what is a freemason. like the undergound society. what are there secrets?
552864
Despite the "New World Order" conspiracy theorists (and who is to say that there is NOT a cabal of plutocrats running this world?), despite the Fundamentalist Christian, Muslim, and Catholics who admit no one but themselves under their banner, the Freemasons are a rather open society of free men (and free women). Yes, there are Orders that take women as Freemasons.\n\nWe do insist, at least in most Orders of Freemasonry, that you believe in a Higher Power. You may call that God or whatever term you wish. We also teach that we should treat each other (and the rest of the world) in accordance with the Golden Rule. No, not "who ever has the most gold rules," but "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Pretty simple, right?\n\nOur secrets? Some of them are pretty obvious: we have certain signs, grips, and tokens used to identify ourselves to our Brothers. Those we keep to ourselves. \n\nThe not so obvious secret is one that no one CAN communicate to you, the change that happens inside you as you do your best to live up to the way of life exemplified by the symbolic teachings. \n\nMasonry says that it takes good men (and in our case, men and women) and makes them better. I have seen it happen. I see it happening in me. \n\nIt is not just a social organization; at least OUR Order is not. I travel about 800 miles each month to attend my two Lodges. I spend very little time socializing. Beyond that I would say that we are most like the old mystery schools. \n\nIf you wish more information about American Co-Masonry, please visit the link below.
7408
Dude...it depends on who you ask.  If you know a Freemason, they'll tell they don't worship the devil and they are community service oriented.  However, if you believe conspiracy theorists, they worship the devil and they actually have to kill someone in order to be dubbed Grand Marshall of their group.  For the most part, I think the conspiracy theorists just like most people don't like the secrecy around Freemason and made stuff up...just like the Spanish Inquisition.
874948
The whole thing is rife with Freemason symbols.\nWhat's with the pyramid, this isn't Egypt!\nit also says novus ordo seclorum which I have heard means new world order.\nThe eye is supposed to be the all seeing eye of Horus from the egyptian mystery religions.\nAh, the masons and their ilk- is there really a sinister shadow fraternity within an apparently benign lodge? Is there a sinister shadow government that really controls?\nIf you read Morals and Dogma, a book of masonic literature you will be exploring an "occult" realm of philosopy and theosophy.\nBut I don't know for sure most of them aren't just members of a club that does community service.\nTripping on Illuminat conspiracies while interesting, doesn't seem to really lead anywhere productive!
523828
There are 11 known secret societies, The Free Masons are among the top of them dating back to ancient Egyptian times, and many US presidents, senators, and representatives... have been, and some still are members of secret societies. You can learn much more about them by logging on to various websites, just enter secret societies and take your pick.
866709
It is actually quite simple.  Just call them and ask to speak to someone about becoming a Freemason.  I don't personally know any of the brothers at that lodge, but almost all lodges are very welcoming for people who are interested in joining.  Just give them a call and arrange to meet with some of the officers.\n\nYou can get the phone number from the website for that lodge at:\nhttp://www.cedarbayoulodge.org/contact_us.htm
488757
The National Grand Lodge of Romania is just starting back up. As for membership typically one must ask someone he knows to be a Mason in order to join as we are not permitted to recruit membership. The essential cornerstone is that you must believe in God or a "supreme being". Your are of good repute, and have a high moral standard. If you contact any Grand Lodge Temple they will be happy to give you Romania's information.
23943
There are alot of people out there who believe that the masonic orders are cults, this is not the case. In order to become a mason, you must first go to open events, and get to know the members. Ask for a petition and then it will take anywhere from 3-6 months for you to become a member. A mason has to recommend you and you have to prove you are of good moral charicter and above all, you must have a belief in a supreme being. There is no being a stanist or athieist in this organiztaion, it is not tolerated.
904787
suggest you contact " those in the know " directly rather than asking here. go to the local Masonic Lodge and find out for yourself and in person as there are many here who have wrong information. if a local Lodge is not available go to the Grand Lodge Site of the State you reside in.
84856
Some of the masonic societies could be consider as a meta religious society.   Rosicrucians even more.
759211
I belonged to a church once, and the Pastor committed Adulty with his neighbor. Not that I cared because I know humans are not perfect, just forgiven.\n\nAs for Masonry, you have to Ask one to be one, which means ask a mason in your community for a petition. Fill it out and return it to him with a check, or money order for the amount that that lodge requires...which is usually your first years dues, and your initiation fee. Mine was only $100 which isn't bad some are even cheaper depending on the size of the lodge.\n\nthey will then read your petition and let it lay for 1 month then vote on it. Usually during this one month period a couple of them will contact you and come to visit you and your family to talk with you and answer some questions you, or  your spouse, may have. Also in most states you must be 21 years old, but some are even 18 years of age now. \n\nThe easiest way to find out more about a Lodge in your area (if in the US) is by visiting http://www.wvmasons.org and look under U.S. Grand Lodges then look up your state.\n\nGood luck to you and keep in touch :)
405641
There is no deep meaning behind it. It is almost silly the reason Shriner wear that stuff.\n   First you must understand that Freemasonry is big on ritual. And during the ceremonies you must you the exact wording that is in the book. But you must go from memory you cant read it. Not every mason must memorize just those that wish to take an officers position in the lodge.\nAlthough masons have fun but there is very little if ever alchol.\n   So in the 1870's a few masons want to start a group for masons that focused more on fun and less on ritual. One of these men had just recently return from a tour of the world. And his favorite party was held by and Ahab. So they design the fun and partying group for masons with the same decor for this party he had gone to. You would think the answer would be deep then that but i am a mason and a Shriner. And every Shriner meeting is a party. This atmosphere attract more people and it is one of the reasons why Shriner's are able to do so much good. I went to my grand lodges web page and this was the answer they gave. Look yourself mainemason.org
712339
No, it is not.  I regularly sit in lodge with Mormons, Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Buddhists, and people whose religion can best be described as similar to the Force in Star Wars.  All are equal within Freemasonry.  The only requirement is that one believes in a Supreme Being.  Freemasonry does not care WHICH Supreme Being that is.  A religion demands exclusivity.  Indeed, religion is one of the topics that is forbidden to be discussed in Lodge.  So, NO, Freemasonry is NOT a religious organization.\n\nFreemasonry does NOT claim to "lead one to eternal life" as a previous answer states.  Freemasonry ONLY focuses on the way a man leads his life in this world.  It is not about eternal salvation, but about how a man lives so that when he does meet his Maker (whoever he believes that maker is) he will be able to stand before him and account favorably for the way he treated his fellow man.  That's all.  Sadly, there are many lies told about Freemasons by so-called religious people.
823866
Good start: asking questions. I wish more folks would, instead of just condemning others.\n\nI am a Master Mason (and a Mark Mason) of an esoteric branch of Freemasonry called Co-Masonry. We admit women and men of all races, all religions, as long as they are tolerant of faiths other than their own, at least 21 years of age, and good folk. \n\nOur ultimate goal is to take ourselves and improve ourselves -- only person you can change is yourself. Why? To make ourselves "more fitting vessels for The Light, smoother stones to be used to build the Temple of Solomon." Metaphors for beings who are shining beacons of goodness who can work well together.\n\nFunny thing, we learn without dogma, without folks preaching to us. The lessons are subtle. Many come in the door, but few stay. Each degree teaches more but it takes awhile to learn each degree. \n\nYou get where you trust your Brothers (yep, we call women in our Craft "Brother," too) to do what they say they are going to do. You also give them help and give help to other charities that need it. Why? Because you realize we are all here by the help of others. We need to be able to trust each other. \n\nCo-Masonry is more than just a fraternal organization, we are part of the mystery schools of old. We nourish the spirit of mankind but do not tell you how to worship God. We do not tell you what comes after this life, just what works best in this one. Thus, we are not a religion, just a system of morality. Make sense? Sometimes it does to me, sometimes not.\n\nIf you want to talk more about it, feel free to write to me. There are things I cannot discuss but I will tell you what I can. You can also click on the link below. No salesmen will call. *grin*\n\nA Master Mason\nAmerican Co-Masonry\nHiram Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)\nAmon Ra Lodge (Los Angeles, CA)\nSapientia Lodge of Research (Larkspur, CO)\nAdamant Mark Lodge (Santa Cruz, CA)
391311
Before the reader commits me to hell (as if they had that power -- remember who the Judge is!) please set aside any closed minds and speak not ill of that with which you have no real knowledge. \nFreemasonry is a very ancient fraternal order and very misunderstood. It's written history goes back hundreds of years and it's origins much farther (thousands) It requires a monotheistic belief, that is, a belief in a single non-plural God (yes, Christianity IS monotheistic even if you believe in the Trinity of the Godhead) but will not allow it's members to require anyone to accept a name for the Supreme Being other than the "Supreme Architect of the Universe. (By the way, the "G" in Masonry refers to geometry but "is also the initial of the Supreme Architect...") It is not a religion as it has no creed (salvation beliefs) It assumes one is right with God to begin with and then goes on to use the tools of buillding as a metaphor for right living on this earth. Each stands for a trait of good character. An open Bible and prayer are part of all meetings as Masons feel that all great undertakings should be with the guidance of God. It often is said that Masonry "takes a GOOD MAN and makes him BETTER." \nI have asked many ministers what the beef is and most have said it is because we will not name Jesus Christ as God alone but will allow each man to call God by the name he chooses. What name a man chooses is between himself and his creator. Then they quote the verse that says "Anyone who is not for me is against me; if he isn't helping me, he is hurting my cause." (Luke 11:23 LVB) This apparently means to them that since Satan is Jesus' main rival then it must stand to reason that Masons are Satanists. There is not one shred of evidence for this. It's main teaching is tolerance to our fellow man and so is in direct contradiction to most religions as they feel that theirs is the only one. How sad that most churches do not actually follow the entire Bible, merely the parts that (usually taken out of context) appear to promote their agenda! Also possibly because we refer to the fraternity as "The Craft" although this is in the sense of craftsmanship not witchcraft. Masons may not ask others to join as they adhere to a strict philosophy that one needs to search for the truth of and by their own free will. One must SEEK for truth -- not be forced or led into it by any. (but God) This also angers many religions, particularly Catholics. (although Catholics have since recently rescinded that bias) By the way, God is known by many names (as tough as this may be to swallow) Yahweh or Jehovah in hebrew, Theos in greek, Allah in arabic, and was called the Great Spirit by early native americans -- you get the picture...\nYes, there are obligations taken. Terrible things like promising to take care of your fellow man's needs when possible, NEVER to violate the chastity of women, promising to love your wife, and promising to NEVER lie, cheat or steal -- you know, all the "bad" stuff... There are some pretty nasty penalties, although they are for emphasis only and pertain to Masonry's allegories. You also say you promise to keep them all "so help me God." Another rub is the title of the master who is refered to as the "Worshipful Master." This does not mean that they are worshipped, but respected. (Interesting that preachers who find this bad are themselves referred to as "reverend!") \nBasically the deal here is two-fold. On the one hand if people don't understand something they have a tendancy to make up something. (Hence the number of religions today) And secondly, millions of dollars are made in the propagation of anti-masonic literature. (And I think this is the real answer!) Just for your information, Masons are not a secret organisation, merely an organisation with secrets. (Such as modes and words of recognition.)
388168
Freemasons are not a cult by any stretch of the imagination.\nThe Illuminati (as I recall) was an old German private organisation that tried to compete with Masonry but died out some time ago. Masonry is a fraternal organisation with several sub-groups. There are over 65 separate Masonic bodies in the US. The more common being the so called "Blue lodge", the Scottish and York rights and the Shrine.\n\nMost of our founding fathers were Masons. Thirteen of the signers of the declaration of Independence were Masons. Several (including Geo. Washington) were Masters of their lodges.
417660
The Illuminati is the name of many groups, modern and historical, real and fictitious, verified and alleged. Most commonly, however, The Illuminati refers specifically to the Bavarian Illuminati, perhaps the least secret of all secret societies in the world, described below. Most use refers to an alleged shadowy conspiratorial organization which controls world affairs behind the scenes, usually a modern incarnation or continuation of the Bavarian Illuminati. Illuminati is sometimes used synonymously with New World Order.
266784
There are numerous Yahoo groups on Masonry, and many dont require you to be a Mason to join.  I am a Mason, and I would gladly discuss Masonry with you,and give you frank and honest answers about anything that I can.  There is very little about us that cant be told, and I am always happy to share with others, and chip away at the wall of misunderstanding.  my email is pilgrim1033@yahoo.com