Hello,
I am new to this forum. I am from York, SC, USA. I am interested in joining a lodge, but I have a criminal record. In fact, I am currently on probation. Would this prohibit me from joining? As I understand it, when the vote is taken as to whether or not someone will be allowed to join, it takes only one vote "against" to disqualify the candidate.
I already know the passwords and pass-grips of the "blue degrees". Would the fact that I already have this information help me in any way? Also, I am familiar with the "inner meanings" of some of the symbols.
The reason I want to become a Freemason is that I am interested in all that is considered esoteric, occult, arcanum, etc. From what I have found in my own studies, Masonry dates back, at least, to the
ancient Canaanite and Phoenician mystery schools, maybe further. I have seen an Egyptian Tarot deck that contained many of the same symbols as the Masonic tracing boards (BTW, I know that some think the Tarot to be a more recent invention).
I'm interested in Astrology, Alchemy, Geometry, Theosophy, Thelema, and Kabbalah, to name a few. I have heard that Masons have access to a library of information that is unavailable to the general public. I don't know if that is true, but I suspect that it may be. I have "The Secret Teachings Of All Ages", by Manly P Hall. It is an interesting book, but I'm sure that it is better appreciated by the Initiate.
I guess I can sum it up by saying that my goal is self-mastery. I know what the Masonic apron represents. I want a transformation of consciousness. I have read that, "All of the world's religions are pearls on the same golden thread." From my own searching, I have found that there are many commonalities among the world's religions. The serpent figures heavily in many religions. Some believe the serpent to represent the Kundalini energy, others take it to be the incarnation of evil. I am looking for the truth, the light.
If anyone can help me, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks