How To Become A Freemason | SkillsAndTech

Are you curious about the Freemasons and what they stand for? Have you ever wondered how to become a Freemason and a part of this elusive society? To know history, philosophy or to join an organization to promotes brotherhood and self-improvement, we have tips and tricks to guide you through the process. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into Freemasonry!

What is Freemason?

Freemasonry is a moral and ethical philosophy promoting brotherhood, personal growth, and community service. It is a fraternity that welcomes men from different religious, ethnic, and social backgrounds, with the primary requirement being a belief in a higher power. Freemasonry’s traditions and values have attracted members throughout history, including prominent figures from various fields.

Freemasonry uses tools and symbols from the craft of stonemasonry as metaphors for moral lessons. The working tools, such as the square, level, and compass, represent virtues like honesty, equality, and self-control. The symbols and rituals help convey moral and ethical principles, including brotherly love, charity, and the pursuit of truth.

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Freemasonry is a male-only fraternity in most jurisdictions. However, women’s Masonic organizations, such as the Order of the Eastern Star and the Honorable Order of American Co-Masonry, provide opportunities for women to participate in Masonic-inspired rituals and teachings.

Steps to Becoming a Freemason

First find a lodge. There are thousands of lodges worldwide, so deciding which one to join is challenging. Here are some tips on choosing the right lodge for you.

The first step is to decide what kind of Freemason you want to become. There are three main classes of Freemasons: Symbolic, Advanced and Master Mason.

1. Symbolic Freemasons

Symbolic Freemasons are the members of a lodge that is designated as a “symbolic” lodge. These lodges use mainly symbolic ceremonies and degrees.

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Symbolic Freemasonry, also called Craft Freemasonry, is the foundational level of the Masonic fraternity. It encompasses the first three degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. These degrees are commonly known as the Blue Lodge degrees. They focuses on moral and ethical teachings, using symbolic rituals, allegories, and symbols to impart lessons to its members. The degrees Provides initiatory experiences to a philosophical journey of self-improvement and enlightenment.

Symbolic Freemasons meet in lodges, which serve as their primary organizational units. Grand Lodge or Grand Orient, govern the lodge depending on the jurisdiction, which sets the standards and rituals for the Craft degrees. Freemasonry has a rich history, with various branches, orders, and degrees beyond the Symbolic Freemasonry. These are York Rite, Scottish Rite, Shriners, and many other appendant bodies, each with unique rituals and teachings. However, Symbolic Freemasonry forms the foundation for these additional degrees and orders.

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2. Advanced Freemasons

Advanced Freemasons join lodges designated as “advanced,” which means they offer more elaborate ceremonies and degrees. They also participate in more important aspects of Freemasonry, such as helping to run Masonic charities and programs.

3. Master Masons

Master Masons join lodges as “masters.” These lodges offer the most elaborate ceremonies and degrees and membership in international organizations like the World Association of Freemasons (WAFM). Becoming a master Mason is one of the most important steps to take in your journey into Masonry.

Master Masons have attained the highest degree in Symbolic Freemasonry, Master Mason or Third Degree. Upon reaching this degree, a Freemason is a full member of the Craft. He gets all the rights and privileges within the fraternity. The Master Mason degree is the culmination of the symbolic journey within Freemasonry. It represents the completion of the initiatory process.

To become a Master Mason, a Freemason must progress through the preceding degrees: Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft. Each degree imparts its lessons and symbolism, building upon the knowledge and experiences of the previous degrees.

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The Master Mason degree is centred around the story of the building of King Solomon’s Temple, which serves as an allegory for the development of moral and spiritual architecture within oneself. The degree explores personal growth, self-reflection, and the search for truth.

Master Masons uphold the values and principles of Freemasonry, which include brotherly love, relief (charitable actions), and truth. They live virtuous lives and strive for self-improvement within the fraternity and in their interactions with society.

Once a Freemason has attained the rank of Master Mason, they can further explore Freemasonry through additional degrees and orders, such as the Scottish Rite, York Rite, or other appendant bodies. These degrees delve deeper into Freemasonry’s symbolism, history, and philosophical teachings.

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How to Prepare for Your Initiation

To become a Freemason or want to learn more about the Masonic faith, you will need a few things before your initiation.

• You should be at least 18 years old and have been raised in a Christian household.
• The first is to become an Entered Apprentice.
• Complete three degrees: Fellowcraft, Master Mason, and Grand Master.
• After completing these degrees, you can then be considered for initiation into Freemasonry.
• Being of good character and firmly believing in God is a must.
• You must also be able to read and write English well enough to understand the order’s rituals.

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After accepting into Freemasonry, you must still do some things before your initiation ceremony can take place. First, pay your initial fees. These fees depend on what level of Masonry you are seeking membership in.

After paying the fees, it is time for the preliminary examination. This examination will test your knowledge of Masonic principles and ceremonies. If you pass this test, your local grand central convene a masonic trial ceremony to initiate you into the order.

What to Expect at Your Initiation Ceremony

When you become a Freemason, you join an ancient order of men with a common bond. This initiation ceremony is your first step into this brotherhood. During the ceremony, you will be introduced to the principles of Freemasonry and undergo a series of tests to demonstrate your commitment to the order.

The initiation ceremony can take many forms, but most traditions follow a specific sequence. First, the Master or Grand Master of the lodge will welcome you. After congratulating your decision to join Freemasonry, they will address the candidates in attendance and ask them to respond to questions about their moral character.

Next, the candidate will led into the Lodge room, where they will seat in a chair facing east. A candelabrum (a lit votive candle) will then be placed in front of them so that they may begin preparations for what is about to happen.

After lighting both ends of the candelabrum with his taper, the candidate will say: “I hereby declare before Almighty God and these witnesses that I am willing and anxious to obey all lawful orders which may be given me during my progress in this Fraternity.”

What are the Requirements to become a Freemason?

Freemasonry is a worldwide organization that promotes fellowship and charitable work. To be a Freemason, you must be at least 18 years old and have been born into a family registered with the Freemasons. There are many levels of Freemasonry, and a particular lodge only guarantees access to some of the privileges and benefits of being a Mason.

Conclusion

Freemasonry is a centuries-old organization. It is known for its unique rituals and initiation ceremonies. If you want to become a Freemason, then it is time to inquire about membership.

There are many different Masonic lodges throughout the United States, so finding one that is right for you could take some detective work on your part. But once you find a lodge that meets your interests and fits your personality, don’t forget to attend their initiation ceremonies!