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2025 Southeastern Masonic Symposium
Welcome to the 2025 Southeastern Masonic Symposium! Join us for a day of insightful discussions, networking, and learning from leaders in the Masonic community. The event will be held August 23rd 2025 in person at 80 Broadway St. in Asheville, NC or virtually via Zoom. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow Masons and gain valuable knowledge to enhance your Masonic journey. Save the date and mark your calendars for this enriching experience!
Featured Presenters
Bro. Jason M. Richards is a Past Master of Acacia Lodge No. 16 in Clifton, VA, where he was raised in 2012. He is also a member of La Fayette Lodge No. 79 in Zanesville, OH. His favorite Masonic topics include the history of Freemasonry worldwide, using new technologies to build a better Masonic experience, esotericism, and Christian mysticism. Bro. Jason co-founded The Masonic Roundtable, which has entered its 12th year on the air, and Esotericon, a pre-eminent (and non-masonic) conference celebrating occult and esoteric scholarship. Bro. Jason is an emeritus contributor to the Midnight Freemasons blog, has written for the Grand Lodge of DC blog “The Voice,” and has edited numerous books and publications, including “The Fraternal Review.” He lives in Northern Virginia.
Richard Hanson is a distinguished Freemason in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, having served as Past Master of multiple lodges. He currently holds the office of Educational Officer at Thomas DeVenny Lodge No. 928 in Freeburn Kentucky, where he is recognized for his dedication to Masonic education and mentorship. His contributions have been recognized at the Grand Lodge level and In 2022, he was appointed Grand Sword Bearer of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, a ceremonial and leadership role of high honor. He also served as the Chairman of the Education Committee in 2025, demonstrating his commitment to the improvement and integrity of the Craft throughout the jurisdiction. Bro. Hanson is a 32° Scottish Rite Mason of the Valley of Covington and a York Rite Mason, further embodying the ideals of the appendant bodies. He is also an Honorary Member of the Rubicon Masonic Society, a distinction that reflects his respected status among Masonic thinkers and educators.
Ike Baker is a Masonic Historian, author (A Formless Fire: Rediscovering the Magical Traditions of the West, Tria Prima 2024; Ætheric Magic: A Complete System of Elemental, Celestial & Alchemical Magic, Llewellyn 2025) independent scholar, international speaker, and practitioner of eastern and western ceremonial traditions. Ike hosts the ARCANVM channel & podcast where he produces high quality documentary-style content on Freemasonry, esotericism, occultism, and related currents, and facilitates conversations with some of the foremost practitioners, scholars, and authors in the fields of magic and esotericism. He has studied and practiced Hermetic Qabalah, ceremonial ritual, and related currents for 20+ years and is a senior initiate of several lineages within the western esoteric traditions. Ike is co-founder of the New Hermopolis Symposium in Minya, Egypt and hosts the Southeastern Masonic Symposium in Asheville, North Carolina. Find out more about Ike or ask him a question at: ikebaker.com
Brother Thom Carter is a Master Mason of 8 years, member of Mt. Hermon Lodge #118, North Carolina AF&AM. He has studied western esoterica going on 14 years with emphasis on Kabbalah, chanting, and group workings. Currently official Senior Steward for his lodge, Brother Thom endeavors to integrate music into the lodge experience as unofficial organist.