Grail Seekers Media Watch for the Week Ending 29 Mar 08

I'm giving up on the update for this week. There's only a couple of items that are noteworthy in the Holy Grail related world. Those I'll mention in next week's post. Besides, the one that really interested me this week has disappeared off the AP website. It was a report on secret Israeli tunneling under the Temple Mount. I've never seen an AP article drop off that quickly....

Tomorrow, I'm headed to Lambuth University in Jackson, TN tomorrow to view a copy of the Proceedings Against the Knights Templar from the Vatican Press. The University unveiled its copy on Friday and is holding a sort of Templar week on campus. More on this when I get back tomorrow night.

Remains of First Temple Era Buildings News Report

Here's a news piece on the recent discovery of the First Temple era buildings near the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Grail Seekers Media Watch for the Week Ending 22 Mar 08

Grail Seekers this week:

Sorry for the update being a few days late this week. With Easter, work, family, and other such “real world” things going on; I’ve been a little hampered in my writing. But then again, isn’t that always the case?

There’s not a ton of news out there this week, by the first two headlines in this week’s mix do raise some interesting questions. The first is about a neo-Templar movement that has taken out an ad in a UK newspaper, and the second is about the disappearance of Tudor Parfitt’s Ark of the Covenant. Interesting times indeed…

And finally, for those who already miss Arthur C Clark. Grail Seekers graphics guru Barry Edwards has created a memorial shirt for the sci-fi visionary.

On Audio:

Nothing out there this week trips my trigger…

In the News:

A new Templar organization that has popped up on the grid with the aims of restoring the good name of the Templars. I can get behind that.

Evidently, Tudor Parfitt’s Ark of the Covenant has disappeared from the Museum that was holding it in Zimbabwe.

Jimmy Page has sold his Holy Grail tapestry. Luckily, he’s not selling his photo album just yet.

The BBC asks why the controversy over the Shroud of Turin will be explained away easily.

On Film:

The Danish film, The Lost Treasure of the Knights Templar will be released in Malta later this month.

Blog On:

Atlantean Times blog has ferreted out a connection between Heath Ledger and Rennes-le-Chateau

Ars Latomorum has a very brief piece on Freemasonry and Alchemy

The Burning Taper blog has won a Sunshine Award; Huzzah!

Tracy Twyman wonders why Marc Dutroux and the Priory of Sion are linked in the following video. I guess my 3 years of German in high school isn’t cutting it on this one. If you can shed some light on this one, Tracy would appreciate it.

Photographer Records Images of Masonic Symbolism in UK Churches

I always believed that people should follow that little voice in the back of their heads. You know the one that tells them they need to take on a particular project, “just because”. The advice of one’s inner muse should be listened to more often than we generally do. I ran across one such person who listened to his "little voice" a couple of weeks back.

Andy Marshall is an award winning architectural photographer in the UK. His “day job” is something any number of us wishes we could do. He packs up his gear and makes stunning visual records of architectural forms and the context to their environment. His success or failure at his endeavors is largely based on the perception we as the public have of his work.

This of course means the popularity and glamour means commercial success for Andy. In e-mailing Andy, I have the feeling he listens to his inner voice more than most. He has undertaken a project to make photographic records of what he calls “Masonic Churches” in the UK.

Andy has begun photographing Saint Edmund's, Falinge near Rochdale, because of its overt Masonic symbolism. “…. from the carved altar rails to the brass memorials. I intend to photograph all of the symbols and put them together into one image. We have several “Freemason” churches in this area which are now unfortunately under threat [of being closed]”, said Andy.

The Royds Chapel, Photograph by Andy Marshall.

The marriage between architecture and Masonic symbolism is not a unique phenomenon. Men who are professional craftsman and Architects often incorporate Masonic symbols in their work. Examples of this type of incorporation can be seen in Wren’s additions to the Temple Church in London, and Saint Giles in Edinburgh. It is only natural that members of organization that encrypts moral lessons in their symbolism would want to incorporate these designs in a church. For the conspiracy theorists out there, I wouldn’t read a whole lot into this. Men do and design these things because they are Masons, not because Freemasonry as a group directs them to do so.

Andy felt a pressing need to start making a record of Saint Edmund's and other churches with Masonic symbolism because he fears their architectural treasures may not last much longer. “The churches are being closed because the congregations are dwindling and costs for upkeep are increasing. There is statutory protection (via our listing system) but this cannot protect them from vandalism and deterioration, unfortunately.”, said Andy. To this end, Andy is donating his time to preserve these images for posterity.

I’d like to thank Andy for all his work and dedication to this project. If you’d like to see more of Andy’s works, his web site is www.fotofacade.com. (You’ll have to be Flash enabled to view his main site) On Fotofacade, check out the Archmedia tab. Here you will find links to his custom Google Maps of architectural sites, Podcasts, and a video section.

Grail Seekers Forum Hacked

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around this one. Someone took the time and effort to hack the Grail Seekers forum today. I wish I had that kind of time on my hands. For the moment, if you have the forum book marked, don't bother going. Unless of course you want a visual representation of what it's like to be "owned" by a hacker.

I've taken down all the links to the forum on the web site and it will be out of commission until further notice. To all of you who have been participating in the forum , thank you. I have no idea if posts will come back up after the host clears this up. I'll keep everyone posted....

UPDATE: 25 Mar 08: The forum is back in business. Evidently the forum's host worked their mojo and got things up and running again. If you'd like to comment of any number of Grail related topics, or if you're trying to find someone with like interest; the Grail Seekers forum is designed for just that.

In Memorial: Jacques DeMolay

Toady we remember one of the great travesties of justice history has seen, the burning at the stake of Jacques DeMolay in 1314. Here are some images of Pont Neuf in Paris where it happened. Jacques, you are remembered.

A Visit to the Cloisters

One might not expect to see a replica of a medieval monetary in a park that commemorates Revolutionary War battle. As improbable as it sounds, New York City’s Tryon Park holds both a battlefield history and a refuge for medieval art and architecture known as the Cloisters.

The Cloisters is not far from the site Margaret Corbin took control of her fallen husband’s artillery battery to beat back Hussian attackers in 1776. Part of the Metropolitan, the Cloisters was opened to the public in 1938 to showcase George Grey Barnard’s collection of medieval antiquities. Barnard had gone deep into debt for construction of a gallery for his acquisitions. In the 1920’s John D. Rockefeller Jr. donated the funds to create the building that is there today.

Inside there is a stunning collection of artifacts, artwork and original architecture pieces from the 12^th to 15^th Century. Much of the interior scenes in the building were transported piece by piece from Europe. The “cloister” itself was taken from the French Cuxa Cloister. The fusion of original architecture and artifacts gives one the feel that you are in a historical building in Europe. If for nothing else, the step back in time is worth visiting if you’re in New York City.

Of note to those who are interested in the Margaret Starbird approach to Mary Magdalene, there is a room full of unicorn tapestries. The tapestries were donated by the Rockefeller family who had acquired them in a French Chateau. One can draw their own conclusions as to why the Rockefellers were so interested in unicorns and chalices…

If you’re thinking of visiting and looking at the Cloisters web site, beware. The site is not very user friendly and exhibition notes are not always up to date. My main goal in visiting the Cloisters last week was to see the Antioch Chalice, but alas they had moved it to the main Met. Too bad for me the web masters didn’t see fit to note this in the collection notes. If you’re looking to see a specific piece, I would suggest emailing the Cloisters directly to make sure its still there.

Getting there on Public Transportation – Take the “A” Train to the 190^th Street station. From the station, the Cloisters is located about half a mile up Margaret Corbin Drive. On the way you can walk up to the Fort Tryon memorial, which is located on your left. Or if you don’t want to walk, you can take the M4 bus directly up to the Museum.

Grail Seekers Media Watch for the Week Ending 16 Mar 08

Grail Seekers this week:

I was on vacation this week from my “real job” and haven’t been home too much since last Sunday. The first part of the week I went to New York City to do some research on John Steinbeck and play the “country come to town” tourist. The second part of the week was a family vacation to Memphis for BBQ and a visit to the Memphis zoo. I hate to say it, but I’ll be glad to get back to work so I can get some rest. I did a ton of audio blogs on my other goofy blog, if you’re inclined to follow along with my adventures.

Also, I planned to send the petition to exonerate the Knights Templar to the Vatican off tomorrow on the anniversary of Jacque DeMolay being burned at the stake. I think I will hold of on that due to only 63 people signing until a later date. If sending this type of message to the Vatican interests you, check out the link and send it to a friend.

On Audio:

Stephen Defoe and Chris Hoodap will be on the X-Zone Radio Show talking about the anniversary of Jacque DeMolay’s death on the 17^th.

Allen Greenfield, Bishop of Ecclesia Gnostica Universalis, visits the Occult of Personality Podcast.

In the News:

Rennes-le-Chateau researcher Jean-Luc Robin has passed away. Godspeed into the great beyond Jean-Luc, I hope you now have the answers to things we cannot on this side of the veil.

A US military Knights Templar Lodge has been accused of hazing. It makes me wonder how the media would have covered the initiation and training regiments of the Spartans…

On Freemasonry, a Lodge is opened up in Buckingham Palace.

Jeff Nisbet from Mythomorph sent in, “The Duke of Westminster, aka Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, close friend of Prince Charles, and English Grand Prior of the Military and Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem, is Client #6 of the Emperors Club.” Thanks Jeff.

The Knights of Malta elect a new leader from the UK this week.

First Temple era ruins are found 100 meters from the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. There’s also a video on the story at the top of the page. Funny this has happened on the heels of all other events that has been going on in Jerusalem this month, and allegations that the Israelis are ok with destruction of artifacts. Add in Islamic leaders, once again, deny that the Temple ever existed in the first place. What a hot mess.

Nazi treasure is found on the Czech border with Germany.

On the Web:

Looking for directions to the Skull and Bones building on Yale’s campus, look no further.

The RLC Research Site has done some major updates to their photo section.

What’s the skinny on Tarot Cards?

FSU classics professor exploring a 'lost' city of the Mycenaeans

Blog On:

BS Historian asks what the link between the Loch Ness Monster and Rosslyn Chapel is.

Bartholomew's Notes on Religion blog links Satanic Ritual Abuse, The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, and David Shayler

The Modern Knight Templar thinks that Rosslyn is a Monument to the Goddess

The Celestine Musings blog has a collection of photographs of doors and portals into esoteric related places.

The Templar Globe is hot on the Trail of the Grail.

Bob Freeman reports on a Grail tapestry that’s up for sale. I need to check my powerball ticket from last night.

Media Watch for the Week Ending 8 Mar 08

Grail Seekers this week:

The snow in Nashville must have made me a little salty this morning, given some of my quips in the news section this week. Or maybe it's because I have to go to work on my off day because people in the Athens of the South can't figure out how to drive in the snow. At any rate, here’s another week in the can from the Grail Seeker’s news desk.

On Audio:

Ann Masai will be on the Laura Lee Show on the 15^th discussing the Black Madonna.

In the News:

The Grand Master of Freemasons in Venezuela is shot during an apparent kidnapping attempt this week. My condolences go out to his family.

Eight Jewish students are killed during a terrorist attack near the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Once again, my thoughts and prayers go out to their families.

The Knights of Malta want you to know they hold no secrets. Other than the fact they have diplomatic immunity and passports that let them walk through walls.

Academics think Moses was smoking dope when he received the Ten Commandments.

Vandals hit the Trembling Rocks at Renne-le-Chateau. Folks, I’m all about looking for Grail related evidence. But for sites like this, if you’re not in the company of professionals you’re going to spoil a landmark for everyone else.

The Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith of the Catholic Church (the same group that use to go under the name of the Inquisition…) rules that a feminist point of view in the Catholic Church is not kosher.

Mira Sorvino will reprise her role in Romy and Michele's High School Reunion in the NBC miniseries The Last Templar.

On the Web:

What’s down this shaft on Mount Cardou? The RLC team thinks there are Templar artifacts down the hole.

Opinions on why Tara Hill should be saved.

Ben Hammott’s site has a piece on the Archeological GRP investigation at Rennse-le-Chateau

Blog On:

Codex Celtica looks at the Arthurian graffiti 10 years after it’s discover.

How mysterious is the crypt in Rosslyn Chapel?

On Video:

The Secret Glory, a documentary about Otto Rahn is available as part of a collection of Richard Stanley’s works.

Will a Hawaii Man's Grail Vision Return this Easter?

It’s hard to delve into any topic related to the Holy Grail without finding one’s self faced with miraculous events. Whether the mystic phenomena are found in the pages of Grail literature or those who have had experiences with Grail related relics or places; one is hard pressed to side step the Grail’s mystical nature. We either believe or discount these mystical stories based on our belief system and ultimately faith itself.

Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This is the best definition of faith I have ever seen because it encapsulates the very personal experience in matters of one’s belief. Those who seek any of the facets of the Grail possess some sort of faith. That faith can range from the historical/archaeological end of the spectrum to that of the Grail being a miraculous gift from on high.

Last June I was contacted by a man from Hawaii that has this type of faith in the Grail. He captured, what he believes, is Grail related phenomena on video. After setting up motion sensing web cam for an Easter Egg hunt on 8 Apr 07, Brandon Price noticed the following anomaly on the tape. The following the video of that event.

Brandon became to believe that what he was seeing was, “a supernatural vessel that descends from the sun and then ascends back to what I believe is heaven.” Brandon has recorded his thoughts on the video on his web site.

This would not seem to be the end of the story. Brandon thinks that, “the event will occur again this year during the Easter Season of 2008 and every year until the End Time prophecies related to this event have been fulfilled.” It will be interesting to see what happens this Easter Sunday.

After viewing the video and reading Brandon’s thoughts you will generally fall into the category of “there’s something to this” or “I’m just seeing a lens effect from the cam”. It doesn't matter if you believe or discount what you’ve seen on the video. It’s hard not admire the faith one man has in his Grail vision.

If you'd like to comment on this story, there's a thread on the Grail Seekers forum

Latest News from the Temple Mount

The Temple Mount area of Jerusalem has been in the news again over the past two weeks. Yesterday, The Jerusalem Post reported that, “Police on Tuesday stopped Wakf Muslim trust officials from performing unauthorized construction work on the Temple Mount.” Over the last year, there has been tension between Wakf officials and the Israeli government over Muslim restoration work damage to artifacts on the Temple Mount.

The situation is as complicated as they get in the world of religious politics of the Middle East. The Wakf is the body that administrates the Temple Mount’s daily operations, while the Israeli government is charged with the site’s security. The Wakf maintains that the Temple Mount was not really the site of any Jewish Temples. The Israeli government has a vested interest in preserving the evidence of this being the site of any of the Temples to strengthen their claim on the Mount. The Wakf, has the opposite interest to suppress anything that might prove their claim is wrong.

Tuesday’s police action comes on the heels of a small earthquake that opened a six foot hole by the Dome of the Rock on 17 Feb 2008. The Wakf claims that the Israeli government is secretly tunneling under the Temple Mount. The Muslim Trust says that these secret tunnels weakened the Mount and the hole is a propaganda stunt. Israeli officials deny the claims of tunneling past the Western Wall.

This is a situation that makes me wonder what is really going on with the Temple Mount. If the Israelis are tunneling under the Mount, why are they doing so now? It’s a given that any excavations under the Dome of the Rock would at least revel something of the history of the Temple Mount. For the moment, it seems that the world might never know what lies beneath the one of the most contested spots on Earth.

Today Show Interviews Tudor Parfitt on Discovering the Ark of the Covenant

The Today Show's Matt Lauer interviews Professor Tudor Parfitt from London's School of Oriental and African Studies. Parfitt has been in the news recently with the announcement that he has found the Ark of the Covenant in Zimbabwe. Well, sort of. Parfitt believes that there were many Arks that were actually a type of drum. The History Chanel is running a documentary on Parfitt tonight at 8:00 and 12:00 EST, and will rerun on 22 Mar 08.