10 Requirements To Become A Freemason
Do you want to become a Freemason? Yes? So, you should go through this article and check that are you meeting the requirements or not.
Related: How to become a Freemason
For those who are considering becoming a Freemason, today we wish to take it a step further and discuss with 10 requirements you want to “assess” until you.
Before checking the requirements I would like to tell you that there is no need to having a big social status. You can start at the bottom and earn more. There are many things to consider but we are not allowed to discuss here, you will get these while doing masonic degrees.
Here are the requirements that are necessary to become a Freemason:
Have believed in the highest existence
In the middle ages, Freemasonry was confined to Christianity. As the craft evolved and travels to various areas of the earth became extensive, Freemason gradually opened its doors into accommodating people from different religions.
Therefore, belief in a supreme being cuts across different denominations and spiritual backgrounds. Masons now believe that even though there’s only one God, folks can employ many techniques to seek Him.
All members of a lodge will conciliate under similar beliefs and authentic brotherhood.
This is the first and foremost thing to consider and make sure of when you are thinking to be a Freemason. Having the same belief and authentic brotherhood is kind of necessary to be a freemason.
Have attained the required legal age
This changes from one jurisdiction to another. Generally, it ranges in the ages of 18-25 decades. As an example, the United Lodge of England’s minimum age requirement is 21 years.
Nevertheless, a lodge can interest a Grand Lodge to start someone under the age. This is normal in university lodges where it is ordinary to initiate members below 18 years with the dispensation.
Although lower age restrictions are enforced, there are no upper age limits.
The individual must, nevertheless, be mentally and possess cognitive skills to engage in Masonic ceremonies and also to execute his responsibilities.
So, now you know what is the age limit after which you can be a freemason? If you are below that specific age then all you can do is to wait and when you are of that age then you can apply for Freemasonry right away.
Have the recommendation of at least two Freemasons
For one to submit a petition to join the craft at a particular lodge, must get approval from two present members. They should be part of the lodge you’re petitioning to.
Before obtaining a request, a person should also ask an associate to guarantor his or her application. It’s possible to connect with present members on different online platforms.
Have a combination of your freewill and harmony
Freemason prohibits present members from inviting outsiders to the craft.
A father cannot speak to his son regarding linking the craft. The same applies to uncles, grandfathers, and other relatives in general.
The choice to be part of this brotherhood should subtract from private interests and preferences.
Ability to support yourself and family or loved ones
Freemasons are not worried about someone’s wealth and social status. The brotherhood publicly welcomes everyone. Now you should be clear about the fact that you must have this ability to support yourself as well as the people around you, the people you are in relation with, and all the people you are concerned for.
No gender restriction
Freemason was restricted to men earlier but today both men and women are initiated into the craft. The very first women apprentices were initiated on 14 March 1893.
The best thing is that male and female lodges coexist separately.
Now the LGBTQ community is rising due to the participation of both genders so lodges make its policies more inclusive. There are some lodges that are open for people who have experienced gender relocation procedures.
The United Grand Lodge of England published its first sex reassignment policy in 2018. This policy is directly according to the Equality Act of 2010 and the Gender Recognition Act of 2004.
So this policy has opened the doors to the transgender community. This policy further explains that if someone stops to be a man after getting a Freemason, he also has the right to remain a member of the Lodges.
Moreover, the policy exposes that a member should avoid questions about their gender. Keep one thing in your mind that these policies are applied to all specific lodges across the world.
This is the best thing to happen in regards to Freemasonry, that now there is no restriction of gender to be a part of Freemasonry.
Related: Learn more about the UGLE’s gender reassignment policy
Should grant to moral standards
As I mentioned that Freemasonry is based on the significance of high ethical values. Morality is one of the most important value that what is deemed wrong or right.
The craft’s instructions on morality are quite inclusive. While joining Freemasonry, participants have to be getting training on principles relating to individual and honor civility.
The Freemasons always hold moral values, care for others, and avoid engaging with uncivilized behavior.
The Lodge considers that morality provides abased to the understanding of one another. It shows kindness, goodwill, concern, and charity and appropriate actions as per the Masonry criteria.
Now that you are considering to be a freemason, you need to get the training on the basic principles of Freemasonry. Where you will have to hold care for others, moral values and you also will have to take care of the fact that you are not a part of any kind of uncivilized behavior.
No need for any Mercenary Motive
If people have some unacceptable and unparalleled motives then cannot connect with the craft. This rule also valid for those who have bad behavior and attitude with his family and close relatives. Freemasonry nor help to get you from criminal pursuits neither it provides a networking arena.
If anyone has an urge to associate the craft must arise from the original place in oneself. This conclusion shouldn’t be considered by anyone at all.
The members of Freemasonry are usually asked a few questions to judge and reconsider their purpose to be part of their craft. If you have any mercenary motive and you would be caught then your application will deny.
For the people who are ambitious Freemason, it’s also sensible to have a fresh record. As we know that all crimes are not the same so it’s perfect to be fair and requests that the Lodge you wish to join.
Ability to follow rules or Ought to be a rule follower
If we talk about the rules for Freemasonry then keep one thing in your mind that Freemasonry has different rules in different situations. So it is distinguished by frequent rules. Members of the Lodge should obey all the rules.
Let me explain it by an example:
Suppose you are a member of the Lodge and you talk about the activities of the craft to the outsider then you will bane according to the rules. No single member is allowed not to go over any political connection in a Lodge etc.
There are rules that are there to employ to align the Masons to the requirements, if a person is not able to follow the rules then he will not be able to fit in the place to be a Freemason. So, it is clear as a bell, that specific rules are to be followed if you want to be a freemason otherwise you will not be able to be a part.
There is a great misconception about Freemasonry that the people who are practicing Freemasonry or are a part of it have these demonic rituals and these people are involved in some terrible activities. Now, there is no truth in this as Freemasonry is a lot more different than how people perceive it to be, it is all about brotherhood, values, and to help each other.
Have a Favorable opinion
This is the last thing to possess to be a freemason is to have a favorable opinion about certain things. You should have it before joining Freemasonry, as there are impacts that you must be causing and you need be prepared for it.
It is wrong to be a freemason while you are just doing it out of curiosity or you just want to know about certain things that what is happening behind the doors. You should think over it that do you fit in right as per the requirements mentioned above, if yes then you can just go for it, otherwise, you should be revising your decision.
So, this was all about what requirements you should be looking for when you are considering to joining Freemasonry.