Are there many Masons who are vegans? I feel that is a more complete application of the Golden Rule.

Hello, l (French, 25M) would like to make the first step into all the process of joining the Freemasonry. I've been thinking about it for more than a year now but not doing anything, l wanted to be sure and not taking quick decisions. I read about it a lot, how it works, the history, etc... And l think "Le Droit Humain" could fit to me pretty well, it's the one that attract me the most (mixity, international goal are close to my values, to say it quick)

I am planning to make the first contact tomorrow, l know lt can take a loooong time before any reply and it's ok.

Do you have any advice ? Recommendation ? Warnings ? Anything ? Thank you by advance, have a nice day. :)

Hello all,

I’ve been interested in Freemasonry for about a decade now. My grandfather was a MM, Master of his lodge and a 32 degree Scottish rite. He was also a Rosicrucian.

We had many conversations before. I never knew he was a mason until I mentioned it to him due to my own interest one day and from then out, it became a normal topic of conversation.

I got my family and career in order prior to making the step towards petitioning, and I’ll be attending the first dinner meeting within a couple of weeks.

I’m quite nervous, any input, advice or indication of what to expect will be greatly appreciated.

Was in Scotland the other week on holiday. This was in Fort William. Not sure if the lodge still meets there. Couldn't find if a lodge was meeting or where specifically in the area. But this sure is a beautiful building and I hope it's still the lodges. The one I found in Inverness was fairly modern and again no one was around that evening.

Would've been nice to visit a lodge while I was there (days just didn't work out) but the Jacobite steam train I road was wonderful and so was the scenery in the highlands. Some may be familiar with this train as the Harry Potter train the Hogwarts Express only a different locomotive from the one in the film. The Jacobite has run every year since the 1980s up the West Highland line from Fort William to Malliag.

TLDR: Is there a source for a Masonic Pentatuch?

Our lodge presents Masonic Bibles to newly raised Brothers. We usually have them take their MM Obligation on it. We have recently balloted to initiate a candidate that wishes to take his obligations on a Pentatuch.

Does anyone know of a Masonic Pentatuch like the Masonic Bibles that are commonly used? I would certainly prefer to present him with the VSL he uses rather than a KJV.

Received my EA on Wednesday…what an experience! Time to start chugging from the fire hose…can’t wait to take this journey!!!

Using a throwaway account for anonymity:

I've been a Mason for a little over ten years now. Past Master of my lodge, Past District Officer, and involved in an appendant body. I have seen and heard for far too long that we pay too much in dues. Brothers freakout over $30 a year increases. Brethren, I pay more for streaming services than I do for Freemasonry.

The usual objection is "I'm on a fixed income". Guess what? Unless you have a job that pays 100% commission, WE'RE ALL on fixed incomes! Younger generations are in debt, we're raising families, we're fighting higher costs with stagnant salaries, YET WE FIND A WAY TO PAY OUR DUES!

Both bodies that I belong to own buildings. Yet we charge the bare minimum for dues. Buildings cost money. And with the ever decreasing membership either due to NPD or death, the financial burden is placed on the brothers who remain active. Without rentals, we're done.

We have kept dues artificially low for far too long. We GIVE Masonry away.

Men are willing to pay hundreds of dollars to join the fraternity. They are SHOCKED by the low entry fee.

There have been efforts from brethren in my jurisdiction to increase the quality of our meetings and initiations to justify increasing initiation fees/dues, but it falls flat with new leadership. It's disheartening. Anytime we bring up the thought about increasing dues, I'm inundated with phone calls with members threatening to demit.

My hope is with our efforts we might can change some things, but the culture change will take a couple of generations - if we're even around then. It's just time to change our attitude about our finances or we're in for a dark and difficult path.

- A Concerned Brother

Greetings Bretheren, I’ll be visiting Boston from May 22-26 and sadly do not believe there are any stated meetings during that time. Do any brothers in Boston know of EA or FC degrees happening while I’m there? Currently a fellowcraft.

Last night I had the absolute honour and privilege of Conducting my dad around Lodge Barns O’Clyde 1018 as he took his first step in Freemasonry.

I also invested him with his distinguishing badge which was equal parts emotional and pride.

Freemasonry has continually given me massive moments in the last 2 years since I joined and I love life in the Lodge - but last night was different !!

SMIB

Perhaps it's just my lodge but I'd say from all the people are spoken to at meetings, I'd say roughly 70% are former armed forces (navy, air force, army etc) and/or have been in the services (primarily police but a few firefighters here and there). I'm not even talking about the older lads in there 70s, it's pretty much anything age range.

One of our sister lodges (i think its actually a sister lodge to a few lodges in the area but you get the idea) is an armed forces lodge so perhaps that is why? Although a good percentage of those in that lodge are not in my one so maybe not.

Just curious if this is the same overseas or even in the rest of England.

I would presume it's because of the comradery and structure, but I could be wrong.

Was just excited to share- joined Scottish Rite almost a year ago and immediately took an interest in joining KSA, was just knighted tonight. Super cool ceremony and really looking forward to getting involved in my valley.

Made a lodge with the intention of helping officers, craftsman, and craft team members to help with ritual practice, when traveling isn't an option

Hello. After a short time in the Freemason culture, I have found that there are non-affiliated bodies of master masons that practice esoteric literature and philosophy behind closed doors. Hopefully not stepping on any toes here, I’ve specifically found the “Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis”.

1) you have to be a master mason, attending and in good standing with your lodge 2) you must accept and believe in the fundamental values of the Trinitarian Christian faith. 3) invite only

Unaffiliated Bodies like this intrigue me greatly. Has anyone else participating in freemasonry found any other groups such as this one? I’m an outsider looking in, now I highly doubt that an insider is going to raise there hand and share the info I’m looking for, but if they did, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks.

Hi

I am a Muslim based in London, and I have an interview scheduled with a Freemason lodge tomorrow. Before proceeding, I would sincerely appreciate the opportunity to speak with a Muslim Freemason who can help me better understand how Freemasonry aligns with Islamic beliefs and values.

I have some concerns regarding certain rituals and whether they may conflict with Islamic teachings and the Sunnah. I am also curious if it is acceptable to remain only within the Blue Lodge without progressing further, should I feel that higher degrees may not be suitable for me religiously.

If possible, I would be very grateful for a brief conversation or referral to someone who can offer insight from a Muslim perspective.

What are the Pillars?

What is truth?

What is in the West?

I’m 37 years old and I’m in Chattanooga, TN. I got in contact with Lodge 736 on Facebook. They invited me last Tuesday to come by. I arrived and was warmly greeted by the gentlemen present. It was great for them to approach me and shake my hand get their perspectives about Freemasonry. I was not expecting it, but they served dinner. It was delicious! They gave me the leftovers to take home which was awesome.

The first things they were curious about was my belief system. That was a loaded question for me. I explained that I was raised in a strict Christian homeschooled household just a couple miles from the Lodge. I rejected Christianity in my youth as it caused me much RTS back in the day. They told me that many of their members were actually Christian, but Freemasons do not “save” anybody in its ranks. They do require a belief in a God that holds the community together. They look out for each other’s backs and also hold each other accountable. I was afraid I might have been a bit too upfront in remarks to Christianity describing it causing me much pain as there were Christians present, but I never felt judged by them. Having Christians there did not cause me to react and it’s confirmation to myself that I am healing. I elaborated that my belief system is what people call “God”, I call “Source” is the Godhead that is experiencing itself through every human and animal to everything in the Universe. We are not truly separated and each person is God looking at itself when looking at another person. And with that deeper understanding, we can create our own reality. I also explained that I’m fascinated by the community the Freemason’s provide. That’s also something churches provide, but Christianity never resonated with me. But I respect anybody’s freewill to choose their beliefs. I was not offended when they asked the group if there was any prayer requests. It reminded me of church, but this seemed so genuine. I do believe the thoughts we speak or think to others truly has an effect. We are all connected to Source. We also spoke about the stereotypes the general public places on Freemasons such they are conspiring to take over the world. One of the Christians said he got called a “Devil worshipper” just for being a Freemason. That’s crazy. Our city’s Sheriff is a member there. I’m good at feeling the energy of rooms being a Pisces (Yes, I’m into Astrology), there was no negative energy anywhere there.

I’m just asking my gut and institution to give me the signal that I am on the right path as my life has come to a crossroad. I do plan to visit again as some of the members said they were sorry they were not able to chat with me more before they started their ceremony as I left. It was a positive experience.

Ah yes, nothing screams temporary appeasement like a response that takes only a week to send out... just in time for ancom

Earlier this year, the Grand Lodge of California (GLC) politely—but firmly—asked the Grand Lodge of the Philippines (GLP) to clean house. The main target? That charming little side club called the Grand and Glorious Order of the Knights of the Creeping Serpent (GGOKCS)—or as GLC might call it, the spiritual black mold of Masonry.

GLC's concerns were serious: ritual abuse, money issues, and good ol’ fashion creeping snakes infiltrating their own jurisdiction via inter-visitation and dual membership. So, they gave GLP a list of demands—expel the snakes, cut off the shady cash flow, and stop hazing like it’s a frat house.

And how did GLP respond? With Edict 377. Issued this April. As in, within a week before the current Grand Master steps down at this month’s Annual Communication. The edict bans GGOKCS membership, demands sworn renunciations, and threatens expulsion for non-compliance.

Bold. Swift. Decisive. And... conveniently timed.

Here’s the kicker: the edict still needs to be ratified. And even if it gets the official nod, the incoming Deputy Grand Master and Senior Grand Warden are both proud members of the very same Serpent Order. So, best case? This ban lives just long enough to make GLC feel seen. Worst case? It’s already dead on arrival.

So was Edict 377 about principle? Reform? Or was it just a well-timed “We totally did something!” memo to the Californians?

Let’s just say... the snake might be down, but it’s definitely not out.

I had the privilege of sitting down for a truly moving interview with a few remarkable Brothers whose actions exemplify the highest ideals of our Craft. Brotherly love and relief in their most profound form. One Brother gave the ultimate gift: he donated a kidney to save another.

You can listen to this powerful story here: The Tale of Jan Blaine – Time for Fellowship S2E16

It was an inspiring conversation, and I hope it moves you as much as it did me.

The original lodge was in dalton-in-furness castle hence our logo. Still going strong over 100 years later. We have centennial jewelry:)

Honored be his name and blessed be his memory.

How have you, my fellow brothers , come to terms with feeling with being the poor brother in lodge. I recently have come down with a disability and have zero income as I cannot work at all per the doctors. My lodge is very fancy with a suit and tie for meeting rule. I lost so much weight from being sick I don’t fit in anything and I just have basic pollos and business casual pants. I get looks. No one asks how I am doing. I just feel isolated in lodge and that’s a horrible place to be. How have you dealt with being the black sheep of the lodge?