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How to Join Freemasonry

Freemasonry is open to men of good moral character who believe in a Supreme Being. Here is a complete step-by-step guide to becoming a Freemason.

I
Research & Reflect
Learn about Freemasonry's history, values, and principles. It is not a religion, but requires belief in a Supreme Being. Ask: "Do I want to be a better man, husband, father, and citizen?"
II
Find a Lodge Near You
Use the Lodge Finder to locate active Masonic lodges near your city or ZIP code. Most lodges welcome visitors at their stated communications.
III
Ask a Mason
Freemasonry does not solicit members — a man must seek membership of his own free will. If you know a Mason, simply ask. Contacting the lodge secretary directly is also appropriate.
IV
Submit a Petition
Complete a Petition for Membership from the lodge secretary. You need two Master Masons to sign your petition and must affirm your belief in a Supreme Being.
V
Investigation Committee
Three Master Masons visit with you and your family informally to confirm you are of good character and that your family supports your involvement.
VI
The Ballot
The lodge votes by secret ballot. In most jurisdictions the vote must be unanimous for acceptance. If accepted you will be scheduled for your first degree.
VII
Entered Apprentice (1°)
Your first initiation. Through ancient ritual you are introduced to Masonic symbols and teachings. You take your first obligation and receive the Working Tools of the 1°.
VIII
Fellow Craft (2°)
The second degree focuses on education, the liberal arts and sciences, and continued self-improvement. You pass up the winding staircase.
IX
Master Mason (3°)
The highest and most important degree. Built on the legend of Hiram Abiff, it teaches fidelity, integrity, and the immortality of the soul. You are now a fully initiated Mason.
X
Continue Your Journey
After becoming a Master Mason, the Scottish Rite (4°–32°), York Rite, Shrine, and Eastern Star open to you. Continued education and community service are the heart of Masonic life.
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Masonic Symbols

Freemasonry teaches moral and philosophical lessons through symbols drawn from the ancient stonemason's craft.

G
Square & Compasses
The most recognized Masonic symbol. The square teaches morality; the compasses define spiritual boundaries. The G represents Geometry and God — the Grand Architect of the Universe.
All-Seeing Eye
The Eye of Providence within a triangle represents the watchful eye of the Supreme Being, reminding Masons that their deeds are always observed by God.
G
The Letter G
Stands for Geometry, the science on which Masonry is founded, and for God — reminding every Mason of their duty to their Creator.
The Level
Teaches equality: all men stand equal before God. "Meeting on the level" reflects the Masonic belief that no brother is superior to another in the lodge room.
The Plumb Rule
Teaches the Entered Apprentice to "walk uprightly before God and man" — to maintain honesty and moral rectitude in all actions.
The Square (Tool)
One of the Three Great Lights of Masonry. Tests that stones are perfectly square. Symbolizes morality — acting honestly with all people in all circumstances.
The Apron
The badge of a Mason — older than any other order. The white lambskin apron represents purity of life and the bond of friendship among Masons.
JB
The Two Pillars
Jachin and Boaz stood at Solomon's Temple. They represent strength and establishment — the twin pillars of Masonic teaching.
The Beehive
An emblem of industry, teaching Masons to be diligent. It reminds members that "man was not born to live for himself alone."
The Acacia
Representing the immortality of the soul. Features in the legend of Hiram Abiff. Its evergreen nature symbolizes that the soul is everlasting.
47th Problem of Euclid
The Pythagorean Theorem — symbol of the Past Master. Represents mathematical truth and the path toward understanding divine order.
The Blazing Star
A radiant star in the center of the lodge floor representing divine providence, truth, and wisdom guiding mankind.
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Degrees & Levels

Freemasonry confers degrees as a means of teaching moral lessons through ritual. The Blue Lodge contains the three foundational degrees; appendant bodies offer additional study.

Blue Lodge — Symbolic Masonry (1°–3°)

▼
  • 1°
    Entered Apprentice — The first initiation. Working Tools: 24-inch gauge and common gavel. Teaches self-improvement through the symbols of rough and perfect ashlars.
  • 2°
    Fellow Craft — Focuses on education and the liberal arts. The FC passes up the winding staircase of moral, intellectual, and spiritual advancement.
  • 3°
    Master Mason — Built on the legend of Hiram Abiff. Teaches fidelity, integrity, and the immortality of the soul. A fully initiated Mason may visit any lodge worldwide.

York Rite (Requires Master Mason)

▼
  • 4°–7°
    Royal Arch Chapter — Mark Master, Virtual PM, Most Excellent Master, Royal Arch. Considered the completion of the Master Mason degree.
  • 8°–9°
    Cryptic Council — Royal Master and Select Master. Expands the history and secrets of Solomon's Temple.
  • 10°–12°
    Knights Templar Commandery — Christian chivalric orders: Red Cross, Malta, Temple. The highest body of the York Rite.

Scottish Rite — 4°–33° (Requires Master Mason)

▼
  • 4°–14°
    Lodge of Perfection — Ancient Masonic history through dramatic allegory. Themes: fidelity, justice, tolerance.
  • 15°–18°
    Chapter of Rose Croix — The 18° (Knight Rose Croix) teaches truth, justice, and toleration.
  • 19°–30°
    Council of Kadosh — Philosophical and historical themes. The 30° (Knight Kadosh) is one of the most demanding degrees.
  • 31°–32°
    Consistory — The 32° (Master of the Royal Secret) is the highest degree conferred in a Scottish Rite Valley.
  • 33°
    Inspector General Honorary — Bestowed (never applied for) by the Supreme Council upon distinguished 32° Masons.

Shriners International (Requires Master Mason)

▼
  • Noble of the Shrine — Any Master Mason may petition. Focuses on fellowship and philanthropy, operating 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children providing free specialized medical care to children.

Order of the Eastern Star & Youth Orders

▼
  • Order of the Eastern Star (OES) — Open to Master Masons and their female relatives. World's largest fraternal organization open to both men and women.
  • Order of DeMolay — For young men aged 12–21. Builds leadership and character.
  • Job's Daughters & Rainbow Girls — For girls with Masonic family connections, emphasizing character, leadership, and service.
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Dues Calculator

Estimate your annual Masonic dues across all bodies. Enter amounts charged by your specific lodges — dues vary by jurisdiction.

∴ Annual Dues by Body
Blue LodgeTypical NC: $50–$200/yr
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Scottish RiteTypical: $75–$175/yr
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York Rite (combined)Typical: $60–$150/yr
$
Shrine TempleTypical: $75–$250/yr
$
Order of the Eastern StarTypical: $25–$75/yr
$
Other BodiesGrotto, DeMolay, etc.
$
$0.00
Annual Total  ·  $0.00/month  ·  $0.00/week
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