Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Prepare yourself to become a Freemason
• Method 2 of 3: Join the Order
• Method 3 of 3: Become a Freemason
• Tips
• Warnings

Freemasons are people who are members of what is believed to be the world's largest and oldest brotherhood, with more than three and a half million active members. Freemasonry emerged in the late 16th or early 17th century, and includes kings, presidents, scientists and religious figures among its members. But the world's interest of a member does not count in Freemasonry. People come together as equals and leave behind everything that gives power or prestige in society, upon entering a Lodge. It's not about that. Learn more about the tradition of Freemasonry and how to join this order here.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Prepare yourself to become a Freemason

1. Understand the principles of Freemasonry. Freemasonry was founded to mutually support each other in friendship, fellowship and service to the world. For hundreds of years, members of this brotherhood, which still operates on the same basis of values ​​and norms, have found spiritual and philosophical satisfaction. To become a Freemason you must meet the following conditions:
   • You're a man when it comes to the men's order; a woman when it comes to the women's order.There are also mixed orders.
   • You have a good reputation and you are recommended by those around you.
   • Most of the regulations of Freemasonry require that you believe in a High Principle, however you interpret it. For example the coherent forces of nature, the enlightenment of Buddhism or a God.
   • You are 18 or older
2. You are interested in developing your personality and high morals. The motto of Freemasonry is Better people make a better world. Freemasonry emphasizes personal responsibility and personal integrity, offering the following to its members:
   • Usually weekly or sometimes biweekly gatherings at a Masonic Lodge, which is often housed in its own building or other association building. Most lodges in the Netherlands were specially built by order of Freemasonry.
   • Lessons on the history of Freemasonry, its symbolism, its meaning, etc.
   • An encouragement to live in the good for all of humanity, and to learn about the exercise of morally high citizenship, and to act out of charity and brotherly love.
   • Living through the age-old rites of Freemasonry, which mean to let you experience something that gives you more insight into the relationship with your fellow man and yourself
3. Distinguish between hype and truth. Books like The Da Vinci Code have spread the idea that Freemasonry is a secret order with plans to conquer the world. Hidden symbols are said to be hidden all over Washington DC and other cities. The truth is that the Freemasons are not part of such a conspiracy, and people who try to enter Freemasonry, hoping to gain access to secrets, are not approaching the order with the right intentions.

Method 2 of 3: Join the Order

1. Approach the box near you. The easiest way to start the initiation process is to contact the Masonic Lodge near you, a lodge in the region or province where you live. The number is usually in the phone book. But it's probably easier to do a Google search, then make a call and indicate you're interested in joining. While there are a few other ways to start the process, depending on which part of the world you live in, it's probably best to start as close to you as possible. The process starts from there:
   • Try to find a Freemason. Many Masons proudly display the Masonry symbol on bumper stickers, hats, clothing, or on a ring. They enjoy talking to people who want more information.
   • Some regulations require potential members to approach the order themselves, but others allow members to invite others themselves. If you have been invited to become a Freemason by someone who is already a member, feel free to take the following steps.
2. Accept the invitation to meet the Masons. After your application has been assessed, you will be called to the lodge to be interviewed by various Freemasons.
   • There you will be asked questions about your motives for joining the order of Freemasonry, about your past and about your personality.
   • You have the opportunity to ask questions about Freemasonry.
   • They will engage in contacting and checking references regarding your personality and your customs. Do you live a tolerant life? Do you have a sense of symbolism? Do you strive for harmony in your environment?
   • The Masters of the Lodge vote to determine if you can join.
   • If you are accepted, you will receive an invitation to become a member.

Method 3 of 3: Become a Freemason

1. Start as an apprentice. To become a Freemason, you must go through the process of the three "symbolic degrees". The apprenticeship degree is the first stage, in which the candidate learns the basic principles of Freemasonry and learns to look at himself.
   • Moral propositions are presented to the new candidates through the symbolic use of construction tools.
   • Students must first immerse themselves in the rituals and symbols before they can move on to the next step. That will take at least a year.
2. Proceed to the Degree of Companion. The second degree is also characterized by introducing to the new members the principles of their new membership, especially matters related to the relationship to others and the role in society.
   • The candidates are tested on the degree of mastery of the knowledge they have acquired as a student.
3. Become a master Mason. The master Masonic degree is the highest degree a Mason can achieve, and also the most difficult.
   • Candidates must demonstrate a proficiency in Freemasonry values.
   • Obtaining this degree is also celebrated with a ceremony.
   • In the United States, it takes an average of four to eight months from first application to obtaining the masters degree. But in the other countries it takes at least three years.

Tips

• While memorizing the various parts of the doctrine is challenging, members enjoy it throughout their membership, for the rest of their lives.

Warnings

• A prospective member can be rejected by a member for an insignificant reason. And yet this does not have to prevent the member from applying for membership again at a later date, or from directly contacting another Lodge.
• Membership can be suspended or terminated for people who violate the rules of Freemasonry.