Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.In the episode, the historical context of the Knights Templar's fall and the execution of their Grandmaster, Jacques de Molay, is examined, revealing the financial might that led to their downfall by King Philip IV of France and Pope Clement V. The degree ritual is described as a symbolic journey through four apartments representing Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, where initiates confront death, undergo purification, face judgment, and ultimately ascend. The purpose of the degree is to shed light on the historical persecution of the Templars and draw parallels with Anti-Masonic movements, suggesting a vision for enlightened leadership and a "New World Order" free from corruption.The discussion then delves into the Templars' aspirations to rebuild the Temple of Solomon and reclaim the Papacy for the East, with the "Ladder of Kadosh" serving as a metaphor for the initiatic journey of moral and philosophical growth. The "Templar Treasure" is speculated to be not a physical artifact but the realization of inner spiritual enlightenment. The symbolism of the Templars' demise and the destruction of physical temples points to a spiritual rebirth and the construction of an inner temple.The episode concludes with the idea that the initiates themselves are the angels in Jacob's dream, representing the journey of spiritual ascent and descent, and the construction of the "Third Temple" within oneself.The series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated EditionScottish Rite Ritual Monitor & GuideA Bridge to LightImages:30th Degree RegaliaHeinrich Khunrath - Cosmic RoseJacques de MolayOverview:01:14 Introduction01:38 Historical Setting05:58 Degree Ritual13:16 Purpose of the Degree13:59 Morals and Dogma14:42 New World Order17:27 Knight of the East and West18:54 The Templar Secret20:42 From The Ashes21:37 Ladder of Kadosh23:35 Journey to the East26:18 Down From the Mountain27:28 View From the East30:08 Angels Ascending and Descending32:13 ConclusionsLinks:Knights Templar (Wikipedia)Philip IV of France (Wikipedia)Pope Clement V (Wikipedia)Hugues de Payens (Wikipedia)Jacques de Molay (Wikipedia)Emerald Tablet (Wikipedia)Trivium (Wikipedia)Quadrivium (Wikipedia)Jacob’s Ladder (Wikipedia)Friday the 13th (Wikipedia)Tour de Nesle Affair (Wikipedia)Church and state in medieval Europe (Wikipedia)

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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