A Tribute to the Frontline Healthcare Workers

by J. Paul Gomez April 29, 2020

A few weeks ago, Brother Steve Sprott from The First Three Knocks Masonic podcast asked me if I can partner up with them on a special project. They want to sell shirts with 100% of the proceeds going to frontline health care workers- mainly for essential supplies such as masks, gloves, and disinfectants.

They want to have a logo that says "HAPPY TO MEET AGAIN" as an optimistic outlook on the current events. Bro. Steve wrote, "Lodges are closed down and we are missing our brothers, but are 'happy to meet again' once this is all over."

Bro. Darko Zdravic from University Lodge No. 496 in Toronto is in charge of coordinating with charities. Bro. Zdravic is a trained Immunologist, Hematologist, and chairman of the Toronto West District Blood Donor Program. One of his current roles as an Immunologist is to develop a vaccine for COVID19 with the Provincial and Federal Government.

Design Breakdown

The Staff of Hermes Trismegistus

Hermes Trismegistus and the Caduceus The defining feature of the artwork which I named "Ad Astra per Aspera" (Latin for “Through Adversity to the Stars”) is the caduceus and the Masonic Square and Compasses in Fellowcraft position. The caduceus is the staff carried by Hermes Trismegistus in Greco-Egyptian mythology. The Freemason's emblem is in 2nd Degree to symbolize ongoing Work.

Tetrahedron and the Sprig of Acacia

Leonardo Da Vinci Quintessential Vitruvian Man The legs of the compasses along with the staff form a Tetrahedron which symbolizes balance and stability. The human body has 5 parts- 1 head, 2 arms, and 2 legs; thus the Five Sprigs of Acacia adorning the emblem represent humankind. A visual way of saying “quintessential”.

Sacred Geometry

Sacred Geometry Flower of Life The hinge of the Compasses is formed by Seven Overlapping Circles (also known as the Flower of Life). In this usage, the seven circles represent the Seven Liberal Arts & Sciences. The Five Platonic Solids can be fit within the geometrical “Flower of Life”. It is also made took like the old Atomic Model to symbolize science. Leonardo da Vinci studied the Flower of Life and its mathematical properties.

How to Help

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J. Paul Gomez

Author

W. Bro. John Paul Gomez (aka Paul, JP, JPG) is an artist by trade and a full-time father-of-4. He currently serves as the W.M. for Doric Lodge No. 316 AF&AM in Ontario, Canada. He is a Senior DeMolay and an honorary member of Harmonie Lodge No. 699 F&AM in Buffalo, New York. He likes to cook and is a big fan of Muaythai.