If I knew then what I know now....

[DrP]

Obviously, knowing too much about the next steps of your Masonic journey just spoils it. However, I've learned that the more questions I ask, the more help I receive, the better my experience.

So my question is, knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to the x year old version of you just after you had become a master mason and before you had joined any appendant bodies?


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[russellholland]

I would say that the genuine secrets of Masonry are not to be found by rushing through the higher degrees. Indeed most of what is required can be found in the craft degrees by those that successfully undertake the work of the FC.

[Trouillogan]

I would have taken more time between my craft degrees to study what they were about - a year each at least.

[MrBenn]

Just because you've gone through a degree doesn't mean you can't study it in retrospect, often you get more insight by looking at the ceremony after the event having read more deeply on it

[eckywan2]

Perhaps irrelevant but.......
as it happens
IF I Knew then what I know now
is the title of a song by a brother in my lodge
the late Linny Paterson was lead singer in one of Scotland best bands in 60's The Jury which became The Writing on the wall in late sixties and got a residency in Soho near Ronnie Scotts jazz club but I forget the name , just after I got to know them
One of their LPs features a song with 3 rd degree words in a discreet but obvious ( to brethren) way
His cousin is now our lodge treasurer
Linny "retired" from music in 80' and later developed silicosis ( lung cancer) and the song was written when he knew his time was up

Great reminder though of one fine brother, amazing singer and the words mean so much in so many ways

[DrP]

Just because you've gone through a degree doesn't mean you can't study it in retrospect, often you get more insight by looking at the ceremony after the event having read more deeply on it

Absolutely agree. I can read/observe/speak the same words/actions/symbols and each time deeper even different understanding occurs.

As the OP, to answer my own question, I would have said "join earlier"


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[kimosabe]

Don't take no for an answer. Anyone who refuses or avoids answering a question (or who 'answers' in a way which doesn't answer the question), either doesn't know the answer, is pretending they do or is scared of something. Whatever the reason, keep asking questions until you are satisfied!

(Freemasonry should be 'out and proud' and it's high time more noise was made about how wonderful it is. It seems that everyone but Freemasons have grasped that idea. Membership won't increase by hiding the fact that pretty much anyone can join and it should be advertised like any hobby or social interest group, because that's all it is!)

[ozmike]

Don't be so quick to join RA. There is nothing in it which can't wait.

Say "no" to ceremonies involving multiple candidates.

[Peter Dowling]

I would say purchase the book beyond the craft and decide what to do next .
Do you you want Solomonic degrees, christian orders etc.
Join when your ready. I joined lots of orders early and realised some are not for me.
You can always leave if not happy. I wish I had joined Freemasonry 20 yrs ago.
Its the journey not the desination.
Good luck.

[Mike Martin]

I was lucky I listened to the advice I was given and did not join any Appendant Bodies until I had actually been through the Chair.