I'm considering joining the ranks of FreeMasonry...

[Jeff777]

I've always longed to know the secrets of the universe, the mysteries behind the pyramids of Giza and the golden capstones. I've always longed to know about human origins and spiritual beings that might exist which govern our lives indiscreetly. I've had a burning need to know the secrets behind why Masonic buildings are built in precise locales to harness the energy of certain stars. I've always had an innate desire to know more about secret technology that transcends public knowledge by decades as well as who actually shot JFK... Putting all media/Hollywood ingrained public perception and stereotypes aside - I think I just might like to become a Mason. Joining a fraternal brotherhood that doesn't require tipsy college kids to cattle brand new initiates with every letter of the Greek alphabet does somewhat appeal to me. The mystery enshrouded around freemasonry intrigues me more than you can fathom. Some of the males in my extended family are 33 degree high ranking Mason's so it can't be all that bad. Besides, I'm interested in seeing what I can possibly benefit from the brotherhood as well as contribute to it. It is for these outlined reasons that I'm strongly considering becoming a free mason. I'd very much like to hear your input. Do you have any thoughts about this? If so, what are they?

[Techno]

I've always longed to know the secrets of the universe, When you figure it out...assuming a mere secret society knows it...then what? Feeling like sharing with us your knowledge?

[Jeff777]

When you figure it out...assuming a mere secret society knows it...then what? Feeling like sharing with us your knowledge? I'm not too knowledgeable about the rules/regulations that the brotherhood has in place but I do know new things are revealed to the mason as he progresses in levels - be it knowledge, or something else relevant and necessary for the mason to progress to the next level. Such things cannot be disclosed to anyone outside of the brotherhood. Not even the media are allowed to sit in lodge meetings. Which is partly why there's an air of mystery surrounding free masonry. So in short, to answer your question...no. It probably wouldn't be in my (or the brotherhood's) best interest for me to disclose anything...with anyone outside of the order.

[The Cusp]

I'd recommend a Theosophical lodge instead. No ranking system, and no withholding knowledge. You can probably find something locally.

[Jeff777]

I'd recommend a Theosophical lodge instead. No ranking system, and no withholding knowledge. You can probably find something locally. No ranking system and no withholding of knowledge? Now that doesn't appeal to me one bit.

[Alric]

Might as well. I doubt you will ever find out any big cool secrets. Though you may learn interesting historical information, that may not be common knowledge. You could probably learn all of the secrets on the internet and stuff, though its probably wouldn't be nearly as fun.

[Sandform]

Do they even let black people into the brotherhood?

[Mes Tarrant]

Sounds like a gathering of a bunch of deluded people, from where I'm standing. I just don't understand this whole "having secrets" thing. People only keep secrets if they're bored and want to feel important. Also, their "rites" kind of worry me. But then again who knows, maybe you can find a good place...

[LucidFlanders]

Put on a wig and you can become a nun.

[Adam]

There's a pub here calls Freemasons. Hope that helps

[Man of Shred]

As log as you use Your knowledge for the betterment of mankind I don't see a problem.

[Black_Eagle]

Jeff, are you just assuming they have secrets or do you know that they have secrets?

[Man of Shred]

Jeff, are you just assuming they have secrets or do you know that they have secrets? Oh they definately have secrets...

[grasshoppa]

Just like Scientology has secrets about Lord Xemu... I am apart of an anti-illuminatii agency, joining the ranks of the free masons would make you my sworn enemy.

[plg6067]

The only reason you should do that is to expose those scumbags. The only other reason to join is if you are an egotistical prick.

[Man of Shred]

Just like Scientology has secrets about Lord Xemu... I am apart of an anti-illuminatii agency, joining the ranks of the free masons would make you my sworn enemy. Not all masons are illuminati. The illuminati was a faction of fucktards that used freemasonry to conduct their bussiness.

[stasik50]

Not a good idea to expose them. Then they make an "accident" happen if you decide to do that. I wouldent join an organization that wouldent let me say anything under threat of death.

[Jeff777]

For everyone who responded, the "secrecy" surrounding Masonry isn't what captivates me. It's the brotherhood. My reasons for joining this aren't any more peculiar then a man wanting to join a fraternity or a woman wanting to join a sorority. And for those that think the Mason's are "scumbags" who should be "exposed" - shelve the Dan Brown books and delve into realism. Do they even let black people into the brotherhood? They've been letting blacks and females into FreeMasonry for decades Sandform.

[Xaqaria]

Whatever deep secrets the masons had, I don't think they have them any more. My father, grandfather, and two uncles are all masons and the most they do is have pot lucks and donate money to charity. Some times they do community outreach, like food drives and stuff like that. Its more of a aging men's club than anything else.

[Jeff777]

Whatever deep secrets the masons had, I don't think they have them any more. My father, grandfather, and two uncles are all masons and the most they do is have pot lucks and donate money to charity. Some times they do community outreach, like food drives and stuff like that. Its more of a aging men's club than anything else. What degrees were they?

[Sandform]

They've been letting blacks and females into FreeMasonry for decades Sandform. Really? Hmm. I always assumed that kind of thing was a boy's club. I unfortunately couldn't be serious and actually join since I have to swear to believe in a supreme being. Did you say your family members were 33 degrees? Wiki says there are only three degrees. Wiki also is lieing to me about women damn it. Since the adoption of Anderson's constitution in 1723, it has been accepted as fact by regular Masons that only men can be made Masons. Most Grand Lodges do not admit women because they believe it would violate the ancient Landmarks. While a few women, such as Elizabeth Aldworth, were initiated into British speculative lodges prior to 1723,[59] officially regular Freemasonry remains exclusive to men. Apparently there are lots of groups calling themselves freemasons though.

[Black_Eagle]

Really? Hmm. I always assumed that kind of thing was a boy's club. I unfortunately couldn't be serious and actually join since I have to swear to believe in a supreme being. Did you say your family members were 33 degrees? Wiki says there are only three degrees. Wiki also is lieing to me about women damn it. Since the adoption of Anderson's constitution in 1723, it has been accepted as fact by regular Masons that only men can be made Masons. Most Grand Lodges do not admit women because they believe it would violate the ancient Landmarks. While a few women, such as Elizabeth Aldworth, were initiated into British speculative lodges prior to 1723,[59] officially regular Freemasonry remains exclusive to men. Apparently there are lots of groups calling themselves freemasons though. They have a woman's sect, Sandform. I have family members who are also free masons. Next time I talk to my grandmother I'll be sure to ask her what exactly the name of it was.

[Man of Shred]

I'm considering joining too ya know.

[Jeff777]

They have a woman's sect, Sandform. I have family members who are also free masons. Next time I talk to my grandmother I'll be sure to ask her what exactly the name of it was. Probably the Order of the Eastern Star sect. The point down pentagram is their symbol. Job's Daughters and Rainbow Girl's are also branches of Masonry.

[Black_Eagle]

I'm considering joining too ya know. Hell, so am I. I've got generations of free masons behind me. I might as well hop on the wagon (if only temporarily) and see what crazy stuff they've got to offer. Edit: Probably the Order of the Eastern Star sect. The point down pentagram is their symbol. Job's Daughters and Rainbow Girl's are also branches of Masonry. Yes, that's it! The Order of the Eastern Star.