The Compasses — Episode 1: Circumscribing Desire Without Suppression
Download MP3This opening episode introduces the Compasses as more than a moral restraint, framing them instead as a diagnostic tool for understanding boundaries, ambition, and care. Moving beyond a superficial reading of “due bounds,” the episode explores how the Compasses help define meaningful limits without suppressing growth. By pairing the Compasses with other working tools, the symbol becomes practical, flexible, and deeply contextual.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- The Compasses define boundaries, not suppression or self-denial
- Symbolism is intentionally open-ended to surface internal ambiguity
- Combining tools creates clearer guidance than isolated interpretation
💬 Featured Quotes
(All quotes are verbatim from the transcript, consolidated only where a single thought spans consecutive lines.)
- 0:01:18–0:01:21
“It's left open to interpretation like all good symbolism.” - 0:02:25–0:02:33
“It starts to make sense to bring other tools into the conversation.” - 0:03:02–0:03:07
“These tools, when combined, really give a much more rich interpretation.” - 0:04:17–0:04:25
“Don’t confuse that containment with suppression.” - 0:05:02–0:05:13
“Over-constraining your ambitions such that it limits your growth… is a misuse of the compasses.”
🔗 Explore Related Episodes
Explores internal conflict and misalignment, complementing this episode’s focus on boundaries that clarify rather than restrict.
Connects to the Compasses as a tool for holding ambition and limitation without collapsing into suppression or avoidance.
Creators and Guests
Host
Brian Mattocks
Host and Founder of A Mason's Work - a podcast designed to help you use symbolism to grow. He's been working in the craft for over a decade and served as WM, trustee, and sat in every appointed chair in a lodge - at least once :D
