View allAll Photos Tagged ritualistic
This is just the beginning of an involved ritualistic courtship process between two consenting Royal Terns.
Filmed along the waters of the Atlantic Ocean at Anastasia State Park.
There are a few other photos of this pair below.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
More commonly known as Boscawen-Un (the translation from Cornish is the title). Situated 4 miles SW of Penzance, Cornwall, UK. Well worth a visit!!!
"There is a controversial pillar at the centre of the ring......about 1864 the Penzance Natural History and Antiquarian Society trenched across the circle but found nothing. they also dug down to the base of the central stone 'and found that it was carefully placed in it's leaning position.'" Excerpt from 'A Guide to the Stone Circles of Britain, Ireland and Brittany' by Aubrey Burl which I always try to have to hand when travelling. This stone circle is the first one listed in this publication.
ExoLens (Wide-Angle), Shoulderpod S1, Hisy remote, Manfrotto monopod held aloft in a ritualistic manner!!. Edited with Snapseed on iPad Pro.
Further reading:-
This ancient celtic standing stone on Slaughter Hill, Co. Wicklow, dates back to the Bronze Age and it has stood here for thousands of years. Its wide side faces out over the Irish sea and the rising sun. It is of a type called "Schist" and the closest place to here, where this type of stone can be found is over 20 miles away near Kippure, which means it was actually physically carried to this spot.
No one knows what is its significance but it is most likely ritualistic because of its position and its relation to the sun.. All I do know is that I have visited it several times at dawn and when the first light strikes it, it certainly stirs up some strange and wonderful emotions which Im sure was the reason for it being positioned there in the first place. Magical!
Hope you like it.
Best wishes.
Pat.
Situated on the moors between Burnley and Todmorden, West Yorkshire, are the Bridestones, outcrops of millstone grit rocks and boulders which stretch for about half mile in length.
The name ‘Bridestones’ might be derived from Bridia, Brighid, or Briga, the pre-Roman (Iron Age) diety who is more often known from history as ‘Brigantia’, goddess of the Brigantes tribe of northern England – just prior to, and up to, the Roman Conquest. Or they “might” perhaps take their name from bride as in ‘bride and groom’ at a wedding ceremony, which harks back to times, long ago, when weddings supposedly took place on the moor where the outcrops of rocks now known as ‘Bridestones’ are located. Indeed there is a 15 foot high oval-shaped, weathered rock called ‘Great Bride Stone’ and beside it a smaller rounded rock called ‘the groom stone’. But undoubtedly the Bridestones was a sacred, magical place, and no-doubt a few thousand years ago it was the abode of druids who worshipped heathen gods and also officiated in ritualistic and sacrificial ceremonies.
Theyyam consists of traditions, rituals and customs associated with temples and sacred groves of Malabar. It broadly encompasses Hindu ritualistic tenets. The people of the region consider Theyyam itself as a channel to a god and they thus seek blessings from Theyyam.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
This is the masonic temple in Hoornsterzwaag, the Netherlands.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Yosemite lies somewhere between the full moon and my soul. I visit her ritualistically every now and then. She is to me what a river is to water. When with her, I flow. I flow as carefree water. Defiant water. Rambunctious water. She even lets me become leaping water. As leaping water, I fall for her grace. I fall hard into a redolent mist shattering into interrupted moonbows. Meanwhile, the Big Dipper floats above contemplating a similar plunge and the southerly silly moon paints the sky blue at night. Euphoria spills out of my shivering being and reflects in flooded meadows nearby. I close my eyes. Yosemite radiantly smiles... She smiles somewhere between my soul and eternity.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
This is the masonic lodge Tubantia, in Enschede, the Netherlands.
Theyyam, also called Theyyattam, are ritual dance forms performed in northern Kerala and few parts of Karnataka in India. Theyyam consists of traditions, rituals and customs associated with temples and sacred groves of Malabar. It broadly encompasses Hindu ritualistic tenets. The people of the region consider Theyyam itself as a channel to a god and they thus seek blessings from Theyyam.
The Palace, a complex of several connected and adjacent buildings and courtyards, was built by several generations on a wide artificial terrace during four century period. The Palace was used by the Mayan aristocracy for bureaucratic functions, entertainment, and ritualistic ceremonies. The Palace is located in the center of the ancient city.
Within the Palace there are numerous sculptures and bas-relief carvings that have been conserved. The Palace most unique and recognizable feature is the four-story tower known as The Observation Tower. The Observation Tower like many other buildings at the site exhibit a mansard-like roof. The A-shaped Corbel arch is an architectural motif observed throughout the complex. The Corbel arches require a large amount of masonry mass and are limited to a small dimensional ratio of width to height providing the characteristic high ceilings and narrow passageways. The Palace was equipped with numerous large baths and saunas which were supplied with fresh water by an intricate water system. An aqueduct, constructed of great stone blocks with a three-meter-high vault, deviates the Otulum River to flow underneath the main plaza. The Palace is the largest building complex in Palenque measuring 97 meters by 73 meters at its base.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
De Woudkapel werd in 1924 gebouwd naar ontwerp van dr. ir. G.W. van Heukelom (1870 - 1952). Van Heukelom is vooral bekend geworden door het NS gebouw in Utrecht, ook wel bekend als HGB III of De Inktpot.
Voor meer info over het gebouw: Info over het gebouw
Op de maandagavond huurt de vrijmetselaarloge "De Unie van Utrecht" de ruimte.
zie: Loge "De Unie van Utrecht"
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Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
A female white pelican (front) is a fair bit smaller than the male (back), as you can see in this image. This pair seemed to be paired up as the male followed her in a ritualistic swim around the pond many times. They are both sporting their long head feathers and more intense colouring of the face and beak.
The Palace, a complex of several connected and adjacent buildings and courtyards, was built by several generations on a wide artificial terrace during four century period. The Palace was used by the Mayan aristocracy for bureaucratic functions, entertainment, and ritualistic ceremonies. The Palace is located in the center of the ancient city.
Within the Palace there are numerous sculptures and bas-relief carvings that have been conserved. The Palace most unique and recognizable feature is the four-story tower known as The Observation Tower. The Observation Tower like many other buildings at the site exhibit a mansard-like roof. The A-shaped Corbel arch is an architectural motif observed throughout the complex. The Corbel arches require a large amount of masonry mass and are limited to a small dimensional ratio of width to height providing the characteristic high ceilings and narrow passageways. The Palace was equipped with numerous large baths and saunas which were supplied with fresh water by an intricate water system. An aqueduct, constructed of great stone blocks with a three-meter-high vault, deviates the Otulum River to flow underneath the main plaza. The Palace is the largest building complex in Palenque measuring 97 meters by 73 meters at its base.
Yesterday we visited the fabulous double stone circle of Grey Wethers. This Bronze Age site features 2 large stone circles close to each other, the centre of both circles is almost perfectly North-South oriented. When the circles were excavated they found large amounts of charcoal in the centre. The reason for erecting 2 stone circles next to each other remains a mystery only Bronze Age folk would be able to answer.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
This building and temple was completely renovated in 2013.
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zie: www.schakel-schrale.nl/projecten/vondelstraat-39-41-in-am...
Vondelstraat nummer 41, op de hoek van de Vondelstraat en de Eerste Constantijn Huygensstraat, werd door architect Cuypers in 1873 gebouwd in opdracht van Heineken. Dit werd ‘het Bierhuis’, waar bezoekers werden ontvangen en bijgeschonken. Nummer 39, ‘het Vondelhuis’, stamt uit 1880 en was ooit een balzaal. Beide panden werden in 1903 door de vrijmetselaars van Amsterdam gekocht en samengevoegd tot één pand.
In 2012 waren beide panden zowel inwendig als uitwendig in slechte staat. De vrijmetselaars, die beide panden in bezit hadden en als één geheel gebruikten, verkochten nummer 41 aan Stadsherstel om de restauratie van nummer 39 financieel mogelijk te maken en hun activiteiten daarin voort te kunnen zetten. De restauratiewerkzaamheden hadden als doel de authentieke onderdelen uit de tijd van Cuypers te conserveren en tegelijkertijd de bijzondere identiteit van de vrijmetselaarsloge te behouden. Er zijn bijvoorbeeld nog glas-in-loodramen met geometrische figuren, gerelateerd aan vrijmetselarij. In de gevel van nummer 39 is een indrukwekkende vijfpuntige diamant met daarin een pentagram aangebracht met gekleurd glas op een zinken achtergrond. In nummer 39 bevindt zich ook de rode en blauwe tempel. De Vrijmetselaars blijven gebruik maken van het souterrain van nr. 41. Het overige deel van dat pand wordt door Stadsherstel als bedrijfsruimte verhuurd.
edit by Armin
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Thanks to Maria for the edit.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
(Continuation of Story)
One of the most astounding sights I saw in Peru were the Nazca Lines. To get there, I booked a flight out of Lima, Peru and went off to discover them by myself. No one I spoke to board the ship had heard of them and certainly they didn’t want to go out of their way to see them. I found a travel agent in Lima who booked the trip.
After the flight landed in Nazca, there was transportation to a smaller airport where the “observation plane” took off. The pilot dipped his wings and did low maneuvers over the drawings on the ground. The lines were made in the form of a monkey, hummingbirds and other objects. Of great importance to many, is a form that looks like an astronaut.
The area is an UNESCO World Heritage site and is being protected by Greenpeace, as well. Recently, too many curious mindless tourists have damaged some of the area that has always been off limits, except for archeologists.
A huge plateau between Nazca and Palpa is where the hundreds of simple lines can be found. It is believed that they were continually formed between 500BC to 500AD by the Nazca culture.
Their purpose has been disputed. Perhaps they were ritualistic in nature and were to be seen by the gods in the sky, or they were linked to agriculture and irrigation. What is still a mystery is how they were formed into recognizable shapes when they can only be seen from the sky.
I will let you research and explore the many writings, television series and fictional creations that have tried to unlock the mystery.
This is one of the simple forms which to many resembles an astronaut and was taken from the plane, high over the plateau.
The Palace, a complex of several connected and adjacent buildings and courtyards, was built by several generations on a wide artificial terrace during four century period. The Palace was used by the Mayan aristocracy for bureaucratic functions, entertainment, and ritualistic ceremonies. The Palace is located in the center of the ancient city.
Within the Palace there are numerous sculptures and bas-relief carvings that have been conserved. The Palace most unique and recognizable feature is the four-story tower known as The Observation Tower. The Observation Tower like many other buildings at the site exhibit a mansard-like roof. The A-shaped Corbel arch is an architectural motif observed throughout the complex. The Corbel arches require a large amount of masonry mass and are limited to a small dimensional ratio of width to height providing the characteristic high ceilings and narrow passageways. The Palace was equipped with numerous large baths and saunas which were supplied with fresh water by an intricate water system. An aqueduct, constructed of great stone blocks with a three-meter-high vault, deviates the Otulum River to flow underneath the main plaza. The Palace is the largest building complex in Palenque measuring 97 meters by 73 meters at its base.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
This building was built as a freemasonslodge in 1900 for the lodge Jacob van Campen.
The Palace, a complex of several connected and adjacent buildings and courtyards, was built by several generations on a wide artificial terrace during four century period. The Palace was used by the Mayan aristocracy for bureaucratic functions, entertainment, and ritualistic ceremonies. The Palace is located in the center of the ancient city.
Within the Palace there are numerous sculptures and bas-relief carvings that have been conserved. The Palace most unique and recognizable feature is the four-story tower known as The Observation Tower. The Observation Tower like many other buildings at the site exhibit a mansard-like roof. The A-shaped Corbel arch is an architectural motif observed throughout the complex. The Corbel arches require a large amount of masonry mass and are limited to a small dimensional ratio of width to height providing the characteristic high ceilings and narrow passageways. The Palace was equipped with numerous large baths and saunas which were supplied with fresh water by an intricate water system. An aqueduct, constructed of great stone blocks with a three-meter-high vault, deviates the Otulum River to flow underneath the main plaza. The Palace is the largest building complex in Palenque measuring 97 meters by 73 meters at its base.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
This is the masonic temple in Groningen, the Netherlands.
I can't take credit for the edit on this one, it's 100% Gigi. Baby girl, you're god damn amazing, thank you so much for helping me with this.
You can get alot of these at the ritual event going on now
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Eye's
DDD Ritualistic Colors Eyes
Shoes
Magnetic - Agatha Heels
Body Shine
~Edie's~ Dark Spell Shine
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Ritual Event/Masquerade Productions Socials
Masquerade Productions Facebook Page
Masquerade Productions Flickr Group
jαsмιηε
Here is some neat face paint for your wooga booga bull shit moon centric ritualistic needs.
This product features BOM (Bakes on Mesh) tattoo layers meant to be used on Lelutka EVOX heads ONLY. These layers will not work on any head using the standard SLUV!
The tattoo layers are modify and include…
◉ Lunar Ear Paint for EVOX Elf Ears
◉ Lunar Face Paint - Full
◉ Lunar Face Paint - Black Smudge
◉ Lunar Face Paint - Black Nose Line
◉ Lunar Face Paint - Black Undereye
◉ Lunar Face Paint - White Undereye
◉ Lunar Face Paint - White Moon
◉ Lunar Face Paint - Black Lip Line
◉ Lunar Face Paint - White Lip Line
◉ Lunar Face Paint - White Cheek Line
◉ Lunar Face Paint - White Eye Liner
◉ BONUS: Spellweaver Eyeliner Color Line in White
You can build your own look by layering the separate layers differently.
Enjoy ¯\_( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)_/¯
Great Blue Heron (Ardea hernias) male returning to the nest site to add another twig to the nest. The female accepted the branch in a ritualistic manner and placed it on the nest structure. There were 7 nests in the tree located along the shores of an artificial pond in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.
20 February, 2017.
Slide # GWB_20170220_6431.CR2
Use of this image on websites, blogs or other media without explicit permission is not permitted.
© Gerard W. Beyersbergen - All Rights Reserved Worldwide In Perpetuity - No Unauthorized Use.
Generated By Midjourney V7
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**🎬 Prompt cinématographique (FR) :**
Une scène extraterrestre baignée de lumière dorée au lever du soleil, dans une prairie luxuriante et vibrante, envahie de fleurs sauvages multicolores aux textures détaillées (pétales translucides, pollen flottant dans l’air). Une multitude de petits êtres aliens humanoïdes à la peau verte légèrement translucide, avec de grands yeux noirs brillants et une texture cutanée organique subtilement veinée, sont rassemblés en cercle.
Ils portent des couronnes de fleurs naturelles finement tressées, différentes pour chacun, donnant une impression de rituel ou de célébration mystique. Leurs expressions sont douces, curieuses, presque émerveillées.
Au centre, un alien légèrement plus grand, au regard concentré et aux gestes délicats, découpe lentement avec un couteau brillant un gâteau sphérique hyperréaliste représentant la planète Terre. Le gâteau est extrêmement détaillé : continents texturés, océans brillants avec un effet légèrement gélifié, atmosphère subtilement lumineuse. L’intérieur du gâteau révèle des couches réalistes de génoise chocolat et de crème, avec des miettes visibles et une coupe nette.
La scène est capturée en style **cinéma ultra-réaliste**, avec une profondeur de champ réduite (bokeh doux en arrière-plan), une lumière volumétrique traversant les fleurs et les personnages, particules flottantes visibles, lens flare subtil. Couleurs riches mais naturelles, contrastes équilibrés.
Caméra en **plan rapproché légèrement en plongée**, focale type 50mm, rendu 8K, détails microscopiques, texture peau, reflets dans les yeux, humidité sur les surfaces. Atmosphère paisible mais étrange, mélange de sacré et de poésie visuelle.
Ambiance sonore suggérée : léger vent, bruissement des fleurs, murmures doux, silence contemplatif.
Style : **hyperréalisme cinématographique, rendu photoréaliste, Unreal Engine / Octane render, global illumination, subsurface scattering, ray tracing.**
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Et
**🎬 Cinematic Prompt (EN):**
An otherworldly scene bathed in warm golden sunrise light, set in a lush, expansive meadow overflowing with vividly colored wildflowers. Each flower is intricately detailed, with translucent petals, visible pollen particles drifting in the air, and subtle motion from a gentle breeze.
A large group of small humanoid aliens with smooth, slightly translucent green skin stands gathered in a loose circle. Their skin reveals faint organic veining beneath the surface, enhanced by soft subsurface scattering. They have oversized, glossy black eyes reflecting the environment with mirror-like precision. Their expressions are gentle, curious, almost reverent.
Each alien wears a unique, delicately woven flower crown made of fresh blossoms, suggesting a ceremonial or ritualistic gathering. The mood feels sacred, peaceful, and quietly surreal.
At the center, a slightly taller alien carefully slices into a hyperrealistic spherical cake designed to look exactly like planet Earth. The cake’s surface is extraordinarily detailed: textured continents, glistening oceans with a subtle gelatin-like sheen, and a faint atmospheric glow. As the knife cuts through, the interior reveals rich layers of chocolate sponge and creamy filling, with fine crumbs and realistic textures visible at the cut.
The scene is shot in **ultra-realistic cinematic style**, featuring shallow depth of field with soft bokeh in the background. Volumetric light rays stream through the flowers and characters, illuminating floating dust and pollen particles. Subtle lens flare enhances the natural sunlight.
Camera angle: **close-up shot with a slight top-down perspective**, using a 50mm lens.
Rendering quality: **8K ultra-detailed**, microscopic textures visible (skin pores, moisture, reflections in the eyes, crumbs on the cake).
Lighting: global illumination, ray tracing, soft natural highlights, balanced contrast.
Atmosphere: serene yet uncanny, blending ritualistic symbolism with poetic visual storytelling.
Suggested soundscape: soft wind, gentle rustling of flowers, faint ambient murmurs, meditative silence.
Style keywords: **cinematic hyperrealism, photorealistic rendering, Unreal Engine, Octane Render, subsurface scattering, ray tracing, volumetric lighting.**
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--v 7 --ar 16:9 --style raw --q 2 --s 750 --chaos 12 --seed 42
This migrating merganser winters further south than either of our other 2 species of merganser but milder winters will find them on our Great Lakes. At times of peak migrations their numbers can run as high as 60,000 congregated along shorelines resting and refueling.
This drake is performing their ritualistic actions trying to impress the girls along the shoreline of Lake Ontario.
Thank you visitors for favs and comments. Much appreciated.
The Northern Flicker is a particularly interesting species to observe…in this instance, two males were engaged in territorial behaviour. They would face each other quietly for some time, before breaking into a bout of moving their heads in a ritualistic bobbing fashion for a brief interval. Then peace would prevail until the ‘jousting’ was repeated, and the process continued for over ten minutes.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
edit by Armin
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
The Palace, a complex of several connected and adjacent buildings and courtyards, was built by several generations on a wide artificial terrace during four century period. The Palace was used by the Mayan aristocracy for bureaucratic functions, entertainment, and ritualistic ceremonies. The Palace is located in the center of the ancient city.
Within the Palace there are numerous sculptures and bas-relief carvings that have been conserved. The Palace most unique and recognizable feature is the four-story tower known as The Observation Tower. The Observation Tower like many other buildings at the site exhibit a mansard-like roof. The A-shaped Corbel arch is an architectural motif observed throughout the complex. The Corbel arches require a large amount of masonry mass and are limited to a small dimensional ratio of width to height providing the characteristic high ceilings and narrow passageways. The Palace was equipped with numerous large baths and saunas which were supplied with fresh water by an intricate water system. An aqueduct, constructed of great stone blocks with a three-meter-high vault, deviates the Otulum River to flow underneath the main plaza. The Palace is the largest building complex in Palenque measuring 97 meters by 73 meters at its base.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
Masonic Temple is a term commonly used in Freemasonry with multiple but related meanings. It is used to describe an abstract spiritual goal, the conceptual ritualistic space formed when a Masonic Lodge meets, and the physical rooms and structures in which a Lodge meets. When used to describe a structure the term is interchangeable with the term Masonic Hall.
The Chepstow Wassail is a revived winter folk tradition rooted in the ancient orchard-blessing customs of the Welsh Marches.
Held in midwinter, it brings the community together to celebrate the old agricultural year and encourage a healthy apple harvest for the year ahead. Participants gather in orchards or green spaces carrying lanterns, drums, and pots, creating a lively, ritualistic atmosphere.
Traditional wassailing songs are sung to the apple trees, cider is poured onto the roots as an offering, and noise is made to wake the trees and scare away evil spirits. Costumes, masks, and folk characters often feature, adding a playful, theatrical edge to the event.
A big part of this is a gathering of Morris Dancing troupes – 17 of them this year
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe
The church on top of the island is dedicated to John the Baptist. Over the centuries the church has burned down and been rebuilt several times. It is believed that the first hermitage that existed here was erected in the 9th century. In the 12th century, it became a convent. However, two centuries later, the friars abandoned it taking with them everything of value.
In 1596, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe was attacked again, this time by Sir Francis Drake and his corsairs. They looted everything they found and killed the hermit that was living there by throwing him off a cliff to the rocks and water below.
San Juan de Gaztelugatxe also played a role, albeit small, during the Spanish Inquisition. Witches and their ritualistic meetings known as Akelarre in Basque, make up a part of the Basque mythology. For this reason, the Catholic Church focused much of its time during the inquisition hunting for witches in the region. Several accounts seem to indicate that many of the accused were locked up in the caves of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe.
The church deteriorated over time and it was eventually demolished in 1886 and then rebuilt from scratch. Unfortunately, during the demolition process, all of the artifacts found in the ground, such as coins and cannon balls, were thrown to the sea.