Occult of Personality podcast Freemasonry: Ancient & Modern with Josef Wages
Feb 12, 2025
In an engaging conversation, Masonic historian Josef Wäges shares his multi-generational Masonic heritage and how it shaped his passion for history. He discusses the differences between ancient and modern Freemasonry, arguing that modern rituals often provide a more impactful initiation experience. Josef provides practical advice for newcomers seeking a lodge and clarifies the significance of Grand Lodge lineages today. He also teases upcoming works, delving into the Marin Manuscript and the origins of the 33rd degree, all while reflecting on Freemasonry as a spiritual path.
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Family Lineage Led To Masonry
- Wäges grew up expecting to join Freemasonry because multiple male relatives across four or five generations were Masons.
- That family continuity made joining feel like a natural, anticipated step in his life.
Modern Rituals Yield Stronger Initiations
- Modern (French-influenced) ritual forms often provide clearer scripts and more consistent, powerful initiatory experiences than many older English variants.
- Wäges argues better execution and rehearsal improve the candidate's transformative experience, not memorization skill.
Traditional Observance Reclaims Missing Rituals
- The traditional-observance movement is often reintroducing French-rite elements (chambers of reflection, symbolic items) to fill a perceived ritual gap.
- Wäges sees this as a corrective thirst for a more complete Masonic experience in anglophone lodges.
