Initiations

[mikul003]

I'm receiving the entered apprentice degree this tuesday. I'll keep you posted, any questions send me a private message or respond to this thread.

[stewart edwards]

Hi Mikul003

While it will probably take you a few years to be able to reflect back and properly answer this I would be interested to know if your initiation, actually initiates you into the mysteries of life (ie it helps you open yourself up to fathom out the mysteries of life, to help awaken you to enable you to answer that inner itch) or whether it just enables you to join a club of worthy men/women. ie did the initiation actually "initiate". Dont confuse this with "the feeling of belonging" or being "overwhelmed".

[sae629be]

Originally Posted by stewart edwards

Hi Mikul003

While it will probably take you a few years to be able to reflect back and properly answer this I would be interested to know if your initiation, actually initiates you into the mysteries of life (ie it helps you open yourself up to fathom out the mysteries of life, to help awaken you to enable you to answer that inner itch) or whether it just enables you to join a club of worthy men/women. ie did the initiation actually "initiate". Dont confuse this with "the feeling of belonging" or being "overwhelmed".

You make a good point, Stewart! I find that what really helped me was writing down in my own personal journal my impressions and feelings as soon after my Initation as I could. Good luck, Mikul003 and enjoy it!

[mikul003]

Definitely, I'll give you the impressions I received, and if it opens you to the mysteries of life. Although I agree time will be the better indicator.

[mikul003]

So, it happened tonight. Very interesting experience, one I won't forget. Give me some time to reflect.

[edelweiss pirate]

Originally Posted by mikul003

So, it happened tonight. Very interesting experience, one I won't forget. Give me some time to reflect.

I think you mean 'recover'.

[jconnar]

I have been interested in the Freemasons, would be interested to hear of your experience if you are allowed to tell.

[cnumb]

Originally Posted by edelweiss pirate

I think you mean 'recover'.

No, he means reflect.

Congratulations newly obligated Brother.

[edelweiss pirate]

This is a pointless thread.

Just a bunch of masons creating a smokescreen.

I vote for the spam room.

[cnumb]

It's pointless because it disagrees with your with your ridiculous preconceptions?

Good one.

[mikul003]

Now that I have had some time to sleep on it. It was intense, and you definitely felt like you had accomplished something afterword. jconnor, if you're interested, I would recommend it. Not something you will regret. It is very powerful or "moving" depending on what phrasing you prefer. I was at a loss for words yesterday

[eppyone]

Originally Posted by edelweiss pirate

This is a pointless thread.

Just a bunch of masons creating a smokescreen.

I vote for the spam room.

There are thousands of pointless threads in this forum. If you think this one is pointless, I'm sure your valuable input will not be missed here.

[mikul003]

Nah eppy, threads about lizard men and reading minds are way more important...obviously

[eastbeast]

Originally Posted by edelweiss pirate

This is a pointless thread.

Just a bunch of masons creating a smokescreen.

I vote for the spam room.

How is it a smokescreen?
What is it we are attempting to conceal?

[scorpio]

Originally Posted by eastbeast

How is it a smokescreen?
What is it we are attempting to conceal?

The second degree is a degree that IMHO gives the freemason further light and has many fine passages of ritual. Freemasonry is open to all men who believe in a Deity and want to meet like minded people.

It forbids the discussion of politics and religion when meeting as Freemasons.
We have nothing to hide
Scorpio the Scottish Freemason

[seers among us]

This sounds like Scientology. And why make a thread about an initiation that you can't even go into the slightest detail about?

If you give more money do you get "enlightened" more?

[eastbeast]

Originally Posted by scorpio

The second degree is a degree that IMHO gives the freemason further light and has many fine passages of ritual. Freemasonry is open to all men who believe in a Deity and want to meet like minded people.

It forbids the discussion of politics and religion when meeting as Freemasons.
We have nothing to hide
Scorpio the Scottish Freemason

I am beginning to think that even though there is nothing to hide and nothing is hidden, some people take that as a challenge to invent something.....

[jconnar]

Originally Posted by eastbeast

I am beginning to think that even though there is nothing to hide and nothing is hidden, some people take that as a challenge to invent something.....

So what exactly happens in the second degree? How is a Mason given more light?

[mikul003]

Originally Posted by seers among us

This sounds like Scientology. And why make a thread about an initiation that you can't even go into the slightest detail about?

If you give more money do you get "enlightened" more?

You have never been to a church where they "pass the plate" or the concept of tithing? At least the lodge only wants dues, and that's to maintain the building. Where as the church uses their money to hide pedophiles; there is a REAL vatican conspiracy.

[skaff]

Originally Posted by mikul003

You have never been to a church where they "pass the plate" or the concept of tithing? At least the lodge only wants dues, and that's to maintain the building. Where as the church uses their money to hide pedophiles; there is a REAL vatican conspiracy.

I don't think that is strictly true. My understanding is that masonic 'fees' go towards the different masonic charities. That doesn't necessarily mean charity for masons though. I know alot of the money goes outside as well. When i worked in a hospital caring for injured troops, the local lodges used funds from the charities to provide specialist equipment for them as well as simple things like taking them out for a meal when they were strong enough.

Your point on tithing though is a valid one. Many institutions (both religious and non-religious) do this and, providing that it is managed well, is an admirable trait. I'll leave it to others to debate which category masonry falls into but from personal experience i have found nothing but honourable actions when i have had dealings with them.