Freemasons see themselves as an ethical association dedicated to the promotion of freedom, tolerance and humanity. Members of the fraternity believe that self-improvement can lead to a better life. They live by the five ideals of Freemasonry: Equality, Freedom, Fraternity, Humanity and Tolerance. The fraternity is organized into ‘lodges’ around the world and has no overarching organization. The national groups are called Grand Lodges, while the local lodges are called Craft Lodges. At the head of the Grand Lodge is the Grand Master, who is usually elected by the presiding masters of the individual lodges.
Members of Freemasonry are bound by an oath of secrecy designed to facilitate the exchange of ideas within the organization. Freemasons meet regularly for “temple work,” which follows specific rituals. Nevertheless, Freemasons have certain symbols by which they recognize each other. Some Masons wear such symbols as jewelry.
The history of Freemasonry can be traced back to 1278, when the term “lodge” was first used in a document. In 1717, four lodges in England joined together to form the first Grand Lodge of Freemasonry. In addition to these English Freemasons, there are also French Freemasons. Both branches are equal, and neither claims greater originality or authenticity. The French Freemasons are more secular.
Even today, the primary goal of Freemasonry is personal development. The rough stone symbolizes the unpolished personality that is to be perfected into a polished cubic stone. Although Freemasonry aims at personal improvement, many lodges pursue only material goals (business lodges). Such lodges prefer candidates from high social positions who can demonstrate the necessary financial means. Similarly, some of these lodges aim to recruit influential individuals from various social and political sectors, such as the media, politics, education, industry and government.
Freemasonry is divided into degrees. Organizing by degrees allows members to receive new rituals and insights as they ascend to a new degree. There are blue craft degrees, which classify Masons as Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master, and the red, higher degrees. The blue degrees represent the original Craft Freemason and encompass the system. The red degrees (higher or deeper degrees) serve as extensions, representing a deepening of the teachings. It’s often observed that members of the higher degrees hold leadership positions within the blue degrees and tend to distribute them among themselves. The higher degrees aim to assist members in self-discovery through the celebration of additional rituals. The most famous higher degree system is the so-called Scottish Rite, which consists of 33 degrees, although in many countries only a few of these degrees are ritually worked, and most are honorary. One of the most famous historical figures in the Scottish Rite is Albert Pike. Admission to Blue Lodge requires the Master degree. One cannot apply for the higher degrees; they are coopted. There are numerous other higher degrees, such as York Rite (American Rite), Swedish Rite, and Royal York.
There are certain symbols used in the lodge, including a carpet, candles, pillars, an altar, a compass, a square, and more. Freemasons wear specific lodge attire based on their ritual, such as aprons, sashes, headgear, gloves, emblems, swords, and more. Freemasonry was originally an all-male society. There are splinter groups and lodges that are either mixed or exclusively female. You can’t apply for Freemasonry; it’s by co-option. Freemasons in their circles judge whether there are qualified candidates among their acquaintances, whom they then approach. If a person is deemed suitable, interviews are held with other lodge members to get to know the applicant. After a usually secret vote within the lodge, if it’s positive, the applicant undergoes a ritual within the lodge and becomes an apprentice Mason.
Personal development is an important aspect of Mystery Training. Practical tools for this are provided in the teachings of the Hermetic Academy.
Foundation of Freemasonry?
The history of Freemasonry can be traced back to the year 1278, when the term “lodge” was first used in a document. In 1717, four lodges in England joined together to form the first Masonic Grand Lodge. In addition to these English Freemasons, there are also French Freemasons. Both branches are equal, and neither claims greater originality or authenticity.
Who are Freemasons?
Freemasonry has a long tradition and is known for its rituals and symbols. The levels of knowledge developed in Freemasonry are also referred to as ‘degrees’. The Blue Degrees include the levels of Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master, upon which the higher degrees, also known as the Red Degrees, are built for further understanding. The Scottish Rite is one of the higher degree systems. The system of Freemasonry also includes French Freemasonry and “English Freemasonry”.
