[manfernandez]

Good day all,

I am new to the forum and new to Freemasons. I have petitioned my local lodge and I have been doing much research. I hope to be able to be an asset to the forum.

I had a question regarding preparation for my journey. I have ordered the "complete idiots guide to Freemason" and some DVDs as well. I was wondering what else I can read/view to get me prepared. I want to be prepared if at all possible respecting the "secrecy"

I am somewhat of a perfectionist. Whatever I set my mind to, I must be the BEST I can be. Most of the time I am my worst critic though.

I look forward to you feedback.

Thank you and have a wonderful day.

Manny

[Ashlar521]

Welcome to Freemason Hall and congrats on joining the Fraternity . As regards to preperation in becoming a Freemason , I always tell new candidates to go in blind . If you find out too much , then it may ruin the experiance for you . "Freemasons for Dummies" is fine , but I really wouldn't go into things that delve into the degree work itself . Things like how the degree itself is done , the Obligation , grips words and what have you . I would just stick to the basics . You have plenty of time to learn all about Freemasonry when you are Raised to the Sublime degree of a Master Mason . What you may read in a book or on the internet or whatch on a video may not be how things are done in the Lodge you are joining . They will teach you what is needed as you go along so don't sweat it , you'll do fine .

All you need to do to prepare to become a Freemason is to show up with an open heart and mind and enjoy . Let your future Brother's worry about the rest .

[manfernandez]

Ashlar521,

Thank you for your prompt response. It is great to see an active forum. Point well taken. My comments were based on something I read saying that there were many Freemasons that did not make an effort to learn about the craft and were stagnant in their respective lodges. Since this is new to me, I want to make sure I do not give that impression. I am also excited about Freemasonry.

I most certainly want to experience all that Freemasonry has to offer. And understand that with time comes knowledge. I do not want to learn about what takes place behind closed doors, yet. I wanted to learn what I should to be "up to speed" (if if course there is such a state). Things such as history of Freemasons, maybe terminology etc.

I am sure the book you recommended will give me precisely that information. I will order that one today. Do you have any comments regarding (Amazon.com: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Freemasonry S. Brent Morris: Books) I ordered it based on the review by A.C. Hopper (the last review)?

Again, thank you for you response and thanks for the advise. I will certainly take it.

Manny

[BG_TRBL]

Manny,
Welcome to freemason hall, the forum, and most of all the fraternity. As Ashlar has so nicely put it, I would prefer you go in blind as well. Knowing too much about the process detracts from the actual journey you are taking. Don't worry, everything should be explained to you during your journey. Keep an open mind and just concentrate on what is happening in the present. I am sure you will find it the best way to experience it, many others have. I wish you the best of luck with your entrance into freemasonry.

I will issue a few words of caution if you elect to pursue additional information before receiving any of the degrees, do NOT believe all that you hear from others, and only about 1/2 of what you see unless you are in the lodge. I hasten to say such things but if your on the internet, there is more written about masonry than any of us could ever possibly comprehend. The hard part is the Anti-Masonic rhetoric, this tends to sway the less informed as I am sure you will see.

Again, congrats and keep us all informed with your progress.

[manfernandez]

BG_TRBL

Thank you for you response. I will take your advice and slow the information gathering. I am in the Digital Forensics business and it is a force of habit to "over collect information"

I look forward to communicating with you all in the future and I will keep you informed.

Once again, Thanks

Manny

[Jason]

Greetings and salutations. Well I hate to re-hash it, but I believe going in blind is the best choice. Just pay attention, after you go through, your Lodge should allow you to sit in on the degree next time its put on.

I went through with a Brother who read a few books on the degree work. He kept saying they didn't do this or that, and I don't think he really grasped what was being done as he was waiting for something that never came.

You will do fine.

BTW, how is South Florida treating you? You been getting those nightly rain storms down there?

[manfernandez]

Thanks for the reply.

As for South Florida, well it is either really hot or really wet. Sometimes hot and wet

But yes nightly rains have been crazy.

Thanks again,

Manny

[Jason]

Originally Posted by manfernandez

Thanks for the reply.

As for South Florida, well it is either really hot or really wet. Sometimes hot and wet

But yes nightly rains have been crazy.

Thanks again,

Manny

Yeah, I live just north of Tampa. I kind of miss the 3pm showers, nice and lite and didn't get so humid afterwards.

[Ashlar521]

Manfernandez , You are on the right track now . I know it's hard to refrain from reading everything you can concerning Freemasonry and I know where you are coming from about wanting all the info you can find , I am the same way . After you become a Master Mason , if your like me , you will have a library full of Masonic literature .

[manfernandez]

Thank you sir.

I will be in touch.

Manny