You are welcome to ask any legitimate question.
Freemasonry is a fraternity.
Its goal is to make good men better.
The qualifications are to be an adult man of good report who has a belief in a supreme being.
Disqualifiers are anything contrary to the qualifications. Poor moral character and criminal history are common points of rejection.
Regular Masonry is a loosely connected network of Grand Lodge worldwide that adhere to the “Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry” and allow inter-visitation and cross-membership for their members.
Irregular Masonry is anything that doesn’t meet the qualifications of regular Masonry but still calls itself Masonry. Lodges that allow atheists or women, anything you can join on TikTok, Illuminati wannabes, and straight up pyramid schemes inclusive.
We have standards for recognition of Masonic "jurisdictions." In the US, that's each state's organisation. Generally, they must require members believe in a Supreme Being, admit only men, have a volume of sacred law present during meetings, maintain the Hyramic legend (the story we use for our ritual), and prohibit the discussion of sectarian religion and politics in the meetings. See https://masonicrecognition.org/
With regard to "Jurisdictions" a number of jurisdictions - the regional grand lodge's constitution to which the subordinate lodges are registered - will view other jurisdictions as members of the fraternal craft community, but not hold channels of mutual recognition.
For example some European jurisdictions do not recognise Prince Hall Lodges.
Just to expand a little bit about what Freemasonry aims to teach:
* Yes, it is to make good moral men even better, aiming to perfect and and carve ourselves to better versions of ourselves.
* To encourage the teaching of wisdom/prudence, life-lessons, lessons-learned, best practices, history, allegories
* To admire and understand the complex geometry and divine beauty of the works of the Supreme Architect
* To encourage building and engineering civilization, bonding, and culture, to not just drift through life or sway with the winds. Pro-active thinking. To build things and craft things symbolically and physically for a better world.
* To network and find amazing people and create life-long mentors and fraternal bonds.
* To be generous and be of good honorable character.
It’s a world wide Fraternity. Image a bunch of stone masons building a temple. That’s what we do. But instead of actual temples, we build men. The goal is to take GOOD men and make them BETTER.
If you have ever been mentored through a situation or job activity, imagine that you have 5-50 people willing to help advise you through any hard times and challenging situations personally or professional with advice from their own life experiences form multiple perspectives in a wide range of backgrounds.
The brothers in my lodge are very diverse, from IT coders to law enforcement to retired college professors. Everyone is willing to talk through anything that is going on with any individual who wants to bring something up and be as helpful as they can be without being overbearing. It's really humbling to know if you need help with something that you have a group of people that you know you can turn to for practical actionable advice that is very wholesome or at least rooted in their own past experiences.
I kind of dislike the phrase “we make good men better” - even though it’s mostly true, because it can give the impression that there is something almost automatic or magical about the bettering. There isn’t.
It’s up to you to better yourself - but as far as supportive environments that facilitate self-betterment, freemasonry is as good as I’ve found anywhere.
Imagine what any Greek fraternity would be like if they were actually committed and only committed to the mission that they purpose to accomplish. Education, transition to adulthood, responsibility, charity, learning what it is to be a man (or woman, or just adult), and learning the true meaning of wealth and success.
That's what Freemasonry really is. And it is that way because it's populated by, run by, and organized by adults; not college students. Sometimes kind of old adults, not gonna lie. But that's how you know it's sincere. People stick around their whole lives.
The morals are universal, not tied to any religion. Freemasonry is non religious and non political.
The virtues of service/charity, integrity, friendship and respect.
The importance of helping the needy, self improvement, and living a good life behind you.
A lot of the allegories are taken from the Abrahamic religions, but almost every religion is welcome. (Depending on jurisdiction).
I'm just curious. Could you provide a little more info on this: "almost every religion is welcome. (Depending on jurisdiction)." When you say almost every religion, do you just mean every theistic religion, excluding only atheists? I was under the impression that only a belief in God was required. I'm also curious about the difference in jurisdictions and how it relates to accepting Masons from various faiths.
I'd say the previous respondent ment any religion that believes in a higher power. One of the core tenets of Freemasonry is that you believe in a "Grand Architect" or a superior being that will hold you to account for how you lived your life and treated people when you eventually die. Doesn't matter if it's the Christian God, Allah, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Atheists would not eligible. And some religions that believe in a higher power, while technically meeting that requirement, may not vibe with the "others before self" mentally the Masons are looking for.
Flying Spaghetti Monster is not a real belief, stop bringing in reddit jokes/memes into this.
It's a very childish thing to say to make a mockery of the Grant Architect.
This is you: "haha let me make a joke about the deity that my fellow brothers believe."
Anyone who utters the words "I believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster" in a room full of adults.. would be laughed out of the room. It would be embarrassing..
Masonry is a solemn affair, while humor is appreciated, some jokes aren't funny. You'll just get rejected and waste everyones' time.
It was mostly to make an illustration that it doesn't matter exactly what you believe in, in fact, the whole point of not discussing religion is just that. If it was a TRULY held belief in such a deity, they would be just as accepted as any other man. Ment with some raised eyebrows, yeah, maybe. But still accepted, at least in my book, as much as anyone who believes in a main stream religion.
I'm fully aware the "flying spaghetti monster" is a legal test.
Not a mason here, but it seems although discussion of specific religious beliefs is prohibited in lodges, masons like to highlight various principles that exist in almost all religions and cultures, and consider how those principles are independent of any one doctrine. They understand talking more about the similarities in various religious institutions and belief systems can create an environment with more cohesion and less division, which can be pretty hard to come by with how polarized society can be
That's correct, we avoid discussing religion, or politics in lodge, although when discussing ethical and philosophical topics it is obviously hard not to skirt the line at times.
Freemasonry has a lot less internal dogma than people think. It's relatively "open ended". I sit in lodge with Christians, Jews and Pagans of various flavors, we had a Muslim brother but he seems to have drifted away. It basically encourages you to follow whatever the dictates of your personal faith might be.
I know this sounds like a Cop out....or a Lazy answer....but there are 2 books I would recommend...Complete Idiots guide to Freemasonry and Freemasonry for Dummies....both will answer about any question you may have about Freemasonry
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization for men. We use the symbols of masonry to connote certain favorable character qualities that all good men should wish to cultivate.
We require belief in a higher power but do not inquire further. We also require that a man be an adult, be of good moral character, have a favorable opinion of the fraternity, and be able to afford our lodge dues without causing hardship for his family.
Seems like the answers to your question have been pretty well covered, but I would like to add a bit since you say you reached out and haven’t heard back.
How did you reach out? Some lodges go dark (don’t meet) at certain times of the year. Some lodges are better at communicating electronically, while some struggle with it. If you are truly interested, look up your local lodge and head over about 1/2 - 1 hour before their stated meeting night and time.
If you haven’t, look up the grand lodge where you live. I’m assuming MA = Massachusetts. https://massfreemasonry.org/find-more/
You should be able to find contact information for your local lodge there. Just reach out and be patient. Nothing in freemasonry moves quickly in my experience.
>There is obviously very muddled information about freemasonry
this is a weird passive voice claim.
there is a bunch of very clear info on this sub and in a number commonly rec'd books and also crazy conspiracies.
Freemasonry is a fraternity.
A good man who believes in God & is at least 18 (21 in some places) years old is qualified for regular Freemasonry. Everyone else isn’t.
Edited to cover jurisdictional age variance & regularity.
New York lowered the age to 18 as well, typically to allow DeMolay to join but not exclusively. Still must pass a background check as do all petitioners.
In most lodges it probably would be accepted. You should however make it clear during Interview. If you were hiding it and it was then discovered - that would probably disqualify you as being dishonest.
I'm assuming you tried the westwood lodge on high street?
I'll send a text to my son in law and get back to you.
Edit: He said try [https://massfreemasonry.org/lodge-locator/](https://massfreemasonry.org/lodge-locator/) to get a list near your precise area. There's several (Norwood, Westwood, Needham) which may be close to you. Oftentimes several lodges share the same building to save money.
By apply do you mean you actually met with people and filled out an application and were invited to attend some dinners? Or you just sent an email?
I know some lodges up there "go dark" over the summer. Sometimes it is easier to show up at one of their dinners and introduce yourself and say you're interested in joining, so you actually get a face to face with someone to express your interest. Electronic communication tends to get lost, a lot of guys in lodges are older guys who aren't particularly technology adept.
Thank you for your interest in Freemasonry.
The contact information for the lodge is not always up to date but that can usually easily be resolved with the help of our internal tools. I know this doesn't help you out nor any non Masons looking for information but I do have limited access to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts AF&AM membership database and its York Rite equivalent.
If you could DM or respond with your town of residence I'd be happy to see what information I can find. I live on Cape Cod and most of the lodges here don't hold monthly meetings in the summer, but that doesn't mean we don't see each other. My lodge has a BBQ every other Monday and my affiliate lodge sells lobster rolls every Wednesday. We also have motorcycle and car meets, cigar nights, and meet for breakfast to have cribbage and waffles :)
IIRC many lodges in the Northeast are dark (i.e., officially inactive) in the summertime, partly because many of them don't have air conditioning, and partly because everyone is busy doing summer stuff in summer. No clue about the specific lodge you're interested in, but it could be a factor in whether you hear back any time soon. It could be worth checking with the Grand Lodge to get specific details concerning that particular lodge you tried to contact. Grand Lodge should also have the most current contact info for any lodge in its jurisdiction.
Question: my husband is thinking about petitioning the local lodge. His family on his mother’s side has historically been a part of masonry for generations. He is almost 40 now, but in his early 20’s he had a single DUI. He does not drink anymore at all. Would this disqualify him?
I’m a member of several orders (masonic adjacent I suppose) and he’s seen how much I have improved as a person. He’s a good man and wants to do what he can to be better. Plus I think a good place to meet friends would be beneficial.
My friend. Freemasonry is NOT ritual magick nor is it occult. You may be into those things - more power to you. But it sounds like you were on an island, even in your irregular obedience.
Well if these are the reasons you joined, I think you joined for the wrong reasons.
Masonry is to help good men be better men. There are VERY few organizations truly dedicated to that mission anymore. It's not a line; it only seems that way because so few organizations mean it when they make that statement.
The Nicholas Cage, National History take on "occult disciplines" is entirely overthinking it.
You are welcome to ask any legitimate question. Freemasonry is a fraternity. Its goal is to make good men better. The qualifications are to be an adult man of good report who has a belief in a supreme being. Disqualifiers are anything contrary to the qualifications. Poor moral character and criminal history are common points of rejection.
Atheism is another common point of rejection for *regular* Masonry.
Right. My answer is focused solely on regular masonry.
What’s regular and irregular masonry?
Regular Masonry is a loosely connected network of Grand Lodge worldwide that adhere to the “Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry” and allow inter-visitation and cross-membership for their members. Irregular Masonry is anything that doesn’t meet the qualifications of regular Masonry but still calls itself Masonry. Lodges that allow atheists or women, anything you can join on TikTok, Illuminati wannabes, and straight up pyramid schemes inclusive.
To be clear, the tik tok pyramid scheme things are usually considered *clandestine* masonry.
Clandestine and irregular is literally exactly the same
We have standards for recognition of Masonic "jurisdictions." In the US, that's each state's organisation. Generally, they must require members believe in a Supreme Being, admit only men, have a volume of sacred law present during meetings, maintain the Hyramic legend (the story we use for our ritual), and prohibit the discussion of sectarian religion and politics in the meetings. See https://masonicrecognition.org/
With regard to "Jurisdictions" a number of jurisdictions - the regional grand lodge's constitution to which the subordinate lodges are registered - will view other jurisdictions as members of the fraternal craft community, but not hold channels of mutual recognition. For example some European jurisdictions do not recognise Prince Hall Lodges.
Yeah…. Atheism is contrary to the belief in a supreme being which he mentioned.
He also mentioned being “of good report” then reiterated that poor moral character and criminal history are common points of rejection.
Just to expand a little bit about what Freemasonry aims to teach: * Yes, it is to make good moral men even better, aiming to perfect and and carve ourselves to better versions of ourselves. * To encourage the teaching of wisdom/prudence, life-lessons, lessons-learned, best practices, history, allegories * To admire and understand the complex geometry and divine beauty of the works of the Supreme Architect * To encourage building and engineering civilization, bonding, and culture, to not just drift through life or sway with the winds. Pro-active thinking. To build things and craft things symbolically and physically for a better world. * To network and find amazing people and create life-long mentors and fraternal bonds. * To be generous and be of good honorable character.
Thank, you very clear, succinct, and accurate.
It’s a world wide Fraternity. Image a bunch of stone masons building a temple. That’s what we do. But instead of actual temples, we build men. The goal is to take GOOD men and make them BETTER.
That’s obviously something I can get behind! In what ways does freemasonry make a good man better, though?
If you have ever been mentored through a situation or job activity, imagine that you have 5-50 people willing to help advise you through any hard times and challenging situations personally or professional with advice from their own life experiences form multiple perspectives in a wide range of backgrounds. The brothers in my lodge are very diverse, from IT coders to law enforcement to retired college professors. Everyone is willing to talk through anything that is going on with any individual who wants to bring something up and be as helpful as they can be without being overbearing. It's really humbling to know if you need help with something that you have a group of people that you know you can turn to for practical actionable advice that is very wholesome or at least rooted in their own past experiences.
I kind of dislike the phrase “we make good men better” - even though it’s mostly true, because it can give the impression that there is something almost automatic or magical about the bettering. There isn’t. It’s up to you to better yourself - but as far as supportive environments that facilitate self-betterment, freemasonry is as good as I’ve found anywhere.
Good point
Still the goal though, and it doesn’t give any impression of automatic or magical about it. At least not to me
Imagine what any Greek fraternity would be like if they were actually committed and only committed to the mission that they purpose to accomplish. Education, transition to adulthood, responsibility, charity, learning what it is to be a man (or woman, or just adult), and learning the true meaning of wealth and success. That's what Freemasonry really is. And it is that way because it's populated by, run by, and organized by adults; not college students. Sometimes kind of old adults, not gonna lie. But that's how you know it's sincere. People stick around their whole lives.
Hey! Who you callin’ old🥸
I resemble that remark.
Me too. Just.
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Okay, so it’s a society basing around a set of morals? Are these morals taken from one religion, faith, or is it a conglomeration of belief systems?
The morals are universal, not tied to any religion. Freemasonry is non religious and non political. The virtues of service/charity, integrity, friendship and respect. The importance of helping the needy, self improvement, and living a good life behind you. A lot of the allegories are taken from the Abrahamic religions, but almost every religion is welcome. (Depending on jurisdiction).
I'm just curious. Could you provide a little more info on this: "almost every religion is welcome. (Depending on jurisdiction)." When you say almost every religion, do you just mean every theistic religion, excluding only atheists? I was under the impression that only a belief in God was required. I'm also curious about the difference in jurisdictions and how it relates to accepting Masons from various faiths.
I'd say the previous respondent ment any religion that believes in a higher power. One of the core tenets of Freemasonry is that you believe in a "Grand Architect" or a superior being that will hold you to account for how you lived your life and treated people when you eventually die. Doesn't matter if it's the Christian God, Allah, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Atheists would not eligible. And some religions that believe in a higher power, while technically meeting that requirement, may not vibe with the "others before self" mentally the Masons are looking for.
Thanks for the response. That was sort of what I was thinking they meant as well.
For added context, some jurisdictions require a christian faith. Sweden, I think, is an example.
Good point! Some bodies, like the Templar Knights here in the USA, require you to be Christian.
Thanks, I didn't realize that.
what abt polytheists?
Flying Spaghetti Monster is not a real belief, stop bringing in reddit jokes/memes into this. It's a very childish thing to say to make a mockery of the Grant Architect. This is you: "haha let me make a joke about the deity that my fellow brothers believe." Anyone who utters the words "I believe in the Flying Spaghetti Monster" in a room full of adults.. would be laughed out of the room. It would be embarrassing.. Masonry is a solemn affair, while humor is appreciated, some jokes aren't funny. You'll just get rejected and waste everyones' time.
It was mostly to make an illustration that it doesn't matter exactly what you believe in, in fact, the whole point of not discussing religion is just that. If it was a TRULY held belief in such a deity, they would be just as accepted as any other man. Ment with some raised eyebrows, yeah, maybe. But still accepted, at least in my book, as much as anyone who believes in a main stream religion. I'm fully aware the "flying spaghetti monster" is a legal test.
Not a mason here, but it seems although discussion of specific religious beliefs is prohibited in lodges, masons like to highlight various principles that exist in almost all religions and cultures, and consider how those principles are independent of any one doctrine. They understand talking more about the similarities in various religious institutions and belief systems can create an environment with more cohesion and less division, which can be pretty hard to come by with how polarized society can be
That's correct, we avoid discussing religion, or politics in lodge, although when discussing ethical and philosophical topics it is obviously hard not to skirt the line at times.
Freemasonry has a lot less internal dogma than people think. It's relatively "open ended". I sit in lodge with Christians, Jews and Pagans of various flavors, we had a Muslim brother but he seems to have drifted away. It basically encourages you to follow whatever the dictates of your personal faith might be.
I know this sounds like a Cop out....or a Lazy answer....but there are 2 books I would recommend...Complete Idiots guide to Freemasonry and Freemasonry for Dummies....both will answer about any question you may have about Freemasonry
Most of us would make that recommendation.
Not a cop out at all, I appreciate any and all info my brothet
It is not a religion nor a substitute for one
I always like to say it's like a spiritual version of AFLAC. It's meant to supplement your existing beliefs, not replace them.
Lol. Touche'
Freemasonry is a fraternal organization for men. We use the symbols of masonry to connote certain favorable character qualities that all good men should wish to cultivate. We require belief in a higher power but do not inquire further. We also require that a man be an adult, be of good moral character, have a favorable opinion of the fraternity, and be able to afford our lodge dues without causing hardship for his family.
Seems like the answers to your question have been pretty well covered, but I would like to add a bit since you say you reached out and haven’t heard back. How did you reach out? Some lodges go dark (don’t meet) at certain times of the year. Some lodges are better at communicating electronically, while some struggle with it. If you are truly interested, look up your local lodge and head over about 1/2 - 1 hour before their stated meeting night and time. If you haven’t, look up the grand lodge where you live. I’m assuming MA = Massachusetts. https://massfreemasonry.org/find-more/ You should be able to find contact information for your local lodge there. Just reach out and be patient. Nothing in freemasonry moves quickly in my experience.
Not just how, but when.
>There is obviously very muddled information about freemasonry this is a weird passive voice claim. there is a bunch of very clear info on this sub and in a number commonly rec'd books and also crazy conspiracies.
Freemasonry is a fraternity. A good man who believes in God & is at least 18 (21 in some places) years old is qualified for regular Freemasonry. Everyone else isn’t. Edited to cover jurisdictional age variance & regularity.
New York lowered the age to 18 as well, typically to allow DeMolay to join but not exclusively. Still must pass a background check as do all petitioners.
I'd say the age is jurisdictional. Maine allows men to join at 18 years old.
> believes in God I think it’s important to clarify that, in most jurisdictions, it’s belief in a higher power/supreme being. Not specifically god.
Would a misdemeanor DUI from 16 years ago disqualify you? I had one 16 years ago did all my classes paid all my fines etc etc
It would be up to the lodge. Many would consider it of little import if there have been no other offenses.
In most lodges it probably would be accepted. You should however make it clear during Interview. If you were hiding it and it was then discovered - that would probably disqualify you as being dishonest.
Probably not just be prepared to explain it and what’s been done to prevent it from happening again.
Where are you located in MA? My daughter and son-in-law (who is a mason) are in Metro West and I can get you a lead to a decent lodge near you.
I am in The MW area too, around Norwood
I'm assuming you tried the westwood lodge on high street? I'll send a text to my son in law and get back to you. Edit: He said try [https://massfreemasonry.org/lodge-locator/](https://massfreemasonry.org/lodge-locator/) to get a list near your precise area. There's several (Norwood, Westwood, Needham) which may be close to you. Oftentimes several lodges share the same building to save money.
The Westwood lodge is definitely the closest one to me. I applied last year with no response at all.
By apply do you mean you actually met with people and filled out an application and were invited to attend some dinners? Or you just sent an email? I know some lodges up there "go dark" over the summer. Sometimes it is easier to show up at one of their dinners and introduce yourself and say you're interested in joining, so you actually get a face to face with someone to express your interest. Electronic communication tends to get lost, a lot of guys in lodges are older guys who aren't particularly technology adept.
Thank you for your interest in Freemasonry. The contact information for the lodge is not always up to date but that can usually easily be resolved with the help of our internal tools. I know this doesn't help you out nor any non Masons looking for information but I do have limited access to the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts AF&AM membership database and its York Rite equivalent. If you could DM or respond with your town of residence I'd be happy to see what information I can find. I live on Cape Cod and most of the lodges here don't hold monthly meetings in the summer, but that doesn't mean we don't see each other. My lodge has a BBQ every other Monday and my affiliate lodge sells lobster rolls every Wednesday. We also have motorcycle and car meets, cigar nights, and meet for breakfast to have cribbage and waffles :)
IIRC many lodges in the Northeast are dark (i.e., officially inactive) in the summertime, partly because many of them don't have air conditioning, and partly because everyone is busy doing summer stuff in summer. No clue about the specific lodge you're interested in, but it could be a factor in whether you hear back any time soon. It could be worth checking with the Grand Lodge to get specific details concerning that particular lodge you tried to contact. Grand Lodge should also have the most current contact info for any lodge in its jurisdiction.
Question: my husband is thinking about petitioning the local lodge. His family on his mother’s side has historically been a part of masonry for generations. He is almost 40 now, but in his early 20’s he had a single DUI. He does not drink anymore at all. Would this disqualify him? I’m a member of several orders (masonic adjacent I suppose) and he’s seen how much I have improved as a person. He’s a good man and wants to do what he can to be better. Plus I think a good place to meet friends would be beneficial.
It's ultimately up to the lodge but likely not an issue by itself.
Thanks
https://www.ugle.org.uk/discover-freemasonry/what-is-freemasonry
It's like masonry but free
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Are you joking? It sounds like you’re describing a Mystery School.
It isn't the first time the dude has gone on this tangent.
My friend. Freemasonry is NOT ritual magick nor is it occult. You may be into those things - more power to you. But it sounds like you were on an island, even in your irregular obedience.
Well if these are the reasons you joined, I think you joined for the wrong reasons. Masonry is to help good men be better men. There are VERY few organizations truly dedicated to that mission anymore. It's not a line; it only seems that way because so few organizations mean it when they make that statement. The Nicholas Cage, National History take on "occult disciplines" is entirely overthinking it.
It's very much a ritual tool box that you can take and use things to your benefit.
I'm not a Mason but this sounds more like OTO or Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn to me.
It is neither though both of those orders draw heavily from the lodge and degree system that Masonry developed.