r/freemasonry

Still soaking in the beautiful moment, but proud to be raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason tonight. Cheers brothers! 🍻

Long story short, a lifelong family friend has been inviting me to join his lodge for a good few years now. I have no idea what it’s all about, other than he says I’m a good fit. He’s high up within his lodge, something about being a senior something or other. I don’t want to appear ignorant or standoffish with him, so thought best to ask here.

Without being too technical as like I said, I have zero idea what it’s about other than movies, and we can’t trust them. What is it to be a Freemason, and why do you find it works for you. What does being a member entail.

Many thanks.

After getting my first degree in April 2026 I passed my obligation last week.

Some officers have traveled to the Annual California communication.

I'm looking forward to learning and growing more!

I’m 20, an international student from India currently studying in the US. Recently got curious about Freemasonry after hearing all kinds of conspiracy theories about it lol. Did some research and realized it’s a lot more about brotherhood, personal growth, and community than what people make it out to be.

I’ve always liked the idea of being part of a fraternity, just not really into the hazing and typical college frat culture. I also tend to enjoy conversations with people older than me, feel like I learn a lot more from different perspectives and experiences.

I’m studying business and also pursuing music seriously as an artist/producer, so meeting people from different backgrounds, learning from them, and building genuine relationships is something that appeals to me. Not looking for shortcuts or favors, but community - iron sharps iron!

Had a few questions:

Are there many members in their early 20s? What’s the experience like joining this young?

What does the actual time commitment look like, especially while balancing college, work, and other interests?

I’m on an F-1 visa. Would being an international student affect my eligibility? I’ll probably move to another US city in about 1.5 years. Would joining now still make sense?

How do I get in touch with a lodge without knowing any Masons personally? Can I speak to someone before committing?

Still just exploring the idea, haven’t made any decisions. Would appreciate hearing from people who joined young or had similar circumstances

Seeing people post about being raised always makes my day! There is often talk about how we are a dwindling fraternity and membership is down. Seeing people get raised on this forum reminds me that we may be dwindling, but we aren’t gone yet! Stay strong out there Brothers!

Was a really well done ritual and some brethren travelled far to be there with me for my 3rd .

The ritual was exceptionally done and ties together so many questions I’ve had in relation to the craft . Lots of reading and studying my ritual book now !

I am blown away by the kindness everyone shows…everyone shows up in a way that is unconditional. I am pretty new and was wondering why? Why is everyone so kind?

I’m being initiated next week. I suppose I’m nervous; honestly, the interviews were interesting but a bit unsettling. Because of my professional career, I actually knew some of the Masons who interviewed me. However, I felt the last interview was a disaster—questions without answers, and I felt like I was barely allowed to speak. Honestly, I didn't think I’d be accepted. Still, becoming a Mason is something that has interested me deeply since I was a child (I discovered Freemasonry through *The Kybalion* when I was about ten), and I’m very excited about it. Yet, the initiation itself scares me. They asked if I was claustrophobic or afraid of the dark (of course, I said no), but honestly, I consider myself the most anxious and claustrophobic person on earth. I read somewhere that you’re blindfolded the whole time, and that terrifies me; I had a traumatic experience involving a blindfold, and just thinking about it makes my blood run cold. I’d love some advice—maybe some recommendations, things I should know, or anything you could tell me to help put my mind at ease.