Freemasonry surrounds us with symbols, but how often do we stop to ask what those symbols are actually doing?

In this episode of Down the Rabbit Hole with Josh and David, Josh Kelley and VWB David Guarente explore the language of symbolism in Freemasonry and beyond.

Why does Freemasonry teach through symbols instead of simply giving us definitions? How is a symbol different from a sign, metaphor, or allegory? Why can the same symbol mean something different to us as we grow, study, and gain experience?

The conversation moves from everyday symbols and language into religion, ancient cultures, astronomy, sacred geometry, archetypes, and Masonic ritual. Along the way, Josh and David examine symbols such as the Square and Compasses, the circumpunct, the All Seeing Eye, the 47th Problem of Euclid, and the many symbols that appear throughout the degrees of Freemasonry.

They also discuss an important question for anyone studying symbolism: how do we go deeper without simply making things up?

The answer begins with context, tradition, ritual, comparison, contemplation, and personal application.

Because a symbol isn't simply something to memorize.

It's something to live with.

And sometimes, the meaning hidden within the symbol reveals something hidden within us.

Join Josh and David as they go Down the Rabbit Hole and explore what may truly be Hidden in Plain Sight.

The Masonic Journey Podcast
Live the Craft. Give the Craft.

New beginnings can be exciting, challenging, and sometimes a little uncomfortable. But every new chapter brings an opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better version of ourselves.

In this episode of Walking Talks, Josh Kelley comes to you from Bridgeton Masonic Lodge No. 80 in St. Peters, Missouri, where he's beginning a new chapter in his professional life.

Drawing on his experiences and the lessons of Freemasonry, Josh reflects on the courage it takes to start over, the importance of remaining teachable, and why our journey of personal growth is never truly finished.

Whether you're starting a new career, navigating a major life change, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, remember that your story is still being written.

There's still more to learn. There's still more to build. There's still more to become.

Live the Craft. Give the Craft.

#TheMasonicJourney #WalkingTalks #Freemasonry #NewBeginnings #PersonalGrowth #MasonicEducation

🐇 We’re going Down the Rabbit Hole.

David Guarente and I have had countless conversations after Lodge where we start talking about one symbol, one book, or one idea and somehow end up somewhere completely different.

We finally decided to turn the microphones on.

In the first episode of Down the Rabbit Hole with Josh & David, we ask a deceptively simple question:

What is esoteric Freemasonry?

What does “esoteric” actually mean? Is Freemasonry inherently esoteric? What’s the difference between studying a symbol and experiencing it? Where do Hermeticism, alchemy, Kabbalah, and mysticism fit into the conversation? And at what point does interpretation become speculation?

Of course, we couldn't talk about esoteric Masonry without actually going down a rabbit hole, so we take the point within a circle and see where it leads us.

The episode became less about finding hidden knowledge and more about something I think is much more important:

What are these symbols and teachings supposed to do to us?

Knowledge without application doesn't change anyone.

🎙️ Episode 1: Hiding in Plain Sight — What Is Esoteric Freemasonry?

Pull up a chair. This is basically two Brothers talking Masonry after Lodge, except this time we remembered to turn the microphones on.

Welcome to Down the Rabbit Hole. 🐇

#Freemasonry #EsotericFreemasonry #MasonicEducation #MasonicSymbolism #DownTheRabbitHole #TheMasonicJourney

In this Labor Day edition of Walking Thoughts, Josh reflects on the deeper meaning of labor through the lens of Freemasonry.

The Craft gives us working tools, speaks constantly of building, and reminds us that each of us is still an unfinished stone. But are we simply staying busy in Masonry, or are we actually doing the work?

This episode explores the difference between activity and true Masonic labor, the importance of using the working tools in daily life, the value of rest, and the question every Mason should ask from time to time:

What are you building?

Because the goal was never simply to possess the tools. The goal was to use them.

Live the Craft. Give the Craft.

Freemasonry cannot simply be something we attend. It must be something we practice.

In this episode of The Masonic Journey Podcast, Josh Kelley sits down with Robert H. Johnson, host of the Whence Came You? Podcast, for an honest conversation about Masonic education, lodge culture, meaningful engagement, and the future of the Craft.

Together, Josh and RJ explore some important questions:

What does it mean to practice Freemasonry beyond the Lodge room?

Are we building extraordinary men or merely maintaining membership rolls?

How can lodges replace administrative routine with meaningful education and genuine brotherhood?

What can today’s Masonic leaders do to create an experience worth preserving?

The conversation also examines declining participation, the danger of sacrificing standards to protect membership numbers, the importance of listening to inactive Brothers, and why younger Masons provide real hope for the future.

RJ shares his vision of Freemasonry as a lantern on the mountain, calling each generation to climb higher and then hold the light for those who follow.

Josh also shares the moving story of Brother John Meyer, a longtime Mason whose life demonstrates that a Brother’s contribution to the Craft cannot always be measured by how often he attends Lodge.

Robert H. Johnson wrote the foreword to Josh Kelley’s new book, The Extraordinary Lodge: A Practical Guide to Building Healthy Lodges and Extraordinary Men. During the conversation, RJ describes the book as a practical blueprint for changing lodge culture, strengthening Masonic education, and building a more meaningful future for the Craft.

Get your copy of The Extraordinary Lodge:
https://a.co/d/0csVWU6T

Learn more about Whence Came You?:
https://www.wcypodcast.com

Learn more about Camp Masonry:
https://www.masoniccamp.com