Some buildings make you curious long before you step inside. On 12 September 2026, a friend and I visited the lodge building in Apeldoorn during Open Monumentendag, when historic places open their doors to the public.
My interest in symbolism and architecture was already reason enough to go. And honestly, so were the stories circulating online about Freemasonry. I wanted to look around, ask questions and hear from someone who actually belongs there.
A kind member took the time to explain the history of the building, its temple and the lodges that use it. It is shared by three men’s Masonic lodges and the women’s weaving lodge Via Lucis. There was a lot to take in, and I appreciated the opportunity to hear more about the place from someone who knows it.
What stayed with me most was entering from the west and facing east, towards the light. For me, that made direction itself part of the symbolism. The constellations and the interplay of opposites caught my attention too. I found myself thinking about how much a room can communicate through its layout and symbols, and how differently people might read the same details.
As a writer, that naturally brought me back to Unity in Duality, the book I’m working on. The relationship between apparent opposites has stayed with me since an unusual mental experience in 2024. I keep returning to the question of how differences can remain distinct while belonging to a larger whole.
Weaving offers a beautiful image for that, too. The Order of Weavers draws its symbolism from spinning, weaving and designing. I like the thought of separate threads helping to form a pattern together. It is an image that feels close to what I’m exploring in my writing.
Unfortunately, I forgot to take photographs. I’m not sure whether photography was allowed, so this visit will have to live here in words.
I’m grateful to the members who opened their temple and took the time to welcome curious visitors. Seeing its beauty, hearing about its history and being able to ask questions made it a memorable visit. It was a generous invitation to learn more, and I left with plenty to think about.