When an individual becomes accepted into this fraternity its not likely that they know anything substantial about it simply because of the secrecy kept amongst the Masons of not discussing what goes on behind closed doors. Therefore, no doubt the new member has some reservations when going to his first meeting. Once he gets there, he will be subjected to an entrance ritual.
This is where he will get his first degree and become known as an Entered apprentice. Masons use the term degree as their rank or seniority or level within the Freemasons. It?s at this first ritual the newcomer will learn about all the symbols that are part of the fraternity. Each lodge may differ somewhat in their ritual but the basis of it must stem around showing the new mason what Freemason stands for and what it means to be a mason.
In most of these first rituals the new member may have to cope with have his head covered or being blindfolded. This is supposed to symbolize secrecy, which is ironic as they make the claim they are not a secret organization.It is said that the secret mason handshake is not as common now as it was historically. It was apparently used so members could identify themselves. It would constitute a special grip and perhaps a password would be spoken. This way if two individuals who crossed paths did not know the other was a mason then this would signify it.
As the word, fraternity is commonly known as a bond amongst individuals or a brotherhood it is one that is used at universities for example.
There are many branches of fraternities found here. Although all aspects of the Freemasons would most likely be considered a fraternity, they feel they go beyond the basics of these. Some Masons will say that there are some Lodges that will accept women. This may be true but in most cases it would appear that these Lodges are offspring?s of the true Masons. They feel that because of the variations that take place amongst the Lodges somewhat disqualifies them as being a true fraternity.
There has always been much speculation about the Freemasons being a religion. They stand strongly against this presumption. They will tell you that they do have a sacred book that must remain open at every meeting.
This is the book that they will swear their oaths on, and in addition, each member must believe in a Supreme Being. The sacred books are not necessarily the Holy Bible and in fact, every lodge can choose their own sacred book. Members can believe in any Supreme Being that they wish such as God, or according to their own faith. The masons apparently accept all faith, but the Knights templar is said to be based on common Christianity.
The mason with never recruit their members but it seems that if ones wishes to become they can approach their Local Lodge and gain instructions of how to proceed.
This is where he will get his first degree and become known as an Entered apprentice. Masons use the term degree as their rank or seniority or level within the Freemasons. It?s at this first ritual the newcomer will learn about all the symbols that are part of the fraternity. Each lodge may differ somewhat in their ritual but the basis of it must stem around showing the new mason what Freemason stands for and what it means to be a mason.
In most of these first rituals the new member may have to cope with have his head covered or being blindfolded. This is supposed to symbolize secrecy, which is ironic as they make the claim they are not a secret organization.It is said that the secret mason handshake is not as common now as it was historically. It was apparently used so members could identify themselves. It would constitute a special grip and perhaps a password would be spoken. This way if two individuals who crossed paths did not know the other was a mason then this would signify it.
As the word, fraternity is commonly known as a bond amongst individuals or a brotherhood it is one that is used at universities for example.
There are many branches of fraternities found here. Although all aspects of the Freemasons would most likely be considered a fraternity, they feel they go beyond the basics of these. Some Masons will say that there are some Lodges that will accept women. This may be true but in most cases it would appear that these Lodges are offspring?s of the true Masons. They feel that because of the variations that take place amongst the Lodges somewhat disqualifies them as being a true fraternity.
There has always been much speculation about the Freemasons being a religion. They stand strongly against this presumption. They will tell you that they do have a sacred book that must remain open at every meeting.
This is the book that they will swear their oaths on, and in addition, each member must believe in a Supreme Being. The sacred books are not necessarily the Holy Bible and in fact, every lodge can choose their own sacred book. Members can believe in any Supreme Being that they wish such as God, or according to their own faith. The masons apparently accept all faith, but the Knights templar is said to be based on common Christianity.
The mason with never recruit their members but it seems that if ones wishes to become they can approach their Local Lodge and gain instructions of how to proceed.
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