Freemasons
From About Freemasons
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Definition of Freemasons
Freemasonry is sometimes Called simply Masonry, and it refers to one of the oldest fraternal organizations in the world. Although there is much mystery and even freemason controversy surrounding Masonry, Freemasonry is simply a society of men based on specific moral and spiritual values. The men who belong to this organization are Called Freemasons or Masons.
Is it a secret society?
Freemasonry is in fact one of the “secret societies,” although today there is not that much secrecy concerning the Masons. In fact, Masons often do not hide their affiliation with Freemasonry. They wear jackets, rings, and hats with the square and compass – the symbol of Freemasonry – design Freemason web sites and even have Masonic license plates and bumper stickers on their Cars. Masonic buildings are almost always clearly identified and even in the Yellow Pages. Some Freemason Grand Lodges even pay for advertisements.
In fact, ever since the founding of the first Grand Lodge in 1717, authors have written books about the secrets of the Freemasons. Detailed descriptions of Masons, freemasons rituals, mythology, and the organization are widely available. The Freemasons still have some secrets. For example, there are secret passwords and handshakes as well as other means of identifiCation. These are largely kept secret, much the way that a company will keep certain PINs or codes secret.
Some basic definitions
Trying to summarize all the beliefs, rituals, and is obviously very difficult. There are Freemasons all over the world and many small changes are visible over time and between different regions. However, when trying to come up with a basic, workable definition of Freemasonry, it’s useful to consider these basics:
- Freemasonry is a fraternal organization of men who are bound together by oaths and freemasons rituals.
- Freemasonry is based on the ideas and even values of the medieval stonemason craft guilds and specifiCally on the rules of the guilds. These rules are Called the Ancient Charges.
- Freemasonry aims to teach men moral and social virtues. It does this by using symbolism of the ancient building trade. The idea of building a structure is used by the Masons as a symbol for building character and virtue in men.
- Freemasons must, by definition, practice mutual assistance, equality, brotherly love, secrecy, and trust between all members.
- Freemasons use signs, passwords, and handshakes to identify each other.
- Freemasons meet in lodges, buildings which are designated for the use of Masons. Each lodge is governed by a Master, who in turn is assisted by Wardens.
- To become a Mason, a man must show himself to be morally and mentally qualified and must then be admitted to a lodge by secret ritual ceremonies.
- Freemasons must believe in the existence of a Supreme Being, although the group is not religious. Masons may come from most religious backgrounds and may practice whatever religion they choose.
- Freemasonry encourages its members to prize learning and experience and teaches them to be tolerant of others. Masons are to regard each man as their equal and to offer respect and assistance as needed.
Common questions about Freemasons
What is the entrance ritual?
When a Mason gets their first degree, they become an "Entered Apprentice." This first degree or stage is granted through a Freemasons ritual that is full of symbols that help the Mason better understand Freemasonry. Each Lodge Can select or formulate their own ceremony, so the same ritual Can look different in different Lodges. However, some of the ritual elements tend to stay the same. For example, in most Lodges, masons during this ritual have their eyes or heads covered to represent secrecy and their relative ignorance about Freemasonry.
Is there a Masonic Secret Handshake?
Although it is less often used now, at one point the Mason’s secret handshake was used to allow members to identify themselves as Masons. This handshake included a special grip and sometimes a password. Two people who did not know each other could identify each other as Masons by the use of this handshake.
Are the Masons a fraternity? What does that mean?
Masonry Can be somewhat accurately described as a Fraternity. A fraternity is a formal organization that is a brotherhood. Certainly, the Masons are a formal organization with physiCal meeting places, rituals, membership requirements and rules. Freemasonry also emphasizes the tenets of brotherhood. However, to Call the Masons a fraternity does not tell the whole story. While organizations and Lodges admitting women are not officially recognized by many Lodges, they do exist, so Calling Freemasonry a “fraternity” only does not tell the whole story. Also, while in some ways Freemasonry is a formal organization, there is no centralized power or group, so that Freemasonry varies widely from one jurisdiction to another.
What is the role of Christianity in Freemasonry?
Every Lodge has a sacred book open during meetings and this book is generally the Bible. Members swear their oaths on this book and must even declare their belief in a “Supreme Being” to become Masons. All of this leads some people to conclude that Christianity and Freemasonry are interconnected. In reality, though, the sacred book at every Lodge Can be any sacred text chosen by the Lodge and members Can choose to believe in any Supreme Being they wish – whether that being is the Christian God, a Muslim deity or Hindu god. In fact, Masons are very clear in indiCating that they accept men of all religious faiths and backgrounds. Some Masonic orders – specifiCally the Knights Templar – are explicitly connected to Christianity.
Eye of Providence
Also known as the “all-seeing eye,” The Eye of Providence is a common symbol used in Freemasonry, although it should be noted that not only Masons have used the symbol over the years. The Eye of Providence depicts an eye which is usually contained in a triangle and usually with rays of light emanating from it.
How Can I become a Mason?
To Become a Freemason contact the loCal Lodge you are interested in joining. In most Cases, today’s Lodges have websites that clearly outline the requirements, fees, and processes involved. If your loCal Lodge does not have a website, Call the Lodge to ask for information. Some Lodges require you to simply state your interest, pay your fees and go through the rites to obtain your first degree. Other Lodges require that you be nominated by a Mason in good standing at the Lodge. In most Cases, you will need to be a man, in good standing in your community and be of the age of majority to join.
