Who are Masons and what do they do. Freemasons: a secret society or a society with secrets Who are freemasons and what do they do

Freemasons symbol.

Each Freemason honors God, being in Freemasonry, he is addressed as “the Great Builder (Architect) of the Universe”, and any traditional religion is allowed. Freemasonry is not a religion or a substitute for religion, Freemasonry does not have its own theology, and discussions on religious issues are excluded from Masonic meetings. Each Mason continues to profess the religious beliefs with which he came to the lodge, and his greater attention to his religion is welcomed. The recognition of faith in God as the basis of Freemasonry and its principles goes back to the founders of modern speculative Freemasonry at the beginning of the XVIII century and this is adhered to by the dominant majority of world Freemasonry (the so-called regular or Conservative Freemasonry), emphasis is placed on mandatory monotheism.

Freemasonry is positioned as a moral and ethical system, expressed in allegories and illustrated with symbols, most of the symbolism is borrowed from other cultures, legends with biblical characters are played up in rituals. The attention of Masons is drawn to the need for moral self-improvement, as well as spiritual growth within the framework of the religion that each of them professes. The philosophy of Freemasonry includes the external elements of both Christianity and other religions.

The Radiant Delta reminds the Mason of the all-pervading Creator, the Supreme Being. This is the main Masonic symbol of the first degree, the degree of the disciple. Stylistically, the eye is often replaced by a circle inscribed in a triangle. In liberal Freemasonry, the Radiant Delta is considered a sign of enlightenment or the principle of consciousness.

One of the symbols of Freemasonry is also the acacia, which is considered one of the main symbols used in Freemasonry and is associated with the so-called Legend of the Death of Master Hiram - the thematic base of the Master Mason's degree. Further: a plumb line is a symbol of striving for perfection, a level is a symbol of equality, a square is a symbol of poise and reconciliation of a constant striving for perfection with what is actually achievable, a symbol of the earthly, a compass is a symbol of moderation and prudence, as well as a striving for the higher and spiritual, a trowel is a symbol of strengthening brotherly ties, etc. The biblical legend about the construction of the Temple of Solomon is widely used in Freemasonry.

Loyalty to the authorities of those countries and territories where Freemasonry exists is one of the Masonic principles. Working for the benefit of society is considered one of the Masonic virtues. For most of the world's Freemasons, this is realized by their participation in charitable activities.

Regular Freemasonry

Regularity (see also Freemasonry, Regularity) is the mechanism by which relationships in Freemasonry (brotherhood) are established. It is realized practically with the help of the system of recognition of the Grand Lodges (VL) to each other on a mutual basis.

The concept of regularity in Freemasonry is relatively young, it arose at the beginning of the 20th century, as a result of the spread of Freemasonry in the world. The Basic Principles (see also) were first published by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGL) in 1929 and later reaffirmed by it in 1938 in Aims and Relationships of the Craft. Other Grand Lodges of the world, with minor variations, have adopted similar principles and standards of regularity. At present, adherence to regularity and its recognition allow, with the autonomy of national Grand Lodges and mutual respect for their sovereignty, to be world regular Freemasonry in an integrated state and create conditions for the preservation of Masonic traditions, testify to adherence to basic Masonic values.

Among the regularity standards:

With organizations that are not recognized as regular, but, nevertheless, consider themselves Masonic, relations in regular Freemasonry are excluded, regular Freemasons are not allowed to attend their meetings. Grand Lodges usually publish in special editions lists of Masonic jurisdictions (Grand Lodges, Grand East) in a relationship of recognition with them (see, for example, UGLE Recognized Grand Lodges).

Issues of recognition and relations are often dealt with by special commissions (systematizing information and developing expert opinions on the compliance of a particular Grand Lodge with regularity standards), in the United States, where Grand Lodges operate in each state, and recently Prince Hall Grand Lodges (created African Americans), there is a general recognition commission that meets annually.

In many countries (including Russia), the principle is that there can be only one regular Grand Lodge inside a country or territory, however, historically and now, there are countries in the world where more than one overhead line operates in the same territory if there is between these overhead lines agreements on the so-called. "Division of territory" or mutual recognition.

Regular Freemasonry in the world is the strongest and most numerous. In modern Russia, it is represented by the Grand Lodge of Russia (VLR). This is the only organization in Russia related to regular Freemasonry.

Requirements for candidates

The basic requirements for candidates follow from the general principles of the movement. The candidate confirms his faith in God, the Supreme Being. In the "Book of Constitutions", compiled by the London preacher James Anderson, the Freemason was instructed not to be "neither a stupid atheist, nor an irreligious freethinker", to support civil authorities. The candidate must be of a mature age (in most of the Grand Lodges of the world at least 21 years old), decide to become a Freemason of his own free will, have a good reputation, be "free and of good morals."

The traditional rule when joining the Order sounds like "to be a Freemason, ask a Freemason about it", "2 be 1 ask 1", the initiative for admission to the lodge should come from the candidate. The candidate can apply to the Lodge at the place of residence. To join the lodge, recommendations of its full members are needed, one way or another, the entry is preceded by a certain period of acquaintance with the Masons who recommend a candidate. Some jurisdictions require a candidate to apply 3 times, however this is becoming less common. In some jurisdictions, membership information is open so that a potential candidate knows where to find additional information.

The decision to join the lodge is made by a closed vote. Members voting to join use white stones (balls are most often used in the ritual); those who are against are black. The number of negative votes required to reject a candidate's application is set by the local Grand Lodge, and in some jurisdictions is equal to 1 vote.

Lodge Membership and Religious Beliefs

A candidate's religious convictions are the subject of his conscience. Upon joining, the candidate brings a commitment to the Holy Book of the faith that he professes, and which embodies the Revelation above his faith, it can be the Bible, the Koran, the Torah, etc. Usually the candidate belongs to one of the traditional confessions, respectively, Christianity, Islam, Judaism , etc. (in lodges that are recognized as regular ones), however, in the irregular lodges of continental European Freemasonry, the requirements for the candidate's faith are weakened, it is allowed for the candidate to accept the philosophy of deism or God - the "Great Architect of the Universe" as an abstract idea-symbol, or are completely canceled , and atheists and agnostics can enter the lodge.

Rite of passage

At the beginning of the ritual, a candidate for Freemasonry is brought into the Room of Reflections, painted black, the furnishings of which correspond to the name; there may be objects in it that remind the candidate of the frailty of life. In it, the candidate will write on paper a moral and philosophical testament, his wishes and vows regarding himself and other people, his country, family and humanity as a whole. Then he will be asked to once again confirm his faith in God.

Before entering the temple, where the dedication takes place, the candidate is blindfolded. As a sign of humility, the candidate is “neither dressed nor undressed” (partially undressed, and the left breast is bared as a sign of an open heart), all values (“metals”) are taken from him, his right leg is rolled up and his left shoe is removed. A rope is put around his neck, symbolizing the bonds of human imperfection. The candidate is taken to the premises of the temple (the meeting room of the lodge), where he goes through ritual tests, listens to instructions of a moral and philosophical nature, participates in small scenes and dialogues, the purpose of which is to clearly present the moral instructions of the ritual. At the end of the ceremony, he makes a solemn commitment to the Holy Book of the religion he professes (usually the Bible, a compass and a square are also placed on it). Then the bandage is removed to the candidate, saying that he has now “passed the test and is worthy of the Light”, a Masonic apron is put on him, and after that the presiding officer of the ceremony (the Worshipful Master) announces to those present that they have now found a new brother and calls on to help him in difficulties, being confident that he will help them in difficult times. Often the initiation ceremony is performed with musical accompaniment, which further enhances the candidate's experience.

The initiation rite is described by LN Tolstoy, who himself was initiated into the first degree, in War and Peace (an episode with the dedication of Pierre Bezukhov), but there are also more modern sources of a scientific nature about Masonic rituals.

Freemasonry in Russia

Freemasonry in Russia appeared in the middle of the 18th century. In Masonic legends, the founders of Freemasonry in Russia are often called Peter I and his associates Franz Lefort and Patrick Gordon. This version, however, has no documentary evidence. The first reliable news of the beginning of Freemasonry in Russia dates back to 1731, when the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of London, Lord Lovel, appointed Captain John Philips as Provincial Grand Master for Russia. The widespread spread of Freemasonry in Russia began with the founding of several lodges by the general of the Russian service, James Keith, in the 1740s. The documents of the Grand Lodge of England indicate that in 1740 he was appointed the provincial Grand Master for Russia. Initially, most of the members of the Russian lodges were foreigners - officers in the Russian service and merchants, but soon the number of Russian Masons by birth began to grow. In the 1750s, a lodge worked in St. Petersburg under the leadership of Count R. I. Vorontsov.

An alternative Elagin Masonic system was the so-called Swedish or Zinnendorf system, founded by the former Hofmeister of the Braungschweig court P.-B. who came to Russia in 1771. Reichel. In 1772-1776 Reichel founded several more lodges: "Apollo" (St. Petersburg), "Harpocrates" (St. Petersburg), "Apollo" (Riga), "Isis" (Revel), "Horuses" (St. Petersburg) , "Latona" (St. Petersburg), "Nemesis" (St. Petersburg) and "Osiris" (St. Petersburg - Moscow). In 1776, after negotiations, the Elagin and Reichel lodges merged into a single system.

A new stage in the development of Russian Freemasonry is associated with the name of N.I. Novikov, who joined the Freemasons in 1775 in one of the Elagin lodges. Together with Johann Schwartz, Novikov launched widespread propaganda in Moscow, where the center of activity of Russian Freemasonry shifted. On August 1, 1822, the Masonic lodges were officially closed by the highest rescript of Alexander I.

A new stage in the spread of Freemasonry in Russia dates back to the beginning of the 20th century, when the lodges of the so-called "Great East of France" became widespread in Russia - then transformed into the "Great East of the peoples of Russia." Freemasonry at the beginning of the 20th century had an overtly political character.

After the October Revolution of 1917, Masonic organizations were banned, the Freemasons were persecuted by the Cheka -GPU -NVD.

A small number of Russian lodges worked in exile, primarily in France. Over time, the number of Russian Masons declined due to the aging of the emigrants. During the German occupation of France during World War II, the remaining Russian lodges were closed along with all French lodges.

Freemasonry historians

Sergey Karpachev

Freemasonry in the cinema

The mystery of Villa Gretta ()
The Bankers of God ()

"All-seeing eye" on banknotes

The "All-Seeing Eye" is depicted on banknotes of several countries. So on the reverse side of the 1 US dollar bill from 1935 there is the Great Seal of the United States, which depicts a truncated pyramid with an eye. The initiators of the change of the banknote were G. Wallace and F. Roosevelt, its designer - Edward M. Weeks, supervisor of the Engraving Department of the Bureau of the Issue of Banknotes and Securities at the US Department of the Treasury (the artist Nicholas Roerich, to whom some authors mistakenly attribute the idea of drawing the bill, did not has nothing to do with it). The "All-Seeing Eye" is also depicted on the Nicaraguan banknote (1 cordoba) and on the Ukrainian 500 hryvnia banknote (by Grigory Skovoroda).

Miscellaneous links

Notes (edit)

After merging in 1813 with another Grand Lodge of Ancient Masons (Ancients), formed in 1751, see History of the OVLA, 18/19 century (eng.)
which in turn refer to an older origin of this and other basic Masonic principles, see, for example, the Anderson Constitution of 1823.
T. A. Sherkova. "The Eye of Horus": a simovlic eye in pre-dynastic Egypt. "Bulletin of Ancient History", No. 4, 1996
Amulets and symbols of the Egyptians
Pendant "Eye of Horus"
Landmarks are ancient commandments, a set of traditional principles of Freemasonry, the Freemasonry, "milestones" that separate Freemasonry from what is not. The most famous collection of landmarks is the Landmarks of Makei. Landmarks are reflected in the constitutions of modern lodges, the principles of regularity.
http://www.gumer.info/bibliotek_Buks/History/masony/4.php
S. P. Karpachev, Secrets of the Masonic Orders, M., "Yauza Press", 2007.
V.S.Brachev. Freemasons in Russia
"The Charter of Freemasons"
About the Grand Lodge of Russia, VLR website.
S. P. Karpachev, Guide to Masonic Secrets (Free Mason's Library), M., "Center for Humanitarian Education", 2003.

Hello dear readers of the blog site. Today we will take a cursory excursion into history and deal with another interesting word, the true meaning of which will surprise many of us.

Who are the Masons, in general and in general, we already know from the school curriculum, it remains only to clarify how and why this most closed organization in the world arose and why the Masonic lodges were so powerful.

Freemasons - what kind of people are they and what did they do

Unlike other secret societies, the exact date of the official unification of the first four societies into a single lodge is confirmed by historical sources - it happened in England in 1717.

The day is even known when members of the society, who used to gather in the taverns Yabloko, Grape Brush, Crown and Goose and Baking Tray, confirmed their intention by becoming members of the newly formed Great London Lodge and adopting their own constitution.

An interesting fact is that these patrons of the aforementioned taverns had nothing to do with construction in the modern sense, and the statement that the Freemasons are free masons who were engaged in the construction of temples would not be entirely correct.

The fact is that in the era of the early Middle Ages (approximately V - XI centuries), the "Gothic" style prevailed, which required special skill from artists, architects and builders, etc.

Those who corresponded to the proper level united in groups (a kind of bricklayer brigade) and settled in the immediate vicinity of the construction sites.

These communities had their own regulations and charters, each group had its own symbols and practiced its own rituals for initiation into the profession.

Class affiliation did not matter - it could be either merchants or artisans, as well as intellectuals or representatives of the aristocracy. The main thing is that they accept the ideas of spiritual improvement, equality and brotherhood, striving for knowledge of the world.

Symbolism and the sacrament of initiation into Masons

As already mentioned, no dogma never existed for Freemasonry, so members of these secret associations could use their own rituals both for holding meetings and for initiating membership.

From candidates for Masons not too much was required:

compliance with general Masonic principles;
mature age (usually at least 21 years old);
having your own will when deciding to become a Freemason;
obedience to the law (no criminal record);
good public reputation;
recommendations from several full members (in different lodges there may be a different number of recommendations, but usually two or three Masons).

The ritual itself was very symbolic. The Masonic candidate was placed in the "Reflection Room" for several hours, in which everything was black. In the setting, there were only those objects that could remind the future member of the lodge about the frailty of life.

After reflecting on this, a person writes his will without mentioning anything material in it - only his moral and philosophical wishes, concerning both himself, his family and other people, and his country, citizens of the world and all of humanity.

After that, the person is blindfolded, all values are taken away and taken to the room where the ceremony will take place. Initiation begins with the removal of the boot from the candidate's left foot, the trouser leg is tucked up on the right leg, and a rope loop is put on the neck - as a symbol of the bonds of human imperfection.

Among the ritual elements may be:

moral, ethical and other moral and philosophical instructions;
dialogues and scenes as a visual representation of these instructions;
musical accompaniment to enhance the experience of the subject;
solemn announcement by the candidate of his obligations over the sacred book of his religion.

Then the candidate's eyes are untied and another symbolic attribute is put on him - special masonic zapon, which is a mason's ritual apron.

After this, the venerable master who presided over the ceremony announces that the present now have a new brother who needs to be helped in his difficulties. He expresses confidence that in the harsh hour of trial, this brother will help others in the same way as they helped him. All greet the new member of the lodge.

Modern Freemasonry and Freemasons in Russia

It would seem: what is the need for secret communities, if today it is possible to legalize any association that would not contradict specific legislation?

Indeed, Freemasonry in Russia was banned back in 1822 by the highest rescript of Emperor Alexander I and remained banned until 1905.

But the permission for the activities of Masonic societies was valid for only 12 years - in 1918 the movement was again banned. And only in 1991, with the opening of the first official lodge called the "North Star", Freemasonry began its revival.

The main aspirations of modern Freemasonry are - enlightenment and humanistic activities, including a wide range of charity areas. The starting point for the movement of Russian Freemasonry was set by the famous Russian scientist-philosopher Georgy Dergachev, who became the first Freemason, and then the first great master of VLR.

VLR is an abbreviation used to abbreviate the name of the first national Masonic society - the Grand Lodge of Russia.

Created in 1995 on the basis of four territorial lodges ("Gamayun", "Harmony", "New Astrea" and "Lotus") and then uniting no more than a hundred Freemasons, now the VLR consists of 33 lodges with a total number of about one and a half thousand active members, not counting the apprentices.

Goals and mission Russian orders of Masons remain in accordance with ancient traditions:

education - education, translation and publication of the most valuable works of eminent historians, scientists and thinkers of the world scale, promotion;
charity - supporting orphanages, orphanages, hospitals, helping the elderly and single mothers, and single-parent families;
humanitarian aid;
participation in topical social projects.

The list of the most "declassified" Russian Masons is adorned with rather high-profile names, and the first of them is Andrei Bogdanov, who ran for president in the 2008 elections. However, we will not list the rest of the names, since the name of Bogdanov, as the great master of VLR, is documented, and about all the others there are only rumors and assumptions.

There is an interesting video about Russian Freemasonry, in which Mir 24 journalists reveal the undercover secrets of the Masonic lodges in Russia and their true purpose:

Good luck to you! See you soon on the pages of the blog site

What are Freemasons doing in our time?

According to another version, the wealth of the Templars was transported by galleys to the local princes in Russia. This wealth, most likely, served the formation of neo-Templar structures on its lands, and then the secret movement of the Freemasons. After all, how else could an alien phenomenon take root in a completely different society?

Despite the fact that it is located on Russian soil, the Freemasonry of this land has a European, more precisely, French, "registration". The Lodge and its huge number of regional branches are still controlled from Paris. According to this scenario, France and Austria created Masonic lodges in modern Ukraine.

World Freemasonry has grown on a scale unthinkable in the days of the Freemasons. Their number has exceeded four million. The Order is thriving and exerting an indirect but persistent influence on politics and economics. Naturally, modern Freemasons are no longer beggars and rootless "free masons". The construction of Gothic cathedrals had almost ceased, and the community faced a sad end.

But his affairs were improved by rich and highly educated people who sponsored Freemasonry. They saw in it a means of influencing the policy not only of a single state, but also on a global scale. It is in this sense that the greatest danger of the order of the Masons, which has become secret. He is at the helm of the World Government, sponsoring his numerous structures, pouring hundreds of millions of dollars or euros into them.

Freemasons are actively interested in religious issues, but do not get along with church officials at all. This gave rise to many rumors that the representatives of this order are associated with the occult.

What do Freemasons do in meetings?

To understand this, it is worth taking a closer look at world news. Periodically there is information about the Masonic Committee of 300, the Conference of Millionaires, the Zionist WZO, EADI, VEK, Bilderbeg Club, Soros Foundations, Thatcher, Joydzh. They trace where the "octopus" will still release its tentacles in order to finally entangle the world.

To understand why modern Freemasonry is needed, it is worth reading the postulates about the reasons for its despotism and the ways to seize power. This secret body boasts of mutual responsibility in the international sense: from attacks on the Freemasonry of one state it will be protected by another.

Among the sponsors and Masters of the order are the two main Masonic families of the unthinkable wealthy of the world - the Rockefellers and Rothschilds. One from the USA, the other from England decide the fate of mankind.

Rockefeller family - young David with parents and brothers

The advance of Freemasonry is being pursued in several directions. Leaving as a legacy the working tools of the medieval builders of Gothic temples, the Freemasons turned them into their highest symbols.

"And soon, soon the fighting among the slave people will cease, you will take the hammer in your hand and cry: freedom!" - wrote A.S. Pushkin, referring to one of the most famous Freemasons of Russia - General Pushchin. Who are they - Masons? This society seems overly encrypted, but it always seems curious to lift the veil of secrecy. Successful old people in long robes with big hoods who build their conspiracy theories while drinking whiskey - this is exactly the image of the Freemasons.develops in people, thanks to mass culture. What exactly do Freemasons do? Few people are able to give a confident answer to this question. Let's try to understand the system of Masonic lodges and symbols, answer the main questions about their history and activities, and make this "secret society" not so secret.

Who are the Freemasons?

Freemasons are such an organization of religious and ethical orientation, which is spread throughout the world. People belonging to this organization strive for self-improvement and knowledge of the world in accordance with certain principles. In total, there are about five million members of this society in the world. The philosophy of Freemasonry includes elements of different beliefs, but it is not an independent religion. Initially, the Freemasons gathered to resolve some issues of ethics and morality. However, over time, they began to be preoccupied with the problems of world order and world governance. This is how the famous Masonic conspiracy theories came about.

Are Freemasons a Secret Society?

Not really. The Masons themselves call themselves not a secret society, but a "society with secrets." They can calmly talk about their belonging to the clan of the Freemasons. The only thing they should always keep silent about is the secrets of their order.

By the way, the Masons have their own hierarchy: apprentice, apprentice and master. The degree of a Freemason correlates with the level of his personal development.

So, at the stage of the student, the Mason is engaged in self-knowledge and self-improvement. In the second degree, a person carefully studies the world around him, the philosophy of its perception, the human mind. A master's degree involves studying the subject of death. There is no higher grade than a master, but some lodges may award additional degrees.

What is a Masonic lodge?

The Masonic lodge is where the members of the community hold meetings (meetings in the language of the Masons are called "works").

Lodges, like their members, have their own hierarchy.

The main ones - the great lodges - govern the smaller ones - the Masonic ones. As a rule, lodges are formed according to the principle of proximity to the place of residence. In some cases, they can be formed according to interests, professions. Master Masons can also create special research lodges in which members study Freemasonry itself. Masonic lodges, depending on the adopted charter and faith, are also divided into Ioannovsky, Andreevsky and Red ones. Moreover, depending on the rituals, for example, a separate drinking bed or a bed of sorrow is distinguished.

Who rules the Masons?

The Masons have no single leader. No member of the Masonic lodges can speak on behalf of the entire fraternity. Only the Grand Lodge has this right. Even in the landmarks (the so-called commandments of Freemasonry), the principle of equality of members of the brotherhood before each other is spelled out.

Where did they come from - Masons?

Freemasonry has its origins in the late 16th - early 17th centuries.

It is believed that the first Freemasons were masons, which is quite logical, since the literal translation of the word "freemason" from French is "free mason". The date of the beginning of the movement of the society of Masons around the world is considered to be the day of the founding of the Grand Lodge of London - June 24, 1717. It was on this day that four craft lodges: "Apple", "Crown", "Grape brush", "Goose and a baking sheet", so named after the taverns where they gathered, united into one "Grand Lodge of London".

In the 18th century, Freemasonry gained popularity in Europe. Secret society lodges appear in Italy, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland. Moreover, they expanded at a tremendous pace: in Paris alone, in seven years (from 1735 to 1742), the number of Masonic organizations increased from 5 to 22.

I heard that Peter the Great brought Freemasonry to Russia. This is true?

Yes. According to historians, it was Peter the Great with his associates Franz Lefort and Patrick Gordon who founded the Russian Lodge.

According to legend, Peter the Great was a member of one of the lodges in Amsterdam. These are just assumptions.

It is only known for certain that the first Masonic lodge in Russia arose in 1731. Masons in our country have always been disliked. Catherine II, for example, believed that Western European rulers would pursue their policies through secret societies. Masonic lodges were either opened or forbidden. And if in the Russian Empire the Freemasons had the right to exist, for example, under Alexander I, then in the USSR this became impossible. Only on June 24, 1995, the Grand Lodge of Russia was re-established. Its members meet once a month. At their meetings after the official part, during dinner, they always raise toasts to Russia, to the president of our state and to the box. Women, by the way, are not allowed to join the ranks of Russian "free masons".

They say Pushkin, Suvorov, Kutuzov were Masons

Of course, singing the ideals of freedom and self-improvement, Freemasonry attracted the intellectual elite of Russia. The official website of Russian Masons says that Kutuzov, Suvorov, and Pushkin were Masons. Pushkin wrote in his diary: "On May 4 I was admitted to the Freemasons." However, according to literary scholars, he was only a freemason on a piece of paper and soon left the lodge. But it is known for certain about the involvement of Chaadaev, Trubetskoy, Zhukovsky, Bazhenov in the “society with secrets”. By the way, literary circles were actively created around the Masonic lodges. And in the works of L.N. Tolstoy, Pisemsky, Gumilyov, Masonic themes can be traced.

How do you recognize Masons?

There are no special signs, symbols, algorithms that would help calculate the Masons. The lists of all members of the Freemasons are kept secret. To distinguish "friends", certain signs and gestures are used. For example, the symbol of the pyramid (rhombus or triangle), the triple six (666 or "okay"), the devil's horn, the sign of the hidden eye. Also, Masons have a special style of handshaking (the thumb is placed on the space between the second and third fingers of another Mason's hand).

In Freemasonry, as in any closed society, there is a certain symbolism. Among the main symbols are those associated with construction: a level is a symbol of equality of estates, a plumb bob is a striving for perfection, a hammer is a symbol of the fact that one does not need to give up life outside of brotherhood, a compass is a symbol of moderation and prudence, a protractor is justice.

One of the main symbols is acacia, which stands for purity and holiness. It is also common to use the "Radiant Delta" - a triangle with an open eye inside. This image itself is borrowed from Christianity: the triangle denotes the trinity, and the eye - "All-seeing eye". In Freemasonry "Radiant Delta" is a symbol of the Creator's all-pervasiveness, and in liberal Freemasonry (yes, there is such a thing) it is a sign of enlightenment.

However, one should not immediately classify all images of the "All-Seeing Eye" on architectural monuments as Masonic symbols. According to urbanists, everything that is passed off as Masonic symbols, in fact, is either the symbols of the guild of architects, or the symbols are originally Christian.

Freemasons and conspiracy theorists see their symbols in everything: on the American dollar, on the Ukrainian 500 hryvnia banknote and even on the emblem of the USSR (the intersection of the hammer and sickle can be interpreted as the establishment and retention of the power of the Freemasons through severe repression. Wheat ears mean a symbol of wealth, money and prosperity).

What is Liberal Freemasonry? Is it like a liberal party?

What we have in common with the liberal party is the principle of freedom. In the case of liberal Freemasonry, this is the principle of absolute freedom of conscience. This trend was born in the homeland of everything liberal - in France.

It was the Liberal Freemasons who allowed women to join their ranks.

There are two main streams of Freemasonry: regular, which is subordinate to the "United Grand Lodge of England" and liberal - under the leadership of the "Grand Orient of France".

Also, all American presidents were Freemasons.

Oddly enough, but many US presidents were indeed members of Masonic lodges. Among them: George Washington, Warren Harding, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford. The creator of the Statue of Liberty, Frederic Bartholdi, was also a Freemason, among other things.

How to become a Freemason?

Contrary to the popular stereotype, one does not need to possess any supernatural wealth. All requirements for candidates follow from the basic Masonic principles. According to them, a person must have the means to pay membership fees. However, in some countries, Freemasons abolish this property qualification (for example, in Italy).

The main thing is that a person must prove his faith in God, reach adulthood (in most great lodges - 21 years old), be "free and of good morals", that is, make an independent decision to join the brotherhood, have a good reputation and have no problems with the law ...

After the decision is made, you need to go to the local lodge and enlist several recommendations from its full members. The decision to be admitted to Freemasonry takes place by secret ballot. In some lodges, if only one person voted against, the candidacy is already rejected.

I'm an atheist. Will I not be accepted into the box?

Maybe. Freemasonry is always based on religious beliefs: Christianity, Judaism and others. To become a Freemason, you must believe in any higher power. In liberal Freemasonry, however, it is assumed that a potential member of society adheres to the philosophy of deism or believes in God as an abstract principle. The Grand Lodge of Russia, for example, sometimes even admits membership of atheists.

P.S. We hope that after reading the article, you will not start looking everywhere for secret symbols and conspiracy theories. By the way, Masons are very fond of Mozart. In their opinion, in his "Magic Flute" he revealed Masonic secrets, for which he was later poisoned. When it is played at the Vienna Opera, Freemasons always get up. Well, this is already so, another interesting fact.

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Not so long ago, the general public became aware of the existence of an unspoken organization of Masons, which has been functioning for more than one century. What is this association? Who are the Freemasons? What are their goals? There are a lot of questions about this. Let's try to answer the most important of them.

How did Freemasonry come about?

This movement, which has a religious and ethical character, originated in England in the 18th century, and a little later spread to the USA, India and European states. This teaching united people into brotherhood through love, mutual assistance and equality. Freemasonry is considered to be an order, as it is an organized society of people.

In 1717, the “Grand Lodge”, the cradle of brotherhood, was created in England. She directs all the organizations of the Masonic society located in different countries. Six years later, James Anderson, a London preacher, creates the Book of Charters, which sets out the basic rules of conduct for the organization's members. According to it, a Mason should not be an atheist or a free-thinker, he is prohibited from taking part in political movements. He must fully and completely support the current government.

Who are the Freemasons?

This association gained wide popularity in the circles of the bourgeoisie, often prominent thinkers of that time became its participants. Over time, Freemasonry acquired an aristocratic character, this trend is especially noticeable in European countries. Who are the Freemasons? These are people striving for spiritual growth and moral self-improvement within the framework of certain principles and beliefs.

The ranks of the order included such famous personalities as the Prussian kings Frederick II and III, the Swedish monarch Gustav III, and English crowned heads. Among the Masons were some US presidents (Washington, Truman, etc.), statesmen (Churchill), famous philosophers, writers and composers (Goethe, Haydn, Voltaire, Mozart).

What goals did the order set for itself?

Their goal is to do everything possible to improve the quality of this world.

The organization contrasted itself with the active church. She strove to create a secret society, whose members, united by religious brotherly ties, live and work in accordance with their intended goals.

The order did not seek to replace religion; it did not publish theological works. Discussions on religious topics were strictly prohibited at meetings of the society. With all this, faith in God is the basis of their principles and teachings.

Brotherhood activities

Having dealt with the question of who the Masons are, one cannot fail to mention the main direction of their activity. take an active part in charity, they are engaged in patronage, but at the same time they do not advertise themselves.

Hierarchy

Members of the organization are united on a territorial basis, forming small lodges of 40-50 people. Among themselves, they call each other brothers. All the factions of the order together form the Grand Lodge. Its head and leader is a great master or grandmaster. There is usually a Grand Lodge in every country.

The lowest rung in the hierarchical ladder of the order is the disciple. Then comes the journeyman, then the master, and finally the great master.

Russian masons

Tsar Peter and his associates are considered the founders of the order in Russia. In the 1840s, General John Keith organized several lodges, the first members of which were foreigners. However, soon the number of Russian bourgeois, representing the order of the Freemasons, increased significantly.

In 1822, by order of Alexander I, the lodges were closed. At the beginning of the 20th century, the movement of Freemasons in Russia was revived, but under a new name - "The Great East of France" and had a pronounced political character. Since 1917, lodges have been completely banned.