Questions and Answers

What’s with the Symbolism of Skulls in Freemasonry?:
Skulls in Freemasonry symbolize the inevitability of death, serving as a reminder of the finite nature of life. Freemasonry encourages its members to live meaningful lives, marked by kindness, compassion, and a sense of universal brotherhood under a supreme being. The philosophy “Death smiles at everyone, Freemasons smile back” represents this approach, emphasizing the importance of living a life that meets death with dignity and pride.

What are the Secrets of Speculative Freemasonry?:
Masonic secrets, like handshakes and passwords, are traditional forms of recognition among Freemasons. These allow members to identify each other and their levels of advancement within the fraternity. While such modes of recognition are available on the internet, true understanding of Freemasonry goes beyond these superficial aspects. Maintaining secrecy is also seen as a test of integrity and trustworthiness among members.

Are there any other Masonic Secrets Beyond Handshakes and Passwords?:
Masonic secrets involve aspects of the fraternity’s rich history and traditions, rather than conspiracy theories or hidden global knowledge. Contrary to popular myths, Freemasonry does not involve secrets about historical events or political agendas. Its private aspects are more about preserving the culture and traditions intrinsic to the fraternity, rather than hiding any malevolent, conspiratorial or world-controlling information.

Why Privacy and Secrecy in Freemasonry?:
Just as individuals maintain personal privacy in everyday life, Freemasonry’s secrets are akin to personal boundaries within the organization. These secrets are not about deceit but about maintaining the integrity and respect for the fraternity’s traditions. The concept of secrecy is natural in human society and is not necessarily negative. It’s about respecting privacy and the right to withhold personal information or beliefs.

Freemasonry uses symbols like the skull to impart life lessons, and its secrets are tools for building trust and integrity within the fraternity. Understanding the purpose and principles of Freemasonry requires looking beyond these symbols and secrets to appreciate its core values of self-improvement, moral development, and brotherhood. Freemasonry’s private aspects are about preserving the sanctity of its teachings and traditions, rather than concealing any ominous or world-altering secrets.

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The ‘Secret Society’ Label in Freemasonry: Understanding its Origins – The Web master’s perspective

Historical Context for Secrecy:
The label of Freemasonry as a ‘secret society’ possibly originates from the period between 800 AD to 1900 AD. During this time frame, expressing ideas contrary to mainstream religious or scientific beliefs would have resulted in severe persecution. Two clear examples of this would be the stories of “Giordano Bruno” and “Gallileo Gallilei“. Given this environment, groups promoting free thought, like Freemasonry, may have adopted secrecy for self-preservation.

Freemasonry and Free Thought:
As an organization encouraging individualism and knowledge pursuit, Freemasonry’s practices of secrecy were likely defensive, aimed at protecting members from potential backlash due to their progressive ideas.

Conspiracy Theories and Misunderstandings:
Misinterpretations about Freemasonry often arise from conspiracy theorists who disagree with the fraternity’s selective entry process. Additionally, misunderstandings about Masonic practices are fueled by those unfamiliar with the organization’s values, often leading to unfounded and extreme accusations.

Freemason Responses and Public Perception:
The way Freemasons respond to inquiries about their practices can sometimes exacerbate misconceptions. Humorous or silent responses to questions about lodge activities might unintentionally give the impression of sinister undertakings, leading to further speculation and conspiracy theories.

Impact of Silence:
In some cases, a Freemason’s choice to remain silent when questioned can be misconstrued as implicit agreement with conspiracy theories. The Masonic trait “Audi, Vide, Tace” is often construed as ‘tacit agreement’ leading to further speculation and generation of conspiracy theories. This has also led to hostility and dangerous situations for Freemasons, with accusations ranging from trafficking to murder, all of which are antithetical to Freemasonry’s core principles.

Education as a Solution:
The creation of informative platforms, like this website, is an effort to combat misinformation and ignorance about Freemasonry. By providing factual, easy-to-understand explanations, the aim is to clarify misconceptions and promote a more accurate understanding of the fraternity’s true nature and purpose.

In Conclusion:
The ‘secret society’ label attributed to Freemasonry has complex historical roots and is often perpetuated by misconceptions and conspiracy theories. The fraternity’s secretive elements are more about preserving tradition and integrity rather than hiding malevolent activities. Educational efforts are crucial in dispelling myths and fostering a better understanding of Freemasonry’s true ethos.

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What is Freemasonry?:
Freemasonry is the world’s largest secular, fraternal and charitable organization. It teaches moral lessons and self-knowledge through participation in a progression of allegorical two-part plays.

Why is Freemasonry a secret society?:
Freemasonry is not, but lodge meetings, like those of many other groups, are private and open only to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public. Meeting places are known and in many areas are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.

Why is Freemasonry a secret society?
Freemasonry is not, but lodge meetings, like those of many other groups, are private and open only to members. The rules and aims of Freemasonry are available to the public. Meeting places are known and in many areas are used by the local community for activities other than Freemasonry. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry.

What are the secrets of Freemasonry?
The secrets in Freemasonry are the traditional modes of recognition which are not used indiscriminately, but solely as a test of membership, e.g. when visiting a Lodge where you are not known.

What happens at a lodge meeting?
The meeting is in two parts. As in any association, there is a certain amount of administrative procedure – minutes of the last meeting, proposing and balloting for new members, discussing and voting on financial matters, the election of officers, news, and correspondence. Then there are the ceremonies for admitting new Masons and the annual installation of the Master and the appointment of officers. The three ceremonies for admitting a new Mason are in two parts – a slight dramatic instruction in the principles and lessons taught in the Craft followed by a lecture in which the candidate’s various duties are spelled out.

Isn’t ritual out of place in modern society?
No. The ritual is a shared experience that binds the members together. Its use of drama, allegory, and symbolism impresses the principles and teachings more firmly in the mind of each candidate than if they were simply passed on to him in matter-of-fact modern language.

Why do grown men run around with their trousers rolled up?
It is true that candidates have to roll up their trousers legs during the three ceremonies when they are being admitted to membership. Taken out of context, this can seem amusing, but like many other aspects of Freemasonry, it has a symbolic meaning.

Why do Freemasons take oaths?
New members make solemn promises concerning their conduct in Lodge and in society. Each member also promises to keep confidential the traditional methods of proving that he is a Freemason which he would use when visiting a lodge where he is not known. Freemasons do not swear allegiances to each other or to Freemasonry. Freemasons promise to support others in times of need, but only if that support does not conflict with their duties to God, the law, their family, or with their responsibilities as a Citizen.

Why do Freemasons ‘obligations’ contain hideous penalties?
They no longer do. When the Masonic ritual was developing in the late 1600s and 1700s it was quite common for legal and civil oaths to include physical penalties and Freemasonry simply followed the practice of the times. In Freemasonry, however, the physical penalties were always symbolic and were never carried out. After a long discussion, they were removed from the promises in 1986.

Are Freemasons expected to prefer fellow Masons at the expense of others in giving jobs, promotions, contracts, and the like?
Absolutely not. That would be a misuse of membership and subject to Masonic discipline. On his entry into Freemasonry, each candidate states unequivocally that he expects no material gain from his membership. At various stages during the three ceremonies of his admission and when he is presented with a certificate from Grand Lodge that the admission ceremonies have been completed, he is forcefully reminded that attempts to gain preferment or material gain for himself or others are a misuse of membership which will not be tolerated. The Book of Constitutions, which every candidate receives, contains strict rules governing abuse of membership which can result in penalties varying from temporary suspension to expulsion.

Isn’t it true that Freemasons only look after each other?
No. From its earliest days, Freemasonry has been involved in charitable activities. Since its inception, Freemasonry has provided support not only for widows and orphans of Freemasons but also for many others within the community. Whilst some Masonic charities cater specifically but not exclusively to Masons or their dependents, others make significant grants to non-Masonic organizations. On a local level, lodges give substantial support to local causes.

Isn’t Freemasonry a religion or a rival to religion?
Emphatically not. Freemasonry requires a belief in God and its principles are common to many of the world’s great religions. Freemasonry does not try to replace religion or substitute for it. Every candidate is exhorted to practice his religion and to regard its holy book as the unerring standard of truth. Freemasonry does not instruct its members in what their religious beliefs should be, nor does it offer sacraments. Freemasonry deals in relations between men; religion deals in a man’s relationship with his God.

Why do you call it the Volume of the Sacred Law and not the Bible?
To the majority of Freemasons, the Volume of the Sacred Law (VSL) is the Bible. There are many in Freemasonry, however, who are not Christian and to them, the Bible is not their sacred book and they will make their promises on the book which is regarded as sacred to their religion. The Bible will always be present in an English lodge but as the organization welcomes men of many different faiths, it is called the Volume of the Sacred Law. Thus, when the Volume of the Sacred Law is referred to in ceremonies, to a non-Christian it will be the holy book of his religion such as the Qur’an or the Tanakh/Torah etc… and to a Christian, it will be the Bible.

Why do you call God the Great Architect?
Freemasonry embraces all men who believe in God. Its membership includes Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, Parsees, and others. The use of descriptions such as the Great Architect prevents disharmony. The Great Architect is not a specific Masonic god (as Freemasonry is NOT a religion) or an attempt to combine all gods into one. Thus, men of differing religions pray together without offense being given to any of them.

Why don’t some churches like Freemasonry?
There are elements within certain churches that misunderstand Freemasonry and confuse secular rituals with religious liturgy. Although the Methodist Conference and the General Synod of the Anglican Church have occasionally criticized Freemasonry, in both Churches, there are many Masons and indeed others who are dismayed that the Churches should attack Freemasonry, an organization that has always encouraged its members to be active in their own religion.

Why will Freemasonry not accept Roman Catholics as members?
It does accept Roman Catholics. The prime qualification for admission into Freemasonry has always been a belief in God. How that belief is expressed is entirely up to the individual.

Isn’t Freemasonry just another political pressure group?
Emphatically not. Whilst individual Freemasons will have their own views on politics and state policy, Freemasonry as a body will never express a view on either. The discussion of politics at Masonic meetings has always been prohibited.

Are there no Masonic Groups who are involved in politics?
There are groups in other countries who call themselves Freemasons and who involve themselves in political matters. They are not recognized or countenanced by the United Grand Lodge of England and other regular Grand Lodges that follow the basic principles of Freemasonry and ban the discussion of politics and religion at their meetings.

Is Freemasonry an international Order?
Only in the sense that Freemasonry exists throughout the free world. Each Grand Lodge is sovereign and independent, and whilst following the same basic principles, may have different ways of passing them on. There is no international governing body for Freemasonry.

What is the relationship between Freemasonry and groups like the Orange Order, Odd Fellows, and Buffaloes?
None. There are numerous fraternal orders and Friendly Societies whose rituals, regalia, and organization are similar in some respects to Freemasonry’s. They have no formal or informal connections with Freemasonry.

Why don’t you have women members?
Traditionally, Freemasonry has been restricted to men. The early stonemasons were all male, and when Freemasonry was organized, the position of women in society was different from today. If women wish to join Freemasonry, there are separate Grand Lodges restricted to women only.

Note: There are also other lodges that are mixed, such as the Universal Co-Masonry rite, which provides all degrees from 1st to 33rd, for both men and women. Many jurisdictions do not recognize this as being ‘accepted’ however it will depend on the country and jurisdiction.
See the ‘Other Rites’ section here for more details.

Why do you wear regalia?
Wearing regalia is historical and symbolic and, like a uniform, serves to indicate to members where they rank in the fraternity.

How many degrees are there in Freemasonry?
Basic Freemasonry consists of the three ‘Craft’ degrees (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason) completed by the Royal Arch degree (Chapter). There are many other Masonic degrees and Orders which are called ‘additional’ because they add to the basis of the Craft and Royal Arch. They are not basic to Freemasonry but add to it by further expounding and illustrating the principles stated in the Craft and Royal Arch. Some of these additional degrees are numerically superior to the third degree but this does not affect the fact that they are additional to and not in any way superior to or higher than the Craft. The ranks that these additional degrees carry have no standing with the Craft or Royal Arch.

Note: Much more information can be obtained in the Orders, Particulars, and Regalia of Freemasonry section here.

How much does it cost to be a Freemason?
It varies from lodge to lodge but anyone wishing to join can find a lodge to suit his pocket. On entry, there is an initiation fee and an apron to buy. A member pays an annual subscription to his lodge which covers his membership and the administrative cost of running the lodge. It is usual to have a meal after the meeting; the cost of this can be included either in the annual subscription or paid for at the time.

It is entirely up to the individual member what he gives to Charity, but it should always be without detriment to his other responsibilities. Similarly, he may join as many lodges as his time and pocket can allow as long as it does not adversely affect his family life and responsibilities.

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