The final recording from Grand Masonic Day 2026 brings together four distinguished brothers for a panel discussion moderated by Bro. Wes Regan. Joining the conversation are Bro. Josef Wages, Bro. Arturo de Hoyos and Bro. Zane McCune

The panel opens with the state of Masonic research. Bro. de Hoyos recounts his twenty-year quest to reverse-engineer Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma, tracing its unattributed sources across libraries throughout the United States. Bro. Wages describes their joint archival photography expeditions across Europe, capturing tens of thousands of images from collections that even local archivists had never fully explored. Both scholars reflect on their mentor-mentee relationship and the chronic underutilization of Masonic libraries and archives worldwide.

The conversation shifts to ritual. Bro. de Hoyos compares Freemasonry to an onion, each layer a product of time, culture, and the brethren who practiced it. The panel examines how degree systems evolved, why the York Rite and Scottish Rite survived while hundreds of other systems were consigned to archives, and whether there is room for new ritual innovation in the craft today.

Technology and artificial intelligence in the lodge draw spirited responses from every panelist. Virtual degree conferrals, AI-generated ritual set to music, and the merits of memorization versus reading from a cipher all come under scrutiny. The panel lands firmly on the value of in-person, sensory, participatory experience, while leaving room for technology as a tool for education and outreach.

Audience members contribute questions on lodge culture, seeker processes, the use of Zoom and conferencing tools for brethren who can no longer attend in person, and whether memorization is essential or merely one path among many.

Please forgive the occasional audio issues and edits as this was recorded at a live event.

Links and resources

• Esotericism in Freemasonry Conference: masonicconferences.com
• RSVP for the upcoming conference: esotericmasonry@gmail.com
• Mystic Tye website and event calendar: mystictye.com
• Patreon (early episodes, extended cuts, artwork, extras): patreon.com/mystictye

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Graphics and web hosting by Art Szabo Creative. Theme music by Organist.

Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again.