Stewart Clelland

Stewart Clelland

Bro. Stewart Clelland is a distinguished teacher of Philosophy and Religious Studies in the North East of Scotland, boasting a rich educational background with a Master's Degree in Western Esotericism, a PGDE in Religious, Moral, and Philosophical Studies, and a B.A. (Hons) in Fine Art and Philosophy. His academic achievements are matched by his recognition as a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland since 2021 and as a full member of the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism (ESSWE). Bro. Clelland's research focuses on esoteric spirituality, heterodox religious traditions, and the experiences of marginalised and persecuted religious communities, both historical and contemporary. His scholarly work navigates the Western Esoteric or Hermetic tradition within religious, masonic, and philosophical thought. His contributions to the field include notable publications like "The Master's Voice: The Letters and Ritual of Martines de Pasqually 1767-1774" and peer-reviewed articles in several masonic journals, including Heredom and The Philalethes Society.  Bro. Clelland is a member of several lodges and societies, including The Operative Mason's Lodge of Dundee No. 47, Lodge Sir Robert Moray No. 1641, the Societas Rosicruciana in Scotia, and The Royal Order of Scotland.

White Paper - Ozymandias! The Rite of Misraïm in Scotland.    

The following paper delves into Scottish Freemasonry's engagement with the so-called 'Rite of Misraïm' against the backdrop of nineteenth-century 'Egyptomania'. It focuses on Dr Charles Morison, the first Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (A&ASR) in Scotland, established in 1846. Morison's Masonic journey, enriched by his initiation into the esoteric and Egyptian-themed Rite of Misraïm in 1820, mirrors the era's fascination with Egypt following Napoleon's campaign. This fascination is further exemplified by the 52nd Grand Master Mason of Scotland, the 10th Duke of Hamilton, Alexander Hamilton, an enthusiastic participant in Egyptian-themed Masonry and collector of Egyptian artefacts, whose mummified burial in an Egyptian sarcophagus underscores the era's blend of Masonic practices with Egyptian symbolism. This paper highlights the significance of the Rite of Misraïm within Scottish Freemasonry, illustrating Freemasonry's cultural and intellectual convergence with ancient Egyptian heritage. It showcases the profound impact of 'Egyptomania' on the Masonic traditions and practices of the Scottish Masonic and social elite, emphasising its historical and cultural relevance to the Masonic community during the early nineteenth century.