Moondog

This is my first post. Sorry about your outage. I see how to reply but not how to post a message or question. I would like to pursue the subject of Masonic "secrets". References or a message exchange will be gratefully appreciated.

Mystic knight

If you are a Mason you know we cannot tell our "secrets" to cowans. If you are not a Mason it's nothing sinister as the internet might have you believe. Signs of recognition mostly. In England they are strict about keeping membership in the Freemasons secret, whereas in other areas it is up to the member to decide if they tell or who they tell. In England, the focus of secrecy is not so much on ritual work, whereas in the West it is frowned upon to divulge such information.

I would describe Masonry as a hidden culture. You must become one of us to start learning it, but it takes years. There are many little things to know. A visiting Mason can be tested by a Board of Inquiry to determine if they are who they say they are through their Masonic knowledge. If you really want to learn our secrets petition our lodge and show them you are serious and can be trusted. You won't learn them all at once, but over time as you prove you are worthy.

chgregory

My Brothers,

I agree with Mystic Knight, but I would like to make a small addition. The real secret of freemasonry is that good men working together can and will achieve great things.

Moondog, if you are a member, get a mentor to help you today...call you WM and ask for help. It will change the way you understand the organization. If you are not one and want to be, ask a mason and he will help you along the path. If you aren't one and don't know attend some social gathering with local masons and find out if you feel at home with these brothers. If in the ned you don't feel at home and don't wish to join, then of course don't waste your time.

The secrets of freemasonry are all in the nobility of actions and helping each other grow into better men.

S&F,

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Cliff Gregory, 32