Freemasons Secrets

The Search For Masonic Light

Freemasons secrets may surprise you. After all, what is a secret except something you didn't know?

Freemasonry is a fraternity of men around the world numbering approximately 6,000,000.

Why do this many men join this ancient fraternity? The reasons are numerous.

Freemasons Secrets: Spiritual Universality

Q: What is Universality?

A: Of, relating to, extending to, or affecting the entire
world or all within the world; worldwide, in the cosmos,
or the universe.

Q: Why do you find Freemasons all across the globe?...and
why is Freemasonry the largest fraternity on earth?

A: Freemasonry is largely spiritual. This broad spirituality
      embraces all of the world's major religions and requires
      that Freemasons extend the hand of friendship and
      fellowship to all who knock upon its doors.

This includes skeptics and non-believers. Once Freemasonry is truly understood, many of those who were previously skeptical, have joined our fraternity and found the brotherly camaraderie that they had been seeking, but weren't aware existed.

On the surface, universality sounds very fair and open. The problem lies in the fact that most people are brought up in one single religion and, unfortunately, know very little about other religions. Many religions teach that theirs is the "only true and right religion" and that their specific name for our Creator is the only correct name.

Freemasons Secrets and Masonic Light

However, once Freemasons learn how much many of the Holy Books have in common, Freemasonry's "universality" ceases to be just a word meaning "open to all"...which we so quickly take for granted; but the true meaning....the depth of its purity, becomes clearer to them.

This depth of purity is part of the Masonic Light of Knowledge that all Freemasons seek to attain.

Freemasons Secrets: Spiritual Universality Begins in the Holy Books

Our Creator, no matter what you call Him within your own religious beliefs...God, G_d, Jehovah, the Supreme Architect, the Almighty, the Great I Am, etc., loves all his children...each of which He created and chose to place on earth.

Freemasons are taught to respect our Creator's choices and the men, from all religions, who, just like themselves, attempt to live a life which is acceptable to the Almighty.

In everyday life, however, the word "universality" can sometimes become bogged down by man's prejudices against other religions, countries, and the men within them. Freemasonry's universality removes much of this prejudice and allows each man to become a better man.

Q: How will I become a better man within Freemasonry?

A: You are never truly alone. You have a network of brothers who want the
best for you, just as you want the best for each of them.

Freemasons Secrets Become Masonic Light

Once a person has a deeper knowledge of religious history, (without attempting to assess perceived rights or wrongs within other religions due to their own personal religious upbringing); it becomes easier to accept and embrace men from all religions.

This true understanding of universality is the foundation upon which the peace and harmony is to be found within Freemasonry.

Q: Is Freemasonry a religion?

A: No.

Q: Is Freemasonry religious?

A: It is more spiritual than religious, as it follows no specific
religion, religious creed or dogma.

Q: Will I find anything objectionable to my own specific
religion?

A: Freemasonry embraces all the major religions in the
world and the men within them.

Q: Is spiritual universality one of the Freemasons Secrets?

A: Spiritual universality within Freemasonry is not a secret
      within the fraternity, but to non-Freemasons, if they were
      unaware of it, they might consider it to be one of the
      Freemasons secrets.

Freemasons Secrets Begin With The Holy Scriptures

Here is another example of universality within the Holy Scriptures. Although the references here are to the Christian Bible and the Hebrew Bible, all major religions are included within Freemasonry.

Bible/Tanakh Commonalities: The Tanakh is the Hebrew Bible (or Hebrew Holy Scriptures). It consists of 3 divisions: The Torah, The Nevi'im, and the Kethuvim.

1. The Torah: The Old Testament in the Christian Bible is
     comprised of the first 5 books of Moses:
     (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).

     These are also called the Pentateuch (which means
      literally, "5 scrolls"). They were written by Moses during
      the forty years that the children of Israel wandered in the
      wilderness circa (1450 - 1410 B.C.)

Genesis:

The first book of the Old Testament: tells of Creation; Adam and Eve; the Fall of Man; Cain and Abel; Noah and the flood; God's covenant with Abraham; Abraham and Isaac; Jacob and Esau; Joseph and his brothers

Exodus:

The second book of the Old Testament: tells of the departure of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt led by Moses; God gave them the Ten Commandments and the rest of Mosaic law on Mount Sinai during the Exodus.

Leviticus:

The third book of the Old Testament; contains Levitical law and ritual precedents.

Numbers:

The fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt.

Deuteronomy:

The fifth book of the Old Testament; contains a second statement of Mosaic law.

Therefore, the Torah is a collection of books comprising the sacred scripture of the Hebrews and records their history as the chosen people.

2. The Nevi'im (The Prophets)

These consist of the Books of Joshua, Judges, 1Samuel, 2Samuel, 1Kings, 2Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel,

...and The Twelve Minor Prophets:
Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi...many of which you will also find in Christian Bibles.

3. The Kehuvim (The Writings)

These consist of the Books of Psalms, Proverbs, Job, The Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes, Ester, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1Chronicles, and 2Chronices, which you will also find in Christian Bibles.

Q: Where does Freemasonry's universality come from?

A: The Holy Scriptures.

Q: Is it a Freemasons Secret?

A: Not to Freemasons.

Here is an excerpt from the Jewish Tanakh (Holy Hebrew Scriptures). Christians will also recognize its words as those that are in the Christian Bible.

King Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord after building the Temple, in the presence of the whole community of Israel and spoke these words:

1Kings 8:41-43:

"Or if a foreigner who is not of Your people Israel comes from a distant land for the sake of Your name; for they shall hear about Your great name and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm...

...when he comes to pray toward this House; oh, hear in Your heavenly abode and grant all that the foreigner asks You for.

Thus, all the peoples of the earth will know Your name and revere You, as does Your people Israel; and they will recognize that Your name is attached to this House that I have built."

The Holy Scriptures

Q: Which came first?...the Holy Scriptures in the Bible or the
Holy Scriptures of the Tanakh, (the Jewish Bible)?

A: The Old Testament (the first 5 books of Moses) of the
Christian Bible is copied from the Tanakh....or to be more
specific, the Torah, within the Tanakh.

Q: Why is it called the Tanakh?

A: In ancient Hebrew, there were no vowels, ...only
consonants.

Thus, the compilation of the Torah, (the Nevi'im and the Kehuvim) was called the TNK. Later on, the ancient Masoretes added vowels to the Hebrew language. Afterward, it was called the Tanakh.

Q: Why Is Universality So Important Within Freemasonry

A: Like King Solomon's Temple, Freemasonry's "foundation
      stone" is built upon the Holy Scriptures,... which is why in
      the majority of Grand Lodges across the world, a man
      must believe in a Supreme Being in order to become a
      Freemason.

Q: Is this one of the Freemasons Secrets?

A: This is not a secret, per se, but many non-Freemasons
      often overlook this facet in their search for what appear to
      be the more obvious and appealing "Freemasons
      Secrets", such as our code books, handshakes, Masonic
      ritual, Masonic swords and other more highly-hyped
      secrets of Freemasonry.

Freemasons Secrets
Peace and Harmony

While a few people falsely believe that Freemasonry goes hand-in-hand with some sort of New World Order, pentagrams in the streets, Knights Templar treasure, black magic, conspiracies and other under-handed doings,... nothing could be further from the truth.

Q: If this is true, then why don't
Freemasons refute these claims?

A: Freemasons are taught not to argue
      with non-Freemasons about that
      which non-Freemasons simply do
      not yet understand.

Due to the fact that Freemasonry is spiritual, it teaches that each man should attempt to resolve differences in the most peaceful and harmonious manner possible and that each lodge should be a peaceful and harmonious place.

If discord or disagreement arises with a brother Freemason, members are encouraged to take that brother aside and to kindly and in the most tender manner explain the offending issue in an attempt to resolve it.

If accord is still not possible, members are encouraged to speak to their lodge's Grievance Committee toward resolving the issue.

If discord or disagreement arises with a non-Freemason, members are encouraged to refuse to argue about Freemasonry. There are 3 reasons for this:

1. Freemasonry is a peaceful fraternity of honorable men
attempting to live lives which are pleasing to the Creator.

2. Peace and Harmony cannot be achieved through
argument.

3. Freemasonry encompasses hundreds of years throughout
     history. Its biblical and historical study can be a lifelong
     project. To quickly explain Freemasonry to non-
     Freemasons in an attempt to correct the many
     misconceptions that abound would require a great deal of
     time as well as a knowledge of Masonic history which
     many people do not possess.

Q: So, is achieving Peace and Harmony one of the
Freemasons Secrets?

A: While this seems almost too simple, in reality, much like
      the universality, peace and harmony is another of
      Freemasonry's foundation stones which bind
      Freemasons to the fraternity.

Freemasons Secrets...Inside the Masonic Lodge

While the lodge room Is off limits to non-Freemasons while meetings are In session, non-Freemasons might be very surprised to find that lodge is held in a room with an altar at its center which contains one or more Holy Books such as the Bible, the Koran, the Veda, the Tanakh, Torah, and others.

Why might the altar contain more than one of these books? The reason is because Freemasonry's universality extends to religion, race, age, and language. Freemasonry believes that each man's personal religious belief is the foundation necessary in order to make him a better man.

In fact, in the United States, if you contact a lodge, most lodges will be happy to give you a tour of their lodge room and explain its many facets when lodge is not in session.

Once a year (in most jurisdictions) a new Worshipful Master is elected. His installation may be attended by Freemasons, their wives, family, friends and anyone else who would like to attend. This is called an open meeting.

Non Freemasons Secrets

Freemason Books abound, especially after Dan Brown's book, "The DaVinci Code". Both Freemasons and non-Freemasons read them with interest.

Freemason Regalia and Jewelry are not part of Freemasons secrets. They can be purchased on the internet or from Masonic regalia and jewelry manufacturers by anyone who wishes to own it.

Are Masonic Rings Part of the Freemasons Secrets?

Probably the most visible sign of Freemasonry will be viewed by the different types of Masonic rings. These rings seem to have strange inscriptions upon them, which leaves the non Freemason curious as to what Freemasons do, what they believe in and generally, what they are about.

Most are very surprised to find that Freemasonry is essentially a spiritual organization whose primary focus is upon living a life pleasing to our Creator and helping our fellow man to find God's light in our own lives.

Let's take a look at some of the different types of Masonic rings.

Freemason Rings are Masonic Rings...which are also called Masonic signet rings. Upon the face of these rings is usually a square and compasses, sometimes with a "G" in the center and sometimes not, depending upon the specific Masonic jurisdiction.

Some are gold Masonic rings, set with diamonds or other precious gems. Others are less expensive. The price of the ring is not as important as what the ring represents to the man who wears it. It represents a man who lives an upright life with our Creator as his guide.

YORK RITE DEGREES

Knights Templar Rings: These rings symbolize the degrees within the York Rite that each man, who chooses to learn, may obtain once they have become a Master Mason.

In the United States, the term York Rite refers to a collection of Masonic degrees which in most other countries are conferred separately. It's name is derived from the city of York, England where we are told that some of the first meetings of Masons took place.

Divisions within the York Rite as well as their requirements for membership differ in different jurisdictions, but all are essentially the same.

In all its workings, it is required that all applicants currently be in possession of the degree of Master Mason in good standing from their Masonic lodge.

In the United States, the 3 different rites within the order of the York Rite are:

Royal Arch Masonry -Capitular Rite
Royal Arch Masons - General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons International

Cryptic Masonry - Cryptic Rite - Cryptic Masons
General Grand Council - Cryptic Masons International

Knights Templar - Chivalric Orders -
Grand Encampment of Knights Templar of the United States of America.

Scottish Rite Rings: These rings are worn by members of another Masonic appendant body, called the Scottish Rite. Their rings usually contain a double headed eagle upon their signet (face of the ring).

After becoming a Master Mason, these men choose to further their Masonic knowledge and build upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the craft lodge, (or Blue Lodge, as it is called in the United States), through dramatic presentation of the individual degrees in the Scottish Rite.

SCOTTISH RITE RITUAL DEGREES

Scottish Rite includes 29 additional degrees to the 3rd degree, (or Master Mason degree) which was obtained in the craft lodge.

These degrees are lateral degrees to the Master Mason (3rd degree), as there is no higher degree or honor that a man may receive than that of being raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. All subsequent degrees explore the teachings learned in the 3rd degree in a more in depth manner.

Lodge of Perfection: (11 degrees) The 4th through 14th degrees are called Ineffable Degrees because their principal purpose is the investigation and contemplation of the ineffable name of Deity. These degrees amplify the legend of the Master Mason degree and the story of the building of King Solomon's Temple. Each of these degrees are designed to more forcefully impress the teachings of the first 3 degrees.

After receiving the 14th degree, members are entitled to wear a Scottish Rite ring, which they, themselves, purchase.

Council of Princes of Jerusalem: (2 degrees) There are 2 historical degrees; the 15th degree and the 16th degree. They cover the period from 538 B.C. to 516 B.C.. These 2 degrees depict events connected with the end of the Babylonian captivity of Israel, the return of some of the captives from Solomon's Temple to Jerusalem, and the subsequent rebuilding of the Temple.

Rose Croix Chapter: (2 degrees) The degrees of the Chapter of Rose Croix, consist of the 17th through 18th degrees These 2 degrees attempt to invest the candidate with a deeper understanding of Religion, Philosophy, Ethics, and History.

The intellectual challenges presented in these degrees can take many years to master. These 2 degrees relate to the rebuilding of the Temple of Zerubbabel. The 18th degree is supplemented by special Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday Ceremonies. The 15th and 18th degrees are obligatory.

Consistory: (14 degrees) The Consistory Degrees illustrate the creation of the ideal balance between the spiritual and the temporal (non-eternal, daily matters of the moment).

Several of the degrees of the Consistory series, from the 19th to the 32nd, further amplify the teachings of the previous degrees. In others, members learn more about the Crusades. The 30th, 31st and 32nd are obligatory.

Masonic University

Both the York Rite and Scottish Rite appendant bodies of Freemasonry are institutions of higher learning...or, essentially, "Masonic University".

Q: Are these degrees part of the Freemasons Secrets?

A: Yes. The specific ritual within each degree is secret.

Masonic Temple

Q: Do Masonic Temples also have Freemasons secrets?

A: Yes, however, the Shrine Temples function more as a social group who work very hard for their Masonic Charity causes.

Shrine Rings: If you see a man wearing a Shrine ring, he is called a "Shriner". His ring features a scimitar and crescent. Shrine "Temples" are another Masonic appendant body.

This group is very social and has a lot of fun. The primary focus of this social organization is in providing charity to the less fortunate.

Freemasons Secrets In Regard To Masonic Charity

Most Shrine temples have "units", which are parade-focused, such as the dune buggies unit, called Sand Bugs, the Horse Patrol, the Motorcycle unit, the Clowns and others. Shriners support many Masonic charities such as Shrine Circuses,...however their Children's Burn Hospitals in the United States are probably their best known Masonic charity.

Shriner Supported Burn Hospitals

As of this writing, there are 22 burn hospitals in the United States, Canada and Mexico which Shriners fully support. Shriners work hard to raise the millions of dollars each year needed to pay for the initial and ongoing costs for the building, upkeep and staffing of these hospitals.

This money goes toward not only staffing them with highly trained medical personnel; it pays for Life Flight costs to quickly bring badly burned children to these hospitals for the intensive care, multiple surgeries, prosthetics, skin transplants and many other things necessary for them to survive such horrendous accidents. Many of these children will stay in the Burn Hospital for many months or years.

So, the next time you see a man in a funny looking hat, (called a Fez), this is what he does. You may see him in parades or soliciting donations for charity. He volunteers his personal time to help others in need.

Is he one of the Freemasons secrets? Shriners are not one of the Freemasons secrets, but like many facets of Freemasonry, there are many people who wonder what Shriners do and why they do it.

Not all Freemasons are Shriners, but all Shriners are Freemasons, as it is required that you be a Master Mason in good standing in order to join the Shrine.

Shriner's Ladies

Many of the Shriner's wives also volunteer their time to hand make special clothing, blankets, pillows, etc. for these children, many of whom cannot wear regular off-the-shelf clothing, due to their limited range of motion from the scar tissue build up from their injuries.

Many of these wives get together at the Masonic Temple and create custom clothing for these children whose burns are both disfiguring, as well as create a reduced mobility for the burn victims..

These very special ladies are in constant contact with the Burn Hospitals, who provide them with the measurements needed to create these custom, handmade pieces of clothing, with velcro and snap openings as well as stuffed animals and other special items to help make these children's lives a little more bearable while going through sometimes dozens of surgeries in an attempt to give them back as much of a normal life as is possible.

In addition to their Burn Hospitals, Shriners support several other pediatric specialty care facilities for children, such as Orthopaedics, Spinal Cord Injury and Cleft Lip and Palate.

Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate are eligible for admission and receive all care in a family-centered environment at no charge – regardless of financial need.

These are some of the TRUE Freemasons secrets which non-Freemasons may not be aware of.

If you know of a child which Shriner's Hospitals may be able to help, please call their toll free patient referral line:

In the U.S.: 800.237.5055
In Canada: 800.361.7256

Freemason Regalia...Is it One of the Freemasons Secrets?

First of all, what, exactly, is Masonic regalia?

Masonic regalia includes Masonic aprons, Past Master aprons, officer aprons, funeral aprons, lodge officer jewels of office, the Masonic Sword with which the Tiler of the lodge guards the outer door, Knights Templar swords, fraternal caps, crowns, Masonic collars, sashes, working tools and rod tops.

Freemason regalia also includes costumes worn during the ceremonial performance of bestowing the 3 degrees.

All of these items can be found from Masonic regalia manufacturers, both on the internet and through brick-and-mortar establishments.

These Masonic costumes do not have any Freemasons secrets attached to them, however, since they are worn when the lodge is in session, non-Freemasons are unable to see them during the the secrecy of the proceedings.

However, there is nothing secret about any of these Masonic items. Even the Masonic symbols upon them can be looked up on the internet, for those curious enough to wish to learn.

Freemasons Lodge Furnishings are not part of Freemasons secrets, either. In the United States, they include the symbolic furnishings, used, (with some exceptions and additions in other parts of the world) and, once again, are purchased from Masonic manufacturers, both on the internet and off.

A Masonic lodge is a representation of King Solomon's temple. Therefore, within the lodge room, you will find Masonic furnishings symbolic of King Solomon's temple in the Holy Scriptures.

Are Masonic Lodge Furnishings Part of the Freemasons Secrets?

No. Below is a list of these furnishings.

Boaz and Jachin, the columns which stood on each side of the entrance to King Solomon's Temple as read in the Scriptures.

Sheaf of Corn (Wheat, Barley or Grain) which signifies that those who are faithful and work hard "reap the plenty" of our Creator's rewards.

Masonic Altar, upon which rests the Holy Scriptures.

Holy Scriptures, which may include the Holy Book(s) of any major religion across the world.

The Three Greater Lights: the Square, the Compass and the Holy Book

The Three Lesser Lights: the Sun the Moon and the Worshipful Master

The Master's Gavel

The Warden's Columns, which are miniature replicas (usually carved of wood) of Boaz and Jachin.

The Worshipful Master's Chair.

The Worshipful Master sits in the East.

The Senior Warden's Chair:

The Senior Warden sits in the West.

The Junior Warden's Chair:

The Junior Warden sits in the South.

The Chair in the North remains empty.

It is representative of the fact that God, the Creator, sees all that we do and walks with us each and every step of the way.

The Few Freemasons Secrets

So....what are the REAL Freemasons secrets? Are they simply the ritual, the code (cipher) book, the grips and the passwords...or are they more than that?

Freemasons secrets are somewhat of an enigma to non-Freemasons. While it is difficult for some to believe, the true Freemasons secrets are not to be found in the Masonic passwords, the grips, the cipher book nor in Masonic ritual work...although they are, in fact, secret.

And...believe it or not, Freemasons secrets have nothing to do with Masonic regalia and jewelry...just as they have nothing to do with Lodge furnishings, ceremonial costumes, Masonic swords, Masonic rings or,...even the white lambskin Master Mason apron, itself.

Each of these items simply ceremonially symbolize the spiritual feeling within each man that he is morally and spiritually at one with our Creator within his heart.

Freemasons Secrets...A Journey Down The Right Road

Becoming a Freemason is about a man's internal, spiritual transformation. For most men, it occurs when you look into your soul and realize that you have succumbed to many failings that you know (in your heart) have led you on a path away from our Creator and His wishes for each of us.

The 3 degrees, Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason are conscious steps which each man chooses to take (with the help of other men), to once again be placed onto the "right road".

So, as you can see, being privy to a few Masonic passwords, grips and ritual wording, ...in fact, even if you knew all the perceived Freemasons secrets, ...this, alone, will not put you onto the "right road" .

The "right road" only comes into view when you take control of your life and truly desire to work to purify your heart and mind through upright moral character and feel the spiritual need to reach out in universal brotherhood and understanding to other men.

Only then will you be able to realize and feel the virtues that our Creator has laid down for us in the Holy Scriptures. By following this path, you will become a better man, a better husband and a better father to your family.

Freemasons Secrets...The Journey Toward Masonic Light

Now that you have a better understanding of the true Freemasons secrets; when the "right road" comes into view, will you be able to recognize it...and will you be strong enough to turn the wheel in its direction?

Freemasons are a fraternity of highly honorable men. Many men who search for Freemasons secrets do not realize that they are subconsciously looking for something that is missing in their lives...that feeling of being a part of a larger whole, ...the acceptance, guidance and social brotherhood that you may feel is lacking in other parts of your life.

The easiest way to learn the Masonic Passwords is to join the fraternity.

So, if you have an interest in joining a fraternity of honorable men who believe in the Almighty, attempt to live by the Holy Scriptures and enjoy a social atmosphere in harmonious brotherhood with one another, you may wish to read more about how to Become a Free Mason.

To find a lodge near you, you may check your local phonebook or go to my World Grand Lodges page to find the Grand Lodge in your country, province or state. Once you are on the Grand Lodge website, drill down and look for a list of lodges.

They may be called lodges, subordinate lodges, provincial lodges or district lodges. If contact information is not available, contact the Grand Lodge in your country, province or state for more information.

An understanding of the true Freemasons secrets will provide you with the Masonic Light you seek. I trust you will find your journey to be a rewarding one.

Simon-Sez: Possibly the best book about why men choose Freemasonry is "Freemasonry: Its Hidden Meaning", (1948) by Brother George H. Steinmetz. It is written in an easy to understand format and provides an excellent interpretation of the esoteric work performed in Masonic lodges.

In it, you will find the underlying meanings for each of the 3 degrees, and the correlation of the biblical with the historical and the spiritual with the material.

A Masonic scholar, Brother Steinmetz does an excellent job of pulling back the veil of mystery on whether Freemasonry is, in fact a reincarnation of the Ancient Mysteries of Egypt, from which many Freemason symbols have been found to originate.

Who is this book for? Anyone interested in a factual and complete understanding of Freemasonry.

Unfortunately, there are not too many copies available, but as of this writing, Amazon.com does have a few.

Freemasonry: Its Hidden Meaning