Pretty mad. These guys are cool and always share their space with community groups and events. "This is a satanic cult" and "God wins" seem like pretty targeted hate rather than kids just being jackasses.
My Grandpa recently gave this to me. Antonio was an old man that passed a few years ago and because he had no family my Grandpa would visit his nursing home. When Antonio died my Grandparents collected a lot of Antonio's items from his vacant home before it was sold and gave the stuff to my dad so they wouldn't go to the trash. And recently my Grandpa gave me this gold trowel that was Antonio's, I know nothing about Freemasonary.
At my job a complete stranger went to me and asked me "Do you know what Freemasonry is?" I said "vaguely." He said "You would make a good member.". My only connection to Masonry is that both my parents and my job donate to Shriners Hospital sometimes. He definitely wouldn't know that. I have never heard of initiates being scouted to join. Never seen the guy before.
Count Cagliostro was an 18th-century magician who created "Egyptian Freemasonry"—a version of Masonry focused on magic, alchemy, and ancient Egyptian secrets. It was unique because it also allowed women to join. Normal Freemasonry has 3 main degrees. Later "Egyptian" offshoots expanded this into a massive system of 100 degrees. This Tarot style and cards and book explains the Tracing Boards. Alexander Rybalka.. "Hierophant" was the Grand Hierophant who interpreted all sacred mysteries. Within the context of the Rite of Memphis-Misraim and other 100-degree Egyptian Masonic systems, the title of Grand Hierophant is used to designate the supreme spiritual leader or international head of the Rite. Historically, famous figures like the Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi also held this title.
Rybalka held this high office prior to passing away in May 2022.
Its been 4 years since I was raised to master mason, and this is why I joined...to become a shriner! Its been 2 weeks and ive done 2 parades, fundraising, traveled to the temple, and made some great friends...this is what its about brothers, having fun while doing the Work...
Good afternoon, brethren, and a very happy to 4th of July to my American Brothers.
As I prepare for my first year in East since joining the Craft nearly 5 years ago, I have been reflecting on the reasons of why I have joined, why new brothers have joined after, and why some in my time have joined only to demit soon after. The reasons for both joining and leaving transcend lodges, jurisdictions, and even land borders and have been regularly been brought up in digital channels such as the one that I am typing on here today.
Recently, I have read both Laudable Pursuit and Laudable Pursuit II and am just over halfway through Observing the Craft: The Pursuit of Excellence in Masonic Labour and Observance and all three have done a fantastic job at why I joined in the first place and, frankly, been very frustrated at times once I had a peek behind the curtain, so to speak, and have made a significant impact on how I'm viewing the year ahead.
It is through these texts that I have derived ideas that I hope would increase the fulfillment of my small group of actively attending brothers and create that sense of fulfillment once a prospect becomes a member and perhaps most importantly, maintain that fulfillment as he continues his quest for light.
One of the reasons I post here today is to get the thoughts of those more educated brothers on the elements of Traditional Observance Masonry and how I may be able to apply it in my year. I currently reside in Missouri and am a member of a chartered lodge under the Grand Lodge of Missouri A.F. & A.M. whose by-laws - Page 4 state "The Grand Lodge does not recognize so-called “Ritual, Traditional Observance, or European Concept” lodges."
I have never attended a Traditional Observance lodge so I can't speak to their Work other than they take it very seriously, but if I were to encourage (read: not mandate) brothers to wear their finest attire to meetings, a dark suit and tie at minimum, would that be allowed? I am also looking to slow down the process of membership with months in between degrees and over a year between the time of their initiation and their raising. We haven't required a proficiency here for longer than I've been a member and another thought I had is if the member does one after their degrees on their own accord, that we may be able to progress them to the following degree slightly sooner. Would that be allowed and, if so, is it a terrible idea? I am also building out a Chamber of Reflection for initiates and brothers in waiting which would, I believe, be fine as it also does not affect ritual in any way, shape, or form. Festive boards would be a new addition as well with accompanying toasts and I hope to decrease the number of tyled meetings to make room for them.
I, like many other of my millenial brothers, are hoping to increase the fulfillment we get out of a lodge meeting. To look past the routine open/close we see at lodges, a meal of often uninspiring quality, and meetings filled with administrative items over the pursuit of light and understanding. To challenge the idea of "well that's just how we've always done it" and accept that as law. There are some other changes that I hope to make but I just want to understand the guardrails and to keep our charter safe first and foremost. I will be meeting with my officers soon to discuss the planned and scheduled year ahead as I've laid it out but wanted to open up discussion here just to ensure there aren't other things that I may have looked past.
Fraternally, MO MM
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Ça fait plusieurs années que je suis Franc-Maçon, et la question que je reçois le plus souvent des francophones c'est : "comment trouver une loge qui parle français ?"
Voici ce que j'aurais aimé qu'on me dise au départ :
La Grande Loge du Québec est votre point de départ — elle regroupe des loges à travers la province et dans plusieurs villes canadiennes à forte communauté francophone
Votre motivation compte plus que votre statut social — ils se fichent de votre richesse ou de vos connexions. Ce qui compte c'est POURQUOI vous voulez entrer. Réfléchissez sérieusement à ça avant d'approcher qui que ce soit.
La période d'attente est un cadeau — beaucoup de candidats s'impatientent. Utilisez ce temps pour étudier la philosophie, les symboles, l'histoire. Les Frères le remarqueront.
Les candidats africains francophones — il existe une communauté croissante et accueillante de Maçons africains francophones au Canada. Vous n'êtes pas seuls dans ce chemin.
Je réponds volontiers à toutes vos questions. 🔺
In my teenage years I was a Boyscout which I am proud to say I dedicated myself all the way up to Eagle Scout and subsequently joined the Order of the Arrow which I participated into my early adult life. However, that was nearly a decade now and I am no longer an active part of either the Boyscouts or the Order of the Arrow. I miss the feeling of brotherhood, the rituals, and being apart of something bigger than myself. Even doing mundane tasks such as wittling wood.
My question would be what exactly do Freemasons do? I know Google describes philanthropy as the major pillar of the organization, but that doesn't really tell me what I can expect and whether it's an organization for me.
Thank you in advance.
I recently received the first Symbolic Degree of Freemasonry. The other day a friend asked me if I was "in the Masons." Since I'm not yet a MM I was at a little of a loss as to how to respond. I don't wear any Masonic jewelry or clothing. What should I say?
Hey! So Im looking for something to give me a bit more meaning in life. My direction is pretty well sorted, and im moving down the path I intended to. That said, sometimes it feels a bit hollow doing it alone. Im interested in seeking brotherhood, friendship, and a place I feel I belong while I work towards my goals. Im considering freemasonry as a place to find that community. Ive been in fraternal groups in my youth and always found them to be a wonderful addition to my life, and freemasonry seems like a really good place to find that again in my 30s.
Im wondering a few things
can you tell me about how freemasonry has given you a bond with your brothers? Has it given you a connection with them thats beyond social and superficial?
what costs am I looking at? Im pretty low income (but treading water lol) and Im concerned about the financial impact.
Do you think this would be a good place to seek meaning and moral wisdom as well as brotherhood?
how's your mental health today?
What are your favorite and least favorite things about being a freemason?
This time, these ones are more of the cheaper Master Mason rings, maybe? It was 3 for $20 for these but also found a set of cuff links and a Keychain to add to my collection. Also, there were many more of the cheaper rings at this other location that I might go back and buy to do what someone else said in my original post, give them away to newly raised masons that might not have the money for their one of their own right away. I think that is such a neat idea.
But here are a few more that I really liked and bought. Not quite as fancy as my others.
So I was at a flea market today and found 5 old Master Mason rings for sale. Now my thought was, "I could buy myself a brand new ring that is mine." but today I found them 5 rings and though, "Why buy a brand new ring when I could buy one a brother before me wore and carry on their legacy even if I don't know who they are?" so, I bought this ring. Whoever's it was before me, on July 16th, I will carry on his legacy.
I found these items inside my grandmother's cabinet. They belonged to my great-grandfather, but she doesn't really know what they are. To me, they look a bit like Masonic garments, but I'm hoping someone here can help identify them.
Some background on my great-grandfather:
-He immigrated to Hawaii from the Philippines in the early 1900s to work on sugarcane plantations.
-He was a WW2 veteran, though I'm not sure if he fought here in the Philippines or somewhere else.
-The button on the cap/hat appears to be a US Army button.
I'm having a tough time piecing his history together because my grandma is getting quite forgetful and doesn't know much about these items. Any insights would be amazing!
Just wanna see how many Jurisdictions actually do this?
My dad was a Freemason, and he passed away about 9 years and 4 months ago. Lately I’ve been thinking about joining, but I don’t know any Freemasons personally who could point me in the right direction.
Can I just reach out to a local lodge, or is there a better way to go about it? I don’t want to show up out of nowhere if that’s not how it’s usually done.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
So after a long period of consideration and research, I’m finally going to join the brotherhood — I’ve found a lodge in London that I feel a good connection to, and am set to be initiated in November. Very excited to start this new chapter of my life.
Curious to get some advice from Masons here: in the next few months, is there anything I should do, read or study to prepare? Anything I should know or not know? Of course I don’t want to spoil the mysteries of initiation and ritual for myself, but wondering if there’s any useful homework to be done so I show up ready to be the best brother I can be.
I’m looking for a small number of volunteers to take part in a trial phase for a Masonic learning/reflection project I’ve been developing.
It is built around my book and supporting material, and is intended to help brethren, candidates, and those preparing for initiation think more deeply about craft, character, symbolism, practical moral learning, and the journey through Freemasonry — without exposing or spoiling anything that should properly be experienced in lodge.
I’d be interested in hearing from:
men preparing to become Freemasons
Entered Apprentices or Fellow Crafts part way through their journey
newly raised Master Masons
experienced brethren who would be willing to give thoughtful feedback
mentors or lodge educators interested in trying a reflective tool
This would be a limited trial group. I’ll select a small number of people across different stages so I can see how the material lands with candidates, newer brethren, and more experienced Masons.
This is not intended to replace lodge instruction, official mentoring, or the guidance of your own lodge. It is simply a trial of a reflective companion piece designed to support personal understanding and conversation.
If you’re interested, please comment below or message me with a brief note saying where you are in your Masonic journey and why you’d like to take part.
Thanks, and fraternal regards.
So I apologize in advance for venting but I gotta get this out. I joined my lodge four years ago and was very involved and made lots a friends etc. About a year ago I had to go second shift at work and that made it impossible to make the meetings but I could occasionally attend the weekend events and GL stuff. But recently all communications have dried up- no emails, phone calls, heck even texts have stopped. Nothing. Crickets. I just found out the lodge held a huge 200 year rededication gala A MONTH AGO. No invite. No email. No call. Nothing from the so called brothers. Guys demit for lots of reasons but one big one for sure is because they feel left out. I feel left out. Out of sight, out of mind.
The regular emails and communiques kept me connected. Now I don’t feel connected to anything except memories and old books on my shelf that preach about morality, friendship and brotherly love. Which only seems to exist for the guys who make regular attendance.