I left Freemasonry in 2016, and I am happy to discuss the subject.

originally posted by: SaturnsSon
why are freemasons so angry?? is my question to FM in general, such an angry lot, is it frustration?

I'm an FM -- I'm not angry. I find most of the anti-FM statements utterly ridiculous and for the most part based on Hollywood film stereotypes and nonsense. People are, of course, entitled to their opinions, no matter how wrong.

But what I find fascinating is, when people say, "Hey ATS FMs - answer this question..." and the usual FMs do, said people reject the answers and claim they are lying or incorrect. So...(shrug) what can you do?

Confused, yes. Angry however..? No.

a reply to: noonebutme

im just going by the majority of Angry posts i see by people who say they are FM

i find this troubling, but maybe thats why they are on CT websites, to find out

the secrets they wish they knew, maybe there should be a time limit for becoming a 33

at least then they would know when they would get another piece of the "puzzle"

cheers

KSigMason Thank You for all the information. I got a lot out of your posts.

Now that we're 25 pages into this I'm surprised no ones mentioned Women in Freemasonry.
Apparently we crashed the party in 1909?

Had to google that part, I'd only heard rumors of a Women's Lodge up near Boston a couple of years ago. I'm tossing this out there cause I'm betting most are unaware and I'd like to know what the thoughts about it are?

Like everyone else who's done a tad of historical reading about Freemasonry it never occurred to me that things had opened up for women.

a reply to: Caver78

Hello there. I am a member of The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain. Stemming from the same fore-founders that laid the foundations leading to the development of United Grand Lodge of England Freemasonry,... early Brothers brought the craft to France and continental Europe in the 17th & 18th Centuries, which went on to become Continental, Grand Orient, and/or Liberal Freemasonry.

In 1882, Sister Maria Deraismes, was initiated into the Grand Orient system, most notably with the assistance of V.Ill. Bro. Georges Martin. In 1893, Martin, Deraismes, and others, went on to found the first mixed-gender Co-Freemasonic Lodge of Le Droit Humain. Through the work of many U.S. Brothers and Sisters, most notably, V.Ill. Bro. Louis Goaziou, L.D.H. was carried to the United States in 1903.

L.D.H. is a fully international Order, which has always admitted men and women of all colors, ethnicities, and nationalities. A further point of divergence from traditionalism, L.D.H. also admits people of all religions, philosophies, belief-systems, or the complete lack-thereof. L.D.H. fully recognizes Brothers of the Regular Grand Lodge systems, as well as Prince Hall affiliated systems. There are Co-Freemasonic Lodges spread throughout the world, but we definitely are in the minority.

originally posted by: noonebutme
I'm an FM -- I'm not angry.

I think most Masons are angry because they live in dry states that don't let them have beer at lodge. But us Masons in New Jersey are ultra happy, we get booze.

a reply to: Sahabi

Thanks for answering!

I've been doing some "speed googling" and am saddened to learn there are still hang-ups with different Orders recognizing each others Lodges.

Really glad you answered because the history of Women being accepted is HUGE and largely unknown. At least in my backwater. Which is odd cause they moved the Shriners big hall to just down the road an of course I'm just as ignorant about them. The things I don't pay attention to? right?

Learning about this has been FASCINATING, like I said I'd only heard a couple of rumors years ago but never followed up on it. Till now I'd only read some of the historical stuff.

originally posted by: SaturnsSon
the secrets they wish they knew, maybe there should be a time limit for becoming a 33

Well, there is a time restriction on becoming a 33°. In the Southern Jurisdiction of the USA, a 32° for atleast 4-years (roughly) can be nominated for their services to the Rite to be awarded the Knight Commander of the Court of Honor (KCCH). It should be noted that this is not a degree, but an investiture to recognize faithful service and does not confer any more power or authority. The KCCH exists in the Supreme Council of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction of the USA, but is not used universally among other Supreme Councils. When one has been a 32° KCCH for four years, has attained the age of 35, and has continued to provide outstanding service to the Rite, he is eligible to received the 33° Inspector General Honorary. These Brothers are not one of the 33 active members of the Supreme Council, but compose the pool from which those active members are chosen from.

And on a side note, the 33° is in the Scottish Rite and the 33° does not equate to rank, authority, or a leadership position within Freemasonry. It is an honor bestowed by the Scottish Rite to those they find deserving. There is more to Freemasonry than the Scottish Rite and the 33°.

a reply to: Caver78
You're welcome.

Co-Masonry doesn't come up too much on here.

originally posted by: AugustusMasonicus
I think most Masons are angry because they live in dry states that don't let them have beer at lodge.

Well that's just... inhuman.

Why, the only way we can wash down the tears of the innocent we imbibe is through our subsidised alcohol before meetings and LOI... and after.. maybe during.

We have a particularly nice Macallan 18 I like before we start. Gets me loose and limber for an evening of debauchery.

Dry states?? That's the true hell for a FM!

originally posted by: noonebutme
Dry states?? That's the true hell for a FM!

Exactly. When people talk about Masons being barbaric that is the first thing that comes to mind.

Baby eating is like #5 or #6.

originally posted by: SaturnsSon
im just going by the majority of Angry posts i see by people who say they are FM

Really..? I've seen sarcasm and dramatic irony, but I don't recall 'anger'. Can you point out a few? Keep in mind the computerised Internets do not convey emotion very well and my use of an exclamation might be anger to you but a smile to me.

!

i find this troubling, but maybe thats why they are on CT websites, to find out
the secrets they wish they knew, maybe there should be a time limit for becoming a 33
at least then they would know when they would get another piece of the "puzzle"
cheers

Well, I have no desire to get to a 33rd degree. Also, it's a different branch of Masonry than what I am currently in so it doesn't really mean anything to me at the moment. And in all honesty - what do YOU think it means to be a 33rd degree? Mystic powers? Time travel? Portals? 1-to-1's with the Devil??

There are no secrets about masonry that are not already on the web. The true reward of FM, in my opinion, is what comes from practicing the rituals and ceremonies in a group of mates you consider your friends, with similar goals and mindsets. Just good people, wanting to do good among other good people.

Besides -- most master masons learn the Fhtagn Ritual early on, so... you know. (shrug)

originally posted by: noonebutme
Besides -- most master masons learn the Fhtagn Ritual early on, so... you know. (shrug)

You R'lyeh shouldn't be giving away our secrets.

a reply to: AugustusMasonicus

Iä, iä, that's what they all say...

You guys are hilarious, en.wikipedia.org...

and it makes sense you don't get any of the good secrets, you guys are too arrogant and angry (passive aggressive).

originally posted by: noonebutme
Iä, iä, that's what they all say...

That joke was dead on arrival. Or was it merely dreaming?

originally posted by: SaturnsSon
and it makes sense you don't get any of the good secrets, you guys are too arrogant and angry (passive aggressive).

Actually, I'm aggressively passive.

a reply to: SaturnsSon
So you come in here and make some ludicrous statements about us, and we're supposed to just take it on the chin?

a reply to: KSigMason

enhance your calm, youre not worthy of your stature!

and remember the world is magickal to those that know how they know nothing.

originally posted by: SaturnsSon
enhance your calm, youre not worthy of your stature!

My stature? And what is this statue that I am unworthy of?

originally posted by: KSigMason

My stature? And what is this statue that I am unworthy of?

Chilling with me and the Baphmeister.