As a freemason of 25 years standing, I'm often asked to explain what it's all about. People asking are generally divided into two camps. Those who have had contact with Freemasons in their family or circle of friends, and who have a favourable impression, and those who appear hostile because of something they have read. I have to gauge my answer depending on who is asking.
There are many folks who believe that the masons are behind a global conspiracy, and every job opportunity favours members of the Brotherhood before them. They also know that there's an elaborate system in place to cancel parking or speeding tickets just by giving the officer a nod or a wink. I've been told that masons signal each-other in order to avoid any kind of penalty, including prison terms and even tolls on motorways and bridges.
They of course have been reliably told this by a nameless friend of a friend. No matter how much I explain that it isn't the case, and that "the freemasons" is simply a social club for men (and women) where charity giving is done quietly, they simply don't believe it. In England freemasonry is a little more "underground", but this was not always the case. Around the time of the Great War, parades and public showings were commonplace. We do have rules forbidding boasting about membership, and the wearing of bling items such as masonic rings.
These rules are designed so that freemasons cannot solicit fraternal advantage in business life. This approach has been mistaken for secrecy. You are much more likely to see the membership badges of Round Tale, Lions Club, Rotary, or even Public School ties displayed in public. We are not allowed to advertise our membership for gain. However masons are free to tell anyone about their interest.
Most members would love the opportunity to sing the praises of something they are very proud of. We can also explain just about everything there is about ceremonies, apart from traditional forms of recognition. These are only used to prove strangers visiting meetings away from their home lodge and almost nowhere else. However, all of the handshakes and secret words are widely known. (Just put the term into Google to see)
The fact is that you can buy all of the regalia and all of the rituals from shops online or in person. No one is going to test your membership if you have cash to spend. If you are in London or any other Capital you can visit the Grand Lodge HQ and have a good look around. There is a wonderful library and museum at Freemasons Hall in Great Queen Street, London. It's open to everyone. Just over the road are suppliers of Masonic regalia, where you can browse or buy to your heart's content. The quarterly freemasons magazine in England is available free in full online too, as are all of the back issues. You can also call the National or Provincial Grand Lodges to ask questions or get printed information.
Here are seven things you probably didn't know about Freemasonry
o George Washington was a member
o You have to ask a mason start the process of joining. You are not invited
o You must believe in God
o There are Lodges for men, women, and men and women, under various Constitutions.
o No animals of any kind are used in Initiation or other ceremonies
o Any kind of criminal record excludes membership
o The son of a mason is called a Lewis
I found an informative website a few weeks ago called www.masonic-secrets.com. It delves into interesting detail about both male and female freemasons, and gives an account of what happens behind closed doors.
Yes, I did say female freemasons, there are thousands of them around the world. I know that most people have heard that freemasonry is just for men. The real secrets are not at all what you would think, and you can find out as much as you wish just by asking or looking.
| Bro. Barry Hurst Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_J_Hurst | |
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