For each of those who join, Freemasonry means different things to every Mason. Some Freemasons enjoy meeting new people and expanding their circle of friends. For others charity is one of the primary reasons, being able to help deserving causes and helping to make a difference to family and society. For most Freemasons it is simply an enjoyable hobby they share with like-minded people from a surprisingly wide and diverse spread of society.
As one of the worlds largest and oldest fraternal, charitable, non-religious and non-political organisations, Freemasonry teaches self-knowledge through participation through a progression of ceremonies. Members are encouraged to speak openly about Freemasonry and are expected to be of high moral standing.
Freemasonry is a fraternal society, concerned with moral and spiritual values. Members are taught its guiding principles (moral lessons and self-knowledge) via a series of ritual dramas – a progression of allegorical two-part plays which are learnt by heart and performed within each Lodge – Using medieval stonemasons’ customs and tools as allegorical guides*.
A moral and ethical approach to life is instilled in its members, its values are based on integrity, kindness, honesty and fairness.
Members are urged to regard the interests of the family as paramount but, importantly, Freemasonry also teaches concern for people, care for the less fortunate and help for those in need.
(*An allegory is a term for a figure of speech. It is a story or picture with a hidden meaning. The characters in allegories are symbols which represent particular ideas. The story has a figurative meaning, not just a literal one. For example, a fable or parable is a short allegory with one basic idea or moral, so it is within Freemasonry).