What Is Freemason Means - Esoteric Masons

Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that has its roots in the traditions and ceremonies of medieval stonemasonry. It is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternities, with millions of members worldwide. Freemasonry is based on principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth, and its members strive to be better people by living these values. Freemasons come from all walks of life – rich or poor, educated or uneducated – and from many different cultures and religions. Through their Masonic journey, they help each other become better members of society and work towards making a positive impact in the communities they serve. Freemasonry is a fraternal organisation that traces its origins to the local fraternities of stonemasons, which from the end of the fourteenth century regulated the qualifications of masons and their interaction with authorities and clients. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million, including approximately 150,000 in Scotland and Ireland, over a quarter of a million under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England and just under two million in the United States. The various forms all share moral and metaphysical ideals, which include, in most cases, a constitutional declaration of belief in a Supreme Being.

Origin of Freemasonry

The origin of Freemasonry is not definitively known; however, there are a few theories that suggest its roots date back to the Middle Ages. The first known Masonic document, the Regius Poem, was written in the late fourteenth century and discussed many aspects of the craft. It is believed that Freemasonry became popular during this time as a way for stonemasons to protect their trade secrets and share knowledge amongst themselves. Over time, as the craft grew in popularity, it spread to other professions and began to incorporate more philosophical aspects. By the 1700s, Freemasonry had become a worldwide phenomenon and had adopted many of its current rituals and symbols.

Structure of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is structured in various levels or “degrees” based on its members’ level of involvement in the organization. The organization is divided into three main classes: Entered Apprentice (EA), Fellow Craft (FC), and Master Mason (MM). Each class has its own set of rituals and symbols that members must learn in order to progress up the degrees. In addition, members must also pass tests to demonstrate their understanding of Masonic principles before they can advance to higher levels.

Rituals & Symbols

Masonic rituals are closely guarded secrets that have been passed down through generations of Freemasons. These rituals often involve symbolic gestures such as handshakes, passwords or signs that are used to identify fellow members. Symbols are also an important part of Masonic tradition; some common symbols include an apron, a square and compasses, and an all-seeing eye. Each symbol has its own meaning which is typically related to morality or ethics.

Philosophy & Beliefs

At its core, Freemasonry is based on a belief system that emphasizes moral principles such as charity, integrity, brotherhood and truthfulness. Members strive to live by these principles in their everyday lives while also helping others who may be less fortunate than themselves. The organization also encourages its members to think philosophically about life’s questions and seek knowledge from all sources.

History of Freemasonry

Freemasonry has been around for centuries but it has evolved significantly over time. In the eighteenth century, Masonry began incorporating philosophical concepts from Ancient Greece and Rome into its beliefs system which shaped many aspects of modern day Masonry including its rituals and symbols. Later in the nineteenth century, Masonry began adapting more universal themes such as democracy which further shaped it into what we know today.

Freemasonry Beliefs and Principles

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been around for centuries, and its beliefs and principles have evolved over time. Freemasons believe in a Supreme Being, the Fatherhood of God, the Brotherhood of Man, and the Immortality of the Soul. They also believe in the importance of morality, personal responsibility, and charity.

Freemasons strive to live by a set of ethical standards known as the “Masonic code.” This code includes honesty, integrity, respect for others, helping those in need, and upholding the law. The code also emphasizes personal growth through education and self-improvement. Freemasons view their membership as a way to better themselves and become better citizens.

Masonry is based on symbolism and allegory, which is used to convey moral lessons. Symbols such as compasses, squares, tools of architecture (like plumb lines), and star-shaped emblems are used to represent abstract qualities such as justice, truthfulness, faithfulness, temperance, prudence, fortitude, and charity.

Masonic lodges are organized into three “degrees,” or levels: Entered Apprentice (the first degree), Fellowcraft (the second degree), and Master Mason (the third degree). There are many other degrees within Masonry that can be attained by further study.

The Masonic organization is divided into two sections: Symbolic Masonry (or Blue Lodge) which focuses on moral instruction; and Appendant Bodies which focus on additional Masonic teachings such as Scottish Rite or York Rite Masonry. These additional bodies may not be available in all jurisdictions.

Masonry is also based on a set of rituals that have been developed over centuries of practice. These rituals involve symbolic gestures such as handshakes or secret passwords that identify members to each other – though these rituals vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Additionally there are lectures associated with each degree that contain further moral instruction for members as well as an explanation of the symbols used within Masonry.

Therefore Freemasonry is about forming strong bonds between men who share similar beliefs and values while striving to become better citizens – both individually and collectively – by living up to its principles of charity, honesty, morality, respect for others and personal responsibility.

Goals and Objectives of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is a network of fraternal organizations, based on the belief in a Supreme Being and the practice of moral and ethical values. It has existed for centuries and has grown to become one of the largest fraternal organizations in the world. The goals and objectives of Freemasonry are to promote brotherhood, charity, morality, and mutual understanding among its members.

The primary goal of Freemasonry is to provide a supportive community for its members. Through its teachings and rituals, it seeks to develop a sense of fellowship among those who join it. This fellowship is based on shared ideals, such as loyalty to God, trust in one another, and respect for each other’s opinions.

One of the key objectives of Freemasonry is to promote charity. This includes providing assistance to those in need through donations or volunteer work. Freemasons also strive to help their communities by participating in charitable activities such as fundraisers or other events that benefit local charities or causes.

Another objective is to promote morality through its teachings and rituals. Freemasons believe that moral behavior should be at the forefront of their lives and strive to embody these principles in their daily actions. They also believe that moral behavior should be encouraged among all members so that they can share their values with others outside the fraternity.

Therefore, one of the main goals of Freemasonry is to foster mutual understanding between its members. By joining together in fellowship, they hope to build strong relationships between each other regardless of backgrounds or beliefs. Through this understanding, they strive to create an atmosphere where all can feel welcomed and accepted regardless of who they are or where they come from.

In summary, the goals and objectives of Freemasonry are aimed at creating a strong network among its members through shared beliefs, charitable activities, promotion of morality, and fostering mutual understanding between all those involved. By achieving these objectives, it seeks to create an environment where everyone feels respected regardless of religion or background.

Membership Requirements for Freemasonry

Freemasonry is an organization that is open to all men aged 18 and above who are free, of good character and have a belief in a Supreme Being. In order to become a Freemason, an individual must meet certain criteria and be willing to commit themselves to the values and principles of the Fraternity. The following are the basic requirements for membership:

Age

Members must be at least 18 years old.

Belief in a Supreme Being

The candidate must profess a belief in a Supreme Being, however, they do not have to specify which religion or deity they believe in.

Good Character

The candidate must demonstrate that he is of good moral character and is able to demonstrate this through references from current members of the Lodge.

Freemasonry Obligation

Once accepted into the fraternity, members are required to take part in Masonic activities such as meetings, ceremonies, charitable works and social events. They must also abide by the rules of the Lodge and follow its code of conduct.

Structure of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is a fraternity that is comprised of members from all walks of life. It is organized into local lodges, which are governed by Grand Lodges at the state or provincial level. Each Grand Lodge is led by a Grand Master, who oversees the general operations of Freemasonry within the jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge also consists of elected and appointed officers, who manage the day-to-day operations. In addition to the local lodges, there are appendant bodies such as the Scottish Rite and York Rite that offer advanced degrees and activities for members to explore.

Degrees of Freemasonry

Freemasonry has three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The Entered Apprentice degree is the first step on a Mason’s journey and serves as an introduction to Freemasonry. During this degree, the candidate learns about Masonic symbols and their meanings, as well as some of the basic principles and tenets of Freemasonry. The Fellow Craft degree focuses more on morality and virtue, while also teaching more about Masonic symbols. The Master Mason degree serves as a culmination of knowledge gained throughout the other degrees and imparts important lessons in leadership and character development.

History of Freemasonry

Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has existed for centuries. It was founded in England in the 1700s as a group of stonemasons who wanted to create a brotherhood and provide mutual support and assistance. Since then, Freemasonry has evolved into a large international organization with lodges around the world. The fraternity is known for its secrecy, rituals, symbols, and elaborate ceremonies. While much about Freemasonry remains shrouded in mystery, some details about its history and traditions have been revealed over time.

Rituals of Freemasonry

The rituals of Freemasonry are based on ancient symbols and allegorical stories that have been passed down through the ages. Each lodge holds regular meetings where members participate in these ceremonies. During the meetings, members may be asked to take part in several symbolic acts such as kneeling or bowing to the Grand Master or raising their hands to signify unity among the brethren. There are also specific words and phrases used throughout the meetings that only members understand.

Symbols of Freemasonry

Symbols play an important role in Freemasonry. Many of these symbols can be seen displayed at lodges around the world, including squares and compasses, hourglasses, pillars, and more. Each symbol has a special meaning that reflects the values of the fraternity such as truth, honor, integrity, and brotherly love. Symbols also serve as reminders for members to strive for self-improvement and excellence in their lives.

Secrets of Freemasonry

The secrets of Freemasonry are closely guarded by its members. Many outsiders believe that there are hidden secrets within the organization but this is simply not true. The true secrets of Freemasonry are far more subtle than what many people imagine – they involve understanding certain traditions and symbols as well as developing personal relationships with other members through shared experiences at lodge meetings or private gatherings. It is through these secret acts that Masons come together to form lasting bonds with one another while striving toward their common goal – building a better world for all mankind.

Famous Freemasons Throughout History

Freemasonry is an ancient and renowned fraternity that has been around for centuries. It has a rich and storied history, with many famous men having been members of the organization throughout its history. These famous Freemasons have left their mark on the world in various ways, from politics to science, art, and more. Here are some of the most notable Freemasons throughout history that have made contributions to society.

George Washington was one of the most famous Freemasons ever. He was initiated into the fraternity in 1752 and rose to become its Grand Master in 1788. Washington was a major figure in the American Revolution and went on to become the first President of the United States. He is remembered for his leadership, integrity, and strong moral principles.

Benjamin Franklin was also a prominent Freemason. He joined in 1731 and went on to become Grand Master of Pennsylvania’s Grand Lodge in 1734. Franklin was a scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, author, printer, postmaster general, and publisher who had a huge impact on America’s founding and development.

John Hancock was another prominent Mason. He became Grand Master of Massachusetts’ St John’s Lodge in 1777. Hancock was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and went on to serve as Governor of Massachusetts from 1780-1785.

Theodor Herzl was an Austrian journalist who helped found modern Zionism at the end of 19th century. He became a member of Vienna’s Loge B’nai Brith (Sons Of The Covenant) Lodge at age 24 before going on to become a leader in the Zionist movement.

Winston Churchill was an English statesman who served as Prime Minister during World War II and led Britain through its darkest hours. Churchill joined Masonic Lodge Studholme Alliance No 1591 in 1901 at age 24 before eventually becoming its Worshipful Master in 1908.

Albert Einstein is perhaps one of the most well-known scientists who were members of Freemasonry. He joined Switzerland’s Eintracht lodge at age 21 before going on to revolutionize modern physics with his theories about relativity and quantum mechanics.

These are just some examples of famous men throughout history who have been members of this ancient fraternity that stands for brotherhood, truthfulness, morality, integrity, charity, generosity—and much more!

Last Thoughts

Freemasonry is an ancient and influential fraternal organization that has been around for centuries. It is a brotherhood of like-minded individuals who share the same values and principles, such as justice, morality, equality, charity, and brotherly love. Freemasons strive to make the world a better place by being of service to others and engaging in charitable works. Freemasonry is not a religion, cult, or secret society; instead it is an institution that encourages individuals to promote moral excellence and practice self-improvement. By engaging in these activities, members can become better citizens and live happier lives.

At its core, Freemasonry is about friendship, fellowship, and self-improvement. It provides its members with an opportunity to expand their knowledge of the world around them through education and discussions. Freemasonry also promotes a sense of community among its members through various events and activities throughout the year.

In short, Freemasonry is an organization that values tradition, brotherhood, respect for others, charity work, self-improvement and moral excellence. It is a unique institution that has stood the test of time due to its strong principles and dedication to helping people improve themselves and contribute positively to society.

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