The following paper came across my desk, and I was blown away by it. There are a lot of key concepts that I think we can all reflect on in our own personal works, and in our lodges. This left me thinking, and I think that is a key characteristic of a good paper. It is longer than many of the items I run in the eMason, but I thought it was so good and timely that I would be doing you and Masonry a disservice by not sharing it. It has a lot of advice on how we carry ourselves, and how we choose to view our circumstances and our world.
This comes from my good friend Russell Winbush – the sitting Worshipful Master of Rochester Lodge #21. I hope you enjoy it.
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Masonry is a Mirror: Seven Principles for Inner and Outer
By WB Russell Winbush
Transformation
Reflections on Reality Transurfing and the Ancient Craft: In the esoteric work “Reality Transurfing,” author Vadim Zeland presents a profound concept: the world operates as a dual mirror, reflecting back to us not what we think we project, but rather our deepest relationship to existence itself. This mirror principle, with its seven fundamental laws, offers remarkable parallels to our ancient Masonic understanding of inner work manifesting as outer transformation.
The First Mirror Principle: The World Reflects Your Relationship to It
Zeland’s first principle states that “the world is like a mirror that reflects your relationship to it.” In Masonic terms, this means the Lodge, the Craft, and our Masonic journey reflect not our desires for transformation, but our actual relationship to the work itself.
A Brother who approaches Masonry with cynicism will find his Lodge experience confirming exactly that perception—disengagement and meaningless ceremony. Conversely, a Brother who approaches the Craft with reverence discovers profound teachings and genuine fellowship. The ritual itself is neutral; what varies is the relationship each candidate brings to the experience.
The Second Mirror Principle: Unity of Heart and Mind
The second principle reveals that “reflection is formed in the unity of heart and mind.” When intellect and emotion align, intention becomes manifest.
This illuminates why Masonic transformation requires both intellectual study and heartfelt commitment. A Brother may intellectually understand the symbolism of the Rough and Perfect Ashlar, but until his heart genuinely desires character refinement, no real transformation occurs. The ancient requirement that a candidate come to Masonry “of his own free will and accord” ensures this unity exists from the beginning.
The Third Mirror Principle: The Delay Principle
Perhaps most crucial for Masonic work is the third principle: “there is a delay in the reaction of the dual mirror.” Material realization of inner work takes time, often much longer than our impatient minds expect.
This explains the traditional emphasis on degrees as progressive stages rather than immediate enlightenment. The tools and symbols we receive require patient, consistent application before their transformative power becomes evident. Many brethren become discouraged when months of Masonic study seem to produce little tangible change—the third mirror principle reminds us this delay is natural and necessary.
Zeland suggests creating an “amalgam”—a fundamental attitude that colors all experience. For Masons, this might be: “The Craft is perfecting me according to divine wisdom.”
The Fourth Mirror Principle: Content Over Orientation
The fourth principle states that “the mirror cites the content of the relationship but ignores its orientation.” The mirror reflects what we focus on, regardless of whether we want it or want to avoid it.
Brethren who constantly complain about Lodge politics or declining membership unwittingly program more of the same into their Masonic experience. Instead, successful Masonic practice requires focusing attention on what we want to develop: stronger fellowship, deeper understanding, meaningful ritual, charitable action.
The Fifth Mirror Principle: Image, Not Reflection
The fifth principle advises: “switch your attention from the reflection to the image.” Instead of trying to fix external Masonic problems through direct action alone, we must first work on the internal image—our own understanding and practice.
A Brother seeking to revitalize his Lodge accomplishes more by deepening his own Masonic understanding than by criticizing others’ lack thereof. His genuine transformation creates a new reflection that naturally inspires similar changes in his brethren.
The Sixth and Seventh Mirrors Principles: Release and Reframe
The sixth principle teaches us to “release your grip and allow the world to move,” while the seventh instructs us to “embrace any reflection as positive.”
For Masons, this means releasing attachment to specific outcomes while maintaining faith in overall improvement. When unexpected challenges arise—difficult personalities, financial pressures, ritual mistakes—we can choose to view these as lessons needed for further development.
Practical Application:
Lodge Preparation: Before Lodge meetings, consciously set your internal image. Rather than dreading potential conflicts, envision yourself contributing positively
The Conscious Response: When challenges arise, ask: “What is this reflecting about my current internal state?” Use it for self-improvement rather than criticism.
The Amalgam Formula: Develop your personal Masonic amalgam:
– “Every Lodge experience teaches me something valuable”
– “My Masonic journey unfolds perfectly according to divine timing”
– “The Craft continuously reveals new depths of wisdom”
Focus Discipline: When Lodge problems capture your attention, consciously redirect thoughts to your Masonic ideals. What you focus on consistently will be reflected back as your experienced reality.
The Greater Implication
If Masonry truly functions as a mirror, then the current state of the Craft worldwide reflects the collective consciousness of its members. This empowers rather than discourages, because it means revitalization lies entirely within our control—through individual brothers transforming their own understanding and practice.
As each Mason polishes his own internal rough ashlar, the mirror of the Craft inevitably reflects back greater light, wisdom, and fellowship. The divine light we seek isn’t separate from us—it’s already present, waiting to be reflected through our own purified consciousness.
Like the Master Craftsmen who knew their cathedral’s quality reflected both technical skill and spiritual development, we must understand that our Lodges, degrees, and fellowship mirror exactly what we bring to the sacred work.
The world—and the Craft—truly is a mirror. The question becomes: what image are we consciously choosing to reflect? May we each work diligently to perfect ourselves as living stones in the spiritual temple, remembering always that the light we seek in the East is the same light that shines from within our own transformed hearts.