From Eucalyptus to Enlightenment: A Koala’s Masonic Tale

Image Source: drw72 on myfreemasonry.com, August 2, 2022

Banjo the koala was a well-respected figure in the eucalyptus forest—not for being the fastest climber, but for always offering a paw when someone was in need. Whether it was lending a leaf to a squirrel or helping a bird find its lost nest, Banjo was the koala everyone could count on.

One day, he noticed Wally the wombat wearing a strange apron covered in symbols. “Oi, Wally! That’s quite the look! Opening a new café, or just branching out?” Banjo asked.

Wally chuckled. “Nah, mate, I’m a member of the Brotherhood of the Leaf. It’s all about helping others, living with honor, and building a better community.”

Banjo’s eyes twinkled. “I help out all the time! Can I join?”

Wally smiled. “You’ve got to ask, and then get some good animals to vouch for you. They need to know you’ve got a heart of gold.”

Banjo puffed out his chest. “I’m koalafied! Let’s do this!”

First, Banjo visited Hazel the hedgehog. “Hazel, I need you to vouch for me to join the Brotherhood of the Leaf!”

Hazel thought for a moment. “Well, Banjo, you did help me gather all my leaves last month, and not a single thorn was out of place. You’re in!”

Next, Banjo found Zippy the zebra finch. “Zippy, can you vouch for me?”

Zippy fluffed her wings. “You didn’t eat my twigs this time, and you even helped me find the best berries. You’re good to go!”

Finally, Banjo approached Bertie the kookaburra. “Bertie, I need your support to join the Brotherhood!”

Bertie laughed. “Banjo, you helped untangle my feathers without sneaking a snack of my breakfast, so of course, you’ve got my vote!”

With his three vouches in paw, Banjo strutted back to Wally. “Done! I’m koalafied! Let’s make it official!”

Later that evening, Banjo stood proudly under the grand eucalyptus tree where the Brotherhood of the Leaf gathered. Percy the platypus, the Grand Root of the Lodge, smiled warmly. “Banjo, you’ve shown honor and kindness. Welcome to the Brotherhood of the Leaf!”

Banjo beamed as he tied on his new apron. “Thanks, everyone! I’ll keep helping, keep being honorable, and I promise—no more pinecones in Bertie’s feathers!”

And from that day on, Banjo continued to live with kindness and honor, proving that even the smallest creatures can make the biggest difference when they stay true to their values.

Antidote: Banjo’s motto? “Be honorable, lend a paw, and never forget—no pinecones near Bertie! So Mote It Be!”