So what is this blog about?

A Setting Maul is an instrument used by operative masons to adjust the position of a stone block once it has been set into place. The block is hit with some force, seating it into position and aligning it with the others while maintaining a strong bond with the mortar that was previously applied. Great care must be used, for too little force and the block doesn't move enough before the mortar sets. Too much and it will shift too far, requiring it to be removed, more mortar applied, and the block reset. Sometimes the blow is so severe it caused adjacent blocks to shift, requiring much work to be redone, perhaps even damaging the stone beyond use. Consequently, the Setting Maul requires great skill and judgment in its use.

I see it also as an unwritten Working Tool of Speculative Masonry, aka Freemasonry. As we are symbolicaly building King Solomon's Temple, with each of us a stone, we work to take ourselves from our rough, natural state to one befitting the Temple walls. This is done by removing the rough edges, squaring and leveling the surfaces, and making sure the work is plumb, all through the emblematic use of various tools. Lastly, the cement of Friendship and Brotherly Love is applied with the Trowel, uniting the work into one solid, cohesive mass. But the stones must be set properly, nudged and coaxed into position, and this is where the Setting Maul comes into use. It is the force of our words and actions in dealing with each other, in offering support and guidance, or in correcting and criticizing. How we practice our Masonry will affect the work, and we must use great care and discretion to not damage or destroy what we work so hard to build.

This blog is primarily geared towards Freemasons and Masonry as we practice our Craft both in Lodge and in life, with consideration given to the general public. Many readers will already know how the indiscriminate use of the Setting Maul nearly destroyed the Temple for all ages. Hopefully they will understand its use as I do, that our words and actions can do harm, sometimes irreparably. My goal here is to speak on issues relating to life and Freemasonry, but to do so in a constructive and instructive manner, and for both of us to grow in the process.