Mysteries

The purpose of the "mysteries" is almost explained in the use of the word "mystery" itself.  It requires one to make the effort to solve that mystery.  To speculatively labor (research) toward finding the answers, as well as the questions of the mystery, and how it reveals a personal truth to the seeker.

No one can tell you the answer, because no one understands the question from your point of view.  And that is why it's a mystery.  It is, in and of itself, the question, the answer, the reason, and the truth.

History of Books

For those of you looking into the history and origins of Masonry.

Here are three fantastic books!

Become

Become

Meaning "change from one state of existence to another" is from 12c. Older sense preserved in what has become of it?  It drove out Old English weordan "to befall."  Meaning "to look well, suit or be suitable to" is early 14c. from earlier sense of "to agree with, be fitting or proper" (early 13c.).

Did you just "Join Freemasonry"

or did you "Become a Mason?"

Research

"I did the research on that topic we discussed."

"And?"

"Not only did I find the answers I was looking for, but I also learned WAY more about the subject than I originally knew!"

"So, thanks for not just giving me the answer!"

Not Socrates

"Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people."

Who said this?

What is it's relevance to Masonry?

Disorganized

With all of the business required to maintain the

"Organization of Freemasonry"

It becomes clear why these takes force themselves to seem more important than the

"Craft of Masonry"

during our stated meetings and communications.

What can be done to focus more on the Craft instead of just the Organization?

Peer Group

The first thing that changes when you become a Mason is your group of peers.

Is this a good thing, or a bad thing?

Clam-Up!

If you are only given surface-level answers...

Tell them to Clam-Up!

Stick your tongue out and dig deeper!

Keep Digging!

Answers that are given are hollow and incomplete.

Answers that are labored after, are rich and fulfilling.

Why do you think this is?

Aqualung

Here is a picture of where I first learned about allegory when I was younger.

What lessons have you learned over the years that apply to "the craft?"

Craft vs. Organization

A good way to tell the difference between the Craft of Masonry, and the Organization of Freemasonry is to pay attention to which discussions become arguments, and which ones create unity and understanding.

Masonic discussions about the Craft are much more useful than Freemasonic arguments about "how to" conduct business.