From the East – January 2023
Greetings Brethren,
As Freemasons, we are briefly introduced to Astronomy during our engagements as a Fellowcraft. Among the many Sciences presented to us that evening, it continues to hold onto its grand mysteries. With telescopes we gaze deep into history, at light from stars long past, the remnants of which exist in each and every one of us. With rockets and satellites, we reach out to the nearby planets. Those celestial bodies, which are so close to us in scale, are still, so far. And it is only with great undertaking, and with great effort, that we are able break the surly bonds of Earth, to travel the cosmos.
It is through the careful study and application of Arithmetic and Geometry, that we are able to outline and discern Astronomy’s secrets; through which we attempt to unravel its mysteries, and by extension, we try to understand our Creator’s Wondrous works. We exist in an age where we now know more about Astronomy than what our forefathers knew about the seas they traveled upon. Where the sextant once used the Moon and stars to guide Man on Earth’s surface, we live in a time where Man has left their impressions on the face of the Moon. And yet, the more knowledge we gain about the Heavens, the more we understand how vast and infinite our Universe truly is, and so little of it that we actually know.
And so, Brethren, a new age of exploration is dawning. One that promises new horizons and discoveries beyond imagination. And it is hoped that the divine light continues to guide us into its vast expanse.
“What will be the next thing that challenges us, (…)That makes us go farther and work harder? (…) as we did in the times when our eyes looked towards the heavens and, with out-stretched fingers, we touched the face of God.”
(“The Crackpots and These Women” The West Wing – Sorkin & Darzan 1999)
Fraternally,
WM Rigil Abellanosa