Hey,

I sent few emails to Grand Master of the Lodge in the area which I’m moving through next month. He’s interested in interviewing me.. But I still cannot decide about membership. There’s still so many questions without answer. I don’t wanna say that it’s not for me after few meetings..

I don’t know is it correct place for me to ask as I’m not living in Massachusetts.. not even in America and not even close.

I was studying freemasonry for a while but never found answers for several questions:

1. Can a member quit the society? And what if a he will quit and after, let’s say 5-10 years decide to join Freemasonry again? Will he still be allowed to do so?

2. What does the roses really mean in Freemasonic symbolism? Most of all I’m interested in the golden one.

3. What is “Baal”?

4. Can agnostic become a Freemason?

5. Albert Pike’s “Morals and Dogma”. Why some of the masons renounce this book as the official freemason book and some are not?

6. Can a member mason of one rite move into the another rite? Like for ex. I’m a Scotch rite mason and I moved to other town. Can I move my membership from the old town (which was scotch rite lodge) into the French rite lodge in the new town or I’m excluded to all others rites but Scotch one?

Thank you for your Questions Danny:
If you have taken the time to research and find a Lodge in the area that you may reside, that is half the battle . Then if you have contacted an officer of that Lodge, Master, I presume, and he is open to a meeting , then you really should attend. At that meeting several of the many questions will be answered. On a few questions:
No man is forced to become or remain in the Masons. It is your choice to “demit” if you wish to drop out. No one will follow you. They will be sadden, though. The ability to resume membership after an extend absence is more based on the jurisdiction of your membership. In Mass. USA, the rules state that you may rejoin your lodge again after a formal separation, with a minimum of investigation of the period of absence. Others may have additional requirements. On the joining of other Masonic bodies, Freemasonry welcomes the member to join other organizations such as the Shriners or Scottish Rite. Again, try to discuss the specific questions with an Officer of that lodge and maybe the FAQ of the site may help. Best of luck.
Ronald Doucette - Moderator

Thank you for your helpful answers, Ronald. I definitely will set for an interview with Master of the nearest lodge. I just thought that would be a little weird to ask about leaving the fraternity at first meeting. ;)

Here are my answers to your questions:

1. Can a member quit the society? And what if a he will quit and after, let’s say 5-10 years decide to join Freemasonry again? Will he still be allowed to do so?

-Masonry stresses free will and free association. Once you are a Mason, you are free to leave any time, for any reason, or for no reason. We will of course be sad to see you leave, but just like the decision to join is yours alone, the decision to leave is yours alone. I myself, cannot imagine my life without Freemasonry.

2. What does the roses really mean in Freemasonic symbolism? Most of all I’m interested in the golden one.
-There is a degree in the Scottish Rite, called “Rose Croix”, which means “Rose Cross”. There is no symbology of Roses in Craft Masonry

3. What is “Baal”?

--Baal is an obscure Middle Eastern deity, mentioned in the Holy Bible. Baal has no connection at all to Masonry

4. Can agnostic become a Freemason?

--Masonry requires that the petitioner believe in God. The individual worship of the person is a matter of privacy.

5. Albert Pike’s “Morals and Dogma”. Why some of the masons renounce this book as the official freemason book and some are not?

--That book was NEVER adopted as official text for any masonic group anywhere. This is well documented.

6. Can a member mason of one rite move into the another rite? Like for ex. I’m a Scotch rite mason and I moved to other town. Can I move my membership from the old town (which was scotch rite lodge) into the French rite lodge in the new town or I’m excluded to all others rites but Scotch one?

--You are free to transfer your membership when you move. Some masons belong to both the York and Scottish Rites. There are over 100 appendant and concordant bodies of Masonry. You are free to participate in as many as you wish (provided you meet the qualifications for membership)

Thanks a lot for your answers Charles! They are really very helpful.

2. What does the roses really mean in Freemasonic symbolism? Most of all I’m interested in the golden one.
-There is a degree in the Scottish Rite, called “Rose Croix”, which means “Rose Cross”. There is no symbology of Roses in Craft Masonry

I read once a text written by some Polish Freemason about the symbolism of rose. He said that rose is very important symbol in freemasonry but most of all in mentioned by you higher degrees (mentioned Rose Croix) and saint Andrew tradition.

At least I know there’s only one color in use at the moment, it’s the red one. And at least I know it’s because there’s only few degrees referenced to typical “Rose Croix”. XVIII century has created many ‘systems’ supported on Rose Croix. There was also 3 colors of the rose in use during those times: white, red and gold. Color depended on the level of your “mind and soul evolution”.

Plus, the old Masonic tradition required the Lodge to give a pair of gloves and one rose to every new member, which should be given by him to his woman.

Hi,

I’m completely new to freemasonry, though I’ve been interested and intrigued with it for quite some time. Recently I’ve contemplated the possibility of joining a Masonic lodge, but I’m still not convicted it is for me, or even if I would be accepted.

As well as “The_European”, I also have doubts that I need to understand before I make a final decision; even though I went through some literature and documentals about freemasonry, which only confuse and contradict each other. Fortunately, I found this forum, which I think is a great idea, as it could put some light to many people’s doubts.

My main doubt has already been answered, as I don’t practice any religion, but also don’t discard any of the existing ones or the existence of God. Also about religion, it’s a requirement to believe in God, but freemasonry is not a religion nor does it allow religious discussions inside the lodges. Then… why believe in God?

Next is the fact that about most freemasons being rich and powerful (which I’m definitely not), and that they need to be respectable and of good will (which I am, or so I think). I’m not saying I’m poor, but I’m also not from the middle class, so… how are those issues measure? Would I be turn down if I was unemployed, had a tattoo, an earring or long hair (I actually don’t have any of those, but they are examples of some things than in my opinion are alright -and up to each one-).

Talking about another subject, one of the things that most attracted me about freemasonry is the statement that you teach your members to become better men through allegoric representation and through reason and science. But how does that work? Is everything taught through representations and symbolism, leading you to form your own conclusions, or is it done in any other way, like lectures or having a personal tutor?

This takes me to my next question, what happens when someone joins a lodge? What would I do in my apprenticeship? And what would I do during the meetings?

And finally (though I have many more question), how much time does it take for a freemason to progress up to the next degree (if he, i.e., attended the lodge once a week)? What are the conditions to progress a degree? And, are the top degrees reserved to rich and powerful freemasons, or anyone could reach the 33 degree (i.e. working as an employee)?

That’s all, sorry for making it so long and thank you in advance for your help, especially if you reached this last line.

Flyer

Dear new Visitor:
Thank you and yes we feel that this Forum can assist in many situations.

On your issues of “ No formal religious Practice”, yet “ a belief in a higher being”: Yes, Masonic Institutions are not Religious Entities, and do not pose to substitute for any formal religion. We believe that it is imperative for the man that is becoming a member of a Lodge to believe in a supreme being, if that is called “God” it is then very clear. Men practice their belief in many ways and Masonry does not distinguish a practice. As the process to become a mason requires a man to commit to an oath during this journey, that commitment can only be secured by a pledge too that of a Divine Being. The “Oath of Office” or the Empanelling of a Jury requires the same. It is the only way men can be secure in a man’s pledge.

The Freemasons judge no man from their outward appearance, we tend to look toward the heart. Members in a lodge come from all races, religions, walks of life, and of various ages (the jurisdiction sets the minimum age, but 21 or 18 years is the norm. And, the earliest tasks of an New Mason is to be involved will the other members socially and attend to charitable works and learn many of the lessons achieved in the degrees. Usually a mentor is assigned to a new member to help. The process is one of layering of information. Masonry does not limit a man from rising to enjoy and participate in the many addition bodies in the craft. Many “self made men” have risen to be recognized by their brothers for their noble work in freemasonry.
On the timing to be made a mason:
That is a great and often asked question. Specific regions of the “masonic world” have their own nuances to the answer. Individual Lodges within an area may also differ. Here is the norm: It will take on average 5 months to complete the various elements of the pre-degree stages and the degrees. The application process is about a month to receive the paperwork and meet the Officers. Then there is the reading the application to members of the lodge during a regular Meeting, the posting of the name of the applicant in a regular communication to all members, and the investigation of the data and references are contacted, and all takes a month. At the end of that month a vote takes place. Assuming a degree “class” is composed, the next month starts the first degree, the second for the fellowcraft, and the third for the Master Mason degree. Lastly the signing of dues card and the Lodge records. Again, some jurisdictions may allow for acceleration of less than a month between degrees or may establish a “one-day-class” event. The Grand Master is able to govern the rules on timing. Many Lodges prefer to get to know their candidate and offer opportunity to have the man join in service to the lodge. Most candidates enjoy this service. Hope this all helps.
Ron Doucette- Moderator

Thank you so much Ronald, I’m quite impressed, not only for responding so fast, but also because all your answers exceed my expectations of freemasonry.

For what I saw and heard until now freemasonry seems perfect for me in all senses; even your critics and detractors seem to convince me of that fact. However, I still have a key question that might sound compromising to your readers. Therefore, I thought that it might be worth sending it to you privately first, what do you think?

Just let you know that I’m not asking for you to convince me of anything, which I know very well is not the freemason’s way. Otherwise, I’m not easily convinced unless I really believe in something with hard evidences. Nevertheless, I’m just trying to avoid starting something that I might not finish; both for you and for myself.

Regards,

Flyer

I am delighted to assist you in your quest. Masonry invites serious study, and inquiries. All petitioners to Masonry, and all Masons must believe in God. No atheist can me made a mason. How you worship is a matter of extreme privacy, and of no concern to Masonry.  Discussions of religion, are absolutely forbidden in masonic lodges, in order that peace and harmony can prevail. Masonry is a non-denominational, non-sectarian organization, and it is open to men of many different faiths and religious backgrounds.

Most Masons are ordinary men, we are certainly NOT a rich man’s club, I am hardly wealthy. Economic considerations, and the size of your paycheck is totally irrelevant, when it comes to Masonry. We have engineers, college professors, and day laborers, who all meet on the level, in our sacred Fraternity.

Tattoos, earrings, and such outside accoutrements are totally irrelevant, with respect to Masonry. I attend military lodges around the world, and soldiers and Marines often have body art. Who cares?

Masonic instruction uses several different methods. Oral instruction, lectures, slide presentations, stage props, etc. All of these are used to instruct the man in certain fundamental moral lessons. Brotherly love, morality, friendship, personal honesty, rectitude of conduct,etc.  These lessons are taught to each Mason. You are certainly encouraged to study on your own outside of lodge, there are many study books, and video tapes/DVDs. etc. that can enhance your personal voyage of self-discovery, and personal enrichment.

If you decide to petition Freemasonry, you will be invited to attend a degree meeting. There you will be initiated into the ancient secrets and mysteries of Masonry. The lessons are simple, yet beautiful. You will be treated at all times with decorum and respect. There is no hazing, nor any childish or harrassing behavior.

During the times between the first and third degrees of Masonry, you will be encouraged to study on Masonry, and to develop an understanding of the lessons presented in the degree ceremonies. You may study alone, or with a tutor, or in a group (This varies from state to state).

The time between the degrees, varies. In Indiana, a man can move right up, and take the entire degrees of Craft Masonry (1st-3rd) in less than a month. In some states, there are one-day classes, where you enter the lodge at 0600am on Saturday morning, and walk out at 6pm with the Master Mason degree completed (This is the highest degree of Craft Masonry, the “Black Belt” of Masonry).

Normally, a man must have an understanding of the degree work completed, in order to progress to the next degree. In some states, you are required to deliver a recitation in the lodge. In some states, your coach will verify, that you know the material adequately.

The 33rd degree of Scottish Rite Masonry, is an honorary degree, reserved solely for individuals who have completed exemplary service to the Fraternity. It is somewhat similar to an honorary PhD. Only about 1% of all Masons ever are coroneted with the 33rd.

Hope this answers your questions! Please feel free to PM me directly, or email to with any questions that you want to have answered privately.

I hope someday to call you “Brother”!!

I have one more question..

What exactly is the investigation process after first interview? Why it takes so long sometimes?

This is a serious question, and the answer to it varies from state to state. Here is a run down on the procedure. When a man decides to petition for the degrees of Freemasonry, he will fill out a petition form, and submit it to the lodge. The request is normally read at the next meeting of the lodge. If the petitioner meets the basic qualifications, the lodge will appoint a committee of men to investigate the fitness of the man to be made a mason.

The examination details vary from state to state. Some lodges require that the individual petitioner meet with the committee, and answer a number of questions. Some lodges require that the candidate provide three character references, and the committee interviews the reference individuals, in order to obtain an insight into the character and worthiness of the petitioner.

The time required to complete the examination, can take a few days, or up to a few weeks, depending on how long is required to investigate the applicant.  Remember, the examination committee is composed of volunteers, who hold down full-time jobs.

Once the committee has completed the examination, they will issue a report to the lodge, and if the candidate meets the requirements, the lodge will then decide to invite the candidate to a degree ceremony.

Thanks for reply cemab4y. Your help is very invaluable on this board!

I live in Selma, California, how would I go about joining membership. I have done my research and have decided it is a good life decision.  And would like to devote myself to a good cause for this world.

khanvx - 20 July 2008 06:18 PM

I live in Selma, California, how would I go about joining membership. I have done my research and have decided it is a good life decision.  And would like to devote myself to a good cause for this world.

Here is the url for the Grand Lodge of California. http://www.freemason.org/

Go to their web site and click on the link at the top that says “Become a Mason.”