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Post by whistler on Feb 6, 2005 19:55:01 GMT
Hope you enjoy Posting with us HGW Whistler
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Post by munkholt on Feb 6, 2005 20:12:21 GMT
Thanks! Me too. ;D I'll just repeat this post from else-forum. Apologies for my laziness. * My name is Thomas, I live in Copenhagen, Denmark. I am not yet a Freemason, but I have been accepted, things are moving forward and I'm just waiting for my initiation date - fingers crossed, it could be in April. I clearly remember when my interest was first piqued: I was maybe 10 years old, and my older brother asked my father about being a Mason. He said something like, "I can't talk about that ..." And it just blew my mind that our father would keep secrets! (He had left the lodge by then, to afford more time to family and job.) But the curiousity lingered (probably more so because it was a secret, a mystery - or so it seemed), and over the years I studied Freemasonry, asked people about it, wrote papers and fiction - it was always present. The big hurdle in joining for me was my fear that I wouldn't feel at home among the brothers. Now, I know that they are nice fellows and would welcome me in, but a lot of the conservative tradition and patriotism always seemed very different from where I was in my life. My own bias stopped me. At the same time I couldn't let go of it, and I felt pretty sure that the actual work in the lodge would offer me great and challenging experiences, spiritual and otherwise. So for the past month I have been talking to a senior member of the Hafnia Lodge here in Copenhagen, a genial, fascinating person who has kindly offered to mentor me. Danish Order of Freemasons follows the Swedish Rite, a Christian system. For me that was one of the attractions (we have most of the other systems represented here, so I had a choice). It is also the largest Masonic tradition here in Denmark (and Scandinavia), so that played into it as well - they have a strong membership base and a grandiose and beautiful house in the centre of Copenhagen. I am attracted to the aestethics, the gravity, the black dress suit. I have high expectations about the rituals, the symbols, the intuitive learning, the meditations, the questions, etc. I hope to meet more friendly, tolerant and wise brethern. I want to travel and visit lodges all over the world (although it'll take me two years to get a pass for foreign lodges). I look forward to exploring important aspects of Western cultural history, philosophy and relgion. And also, it has already been a gift in regards to my relations with my father: he's getting old, and I don't think he'll rejoin, but we've already had talks about Freemasonry, and I hope there'll be more to come in the future. There's so much ... (and I'm sorry it's coming out in such a disorganised jumble). I guess I was always heading down this path, and now that I'm standing outside the door, I just can't wait for it to open. Best regards, Thomas Munkholt
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Post by taylorsman on Feb 6, 2005 21:24:07 GMT
Very best wishes to you and I wish you well in your entry into Freemasonry.
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Post by whistler on Feb 6, 2005 21:43:07 GMT
You have every right to have high expectations of the Ritual.
There is nothing in Freemasonic ritual by chance. We can all find our own level and see what we wish.. on a very simple level you will see on this forum a thread relating to knocking... the debate and opinions on just a small thing gives an idea as to the depth.
You can sit in Lodge looking at the same furniture or same ritual for years, and nearly every time you will find your attention drawn to a sign gesture or shape and you will think aah yes that is something I hadn't thought about, and on it goes.
Masonry is excellant for the mind.. In our Lodge we have Men and Women well in their 80's who fully participate with lectures and general contributions .
Thomas, Starting Freemasonry is the begining of one of the most exciting pathsj that a person can travel
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Post by leonardo on Feb 6, 2005 23:19:49 GMT
Hello Thomas you are very welcome to our little oasis on the net. Like you I am not yet a Freemason but I find that this particular forum is a very good place to learn while waiting. The members are first class and are extremely willing to offer advice, if sought. I look forwards to reading your contributions.
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ruffashlar
Member
Lodge Milncroft No. 1515 (GLoS), Govanhill Royal Arch Chapter 523 (S.G.R.A.C.S.)
Posts: 2,184
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Post by ruffashlar on Feb 8, 2005 4:40:39 GMT
Hallo, broder: det er mig igen! ;D
Indeværende er mange lettere end indlæring en sprog.
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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 Feb 8, 2005 7:01:47 GMT
Welcome Thomas - hope you enjoy the forum
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Post by munkholt on Feb 8, 2005 8:13:52 GMT
Thank you all! It is very inspiring to feel the energy (and I don't necessarily mean that in the Esoteric Thread sense) from good people working with their craft.
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Post by leonardo on Feb 8, 2005 15:32:25 GMT
Thomas is so polite I want to adopt him
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Post by munkholt on Jul 6, 2005 21:56:51 GMT
With the continuing influx of so many great people to MFoL, I am starting to feel a little bit intimidated, and I know I don't contribute as much as I would like. But I take a lot away from reading every single post (and I'm serious about that - it's really sad ). So this is just a quick but sincere thank you to everyone on this forum – it's a daily dose of thought-provoking input, tempered with loads of good humour and friendship, transcending borders, religion, gender etc – everything I hoped Freemasonry would be. (I guess it's all downhill from here!) (Just coming back to this thread is making me all mooshy: to think of all that has happened since in my life, in that short time, the steps I feel closer to entering the Lodge, and the friends I have made here. *sob* Thank, guys!)
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