Does anyone understand the masonic rituals?

Answer 1

i have been a mason since 2002 and you never really grasp entirely what the rituals mean until you participate in giving them.

there are so many symbols and even more interpretations assigned to them that they can take on more esoteric or profound meanings.

but once you come back to reality, the lessons contained in the degrees are pretty self-explanitory and summed up with the following idea.. the brotherhood of man, under GOD.

by the way, to believe david icke is to believe that the pres and royal family members are all actually snake people that eat people!!!!!

icke and his ilk prey on the ignorance and gullibility of the reader and as other conspiracy theorists, do more harm than good by confusing the curious with misinformation.

Answer 2

Well you start by becoming a member as an Apprentice (1st Degree) after being allowed to become one of course. 1 requirement is to be a male also, depending on the lodge, may require 2 masons as character witnesses

Answer 3

There's a book called the Hiram Key, it explains things a bit although is still rather secretive. the rituals seem a bit pretentious to me (from what i've heard) but then not being a mason how would i know?

Answer 4

The masons are a group who are made up of usually powerful and influencial people in different areas of life; such as politicians, media etc.
Their rituals are hard to be sure of as they are very secretive, if you read one of David Icke's books you will be able to see how he believes the masons fit into society and how their actions are supposed to affect the world. This man has a LOT of clever theories to begin with I thought it was a little far-fetched but as I got further into the books I began to see how it all fitted together. So if you are an inquisitive person give one of his books a try as you'll have many answers to questions you maybe didnt even ask!

Answer 5

Being that I have been a Freemason since 1972, yes, I understand the rituals.

Answer 6

I only understand they are mostly, if not always, held in secret. For instance, my brother-in-law is a Mason, but he would not and will not discuss any of the Order's secret meetings.

Answer 7

Ritual, symbolism, and morality
Freemasonic ritual makes use of the architectural symbolism of the medieval operative Masons, who actually worked in stone. Freemasons, as Speculative Masons, use this symbolism to teach moral and ethical lessons of the principles of "Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth" — or as related in France: "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity".[20]

Two of the principal symbols always found in a Lodge are the square and compasses; symbols always displayed in an open Lodge . Some Lodges and rituals explain these symbols as lesson in conduct: that one should "square their actions by the square of virtue" for example. However, as Freemasonry is non-dogmatic, there is no general interpretation for these symbols (or any Masonic symbol) that is used by Freemasonry as a whole.[21]

These moral lessons are communicated in performance of allegorical ritual, based on solid foundations of Biblical sources. A candidate progresses through degrees[17] gaining knowledge and understanding of himself, his relationship with others and his relationship with the Supreme Being, (as he interprets this for himself). After taking each degree, he will attend the same ritual many times, taking part in it from the different points of view of each office, until he knows it by heart — and so is in the best possible position to moralize about it, within the bounds of his own competence.

The balance between ritual, philosophical and spiritual, charitable service and social interchange varies between the Grand Lodges governing Freemasonry worldwide. History, philosophy and esoteric knowledge are of deep interest to many individuals. The philosophical aspects of the Craft tend to be discussed in Lodges of Instruction or Research, and sometimes informal groups. Freemasons, and others, frequently publish — to a variable degree of competence — studies that are available to the public. It is well noted, however, that no one person "speaks" for the whole of Freemasonry.

The Volume of the Sacred Law is always displayed in an open Lodge . In English-speaking countries, this is frequently the King James Version of the Bible or another standard translation (there is no such thing as an exclusive "Masonic Bible").[22] In many French Lodges, the Masonic Constitutions are used. A candidate is given his choice of religious text for his Obligation, according to his beliefs. UGLE alludes to similarities to legal practice in the UK, and to a common source with other oath taking.[23][24][25][26] Christian candidates will typically use the Lodge's Bible while those of other religions may choose another book that is holy to them, to be displayed alongside the Lodges' usual VSL. In Lodges with a membership of mixed religions it is common to find more than one sacred text displayed representing the beliefs of the individuals present.

In keeping with the geometrical and architectural theme of Freemasonry, the Supreme Being is referred to in Masonic ritual by the titles of the Great Architect of the Universe, Grand Geometer or similar forms of words to make clear that their reference is generic, not about any one religion's particular concept of God.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freemasonry#Ritual.2C_symbolism.2C_and_morality

Answer 8

If you want to understand them visit the web site for the grand lodge of your state and shoot them and e-mail on how to join in their jurisdiction. If you are in the military there are military lodges they are a great networking tool in the Army and NAVY!

Answer 9

There are numerous books on the subject if you know where to look, as well as the other "Secret Societies" such as the Shriners, Skull and Crossbones, etc.

Answer 10

how do you become a mason by asking one