Paddy
Member
palmam qui meruit ferat
Posts: 51
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Post by Paddy on Jan 13, 2005 2:53:37 GMT
Greetings People.
Im not a fellow brother as of yet iv just turned 21 im currently living in Western Australia.
iv been so facinated by freemasonary since i was 17.
for a few years now i have been doing my own studies of ancient history things like alexander the great, knights templar and pythagoras the list goes on.
but iv realised that i should stop looking into freemasonary becouse i would have taken all the mystique away.
well i hope one day to meet some of you guys on the square as i will be travelling with my new Irish passport ;D
Regards Quantum Postman
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Post by taylorsman on Jan 13, 2005 6:49:58 GMT
Quantum, I wouldn't stop looking into Freemasonry, I certainly didn't stop and that did NOT rob it of any mystique whatsoever for me, quite the reverse. I have always considered the old chestnut about "Spoiling it for the Candidate" if he knows as "hogwash".
You do what you consider right for you and don't be pressured by others, even well intentioned, in this matter. Good Luck, and I hope you do indeed become a Freemason in due time.
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staffs
Administrator
Staffs
Posts: 3,295
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Post by staffs on Jan 13, 2005 7:19:42 GMT
Quantum good luck on your journey.
For me i DID look into FM before i was initiated and feel that by doing so helped me enjoy it much more by having some understanding and has helped me since.
I am someone who like to do everything to the best of my ability and know what i am getting into and i enjoy researching,reading and expanding my knowledge.
But this is not for everyone and they may well prefer the complete lack of knowledge prior to joining.
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bod
Member
UGLE - MM (London), MMM RAM(Middx), OSM (London)
Posts: 1,296
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Post by bod on Jan 13, 2005 8:50:35 GMT
Hi there and welcome to the forum.
There are quite a few of us who have a similar background to you - interested since we were teens and eventually found our way into masonry. I for one don't regret it, I've been a mason for almost 3 years, but have been interested and reading about it for over 16 years... If you make it to London on your travels would be happy to meet up for a beer and a chat. Enjoy the forum, it's a good place to ask the questions that you undoubtedly have!
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Post by Jumile on Jan 13, 2005 11:34:44 GMT
Welcome, QP, from a Perth boy now living in England. Although I have the deepest respect for him, Taylorsman and I have different views about the "too much knowledge before Initiation" issue, and my perspective is that while it's not ruined if you know it all, the story is somewhat spoiled. Although a poor example, I see it like sneaking into the living room early on Christmas morning as a child and opening your biggest present then re-sealing it - you still get the present, but the joy of discovery surrounded by those who love you is spoiled. And you feel worse for pretending to be surprised. Like I said: a poor example, but is suits the purpose. Instead, I chose to find a middle ground during my path to Initiation. One that wouldn't keep me in the dark (which would have driven me nuts, as I'm a thirst-for-knowledge kinda guy), but one that wouldn't have me spend the ceremony thinking, "Oh, he's doing this now. Next he'll do that..." Now that I'm an Entered Apprentice (1st degree), I'm doing the same with regards to becoming a Fellowcraft (2nd degree). Learning what is beneficial, temporarily avoiding what I don't need to know yet. And I'll do the same when I'm an FC on the road to becoming a Master Mason (3rd degree). Whatever position you take, please don't feel as though you have to stop reading or learning. Just be aware that if you want to maintain the surprise, you will need to leave certain things alone for the moment. Forums such as this one are invaluable learning tools, and they'll also give you an idea of what to read and what to avoid.
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Post by Trinityman on Jan 13, 2005 12:37:06 GMT
quantum
Treat it like a paperback - read the bit on the back cover, maybe the author profile, maybe the first few pages. You could even read a review in the paper. Anything that you need in order to make the decision about whether or not you want to buy the book.
But dont read the last chapter. Don't ask a friend to tell you what happens. Don't spoil the story. Once you think the book is for you - buy it! And then settle down for a good read.
And if you like the book, make sure you recommend it to a friend!
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Post by leonardo on Jan 13, 2005 12:39:01 GMT
Great advice Bill.
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Paddy
Member
palmam qui meruit ferat
Posts: 51
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Post by Paddy on Jan 14, 2005 2:46:47 GMT
Thanks guys for your wisdom Regards Quantum Postman "As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death. " Leonardo da Vinci
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Post by munkholt on Feb 6, 2005 20:05:24 GMT
I'm also still "on the outside", and I had the same fear: have I been too d*** clever for my own good? But I don't think so.
One: I'm not really that clever when it comes right down to it. You know, I'm following in the footprints of a long line of men a lot wiser than myself, some of which were professors of theology, symbolism or whatever. And while I might have seen and recognised symbols, the esoteric world is a huge one, with overlapping histories and meaning - there's always more to learn, and new understanding that goes beyond what is perceived at surface level.
Two: When I voiced this trepidation, the advice I got was to just pay attention, be present. I hope, and believe, the experience in the lodge will transcend the words and gestures, and speak to me on a whole different, intuitive level. Particularly if I pay attention and don't try to second-guess the ritual.
Best of luck.
Thomas Munkholt
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Post by KansasPM on Feb 8, 2005 15:37:31 GMT
Don't let the old guys frighten you. There's nothing to be nervous about.
When my Daughter was an Honored Queen in Jobs Daughters, some of the older DeMolay guys She knew were joining Lodges. I always helped with their Degree work, to support our youth groups. She used to tell them, "I hear you're joining the Lodge...my Dad is working on your Degrees...you know, He's pretty big. I'd be scared if it was me...you have no idea what He's going to go to you".
She would admit, after they were raised, that She had no idea what I was going to do, but was just pranking them - they found it amusing after they were raised.
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