Most candidates apply through a lodge member known to them. If they do not know anyone who is a member, they can always contact the secretary of the local lodge. Their details are usually on the website of the lodge. The ‘address book’ on this website contains the contact details of the various lodges.

Freemasonry does not have a probationary period. However, many lodges offer serious interested persons the opportunity for further orientation in addition to information meetings. After initiation as an apprentice Freemason, one is a full member of the lodge

Of course this is possible, just like any other association.

These vary per lodge from €250 per year. There is also the cost of buying an appropriate dark costume for the Open Lodges. Also, at the end of each meeting, members are presented with a begging bowl for charitable purposes. Finally, there is also a charge for participating in the brotherly meal held after a ritual meeting and an entrance fee varying per lodge.

Most lodges meet once a week in the evening on a fixed weekday. There are also lodges that meet twice or once a month.

No, there isn't. But there is little point in becoming a member and then not coming. However, family and work always come first.

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Membership is open to any free man in good standing. The latter means that his reputation will not give rise to controversy. There is no restriction based on religion, race, origin, social position or nationality. However, one must have reached the age of 18.

This is a tradition. When Freemasonry came into existence, there were only associations and clubs for men. Women can join the female Order and there is also the possibility of joining mixed Freemasonry.

In practice, Masons talk to their partner about their experience of a ritual. There is no objection to that either.

No, that is not the intention, unless for scientific study.

Freemasonry is meaning-making in groups, using symbols and rituals. Definition of a ritual: A ritual is the performance of a virtually unchanging series of formal acts and utterances that are not fully interpreted by the performers. The ritual serves a purpose. It is extremely important to realise that a ritual is a way of indicating how things should be, this in a conscious tension with how things actually are. And it does so in such a way that ritualised perfection is remembered in the everyday, uncontrollable world.

For Freemasons, symbolism provides a common language that they understand wherever in the world they meet. That language creates unity between men of completely different backgrounds, views and character.

There are three rites of initiation One is taken on as an Apprentice, then usually a year later promoted to Companion and then elevated to Master.