are reinforcing to the soma that there’s an invisible higher power that hears and interprets. I speak and sing in tongues all the time – even under my breath outside, and it feels really good. Especially when I’m in a milieu where there’s focus on toxic situations or wordings.
Being subservient to hierarchy, you’ve ‘powered down’ from what you (your soma body) could be doing.
You could be creating masterpieces. Do you think E.B. went to many meetings?! No, he was busy writing- or leading them.
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As the moderator continued with the presentation it became clear that the group had an extensive board of directors and executive layers with lots of tasks and responsibilities.
What I didn’t sense was any joy.
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Secrets make us sick. Keeping truths from others, takes a lot of energy to be suppressed – especially when we think they are apt or might be helpful, but because we “promised” not to divulge, we keep them to ourselves. Over time it is inevitable to feel drained by this.
Towards the end, after I said in the chat box the program ‘probably wasn’t a fit for me’ – that I’d signed on for a discussion after ‘having an interesting email exchange’, the moderator called on me to further share my view.
I mentioned I was a ‘mystic’ and a writer with a lot of twelfth house influence.
He thought this was precious – that they were all mystics though they’d “never call themselves” such; and they were probably all twelfth house-oriented. I was naturally “one of them”. He then told me what to do (“keep emailing”). (I hope he takes his own advice.)
If I were offering him advice, who is technically a peer, it would be this:
‘While you could be doing your works and handicrafts which you could then show off- either b/c you invited your friends over to see them, or you brought them somewhere so they could be witnessed and celebrated, giving you positive attention because they were ‘cool’ and masterful, instead you’re giving away your blood and passion to a group of soldier men.
You spend hours listening to those who take orders from someone else – to know what to do next. This is the natural outcome of a silo-ized society. And we have little mechanism for true community bonding. Going to a food festival doesn’t cut it.
Either way, when you’re in any meetings, unless you’re the moderator, you are powered down.
You can’t be listening with your heart to someone else, and creating with it at the same time. Listening we are powered down. We are absorbing, not welling out.
Power as in the intensity of one’s exertion of energy towards a task or effort wanted -including sex and workouts drops when we slow what we are doing in order to attend.
Power comes when we create works with hands, heart, and mind together – and we get witnessed and affirmed.
Each digit expressing its ‘planet’ in synch with mind and heart – you’re including both Yod and Kaph -the hand and palm of G-d. One creates works as our Mercurial expression.
Then time ~stops. One experiences healthy flow. Here’s my vision of a better world and kingdom. https://drjenwyman-clemons.com/2025/04/25/summary-of-souk-school-and-collective-its-value-and-blessings/
and https://drjenwyman-clemons.com/2025/08/05/the-souk-kingdom/
Meanwhile be a model for what you want more of.
Go out wearing colorful clothes so that you stand out from your sea of resigned gray men. Be enough attractive that least one child says something or smiles and waves. It will make your day.
When they have a question about “why” are you…? Have a ‘just because I like it’ spiel ready.
Be free of rights and rituals at least once a week. Too many and they’re burdens. Your body will rebel. When you start getting s’ick or can’t attend a meeting, even if it’s “important”, (when your self is an ick; words starting with “s” indicate contraction from Latin ‘se’), then you will know it’s toxic.
You’re a free hu(e)-man creator G-d being- so act like one.
Create something durable of beauty. Creating other hu(e)-mans, as wo(e)-men do by virtue of being the sacred vessel, is not enough.
That honor is only bestowed for a few years – then we’ve got decades to go (Inshallah). As you know, our children have lives too. Make your own – and have fun doing it!
Blow some bubbles – a bubble gun cost $20 on the internet. Try your hand at archery. Here’s a picture of my most recent necklace(s). My first ones were ~practice. I’ve got ~50 of them. Each one crafted with prayers.
And unless you’re divorced or widowed, you’re likely in relationship itself a huge blessing. Bring your most colorful self to it. Shine your feathers – after you’ve polished hers. Both dress up ‘funny’ and invite friends to a theme dinner. I had a pea soup party.
Life is what you make of it. Your b’est years may be ahead of you!
[B’est = bee-est (humming like a bee) and busiest, being most busy but that requires having witnesses to your small successes. Remember “est” means “to be” in Latin. Then you’ll spur others with your efforts. And G-d bless.]
And if you’re still feeling stuck and life is still just tones and shades without hues and tints, kiss your palms, say “I love you” out loud – a lot. Sing your name’s vowel sounds (they’re numerologically empowered as your soul song).
Sing them as if someone is going to hand you a huge prize. How would that feel?
As for the course – I’d rewrite Mr. Benjamine’s books so as to be more approachable. Hermetic teachings should be widely accessible – in clear language suitable for a sixth grader. Introduce the idea of the energy world and astrology early; I heard about it in 2nd grade.
By 15, I knew it was real after doing my own chart and seeing Pluto with the moon in the tenth house. When Mr. Robert Hand did my chart and sent it to me, he emphasized I “must write”. But astrology was marginalized from my perspective at the time and I knew I’d get back to it – meanwhile live like it was true along with my feelings about there being a G-d.
My fifth house strengths were irrelevant with Pisces on the cusp – mystic and storyteller. I just fit in.
As we waken, we’ll see what amazing creatures we are underneath! Blessings!
