What is Freemasonry?

[abonifi1]

I have created this page, answer the questions people have about Freemasons, if your interested.

To help dispell the myths, lies and fears about the Fraternity for you.

I have placed this thread under hobbies, because that is what Freemasonry.

Feel free to ask your question, I have not started this for a debate of what we are by a way to inform people who actual want to learn more, or have an interest in it.

If there are people who want to join I will be more than willing to help you begin the process also.

So feel free, to ask.

EDIT: I am not here to solicit you to join, I will not ask you to join, nor demand it of you.

This is here just to answer your questions.

[Sex Wax]

Is it true they sacrifice donkeys during the full moon by beating it to death with tiny silver hammers?

[abonifi1]

Is it true they sacrifice donkeys during the full moon by beating it to death with tiny silver hammers?

I like the idea, but sadly no.

[Old Timer]

.......much to do about nothing..:barf:

[abonifi1]

.......much to do about nothing..:barf:

If your looking for the Shakespeare forum, its probably under books, and spelled much ado about nothing

[Zim the Invader]

I'd be interested in learning more. My grandfather was a Mason and when he died I got a lot of his books on the subject. Sadly, they are very old and due to not wanting to damage my grandpas books, I can't really thumb through them. How does one join? Are there any prerequisites? Are there dues and if so, what is expected of each person?

[Sex Wax]

Well, I just asked one of my buddies, he's one of them Mason dudes, if it was OK to be telling their secrets. My buddy, who's official title in the Masons is: "The Imponderable Archon of Imponderable Archons, the Most Humble Secretary of the Egyptian Oedipus, Sublime Master of the Astral Steganograph, Supreme Psychopomp of the Purple Pendulum", well he said that if you go around telling Masonic secrets, he'll turn you into a newt and throw a brick at you.

:scared:

[abonifi1]

There are prerequisites:
1. Be a man, [NOTE: there are other branches of Masonry that accept both men and women, or women only]; Masonry is a fraternity, just about the only mens only club that still exists in the world today.

2.Be at least 21 years old. [NOTE: Some lodges and some jurisdictions allow 18- or 19-year-olds, or may make exceptions for those who are sons of Masons, or for university students.]

3.Have belief in a Supreme Being -- of any faith. No particular religion or faith is required or excluded. All are welcome. This has to do with tradition, and the traditions are kept alive with in the fraternity.

4. Many lodges have a period of time requirement for living in your area, usually 1 year minimum prior to joining, many of the lodges that include military members have a 6 month to accomodate the military.

In order to join you merely have to ask a mason, you will not be allowed to walk through the door and sign up that day, there is a reason for this.

You will be asked to come back several times, meet the members, and talk, so each will get to know you, and you to know them. You will actually, at times, feel you are being deterred from joining. The reason for this is we do not want members, who do not want to be there, we want you to join for the right reasons, and because you want to, and desire to. You will never be pressured into joining, but at times, until your actual acceptance into the fraterinty, you may feel alienated or even not wanted.

As for dues, it will be different from lodge to lodge, and dependant on where you live, typically the initial fee is from 300 - 500 dollars, you are not just handing over money, you will get various items, books, and the like as you progress through the 3 degrees of Masonry (there are only 3, if someone tells you otherwise, they do not know Freemasonry).

Aside from that typically from 50-100 dollars per dues, or a single one time life membership.

Again this varies from lodge to lodge and location to location so you will want to ask that question from the lodge you are interested in joining.

As for what is expected, you are asked to go to 1 meeting a month, after you earn your 3 degrees, yet, what you do with the Fraternity is up to you. You can give, and take as little or as much as you want.

[Zim the Invader]

Well, I just asked one of my buddies, he's one of them Mason dudes, if it was OK to be telling their secrets. My buddy, who's official title in the Masons is: "The Imponderable Archon of Imponderable Archons, the Most Humble Secretary of the Egyptian Oedipus, Sublime Master of the Astral Steganograph, Supreme Psychopomp of the Purple Pendulum", well he said that if you go around telling Masonic secrets, he'll turn you into a newt and throw a brick at you.

:scared:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr8DIg3oHFI

[Zim the Invader]

Now, what about me? I don't believe in an intelligent or divine "god" figure, but I do be lieve in an energy that connects all things and is everywhere. Some might call that a "higher power".

I also pray to the god and goddess. Not as actual entities, but as representations of the male and female aspects of nature.

[abonifi1]

Now, what about me? I don't believe in an intelligent or divine "god" figure, but I do be lieve in an energy that connects all things and is everywhere. Some might call that a "higher power".

Higher Power, does not mean God, Buddhists, Taoists, Wiccans, ect. do not believe in the Christian God, and they are members.

Many people use the Christian God out of habit, and for know other reason.

Like myself, I was born and raised a Roman Catholic, if asked I will tell people I am a Roman Catholic, if I was to ask someone their religion without thinking about it first, I might ask if your a Catholic out of nothing more than habit.

But in truth I have not stepped into the church since I was 14 years old, and if I was to do so today, it would probably collapse on my head.

For clarification, the point is to have a belief, you will only be asked once and it will never happen again, religion, and religiousness, are never talked about inside of the lodge.

[Zim the Invader]

What are the different types of Freemasonry and what are the differences? (traditional, Scottish Rite, something else, ...)

[socalheart]

If it's the Freemasons, why does it cost money to be a member?
Do any of you actually know anything about masonry?
Is there really a secret treasure buried somewhere?
Does membership require a unanimous acceptance vote?
Who really shot JFK?

[abonifi1]

What are the different types of Freemasonry and what are the differences? (traditional, Scottish Rite, something else, ...)

Zim, There are only two Lodges of free Masons in the United States, The Blue Lodge, and the Prince Hall Masons (there is a French Lodge, but I cannot give you accurate details on it because its in France, and I don't know)

These two lodges, one of which is what you join as a freemason.

There are only 3 degrees of freemaonry, and they are achieved here.

After you become a master mason, then you have appendent groups, the Scottish Rite, which is mentioned, and the York Rite, they are educations, although degrees maybe mentioned in the Scottish Rite, it is only because they do not want to use the full name.

To say degrees the Scottish Rite has 29, and the York Rite 7, the purpose is just to learn more of the history of freemasonry, the Scottish rite teaches you the history of the Scottish Freemasons from forming to modern times, The York Rite teaches you the same for the English Freemasons.

Other orders after these would be:

Grottoes of North America
High Twelvians
National Sojourners
Sciots
Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia
Tall Ceders of Lebanon

Each of which developed due to different governments that tried to terrorize freemasons through history, and they merely teach about those points in history.

The ultimate for most Masons is the Shriners, its kind of a retirement club med when you tire, and are probably the single largest charity organization i the world, even larger than the Red Cross.

The Shriner's main Charity, is the Shriners hospital, which gives 100% free medical care to children, and specializes in Burn Victims.

It was the works of the Shriners that convinced me to join.

And it was the works of the Shriners', who convinced Danny Thomas to Join, and eventually start St. Jude's Hospital for Child Cancer Victims.

[Zim the Invader]

Zim, There are only two Lodges of free Masons in the United States, The Blue Lodge, and the Prince Hall Masons (there is a French Lodge, but I cannot give you accurate details on it because its in France, and I don't know)

These two lodges, one of which is what you join as a freemason.

There are only 3 degrees of freemaonry, and they are achieved here.

After you become a master mason, then you have appendent groups, the Scottish Rite, which is mentioned, and the York Rite, they are educations, although degrees maybe mentioned in the Scottish Rite, it is only because they do not want to use the full name.

To say degrees the Scottish Rite has 29, and the York Rite 7, the purpose is just to learn more of the history of freemasonry, the Scottish rite teaches you the history of the Scottish Freemasons from forming to modern times, The York Rite teaches you the same for the English Freemasons.

Other orders after these would be:

Grottoes of North America
High Twelvians
National Sojourners
Sciots
Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia
Tall Ceders of Lebanon

Each of which developed due to different governments that tried to terrorize freemasons through history, and they merely teach about those points in history.

The ultimate for most Masons is the Shriners, its kind of a retirement club med when you tire, and are probably the single largest charity organization i the world, even larger than the Red Cross.

The Shriner's main Charity, is the Shriners hospital, which gives 100% free medical care to children, and specializes in Burn Victims.

It was the works of the Shriners that convinced me to join.

And it was the works of the Shriners', who convinced Danny Thomas to Join, and eventually start St. Jude's Hospital for Child Cancer Victims.
So what's the difference between Blue Lodge and Prince Hall Masons?

[abonifi1]

If it's the Freemasons, why does it cost money to be a member?
Do any of you actually know anything about masonry?
Is there really a secret treasure buried somewhere?
Does membership require a unanimous acceptance vote?
Who really shot JFK?

Socal, even in being a smartass, you did ask one really good question (and you made me laugh) FreeMason, meant that you were a free-man, and not a slave.

Its beginnings stem to the times of Slavery, and the Prince Hall Mason's history show the caliper of men who were freemason's by allowing black men to become Masons when segretion did not permit it, and because of that we have the Prince Hall Masons.

And no the CIA has never shared with us any of their secrets, nor do we want them.

[abonifi1]

So what's the difference between Blue Lodge and Prince Hall Masons?

The Blue Lodge is the basis of freemasonry, the Prince Hall Masons, named after a black man Prince Hall, was establed so that black could become freemasons' in America when segregation and slavery did not allow it.

As with everything in Freemasonry, history and tradition are the key factors, so no chapter ever disappears. Today both chapters freely interchange members, and there are no color barriers.

[Zim the Invader]

How do the Knights Templar fit into things?

[abonifi1]

Its part of the history, although antiquated and more myth than reality The Templars were away from the original Guild of the freemason's to build and Maintain their chapels in Constantinople

The few allowed to accompany the Templars, inducted them within their guild, and the Templars in their travels brought Freemasonry to the world.

Parts are true, but most exaggerated history, nothing more and nothing less, it has nothing to do with what you have seen on TV, read about or saw in National Treasure.

[Zim the Invader]

Sounds good to me. I'll contact my local lodge and see what they have going on. Thanks.

[Sex Wax]

If you get in, do you get one of those cool hats? Like Fred Flintstone used to wear at his Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes Lodge meetings?

http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/fiction/fraternities/flintstones.jpg

[abonifi1]

Sounds good to me. I'll contact my local lodge and see what they have going on. Thanks.

Zim, here is a link to the grand lodges of the world, if you need more:

http://web.mit.edu/dryfoo/www/Masonry/Pointers/GLs/index.html

[abonifi1]

If you get in, do you get one of those cool hats? Like Fred Flintstone used to wear at his Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes Lodge meetings?

http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/fiction/fraternities/flintstones.jpg

It was actually more similar to the Simpson's Stone Cutters, the flintstones were based off of the Elk's Club

[Sex Wax]

So who would win in a war between the Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge?

[abonifi1]

So who would win in a war between the Elks Lodge and the Moose Lodge?

Ask the Polar Bear.

[Zim the Invader]

If you get in, do you get one of those cool hats? Like Fred Flintstone used to wear at his Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes Lodge meetings?

http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/fiction/fraternities/flintstones.jpg

Memorize this.
http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/fiction/fraternities/stonecutters/simpsons04.jpg

Do some of this.
http://simpsons.skewsme.com/img/stonecutters4c.jpg

Start doing a lot more of this.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Fionn-Whelan/Simpsons/Stonecutters.jpg

[abonifi1]

Memorize this.
http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/fiction/fraternities/stonecutters/simpsons04.jpg

Do some of this.
http://simpsons.skewsme.com/img/stonecutters4c.jpg

Start doing a lot more of this.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Fionn-Whelan/Simpsons/Stonecutters.jpg

Kind of, initially

[Richard Burns]

So for the military folk are they better off to petition a GL of Japan Lodge or the MWPHGL of Washington (located on base) and does it make any difference?

[Richard Burns]

Do you think Masonry is more popular in the military than the civilian world? I never knew what a Mason was until the military that's why I ask.

[abonifi1]

So for the military folk are they better off to petition a GL of Japan Lodge or the MWPHGL of Washington (located on base) and does it make any difference?

That's a difficult question to answer, it really depends on their status (marital), age, and military career plans.

If you have a Japanese wife, and you are going to stay here, Join Here most definately with Lodge of Japan.

If you have a Phillipine wife and want to goto here or the Philipines, Join the Lodge of the Phillipines here.

The real thing to consider are:
1. How long are you going to be here, stay here, or come back here
2. Are you going to be able the complete the 3 degrees here
3. Do you want to maintain paying dues here, and then join another lodge in the US?

For the military folk it can be a difficult decision, because of the fact that they move around, do what you feel is best, is really the only advice I can honestly give on this, look at yourself, and your long term desires into the future to make your decision

It is not a question, that I or any other Mason can answer for you.

[abonifi1]

Do you think Masonry is more popular in the military than the civilian world? I never knew what a Mason was until the military that's why I ask.

That's an easy one, no I don't, but the military community, is smaller and a closer community than in the civilian world.

Unlike the civilian world, change could put 6 masons together in the same platoon in the military, this would not happen in the civilian world, where people are much more diverse and spread out.

I would say that military people, from what I have noticed do feel comfortable with the ideals of tradition, and culture of the Masons.

Alot of this probably comes from their training,and schooling on military customs and traditions.

The long list of Generals, who have been Mason's, they have made quotes I had read,saying something similar.

[socalheart]

Socal, even in being a smartass, you did ask one really good question (and you made me laugh).
Of course I did! I'm a serious smartass though and those were all actual questions that I wanted answers to, which is why there were no smilies. Thanks for the actual answers, but there were a few unanswered questions still. I suppose that just adds to the mystery and hoodoo though, huh?

[abonifi1]

Of course I did! I'm a serious smartass though and those were all actual questions that I wanted answers to, which is why there were no smilies. Thanks for the actual answers, but there were a few unanswered questions still. I suppose that just adds to the mystery and hoodoo though, huh?

No I just missed your real questions sorry:

If it's the Freemasons, why does it cost money to be a member?

This one I answered, I hope satifactorily


Do any of you actually know anything about masonry?
I like to think I have learned as much as I can, but based on the information I have given you are more than welcome to judge for yourself.


Is there really a secret treasure buried somewhere?

I have answered this in another post, but the answer is no.


Does membership require a unanimous acceptance vote?


This will depend on the lodge, my lodge does require a unanimous vote for entry, but I have spoken with many who allow 1 black on the votes.

No two lodges are exactly the same, and there will be some variations on wording, and on operating procedures with in the Lodges.

As for who really shot JFK, the CIA has never released that information to us.

[abonifi1]

I am bumping this thread because:

1.I am drunk and pissed at that retard RM
2.Because RM is a retard

anyone who doesn't care please ignore

[DOCROB]

Most Prince Hall lodges and F.A&A.M ( Free And Accepted Mason) lodges and Lodges with women in them are called clandestined lodges. If you wish to join Free Masonery join a F.&A.M. ( Free & Accepted Mason). I belong to the Pylmouth Rock Lodge #47 in Michigan.

[abonifi1]

The Big Secret of the 33 degrees Exposed:


As I said in a previous post the highest degree in Masonry is the Master Mason, the Scottish rite is andendum group which teaches you the history of the Scottish Masons through history.

That the word degree is used because people are too lazy to say the name of the degree and that is it, well here are the degrees, and their names. There are 2 name because in the US there are to Jurisdictions the Northern and Southern. I have listed the Southern as the first Name:

4° Secret Master /Master Traveler
5° Perfect Master
6° Intimate Secretary /Master of the Brazen Serpent
7° Provost and Judge
8° Intendant of the Building
9° Elu of the Nine /Master of the Temple
10° Elu of the Fifteen /Master Elect[32]
11° Elu of the Twelve /Sublime Master Elected
12° Master Architect /Grand Master Architect
13° Royal Arch of Solomon /Master of the Ninth Arch
14° Perfect Elu /Grand Elect Mason
15° Knight of the East, or
Knight of the Sword, or
Knight of the Eagle Knight of the East, or
Knight of the Sword
16° Prince of Jerusalem
17° Knight of the East and West
18° Knight Rose Croix Knight /of the Rose Croix de Heredom Council of Kadosh
19° Grand Pontiff
20° Master of the Symbolic Lodge/ Master ad Vitam
21° Noachite, or
Prussian Knight /Patriarch Noachite
22° Knight of the Royal Axe, or
Prince of Libanus /Prince of Libanus
23° Chief of the Tabernacle
24° Prince of the Tabernacle /Brother of the Forest
25° Knight of the Brazen /Serpent Master of Achievement
26° Prince of Mercy, or
Scottish Trinitarian /Friend and Brother Eternal[33]
27° Knight of the Sun, or
Prince Adept Knight of Jerusalem
28° Knight Commander of the Temple Knight of the Sun, or
Prince Adept
29° Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew /Knight of Saint Andrew
30° Knight Kadosh, or
Knight of the White and Black Eagle Grand Inspector
31° Inspector Inquisitor/ Knight Aspirant
32° Master of the Royal Secret /Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret


Now these degrees are split into groups, degrees 4-12, 13-16, 17-28, 29-32.

Here comes the BIG SECRET, here is how you earn these unbelievably high levels of Masonry:

Are you ready folks, is the suspense building, here it is:

You watch a 15-20min. play, then you go have a beer, and are awarded the degree.

In order to earn the 32 degree as I have, you have to watch one play in each of the sections I listed above.

When the play concludes, you goto the Common Room, and you are now the degree of the play you watched while having a beer.

That's it, you do not even have to pass through all the degrees.

I became a 32degree in a total of 2 days, some people have done it in one.

The big secret exposed.

The 33rd degree is an award for service, there are actual 3 different awards for the 33rd that can be given to you, and it is awarded, by loyalty, kind of like the gold watch you earn when you retire from a job.

But to find out more on the Scottish Rite, visit their website:

http://www.scottishrite.org/

[0341isa]

WTF are you talking about??? There is NO SUCH THING as freemasonry. I know. I needed someone to com elay some brick for the add on to my living room and everybody I called quoted me a frikkin arm and a leg!

[0341isa]

still take heart. There is no Freemasonry, but there is cheapmasonry at a deep discount. Try here:
http://images.publicradio.org/content/2006/05/09/20060509_immigration_2.jpghttp://www.chandlerswatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/illegals_at_hd-300x225.jpg
ask for "Javier"