Traditional Odd Fellowship, by Michael Greenzeiger

I have often been asked if I consider myself to be more of a traditionalist or a reformer when it comes to Odd Fellowship. I actually don’t consider those to be a contradiction, however. Odd Fellowship itself has evolved considerably over the years, from the “convivial society” of the 1700’s through the height of ritual and symbolism during the 1800’s and the charitable and service focus of the 1900’s. I do not yet know what this century will bring, but I do know that there is much of value in our past.

THE LONELINESS EPIDEMIC: Make Odd Fellows Your Tribe.

A terrific video about why we, in the 21st century, are considered by some to be the loneliest people in world history. This video interview has adult language.

Should Your Lodge Have A Pledge Period for Candidates?

To answer the title question, I’m not sure. Just tossing this idea out there, so I may change my mind. I first became aware of the notion of an Odd Fellows pledge period through the reading of the Davis Lodge #169 of California website. Davis Lodge #169 has new candidates go through a pledge period, […]

Coming Together Where the World is Shut Out – New Art by Ainslie Heilich

I started thinking about the physical and spiritual sacred space of the Lodge and how it acts to bring people together. During the Opening Ritual we physically seal the room by securing the doors and covering the windows from the outside world and its influences and we spiritually strip ourselves of who we are on the outside and take on the mantle of our respective office.

Odd Fellowship, Religion, and Compromise

The issue of religion in Odd Fellowship pops up often these days. And for those who aren’t Odd Fellows, nearly all members understand The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is NOT a church. In fact we have less religion in our Order than many other fraternal orders. It’s just that many U.S. Odd Fellows want […]

ON THE THRESHOLD OF THE PATH: CONTEMPLATION ON THE MOTIVE THAT ADMITS ONE TO THE MYSTERIES OF THE AGELESS WISDOM – by Teike Van Baden

I have been thinking a lot about the motive that gives one entrance to the Mysteries. A while ago I had a dream in which a teacher directed his attention to me: “Do you think a tradition with so many schisms can really offer anything towards your spiritual development?“

That is a question that I would like to explore in this paper.

5 less than 12 Minute TED Talks for Odd Fellows

This TED Talk reflects upon ideas of the Initiatory Degree: Here’s a TEDx Talk from Australia and ties to the Degree of Friendship. This kid has a great idea, and one that a lodge somewhere might be able to work on…in fact why not get your Grand Lodge to move this forward? Every lodge […]

Advice For Initiates

A Mystic Master once said, “To visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphan is the command of our laws, and a duty which we require.“ There’s not a better statement than the one above for a new Odd Fellow to hear. The statement is both a warning and an […]

Odd Fellowship, Humanitarianism, PREACH IT!!

Can you do without human sympathy? Humanitarianism is the view that all human beings deserve respect and dignity. Humanitarians work towards advancing the well-being of humanity as a whole. It is the antithesis of the “us vs. them” mentality that characterizes tribalism. Humanitarianism drives people to save lives, alleviate suffering, and promote human dignity. Humanitarianism […]

New Symbol Shirt Designs by Ainslie Heilich

I have been working on some minimalism/geometric monoline designs to represent the Degrees of Odd Fellowship. It was tough to figure out what symbols to include or exclude, but I am pleased with the overall inclusion.

These designs are available in the Heart in Hand Store, and are able to be placed on tons of unique products if tshirts aren’t your thing. As always, all proceeds benefit my home Lodge.

CAN ODD FELLOWSHIP BE AN ANTIDOTE TO A**HOLE CULTURE?

They seem to permeate every part of our culture: Entitled, arrogant people, who treat everyone around them like crap, take what they want, do what they want, and rise to positions of power in management, business, government, neighborhood associations, lodges, church boards, and nearly everywhere else. They see mistreating and destroying others as “just part […]

THE ENLIGHTENMENT, NATURE, AND REASON

The universe uses emblems or symbols to reveal itself to humanity. In ancient days, groups of philosophers and mystics used the symbols of the natural world to teach deep philosophical ideas to their initiates. The Rosicrucians, also originally known as Brothers of the Rose Cross, are an ancient Order supposedly connected to the Templars. The […]