Always salute a superior officer

Certain aspects of your life would need to change if you become a Freemason. So, if you enjoy a few beers during your spare time, that’s OK as we are a very social organisation – but any more than a few, runs the risk of breaking the Freemasons’ cardinal virtue of temperance. Anyone prosecuted for…

Remember when your teacher made you stand up in front of the class to read something? It was dreadful, right? Well, we Freemasons have to experience that all over again if we want to address the Lodge. Members can’t just sit in their seats and speak, without being seen as being disrespectful to the Worshipful…

While most of our rules and rituals are shrouded in mystery, one particular aspect has been spoken about – and often mocked – for years. Yes, we’re referring to the secret handshake. But there’s not just one! It’s all to do with your rank within the Fraternity, as the greeting you use changes as you…

Voting is an essential part of Masonry, as it allows every individual to have an equal say in all votes and resolutions all of which keep the Lodge running smoothly. A vote might be to increase the subscriptions or to include a new member. So how does someone get ‘black-balled’? It’s simply a vote against…

One aspect of Freemasonry is ‘networking’. You can meet two dozen new people at each meeting and easily befriend a couple of them over a dinner. You might sit next to a dustman on one side and a high court judge on the other and Masonically speaking, the dustman may far outrank both you and…

Would your nearest and dearest describe you as a bit chatty? Well, you had better practice holding your tongue as Freemasons must remain silent when “Degrees” are worked. An officer may address you, or the Worshipful Master can grant you permission to speak if you rise. It’s very much like a chaired business meeting where…