Wasn't sure...

[Danustouch]

Whether to post this here or not.

I have a question....

During my family tree research, I discovered that my great great Grandfather was a 55 year member of a Masonic Lodge in my hometown.

Over the years, I've come across alot of info on Freemasonry. Some of it implies that it is simply a fraternal order, dedicated to charitable works, etc. But..other info I've run across, seems to imply that it is a Magickal order, of sorts. That there is both a highly ritualized atmosphere at their meetings, and that their roots go back to the magickal practices of the Knights Templar.

What do you guys think about Freemasonry...any other freemasons out there?

Are these lodges a magickal order????

[Myst]

this might be helpful

http://web.mit.edu/dryfoo/Masonry/Essays/

[amberlaine]

From the small amount of info I have on Freemasons (frmo masons that I actually know, as opposed to what I"ve read somewhere) the outer order is more like a Lodge, and the inner order can be, depending on the lodge in question, more of a magical order. but it really differs from lodge to lodge.

[Danustouch]

Thank you, Myst and Amberlaine.

I have been debating this with my parents for quite some time, now. My father has some friends who are freemasons...and refuses (due to his strict christian beliefs), to believe that they would have anything to do with the more Esoteric side of freemasonry. When I stumbled upon this interesting ancestor of mine, and his long time membership to the freemasons lodge in my hometown, I again brought it up. And my parents still refuse to believe that there could be anything more than just the charitable works side to the lodge.

However, I remember attending a Rainbow Girls meeting when I was a kid with my friend (Rainbow girls are the junior female branch of the order), and she was preparing for her initiation (or something to that effect). All of the girls had to wear long white dresses, and march around a pentacle (minus the circle), carrying candles, reciting a biblical verse. (faith, hope, and charity abide, but the greatest of these is charity). So..that gave me an indication that this group isn't just like the Moose Lodge, or Elks club. Ya know?

Anyway...thanks for the link, Myst.

Personally, at this point, I think it is kinda cool that my Ancestor was such a long time member of that lodge. I'm sure that he and I would have a lot to discuss, if he were still here today :)