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Ecossais.info
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
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Audi, Vide, Tace (Hear, see, be silent)
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What Is Freemasonry?
Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternity, a brotherhood that transcends borders, languages, and creeds. While its modern form emerged from the stonemason guilds of medieval Britain, today it is a philosophical and charitable society rooted in moral teachings, ritual, and symbolism.
It is not a religion, though it requires belief in a Supreme Being. It is not a political party, though it emphasizes civic virtue. It is, at its heart, a spiritual path through which its members, called Freemasons or simply Masons, pursue truth, self-mastery, and the betterment of humanity.
Freemasonry describes itself, in its ritual as “Freemasonry is a peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.”
The Three Pillars of Freemasonry
Three Pillars - Wisdom, Strength & Beauty
Theological Virtues - Faith, Hope & Charity
Three Grand Principles - Brotherly Love, Relief & Truth
Modern Core Values - Friendship, Respect & Service + Integrity
The Ionic column represents: Wisdom
Theological Virtue - Faith
Grand Principle - Brotherly Love
Modern value - Friendship - building together
Freemasonry gives members many opportunities to make a wide circle of friends for life who share common interests and values. It provides a bond of friendship and a sense of belonging. This promotes a feeling of enjoyment and fulfilment.
The Doric column represents: Strength
Theological Virtue - Hope
Grand Principle - Truth
Modern value - Respect - building unity
From its earliest days, Freemasonry has respected the beliefs of its members. It promotes an environment where diversity is valued. It is a space where different beliefs and backgrounds converge, fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity, tolerance and harmony.
The Corinthian column represents: Beauty
Theological Virtue - Charity
Grand Principle - Relief
Modern value - Service/charity - serving the community
Whether participating in events, fundraising for a charitable cause or volunteering for public or community organisations, service is at the very heart of Freemasonry. Our members make valuable contributions by donating time, resources and skills.
Additional Pillar
Modern value - Integrity - building good people
Honesty, trustworthiness, honour, reliability, and conscientiousness form the foundation of a virtuous character. They foster trust, maintain integrity, and demonstrate commitment, ultimately leading to a life of strong principles and dependable actions.
The four Cardinal Virtues of Freemasonry are:
Prudence (Wisdom) - right judgment
Prudence emphasizes wise judgment and careful consideration in all actions. This virtue is particularly relevant to the Masonic emphasis on secrecy and discretion.
Justice - fairness to others
Justice underscores fairness, impartiality, and righteousness in all dealings. This virtue is essential to the Masonic ideal of Brotherly Love, which requires Masons to treat each other with respect and uphold ethical standards within the fraternity.
Fortitude (Courage) - enduring difficulty
Fortitude represents courage in the face of adversity and the steadfast adherence to one’s principles. The sources highlight John the Baptist as an exemplary figure of fortitude, citing his unwavering commitment to truth and his willingness to face martyrdom rather than compromise his values.
Temperance (Moderation) - Balance of Desires
Temperance encourages self-control and moderation in all things. For a Freemason, this includes the responsible use of alcohol and the avoidance of excessive behavior that could lead to the disclosure of Masonic secrets.
“For we be brethren of the Rosie Cross,
We have the Mason Word and second sight,
Things for to come we can foretell aright.”
From: ‘The Muses Threnodie,’ by Henry Adamson, 1638.
Beginners guides to Freemasonry:
"I will strive to Live with Love & Care
Upon the Level, By the Square."
*These verses are from a brass square dated 1507, found in the east corner of the north foundation of Baals Bridge in Limerick, Ireland, in 1830.
Are you interested in becoming a Freemason?
