BUILDING THE INNER TEMPLE

My Journey to the East

By Burx Norrod

About the Author

Burx Norrod grew up in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe), and later moved with his family to Maui following the Rhodesian Bush War. Inspired by his father—a U.S. Marine and former member of the Rhodesian SAS—Burx joined the United States Marine Corps and traveled extensively across the U.S. and Asia.

After his military service, he built a career in sales and mortgage lending, ultimately becoming one of the nation’s top-producing mortgage brokers. Along the way, he developed a passion for writing and has since compiled multiple books focused on personal growth, symbolism, and self-mastery.

Burx joined Freemasonry in 2012, where he immersed himself in esoteric education and ritual work, later becoming a 32° Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner, as well as a 3rd Degree member of the Ordo Templi Orientis.

He currently resides in Albuquerque, where he continues his work in mortgage lending, writing, and firearm instruction, while actively participating in shooting sports and traveling.

Building The Inner Temple

My Journey to the East

Building the Inner Temple is a personal and philosophical journey through Freemasonry—tracing one man’s path from first stepping through the doors of the Craft in 2012 to becoming Master of his lodge in 2025, and beyond.

In this book, Burx Norrod shares the full scope of his experiences on the road to the East, detailing both the positives and the challenges he encountered along the way. Nothing is filtered out—everything is discussed, from controversies to in-fighting—offering an honest, real-world perspective with shocking revelations. While Freemasonry teaches perfection and mastery over oneself, this book reminds the reader that we are all still rough ashlars, working to refine ourselves over time.

Blending personal story with deeper allegory, the book explores how the lessons of Freemasonry are meant to be lived, not just observed. From ritual work and mentorship to leadership and personal discipline, it reveals how the Craft can shape a man’s character and purpose.

Building the Inner Temple ultimately serves as a guide to self-mastery—showing that the true work of Freemasonry is not in the lodge room alone, but within the individual willing to undertake the journey with open eyes.