Paintings

First-Degree Tracing Board — An Occult History Lesson

This picture represents an occult history lesson of the cosmos, the world, and mankind — not through the lens of modern materialism, but through a spiritual understanding that predates our modern era. The knowledge is a remnant of the ancient Mystery Schools, long extinguished by the rise of Roman authority in the fifth century AD, while the symbols were created much later by the Rosicrucians.

A notable feature emerges when the painting is folded in half lengthways: it reveals the Rosicrucian maxim, ex Deo nascimur, in Christo morimur, per Spiritum sanctum reviviscimus — Out of God we are born, in Christ we die, through the Holy Spirit we awaken. The significance of this find overwhelmingly suggests that Bowring was a Rosicrucian, an "Invisible," making him the first authentic Rosicrucian Master ever to be identified.

Second-Degree Tracing Board — The New Path of Initiation Since the Death of Christ

This picture shows the two major initiation paths of the ancient world — mysticism and ecstasy — which guided seekers toward enlightenment. In Freemasonry, these paths are reflected in the First and Second Degrees and symbolised by the pillars Boaz and Jachin. Both were superseded by a single event: the sacrificial death of Christ, represented in Masonic imagery by an "ear of corn near to a fall of water." His death marks the new path of initiation for our age and lies at the heart of the Third Degree in Freemasonry.

Third-Degree Tracing Board — The Raising of Soul Consciousness

This picture portrays the final stage: the elevation of consciousness and the gateway to full spiritual awakening. Since Christ's death on the Cross, this path, once reserved for a select few, is now open to all who sincerely seek enlightenment. It is the same path experienced by Saint Paul on the road to Damascus. However, while Paul's transformation was immediate and complete, a Freemason's journey progresses gradually, by degree, and culminates in the raising of soul consciousness rather than full spiritual awakening.