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giovonni · 03-03-2010, 06:13 AM

3/3/2010
My block was finally lifted~ early this morning at 1:11 AM

I apologize for the delay in responding with my promised post thread comments. I took seriously ill a while back and have been slowly on the mend.

*********************************

To the Forum~
For many years now, I felt like many humans, that something was amok with the way we were lead to perceive this world we live in. This world just did not make sense? In particular, the ways in which Western cultures were not conducive to and in synchronicity with that of Nature and Mother Earth. After living through some very tumultuous and stressful years trying to adapt and accept (what I began to realize as) these false norms~ I dropped out and began a personal sojourn to find my own way back in making peace with all.

For years, I have conducted my own research into the veiled and sometimes secret hidden realms of ufology and extraterrestrial life on and off this planet. When I first arrived at the Project Avalon Forum in the fall of 2008, I had already spent many hours viewing the Project Camelot video interviews. The Forum, established by Bill and Kerry first introduced me to "The "New Paradigm" book series. The basis for these books were the transcribed 'Messages,' in which I believe originated off planet and later published by George Green. These 'messages' have had an enormous effect in awakening many members and visitors to this forum~ from all around the globe. As Project Avalon has evolved and expanded, it has become a kind of clearing house and discussion platform, in regards to these and other related subject matters.

The Forum has become a true internet crossroads into the collection and discernment of shared and insightful wisdom. Also, it has allowed me the wonderful gift of being able to connect with other like-minded souls~ from around the world. I have truly come to believe, we on this forum~ coming from different countries, cultures, and faiths~ were meant to meet up here. Our self-determined quest for the truth, is the glue that binds us together in our individual journeys towards spiritual enlightenment. My sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly (past & present), in maintaining this sites presence and integrity on the internet. The close friendship and bonds that have resulted~ were truly the bonus for me!

*********************************

May the veil of unbelief be lifted from upon America and the entire World

Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol~
final comments:

*********************************

On the author:

"America is profoundly anti-intellectual. But the great and hopeful thing about America is that we're not committed to it"
Attributed to Stephen Jay Gould~ 19th Century American financier and railroad builder.

Dan Brown~ is America !!
He is also a wonderful entertaining writer of thrilling detective fiction, who has achieved media pop status and financial success which has translated into a publishers dream come true. Though, it should be noted his fame and fortune did not come easy. As a young aspiring writer, he struggled with his novel writing only achieving real success after his fourth attempt. Many critics have praised him while others have taken his literary abilities apart. That said, his talent too capture and enthral millions of readers not only in America, but around the world, seems to know no bounds!

This brief bio should give some clues and insight into why Brown's books might appeal to those who are on this forum and who have followed this thread.

"Dan Brown was born June 22, 1964 and raised in Exeter, New Hampshire, USA, the eldest of three children. Brown grew up on the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy, where his father, Richard G. Brown, was a teacher emeritus of mathematics, and wrote textbooks from 1968 until his retirement in 1982. Both of Brown's parents are also singer/musicians and served as church choir masters, with his mother serving as church organist. Brown was raised as an Episcopalian.

Brown's interest in secrets and puzzles stems from their presence in his household as a child, where codes and ciphers were the lynchpin tying together the mathematics, music and languages in which his parents worked. The young Brown spent hours working out anagrams and crossword puzzles, and he and his siblings participated in elaborate treasure hunts devised by their father on birthdays and holidays.

After graduating from Amherst, Brown dabbled with a musical career. In 1991 he moved to Hollywood to pursue a career as singer-songwriter and pianist. To support himself, he taught classes at Beverly Hills Preparatory School. While on holiday in Tahiti in 1993,Brown read Sidney Sheldon's novel The Doomsday Conspiracy, and was inspired to become a writer of thrillers. In 1996, Brown quit teaching to become a full-time writer. Note, Digital Fortress his first novel, was published in 1998.

Brown states on his website that his books are not anti-Christian, though he is on a 'constant spiritual journey' himself, and says of his book The Da Vinci Code that it is simply "an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate" and suggests that the book may be used "as a positive catalyst for introspection and exploration of our faith."

*********************************

The Book:

Everyone loves a mystery!
Ah~ Who could resist a suspenseful thriller novel~ which includes man kinds internal conflict between good and evil~ with the hopeful prospects of revealing the secret truths into the meaning of human existence upon this planet? There is no doubt, Dan Brown's narratives can be quite long and winded, sprinkled with lots of nouns and adjectives, not to mention those every page turning~ short chapters. For some readers this might be bit annoying, but not for me. Since childhood, I have been labeled with having attention deficit. That said, Dan Brown's ability to teach and inform his readers in an entertaining informative way~ drew me~ the forever seeking knowledge student~ back every time my wandering mind tried to slip off.

I was drawn too Dan Brown's two previous books “Angels and Demons” and The Da Vinci Code,” due to my early education and confirmation into the Roman Catholic Church. Later in my life, I even lived in a monastery as a monk. I had always been suspect of and have questioned why the church’s patriarchal leadership excluded women? Both of these books greatly interested and intrigued me with they’re insights and attempts into lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding the Catholic Church.

During the last decade, I had witnessed much of what~ I had been taught and grown up to believe in come undone. My faith in my Church and trust in my beloved country's government also had become unhinged. Even my relationship with my family and friends seemed to be in jeopardy. "The Lost Symbol" happened at timely and crucial juncture in my life; It offered up an opportunity for a reconciliation with my past and present, a kind of incarnation awakening.

So ~ when it was announced Dan Brown's 'The Lost Symbol' book was centered here in Washington, it caught my radar fast! I have had a life long bond and love with the city of Washington D.C. I grew up in the D.C. metro area, and currently I am living here. My early childhood is rooted into the city's beautiful symbolic landmarks. I know its history's and its streets better than most. These personal factors added to my excitement and interest in the books release.

Reading this book, allowed me the opportunity to look closely into what formed my strong first impressions and loving sentiments towards this city. The book also helped me gain insight into understanding that heartache and disappointment that is sometimes necessary and part of one's living and learning experiences upon this plane. In a sense, the book and thread provided a kind of therapy for me, helping me put all these life experience issues (karmic effects) into perspective.

*********************************

Many Freemasons were mighty relieved when The Lost Symbol was released - for months they'd expected Dan Brown to portray the Craft in a negative light. Instead, the novel was a big love-in - a fact that surprised many people.

Note:
Dan Brown writes a letter to the Scottish Rite Freemasonry, U.S.A.
Dan Brown, author of the novel The Lost Symbol, was asked to address the 2009 Biennial Session of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction in Washington DC, October 4-6, 2009, but because of his schedule, he could not be there.

Here is the letter he wrote to the Southern Jurisdiction.

October 6, 2009
"Guests of the Southern Jurisdiction,
It is my great honor to be invited to greet you via this letter. I had hoped I might be able to join you in person tonight, but the launch of my novel The Lost Symbol has me far from Washington. In the past few weeks, as you might imagine, I have been repeatedly asked what attracted me to the Masons so strongly as to make it a central point of my new book. My reply is always the same: "In a world where men do battle over whose definition of God is most accurate, I cannot adequately express the deep respect and admiration I feel toward an organization in which men of differing faiths are able to ‘break bread together’ in a bond of brotherhood, friendship, and camaraderie."Please accept my humble thanks for the noble example you set for humankind. It is my sincere hope that the Masonic community recognizes The Lost Symbol for what it truly is…an earnest attempt to reverentially explore the history and beauty of Masonic Philosophy.
Yours sincerely,
Dan Brown"

originated from here;
http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.co...ws.php?uid=149

I personally have no problems with the Freemasons as an organization. The early American Freemasons who first settled and establish the first colonies, were key in literally laying the foundations not only of Washington D.C., but also that of the entire continent. I also do not have any problems with any fellowship groups that encourage and support civic responsibility, as well as contribute to charitable endeavors.

That said, I believe like many on this forum who hail from all over the world, that the veil of secrecy must be lifted from upon this planet. Truly the time has come to end this elitist and evolutionary backward stance. For to continue and allow this, will surely hasten and signal the final demise of our global environment~ by a human species truly gone mad!

The Lost Symbol~ is expected to be made into a film by Columbia Pictures for release in 2012. In February 2010, it was confirmed that Columbia Pictures will be making the film, which will find Robert Langdon being summoned to Washington D.C., where he will be decoding the symbols of the Freemasons. Tom Hanks is expected to reprise his role as Langdon. Brian Grazer and John Calley have signed on to produce the third installment, while it has not been confirmed if Ron Howard will return to direct.

It has also been reported~ Dan Brown says that he currently has outlines for at least 12 future books, one of which involves a famous composer's "all factual" associations with a secret society. Speculation is that this may mean Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was also a Freemason.

*********************************

Why The Thread?

My first intent in regards to this thread, was only to alert my fellow forum members and visitors of the book's forthcoming release. I had to wait a week before obtaining a copy of it. During that time, I scanned for and read all the initial reviews, which gave me much insight into the book’s story line. After beginning the novel, I saw the potential for creating an accompanying photo-log of the imagery. I felt this would enhance the reading experience for those like myself, who might enjoyed seeing the amazing imagery described in the book. Often when I read, my mind's eye becomes a visual sensory aide that assist me in visualizing the subject matter, it literally transforms the material into associated images. Sometimes, I can be a very slow reader due to my ADD. This process helps me stay focused, and allows me to fully comprehend and enjoy the reading experience. The narrative (book) actually becomes a kind of story board in my head.

Note, Dan Brown was given unprecedented access to many of the locations mentioned in the book. My personal experiences and knowledge of these locations were my only sources of references. I could of personally taken many of the photos posted, but that would of been quite time consuming, with access to many locations prohibited now during these post 911 days. So my challenge was using a search engine in finding images and photos as close as possible to the authors description. After finishing and fully dissecting the book, I decided to combine some of the books critical dialogue with the books descriptive scenes~ and then post them in a serial format on the thread. The fun for me, was in the selecting and matching the images with the dialogue~ sometimes with surprisingly uncanny results. I have often used this process when posting text, pictures and videos~ on this forum.

******************************

Early Memories of Washington D. C.

The Old Soldiers Home
http://www.defense.gov/specials/heroes/history1.html

And the Civil War era Fort Totten
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_To...shington,_D.C.

I literally grew up within the shadows of the US Capitol Building~ just a couple of miles due north over looking the Capitol Building Dome, sets two other Washington historical sites~ Both of these places were located in my neighborhood. I was very lucky to have both of them as sort of backdrops to my childhood. I would wander the vast grounds of the Old Soldier's Home and Fort Totten, on my bike with my dog Rinny in toll. My mother and uncle both worked at the Old Soldier's Home. It was often noted by the nun’s at Saint Gabriel, for me to leave school early at lunchtime~ not to return for the rest of the day, only to be found later by my mother, up at the Soldiers Home amongst my friends~ the veterans. At that time, the majority of the men that lived at the Home were veterans of the First and Second World Wars. I would often sit and listen, while these men would go on about their lives and experiences. The tales would often be rants of past military adventures; Often their stories would center on the circumstances of receiving their wounds and injuries acquired during war. I remember many of these men suffered quietly from neurological disorders, as well as the physical pain from these injuries. Especially the veterans from the First War World, who survived from the gasings.

One dear soul in particular, a friend of my father ( a former immigrant from Albania), with whom I was very fond and close too, would often take me on day trips to visit all the great buildings and monuments in Washington’s federal triangle area. These wonderful excursions, set the foundations that began my great love and affection towards my country and beloved city. My dear friend (Pete), like many of the old soldiers had no family left. Years later, I would come to realize our friendship represented all he had left in this world, except for the constant pain from his wounds. I remember he died the week JFK was shot and was buried the day of the assassination. That week during November 1963, represented the day the American dream died within me. After that the veil began to be lifted from upon my eyes and mind. America might of been called the beautiful, but it was truly not the land of the free. Washington became the center stage of the civil rights movement in Amerca. A few years later, after Martin Luther King was murdered, my beloved city was set ablaze by fire and riots. Soon the adventure in Vietnam would escalate, and Robert Kennedy would be silenced forever. I was sent off to a catholic boarding school. The veil had been finally lifted.

*********************************

Symbolic Language~

"To live in the world without becoming aware of the
meaning of the world is like wandering about in a
great library without touching the books."
The Secret Teachings of All Ages

From a Hindu proverb;

Everyone is a house with four rooms~ a physical, a mental, an emotional and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time but, unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person.

You and I know human consciousness is not literally a house. The house analogy of this proverb is an excellent example of the employment of symbolic language to express what we don’t yet know through comparison to what is known and familiar.

"The Domain of Scientific Knowledge lies in the more commonly shared exterior rooms of the physical and mental rooms of our house.

The Domain of Subjective Knowingness lies in the more private rooms of emotional knowing and what I think of as our intuitive awareness of perfection, of how things ought to be. To find out who we are, how we feel and what we most value, we must visit these interior rooms."

*********************************

The 'word'

I really wanted to believe the author’s premiss that there could be some lost ancient wisdom~ hidden somewhere in Washington D.C.? I also realized Dan Brown’s great capacity to seamlessly blend fact and fiction into his previous novels. Could there be something missing from the vast depositories of knowledge stored in the libraries around the world? Probably not, for the world we wander, is covered (blatant) with the symbols that point to the truth. We just need to left the veil of unbelief to truly see it. I have read and even heard, many readers of “The Lost Symbol,” were disappointed with the authors ending? But for me, there were numerous symbolic messages (clues) sprinkled throughout the book. One ‘word in particular though actually reached out to me! The word is <> “at onement.”

For It is a wonderful and noble thought that creates the desire to be at
at onement with all. But for me, this dream of at onement has a twofold double edge meaning. This so-called new age term, was derived from the word atonement (originally coined by John Wycliffe, a 14th century English theologian). It is taken from a Hebrew verb term~ in English translated~ to atone. Its definition in the Christian- Judaism tradition, is to achieve forgiveness or pardon usually from the God Almighty. It also represents and defines the sacrifice Jesus Christ made upon the Cross for the ‘atonement’ of human sin.

At onement in the human and cosmic sense has come to mean and represent one consciousness within the universe. So~ if one believes that the universe is one in consciousness, then what separates this human experience from it? Hindu mystics call it Maya (illusion). For to live upon this plane we are submerged in~ live and breath in this illusion. And the greatest illusion is that separateness~ we have bought into by allowing the veil of unbelief to fall upon us here on earth. So how can one individual human find their way back into reunification with the one universal consciousness~ what separates one’s own atonement with that of the many cosmic term of at onement ??

After contemplating this for a while~ I remembered!
Many years ago while professing to become a Franciscan friar, a profound message was given to me. It came by way of an old and very humble friar priest. Shortly before leaving the monastery where we both lived, he advised and told me to always remember~ that no religious conversion would guarantee bringing oneself back into the fold with the God Almighty. He went on to say that any unification with the true source of light, was a singular journey, in which all souls must fair alone. I found his advice very surprising and intriguing considering that this weathered old man, had dedicated and served his church and order faithfully for over fifty years. Gradually, while serving in my vocation, I began to realized the true wisdom of his advice. From deep down in my heart an awareness began to emerge from within my true self. I realized~ we truly do walk alone on this earth.

It was a powerful realization, that the path to salvation and transcending from upon this plane, literally meant a reconciliation (an atonement) with myself~ first. For there is a rub to this life. To be ‘at onement’ isn’t just sweetness and joy, its also pain and sorrow. Buddha said, life is suffering, but no one wants to suffer! Life isn’t what we always desire it to be~ it just simply is.

It has always been difficult for me to be quiet or still my mind, so I could enter my interior rooms. For most here meditation offers a path to a retreat from this realm. I do not like to meditate, but have found my own way inward when tapping into my intuitive spirit voice. Whatever way one goes about achieving this stillness, it evolves reaching down into the depths of ones source of creative thinking~ that allows you to believe in what you already know~ and what you want to do~ without even knowing it. It is you~ the God within that speaks the only truth upon this plane. It is only this voice of truth that will release the chains that have held us all too this sub- creation prison planet.

*********************************

A while back my dear friend Carmen, gave me a prayer to recite and suggested I add to it~ what I wanted and desired most in life? With her help, I created that list. I recite it several times a day to keep myself focused on what I want to manifest in my life~
Here is a portion of that list~ I will share with you all~

I AM <> GOD I AM <> UNLIMITED GOD <> I AM~

I Will My Inner Spirit Soul To Take Charge Of My Life~
I Am Filled With The Power and Knowingness ~ Of My Holy ~ Holy Spirit~
For I Offer Up My Troubled Surface Mind And Broken Heart as Rent
With Love~ So That I May Live Anew~

Lazarus, Come Forth~
Teach Me From Within To Realize The Unlimited Quality Of My Soul~

May The Veil Of Unbelief Be Lifted From Upon Me
To > Open Up My Spirit- Mind And Body To A Second Birth~
To > Purify My Surface Mind And Erase All The Falseness Learned~
To > Fully Raise My Consciousness~ To Its Apex~
I~ Desire~ Too Always Be Full Of Joy~ And Be At Peace Within~
To~ Keep My Focused Surface Mind Upon The Holy Song
Of The Ascension Attitudes~Of Love- Praise and Gratitude~ With Devotion
Which~ Arises From My Hearts Center Towards the God~ of All There Is~

I ~Desire For All My Thoughts and Emotions~
To Resonate and Dwell In The Light Of Eternal Love~
With Trust Through Honesty And Integrity~
Towards All~ With Good Vibrations~ Feeling’s And Intent~

This Day~ My Spirit's Energy Raises The Vibrational Frequencies~
To Restore The Truth~ Peace~ Harmony And Balance To Mother Earth ~

For < I >Am A Human Being Becoming> I Desire To Become~ At-one-ment With Myself ~
So That I May Be Rejoined Too The Many> That Are The One In Affinity.

where there is love~ there is always hope
giovonni

03-03-2010, 06:13 AM	#123
giovonni Avalon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: within my heart Posts: 1,209	Re: Dan Brown's~ Lost Symbol 3/3/2010 My block was finally lifted~ early this morning at 1:11 AM I apologize for the delay in responding with my promised post thread comments. I took seriously ill a while back and have been slowly on the mend. ******************************* To the Forum~ For many years now, I felt like many humans, that something was amok with the way we were lead to perceive this world we live in. This world just did not make sense? In particular, the ways in which Western cultures were not conducive to and in synchronicity with that of Nature and Mother Earth. After living through some very tumultuous and stressful years trying to adapt and accept (what I began to realize as) these false norms~ I dropped out and began a personal sojourn to find my own way back in making peace with all. For years, I have conducted my own research into the veiled and sometimes secret hidden realms of ufology and extraterrestrial life on and off this planet. When I first arrived at the Project Avalon Forum in the fall of 2008, I had already spent many hours viewing the Project Camelot video interviews. The Forum, established by Bill and Kerry first introduced me to "The "New Paradigm" book series. The basis for these books were the transcribed 'Messages,' in which I believe originated off planet and later published by George Green. These 'messages' have had an enormous effect in awakening many members and visitors to this forum~ from all around the globe. As Project Avalon has evolved and expanded, it has become a kind of clearing house and discussion platform, in regards to these and other related subject matters. The Forum has become a true internet crossroads into the collection and discernment of shared and insightful wisdom. Also, it has allowed me the wonderful gift of being able to connect with other like-minded souls~ from around the world. I have truly come to believe, we on this forum~ coming from different countries, cultures, and faiths~ were meant to meet up here. Our self-determined quest for the truth, is the glue that binds us together in our individual journeys towards spiritual enlightenment. My sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly (past & present), in maintaining this sites presence and integrity on the internet. The close friendship and bonds that have resulted~ were truly the bonus for me! ***************************** May the veil of unbelief be lifted from upon America and the entire World Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol~ final comments: ***************************** On the author: "America is profoundly anti-intellectual. But the great and hopeful thing about America is that we're not committed to it" Attributed to Stephen Jay Gould~ 19th Century American financier and railroad builder. Dan Brown~ is America !! He is also a wonderful entertaining writer of thrilling detective fiction, who has achieved media pop status and financial success which has translated into a publishers dream come true. Though, it should be noted his fame and fortune did not come easy. As a young aspiring writer, he struggled with his novel writing only achieving real success after his fourth attempt. Many critics have praised him while others have taken his literary abilities apart. That said, his talent too capture and enthral millions of readers not only in America, but around the world, seems to know no bounds! This brief bio should give some clues and insight into why Brown's books might appeal to those who are on this forum and who have followed this thread. "Dan Brown was born June 22, 1964 and raised in Exeter, New Hampshire, USA, the eldest of three children. Brown grew up on the campus of Phillips Exeter Academy, where his father, Richard G. Brown, was a teacher emeritus of mathematics, and wrote textbooks from 1968 until his retirement in 1982. Both of Brown's parents are also singer/musicians and served as church choir masters, with his mother serving as church organist. Brown was raised as an Episcopalian. Brown's interest in secrets and puzzles stems from their presence in his household as a child, where codes and ciphers were the lynchpin tying together the mathematics, music and languages in which his parents worked. The young Brown spent hours working out anagrams and crossword puzzles, and he and his siblings participated in elaborate treasure hunts devised by their father on birthdays and holidays. After graduating from Amherst, Brown dabbled with a musical career. In 1991 he moved to Hollywood to pursue a career as singer-songwriter and pianist. To support himself, he taught classes at Beverly Hills Preparatory School. While on holiday in Tahiti in 1993,Brown read Sidney Sheldon's novel The Doomsday Conspiracy, and was inspired to become a writer of thrillers. In 1996, Brown quit teaching to become a full-time writer. Note, Digital Fortress his first novel, was published in 1998. Brown states on his website that his books are not anti-Christian, though he is on a 'constant spiritual journey' himself, and says of his book The Da Vinci Code that it is simply "an entertaining story that promotes spiritual discussion and debate" and suggests that the book may be used "as a positive catalyst for introspection and exploration of our faith." ***************************** The Book: Everyone loves a mystery! Ah~ Who could resist a suspenseful thriller novel~ which includes man kinds internal conflict between good and evil~ with the hopeful prospects of revealing the secret truths into the meaning of human existence upon this planet? There is no doubt, Dan Brown's narratives can be quite long and winded, sprinkled with lots of nouns and adjectives, not to mention those every page turning~ short chapters. For some readers this might be bit annoying, but not for me. Since childhood, I have been labeled with having attention deficit. That said, Dan Brown's ability to teach and inform his readers in an entertaining informative way~ drew me~ the forever seeking knowledge student~ back every time my wandering mind tried to slip off. I was drawn too Dan Brown's two previous books “Angels and Demons” and The Da Vinci Code,” due to my early education and confirmation into the Roman Catholic Church. Later in my life, I even lived in a monastery as a monk. I had always been suspect of and have questioned why the church’s patriarchal leadership excluded women? Both of these books greatly interested and intrigued me with they’re insights and attempts into lifting the veil of secrecy surrounding the Catholic Church. During the last decade, I had witnessed much of what~ I had been taught and grown up to believe in come undone. My faith in my Church and trust in my beloved country's government also had become unhinged. Even my relationship with my family and friends seemed to be in jeopardy. "The Lost Symbol" happened at timely and crucial juncture in my life; It offered up an opportunity for a reconciliation with my past and present, a kind of incarnation awakening. So ~ when it was announced Dan Brown's 'The Lost Symbol' book was centered here in Washington, it caught my radar fast! I have had a life long bond and love with the city of Washington D.C. I grew up in the D.C. metro area, and currently I am living here. My early childhood is rooted into the city's beautiful symbolic landmarks. I know its history's and its streets better than most. These personal factors added to my excitement and interest in the books release. Reading this book, allowed me the opportunity to look closely into what formed my strong first impressions and loving sentiments towards this city. The book also helped me gain insight into understanding that heartache and disappointment that is sometimes necessary and part of one's living and learning experiences upon this plane. In a sense, the book and thread provided a kind of therapy for me, helping me put all these life experience issues (karmic effects) into perspective. ***************************** Many Freemasons were mighty relieved when The Lost Symbol was released - for months they'd expected Dan Brown to portray the Craft in a negative light. Instead, the novel was a big love-in - a fact that surprised many people. Note: Dan Brown writes a letter to the Scottish Rite Freemasonry, U.S.A. Dan Brown, author of the novel The Lost Symbol, was asked to address the 2009 Biennial Session of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction in Washington DC, October 4-6, 2009, but because of his schedule, he could not be there. Here is the letter he wrote to the Southern Jurisdiction. October 6, 2009 "Guests of the Southern Jurisdiction, It is my great honor to be invited to greet you via this letter. I had hoped I might be able to join you in person tonight, but the launch of my novel The Lost Symbol has me far from Washington. In the past few weeks, as you might imagine, I have been repeatedly asked what attracted me to the Masons so strongly as to make it a central point of my new book. My reply is always the same: "In a world where men do battle over whose definition of God is most accurate, I cannot adequately express the deep respect and admiration I feel toward an organization in which men of differing faiths are able to ‘break bread together’ in a bond of brotherhood, friendship, and camaraderie."Please accept my humble thanks for the noble example you set for humankind. It is my sincere hope that the Masonic community recognizes The Lost Symbol for what it truly is…an earnest attempt to reverentially explore the history and beauty of Masonic Philosophy. Yours sincerely, Dan Brown" originated from here; http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.co...ws.php?uid=149 I personally have no problems with the Freemasons as an organization. The early American Freemasons who first settled and establish the first colonies, were key in literally laying the foundations not only of Washington D.C., but also that of the entire continent. I also do not have any problems with any fellowship groups that encourage and support civic responsibility, as well as contribute to charitable endeavors. That said, I believe like many on this forum who hail from all over the world, that the veil of secrecy must be lifted from upon this planet. Truly the time has come to end this elitist and evolutionary backward stance. For to continue and allow this, will surely hasten and signal the final demise of our global environment~ by a human species truly gone mad! The Lost Symbol~ is expected to be made into a film by Columbia Pictures for release in 2012. In February 2010, it was confirmed that Columbia Pictures will be making the film, which will find Robert Langdon being summoned to Washington D.C., where he will be decoding the symbols of the Freemasons. Tom Hanks is expected to reprise his role as Langdon. Brian Grazer and John Calley have signed on to produce the third installment, while it has not been confirmed if Ron Howard will return to direct. It has also been reported~ Dan Brown says that he currently has outlines for at least 12 future books, one of which involves a famous composer's "all factual" associations with a secret society. Speculation is that this may mean Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who was also a Freemason. ***************************** Why The Thread? My first intent in regards to this thread, was only to alert my fellow forum members and visitors of the book's forthcoming release. I had to wait a week before obtaining a copy of it. During that time, I scanned for and read all the initial reviews, which gave me much insight into the book’s story line. After beginning the novel, I saw the potential for creating an accompanying photo-log of the imagery. I felt this would enhance the reading experience for those like myself, who might enjoyed seeing the amazing imagery described in the book. Often when I read, my mind's eye becomes a visual sensory aide that assist me in visualizing the subject matter, it literally transforms the material into associated images. Sometimes, I can be a very slow reader due to my ADD. This process helps me stay focused, and allows me to fully comprehend and enjoy the reading experience. The narrative (book) actually becomes a kind of story board in my head. Note, Dan Brown was given unprecedented access to many of the locations mentioned in the book. My personal experiences and knowledge of these locations were my only sources of references. I could of personally taken many of the photos posted, but that would of been quite time consuming, with access to many locations prohibited now during these post 911 days. So my challenge was using a search engine in finding images and photos as close as possible to the authors description. After finishing and fully dissecting the book, I decided to combine some of the books critical dialogue with the books descriptive scenes~ and then post them in a serial format on the thread. The fun for me, was in the selecting and matching the images with the dialogue~ sometimes with surprisingly uncanny results. I have often used this process when posting text, pictures and videos~ on this forum. ************************** Early Memories of Washington D. C. The Old Soldiers Home http://www.defense.gov/specials/heroes/history1.html And the Civil War era Fort Totten http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_To...shington,_D.C. I literally grew up within the shadows of the US Capitol Building~ just a couple of miles due north over looking the Capitol Building Dome, sets two other Washington historical sites~ Both of these places were located in my neighborhood. I was very lucky to have both of them as sort of backdrops to my childhood. I would wander the vast grounds of the Old Soldier's Home and Fort Totten, on my bike with my dog Rinny in toll. My mother and uncle both worked at the Old Soldier's Home. It was often noted by the nun’s at Saint Gabriel, for me to leave school early at lunchtime~ not to return for the rest of the day, only to be found later by my mother, up at the Soldiers Home amongst my friends~ the veterans. At that time, the majority of the men that lived at the Home were veterans of the First and Second World Wars. I would often sit and listen, while these men would go on about their lives and experiences. The tales would often be rants of past military adventures; Often their stories would center on the circumstances of receiving their wounds and injuries acquired during war. I remember many of these men suffered quietly from neurological disorders, as well as the physical pain from these injuries. Especially the veterans from the First War World, who survived from the gasings. One dear soul in particular, a friend of my father ( a former immigrant from Albania), with whom I was very fond and close too, would often take me on day trips to visit all the great buildings and monuments in Washington’s federal triangle area. These wonderful excursions, set the foundations that began my great love and affection towards my country and beloved city. My dear friend (Pete), like many of the old soldiers had no family left. Years later, I would come to realize our friendship represented all he had left in this world, except for the constant pain from his wounds. I remember he died the week JFK was shot and was buried the day of the assassination. That week during November 1963, represented the day the American dream died within me. After that the veil began to be lifted from upon my eyes and mind. America might of been called the beautiful, but it was truly not the land of the free. Washington became the center stage of the civil rights movement in Amerca. A few years later, after Martin Luther King was murdered, my beloved city was set ablaze by fire and riots. Soon the adventure in Vietnam would escalate, and Robert Kennedy would be silenced forever. I was sent off to a catholic boarding school. The veil had been finally lifted. ***************************** Symbolic Language~ "To live in the world without becoming aware of the meaning of the world is like wandering about in a great library without touching the books." The Secret Teachings of All Ages From a Hindu proverb; Everyone is a house with four rooms~ a physical, a mental, an emotional and a spiritual. Most of us tend to live in one room most of the time but, unless we go into every room every day, even if only to keep it aired, we are not a complete person. You and I know human consciousness is not literally a house. The house analogy of this proverb is an excellent example of the employment of symbolic language to express what we don’t yet know through comparison to what is known and familiar. "The Domain of Scientific Knowledge lies in the more commonly shared exterior rooms of the physical and mental rooms of our house. The Domain of Subjective Knowingness lies in the more private rooms of emotional knowing and what I think of as our intuitive awareness of perfection, of how things ought to be. To find out who we are, how we feel and what we most value, we must visit these interior rooms." ***************************** The 'word' I really wanted to believe the author’s premiss that there could be some lost ancient wisdom~ hidden somewhere in Washington D.C.? I also realized Dan Brown’s great capacity to seamlessly blend fact and fiction into his previous novels. Could there be something missing from the vast depositories of knowledge stored in the libraries around the world? Probably not, for the world we wander, is covered (blatant) with the symbols that point to the truth. We just need to left the veil of unbelief to truly see it. I have read and even heard, many readers of “The Lost Symbol,” were disappointed with the authors ending? But for me, there were numerous symbolic messages (clues) sprinkled throughout the book. One ‘word in particular though actually reached out to me! The word is <> “at onement.” For It is a wonderful and noble thought that creates the desire to be at at onement with all. But for me, this dream of at onement has a twofold double edge meaning. This so-called new age term, was derived from the word atonement (originally coined by John Wycliffe, a 14th century English theologian). It is taken from a Hebrew verb term~ in English translated~ to atone. Its definition in the Christian- Judaism tradition, is to achieve forgiveness or pardon usually from the God Almighty. It also represents and defines the sacrifice Jesus Christ made upon the Cross for the ‘atonement’ of human sin. At onement in the human and cosmic sense has come to mean and represent one consciousness within the universe. So~ if one believes that the universe is one in consciousness, then what separates this human experience from it? Hindu mystics call it Maya (illusion). For to live upon this plane we are submerged in~ live and breath in this illusion. And the greatest illusion is that separateness~ we have bought into by allowing the veil of unbelief to fall upon us here on earth. So how can one individual human find their way back into reunification with the one universal consciousness~ what separates one’s own atonement with that of the many cosmic term of at onement ?? After contemplating this for a while~ I remembered! Many years ago while professing to become a Franciscan friar, a profound message was given to me. It came by way of an old and very humble friar priest. Shortly before leaving the monastery where we both lived, he advised and told me to always remember~ that no religious conversion would guarantee bringing oneself back into the fold with the God Almighty. He went on to say that any unification with the true source of light, was a singular journey, in which all souls must fair alone. I found his advice very surprising and intriguing considering that this weathered old man, had dedicated and served his church and order faithfully for over fifty years. Gradually, while serving in my vocation, I began to realized the true wisdom of his advice. From deep down in my heart an awareness began to emerge from within my true self. I realized~ we truly do walk alone on this earth. It was a powerful realization, that the path to salvation and transcending from upon this plane, literally meant a reconciliation (an atonement) with myself~ first. For there is a rub to this life. To be ‘at onement’ isn’t just sweetness and joy, its also pain and sorrow. Buddha said, life is suffering, but no one wants to suffer! Life isn’t what we always desire it to be~ it just simply is. It has always been difficult for me to be quiet or still my mind, so I could enter my interior rooms. For most here meditation offers a path to a retreat from this realm. I do not like to meditate, but have found my own way inward when tapping into my intuitive spirit voice. Whatever way one goes about achieving this stillness, it evolves reaching down into the depths of ones source of creative thinking~ that allows you to believe in what you already know~ and what you want to do~ without even knowing it. It is you~ the God within that speaks the only truth upon this plane. It is only this voice of truth that will release the chains that have held us all too this sub- creation prison planet. ******************************* A while back my dear friend Carmen, gave me a prayer to recite and suggested I add to it~ what I wanted and desired most in life? With her help, I created that list. I recite it several times a day to keep myself focused on what I want to manifest in my life~ Here is a portion of that list~ I will share with you all~ I AM <> GOD I AM <> UNLIMITED GOD <> I AM~ I Will My Inner Spirit Soul To Take Charge Of My Life~ I Am Filled With The Power and Knowingness ~ Of My Holy ~ Holy Spirit~ For I Offer Up My Troubled Surface Mind And Broken Heart as Rent With Love~ So That I May Live Anew~ Lazarus, Come Forth~ Teach Me From Within To Realize The Unlimited Quality Of My Soul~ May The Veil Of Unbelief Be Lifted From Upon Me To > Open Up My Spirit- Mind And Body To A Second Birth~ To > Purify My Surface Mind And Erase All The Falseness Learned~ To > Fully Raise My Consciousness~ To Its Apex~ I~ Desire~ Too Always Be Full Of Joy~ And Be At Peace Within~ To~ Keep My Focused Surface Mind Upon The Holy Song Of The Ascension Attitudes~Of Love- Praise and Gratitude~ With Devotion Which~ Arises From My Hearts Center Towards the God~ of All There Is~ I ~Desire For All My Thoughts and Emotions~ To Resonate and Dwell In The Light Of Eternal Love~ With Trust Through Honesty And Integrity~ Towards All~ With Good Vibrations~ Feeling’s And Intent~ This Day~ My Spirit's Energy Raises The Vibrational Frequencies~ To Restore The Truth~ Peace~ Harmony And Balance To Mother Earth ~ For < I >Am A Human Being Becoming> I Desire To Become~ At-one-ment With Myself ~ So That I May Be Rejoined Too The Many> That Are The One In Affinity. where there is love~ there is always hope giovonni Last edited by giovonni; 03-06-2010 at 01:43 AM.