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Post by corab on Nov 27, 2005 13:44:07 GMT
Right - this may come across a bit weird considering I've been babbling on about what it all means to me in the past few months, but bear with me.
Hubby and I had another one of our deep discussions last night (somehow it always has to be in the little hours when we really should be asleep!) and again the questions of (1) why do we want to join Freemasonry and (2) what it is we think Freemasons do came up.
And I simply can't answer those questions other than (1) because it feels right and (2) I haven't got a clue but we'll find out soon enough.
I'm happy with that - I trust my instinct on this and I prepared to take that leap in the dark of not really knowing what I'm letting myself in for until after I'm made part of it. Patrick is more cautious, though, and he just doesn't understand that.
So, we know it's about Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. We know it's about becoming better men and women. We know there's ritual and symbolism to help us do that.
But is there any way you guys and gals can shed some light on what it is Freemasons do without revealing too much and contravening your obligations?
Any thoughts would be very welcome.
Thanks all,
Cora
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Post by taylorsman on Nov 27, 2005 14:02:28 GMT
I have no detailed knowledge of what Co-Masons do in their Meetings as much as I would love to attend one, I have never done so as I am prohibited by UGLE's Rules from so doing. I understand that Lady Masons (women only) perform their Workings in exactly the same manner as UGLE etc Lodges and even use the same Ritual Books, mostly Emulation and some use Taylors.
If you want to know what UGLE Freemasons do in our Meetings I would suggest buying a Ritual Book, (probably Emulation as this is the most widely used Ritual) or "Darkness Visible" by Walton Hannah , published by Augustine Press and available from Amazon at about £17 or so. Hannah's opinions are in the first half and you can read them if you want to, but the second half will give you an accurate account of the workings of the Three Craft Degrees, and Royal Arch Chapter, (allowing for some changes which were brought in during the 1980s and recent changes in English Royal Arch). You could also access the excellent Pietre Stones website which has a link at the bottom left of this page.
These matters have been in the public domain for as long as I have been alive and as Doris Day put it, are "no secret anymore"
Of course there are also fairly routine and non-Ritualistic parts to a Lodge Meeting, such as Minutes of the Previous Meeting ( thankfully these days usually circulated and not read out in Open Lodge), Reports from the Charity Steward and Almoner, and at the Risings of the Reports of Business and Comunications from Grand Lodge, Province and of other Business of that Lodge and other Lodges. All fairly similar to any group, club, society or association's Meetings.
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Post by windtimber on Nov 27, 2005 14:23:02 GMT
Ritual, initiations, meetings, mundane business, charitable works, introspection, personal development, self-definition, personal belief & faith, living a Masonic life - yup - we do all that. But most importantly, we are each others friends, bound by indissoluble bonds. We trust each other, we respect each other, and we care for each other, and we are truly ready to help each other.
How's that sound?
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Post by vadro on Nov 27, 2005 15:59:23 GMT
Hi Cora
I am sure that older brothers can give you a much deeper and complete answer, but I will try to explain you what does Freemasonry mean to me.
Freemasonry in my opinion is not for everybody, and that is a good thing. Is not for everybody simply because you have to be really keen to join, and to share the ideals of an Order, a Fraternity, where there are core values such as liberty, Fraternity and equality, and the belief in a Supreme Being. In the Lodge, IMO, the beauty is that everybody is in the Temple because you decided by you own free will to be there. And this is really a big thing, in my opinion. I think you cant find anything more open and free than a Masonic Lodge, where everybody respect each other, where everybody is ready to listen to your ideas, to respect your opinions, and you are ready to do exactly the same. It is also something really striking when you met somebody who calls you Brother, who is there sharing your ideals, with an open mind, respecting you for what you really are, as a person, and not because of perhaps your profession, or for what you do in the “profane” life. There are a lot of metaphors and allegories, there are rituals and symbols, to guide you in a wonderful journey to better understand yourself and the universe, in his whole meaning. I think that after all the Mason is a lone man, among others lone men, all following the same path and sharing the same values, at his own pace, as the journey is individual. But it is also mundane meetings, interaction with many different people, personal development, improvement in education, study, reading, improvement in your personal belief and faith of your own God, friendship……..
If you ask me what FM did for you so far, my answer is: to be a better man.
I hope this will help Cora, and I am sure there will be other Brothers who will answer at this question as well.
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Post by corab on Nov 27, 2005 17:34:19 GMT
Guys, that's great stuff, thank you so very much for all that:-) It's all the stuff that I for one expected, but didn't know how to word - it's difficult to put the depth of this feeling into words, even for one who aspires to be a bestselling author *LOL* How do you explain to someone else - even one who travels with you on your journey - that certain recognition, that longing to return Home, in the context of something as unknown to us as Freemasonry? How do you put into words that trust you put in your own instincts, an inner knowing you can't for the life of you ignore, not even if you tried? I KNOW this is right with the same ice cold clarity and certainty that I felt when I decided to leave my home country and all I knew behind to be with the love of my life - and well over 6 years later I have never even felt the faintest twinge of regret about that life changing decision, nor do I think I ever will. ;D Cora
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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 Nov 27, 2005 18:27:35 GMT
A thing that surprises a lot of newcomers to the Craft is the repetition: the literally interminable going over the same three Degrees until everyone is white-hot excellent at it - and then doing it some more.
Wherever there is no actual Candidate to go through a scheduled Degree, a volunteer substitute will stand in and an Exemplification will be done instead.
It isn't done routinely in England, and I'd imagine it's done even less among Co-Masons by reason of numbers, but we in Scotland also do a thing which strikes newcomers as odd. We go out in Deputations to other people's Lodges to do the Degrees for them; and they reciprocate by coming to do our Degrees for us. It's a good way of getting everyone to know their parts really well, and it's great for inter-Lodge relations.
My Lodge are having their annual Installation soon, and my (genetic) brother is going into the Chair. This will be the first Floorwork we've done in our own Lodge for a good while (since last year, in fact). And just nine days later we're doing a Fellowcraft, the first Second of the new Masonic year, at which Yours Truly will be Conducting.
Sh*tting bricks, mind. ;D ;D ;D
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Post by cameron on Nov 27, 2005 20:51:16 GMT
Freemasonry in New Zealand and particularly to me is a very down to earth matter. It is a Way of Life with high ethical and moral standards. Quite simple really. The symbols remind us of our ethics, the allegories are like parables telling stories that illustrate them. That's it. Nothing magical and mystical about it at all.
Mind you, if you want to use your imagination and dream up other meanings, there's nothing to stop you, that's entirely up to you, and your imagination is as valid as anyone else's. Go ahead, have fun!
Of course as Taylorsman already knows, I am a hardnosed, down to earth, practical Kiwi with my feet firmly on the ground. As these are the Shakey Isles, perhaps they need to be.
And as far as work goes in the Lodge, we have a busy time ahead with four FCs to 'process' as well as candidates for initiation waiting in the wings.
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Post by maat on Nov 27, 2005 22:13:48 GMT
(1) why do we want to join Freemasonry and (2) what it is we think Freemasons do came up. For me Freemasonry represents a Path for those who have broken free of the apron strings of the peer pressure found in inherited family 'values' and organised dogmatic religion and the like. So it is for the mature soul. Because of its teaching method - it is more likely to appeal to those personalities/psyches who resonate to the Path of Knowledge as against the Path of the Mystic. Both Paths are equal and valid! Freemasonry is for the person who IS WILLING TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEMSELVES IN ALL AREAS OF LIFE AND DEATH. No more blaming mum or dad, the boss, the political system or any person or thing for where you find yourself in life. By carefully following the leads that Freemasonry gives you - you will UNDERSTAND that you are where you should be and/or have put yourself. So in answer to the second question - the enlightened Freemason attempts to ACT CONSCIOUSLY AND RESPONSIBLY AT ALL TIMES. Any problem that arrests their attention in particular IS THEIR PROBLEM - and it is expected that as Craftsmen they will attempt, even in the smallest of ways, to improve the situation. This 'problem' can be anything from a distressed neighbour to feeding the worlds starving. There is ALWAYS something that you can do. In answer to question (1) When you show yourself to be willing to take up this responsibility, and should you be of a certain nature - Freemasonry (or some other path of Knowledge) will present itself to you one way or another. "When the student is ready - the teacher appears". Maat
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Post by hollandr on Nov 27, 2005 22:37:16 GMT
Cora
I wonder if you are attracted to Masonry as it ought to be and will be.
See for example Ruff's comment "the literally interminable going over the same three Degrees until everyone is white-hot excellent at it - and then doing it some more. Wherever there is no actual Candidate to go through a scheduled Degree, a volunteer substitute will stand in and an Exemplification will be done instead."
This is common in lodges that do not have candidates.
There are 2 issues here:
- why does the lodge not have candidates? - what is the proper work of a lodge when all brethren are fully trained and there are no candidates?
Both of these questions are problematic for current Masonry.
But I expect that Masonry for the New Dispensation will be on a higher turn of the spiral
This is not to discourage you from joining a good lodge if you can find one. But rather to provide a longer term perspective for your aspirations
cheers
Russell
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Post by taylorsman on Nov 27, 2005 22:55:47 GMT
"- what is the proper work of a Lodge when all brethren are fully trained and there are no candidates?"
Well, it can become a Lodge of Research on whichever side of the Masonic World the members wish, be that Historical, Esoteric or Symbolical or a bit of all of these, it can become a Past Masters Lodge and read and discuss papers etc or brush up its Ritual work and do Demonstrations and Rehearsals etc or visit other Lodges and work Degrees for them . It could even dedicate itself to Charitable Work in the Community.
Unfortuately what tends to happen is that such a Lodge will stagnate , its membership will dwindle as age, infirmity and Death take their toll and eventually it will Surrender its Warrant and fold or perhaps amalgamate with another Lodge in a similar position or be rescued by Bro Julian or some similarly minded Brethren.
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Post by hollandr on Nov 28, 2005 0:15:51 GMT
Taylorsman
I suspect that doing research and discussing papers is not what a fully trained lodge is about.
Could there be a Divine Plan to be carried forward?
Where would we go to find that if not in a Lodge?
cheers
Russell
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Post by taylorsman on Nov 28, 2005 5:04:23 GMT
"Could there be a Divine Plan to be carried forward?
Where would we go to find that if not in a Lodge?"
In a Church, Gurdwara, Synagogue etc, or by oneself?There is an old saying, "You are closer to God in a garden...." for many people God is in the Hidden Mysteries of Nature and Science.
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Post by hollandr on Nov 28, 2005 5:28:39 GMT
Indeed paradise approximately translates as a walled garden.
But who built the walls?
Cheers
Russell
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Post by corab on Nov 28, 2005 20:52:29 GMT
Russell, Cora I wonder if you are attracted to Masonry as it ought to be and will be. See for example Ruff's comment "the literally interminable going over the same three Degrees until everyone is white-hot excellent at it - and then doing it some more. Wherever there is no actual Candidate to go through a scheduled Degree, a volunteer substitute will stand in and an Exemplification will be done instead." This is common in lodges that do not have candidates. There are 2 issues here: - why does the lodge not have candidates? - what is the proper work of a lodge when all brethren are fully trained and there are no candidates? Both of these questions are problematic for current Masonry. But I expect that Masonry for the New Dispensation will be on a higher turn of the spiral This is not to discourage you from joining a good lodge if you can find one. But rather to provide a longer term perspective for your aspirations I'm sorry but you're going to have to spell it out for me - I find myself rather clueless as to the exact meaning of this. My prospective Lodge asks its members to present what they call Pieces of Architecture during Lodge meetings - you investigate something of Masonic relevance and present your thoughts and findings to the Lodge. A learning experience for all, I should say, and one that I am in particularly looking forward to. Judging by the meetings I've had with the Lodge and my in-depth discussions with my proposer I don't think that longer term perspective will present much of a problem. Cheers, Cora
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Post by a on Nov 28, 2005 20:58:23 GMT
Cora
I suspect that Russell is trying to tell you that Freemasonry is going through a major evolutionary step on its own journey at this precise point in human history: and he is wondering if your attraction is to the current or to what will soon be the new enlightenment within the Masonic world. From what i can see tehre are increasing numbers of Freemasons who recognise this, and I was pleasantly suprised to find out recently that there are many Lodges actively working towards this. Though equally this I would imagine causes serious concern to others. It is a facinating time to watch what happens as the landscape of Freemasonry transforms around us. It may take a bit of a global perspective to see this with ease though.
Russell, please correct me if I am wrong here.
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Post by corab on Nov 28, 2005 21:08:36 GMT
I suspect that Russell is trying to tell you that Freemasonry is going through a major evolutionary step on its own journey at this precise point in human history: and he is wondering if your attraction is to the current or to what will soon be the new enlightenment within the Masonic world. Well that goes back to the initial question really, doesn't it? I couldn't answer that question if my life depended on it, because I have no real idea of what life is like within the Temple - neither current nor future. All I know is that it is right. Or, as Maat so eloquently put it, Freemasonry has presented itself to me once more, and this time I'm ready; that much I know. Or as I put it to my proposer earlier today:- Cora
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Post by a on Nov 28, 2005 22:23:47 GMT
I suspect that Russell is trying to tell you that Freemasonry is going through a major evolutionary step on its own journey at this precise point in human history: and he is wondering if your attraction is to the current or to what will soon be the new enlightenment within the Masonic world. Well that goes back to the initial question really, doesn't it? I couldn't answer that question if my life depended on it, because I have no real idea of what life is like within the Temple - neither current nor future. You can answer this, though it may take a little time. Relax my friend relax. Relax through your work. The future is intertwined with the current, it is not a sudden here today moved on tomorrow, that is just realisation after the fact, the actual process of Masonic shifting has been going on for decades. It is just moving into the phase of realisation. If you are able to peel back the layers here, you may find some answers, or clues to help you find those answers, as to why it feels right at this precise point in time. Perhaps it is not a case of Freemasonry presenting itself to you, but you presenting yourself to Freemasonry.
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Post by corab on Nov 28, 2005 22:42:41 GMT
If you are able to peel back the layers here, you may find some answers, or clues to help you find those answers, as to why it feels right at this precise point in time. Perhaps it is not a case of Freemasonry presenting itself to you, but you presenting yourself to Freemasonry. I have a fair idea about the why and the timing - let's just say I've done a lot of 'peeling' the past few years and have arrived at exactly that point with Maat highlighted: self-responsibility, and an understanding that deepens with every heart beat of the choices I made before, and how they have affected me - and those around me. As for the order of presentation - it's likely to be both, coinciding at exactly the right point in time. Synchronicity, as Jung called it. Everything that ever happens happens for a reason - the trick is to see beyond its impact and glimpse the Design. Every choice is a road sign, some so blatantly obvious we prefer to take the scenic route of our own free will. No matter what way we travel, we will arrive at our Destinies - by whichever route we choose to take. Cora
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