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In-depth articles exploring the fascinating world of Freemasonry — from hidden symbolism to untold history.

Three stone steps rising in a candle-lit lodge hall with a checkered floor
Degrees

How Many Degrees Are There in Freemasonry?

How many degrees are in Freemasonry? There are three in the lodge itself. Here is how the Scottish Rite's 33 and the York Rite's 10 fit in.

2 min readRead More
An empty stadium at dusk with a single lectern on the stage
Myths & Facts

Was Billy Graham a Freemason? The Facts

Was Billy Graham a Freemason? No. He and his ministry denied it, and no lodge record lists him. Here is where the rumor started and why it persists.

2 min readRead More
An empty church pulpit with an open Bible under warm light
Myths & Facts

Is T.D. Jakes a Freemason? What the Evidence Shows

Is Bishop T.D. Jakes a Freemason? He has publicly said he is not. Here is where the rumor comes from and what the evidence actually shows.

2 min readRead More
A vintage electric guitar and amplifier on a dimly lit stage
History

Rock Stars and Musicians Who Are Freemasons

Which rock stars are Freemasons? Meet the musicians with documented lodge membership, from Rick Wakeman to John Entwistle, and the rumors that fall apart.

2 min readRead More
A brass Masonic square and compasses resting on an open book
Symbols

The Square and Compasses: Meaning of Freemasonry's Most Famous Symbol

What do the square and compasses mean in Freemasonry? Discover the history and symbolism behind the most recognized emblem of the Masonic fraternity.

2 min readRead More
Close-up of the letter G inside the Masonic square and compasses
Symbols

What Does the "G" Mean in the Masonic Symbol?

The letter G sits at the heart of the Masonic square and compasses. Learn what the G really stands for and why it is central to Freemasonry.

2 min readRead More
The all-seeing Eye of Providence surrounded by rays of light
Symbols

The All-Seeing Eye: The True Meaning of the Eye of Providence

Is the all-seeing eye a Masonic symbol? Explore the real history and meaning of the Eye of Providence and how Freemasonry uses it.

2 min readRead More
A white lambskin Masonic apron with traditional decorative border
Symbols

The Masonic Apron: History and Symbolism of a Mason's Badge

Why do Freemasons wear aprons? Discover the history, symbolism, and enduring significance of the Masonic apron, the badge of a Mason.

2 min readRead More
A Masonic ring engraved with the square and compasses
Symbols

Masonic Rings: Their Meaning and the Etiquette of Wearing One

What does a Masonic ring mean, and how should it be worn? A clear guide to the symbolism and etiquette of Masonic rings.

2 min readRead More
Symbolic depiction of the building of King Solomon's Temple
History

The Legend of Hiram Abiff: The Central Story of Freemasonry

Who was Hiram Abiff, and why is his legend central to Freemasonry? Explore the meaning of the Craft's most important allegory.

2 min readRead More
Medieval stonemasons building a Gothic cathedral
History

From Stonemasons to Global Brotherhood: The Origins of Freemasonry

Where did Freemasonry come from? Trace the history of the Craft from medieval stonemason guilds to the worldwide fraternity of today.

2 min readRead More
Historic Masonic lodge building representing Prince Hall Freemasonry
History

Prince Hall Freemasonry: The African American Masonic Tradition

Discover the history of Prince Hall Freemasonry, the influential African American branch of the Craft founded in the 18th century.

2 min readRead More
A world map symbolizing the global reach of Freemasonry
History

Freemasonry Around the World: A Truly Global Brotherhood

How widespread is Freemasonry? Explore how the Craft is organized across different countries and what unites Masons around the world.

2 min readRead More
Old printed pamphlet representing historical anti-Masonic literature
History

Anti-Masonry: A History of Opposition to Freemasonry

Why has Freemasonry faced opposition throughout history? Explore the roots of anti-Masonry, from the 1820s to the present day.

2 min readRead More
Portrait-style illustration of an 18th century composer at a piano
History

Mozart and Freemasonry: The Composer's Masonic Life

Was Mozart a Freemason? Discover how Masonic ideals shaped the life and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, including The Magic Flute.

2 min readRead More
Portrait-style illustration of Benjamin Franklin
History

Benjamin Franklin: Founding Father and Freemason

Benjamin Franklin was one of America's most famous Freemasons. Explore his Masonic career and how the fraternity shaped his public life.

2 min readRead More
Three symbolic steps representing the three degrees of Freemasonry
Degrees

The Three Degrees of Freemasonry Explained

What are the three degrees of Freemasonry? Learn about the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason degrees of the Blue Lodge.

2 min readRead More
The double-headed eagle emblem associated with the Scottish Rite
Degrees

The Scottish Rite and Its 33 Degrees Explained

What is the Scottish Rite? Learn how its degrees work, what the 33rd degree really means, and how it expands on Blue Lodge Masonry.

2 min readRead More
Emblems associated with the York Rite of Freemasonry
Degrees

The York Rite Explained: Freemasonry's Other Path

What is the York Rite? Discover the three bodies of the York Rite and how this branch of Masonry differs from the Scottish Rite.

2 min readRead More
A symbolic 33rd degree Scottish Rite emblem
Degrees

What Is a 33rd Degree Mason? The Truth About the Honor

What does it mean to be a 33rd degree Mason? Learn the truth about Freemasonry's highest honorary degree and how it is awarded.

2 min readRead More
A red fez hat associated with the Shriners
Community

Who Are the Shriners? Freemasonry's Famous Philanthropists

Who are the Shriners and how are they connected to Freemasonry? Learn about their history, their famous fez, and their childrens hospitals.

2 min readRead More
The five-pointed star emblem of the Order of the Eastern Star
Community

The Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Family

What is the Order of the Eastern Star? Explore the Masonic family of organizations that welcome women, youth, and relatives of Masons.

2 min readRead More
A medieval knight illustration representing the Knights Templar
Myths & Facts

The Knights Templar and Freemasonry: Fact vs. Legend

Are the Freemasons descended from the Knights Templar? Separate historical fact from popular legend about this famous connection.

2 min readRead More
Two hands meeting in a handshake
Myths & Facts

Masonic Handshakes: Fact vs. Fiction

Do Freemasons really have secret handshakes? Learn the truth about Masonic modes of recognition and why they exist.

2 min readRead More
An open book of sacred law on a lodge altar
Myths & Facts

Is Freemasonry a Religion? A Clear Answer

Is Freemasonry a religion? Learn why the fraternity requires belief in a Supreme Being yet is not itself a religion or a substitute for one.

2 min readRead More
A lodge doorway symbolizing the path to joining Freemasonry
Guide

Becoming a Freemason: What the Journey Is Really Like

What is it actually like to become a Freemason? A candid look at the personal journey: before you ask, the interview, your initiation, and your first year in the lodge.

3 min readRead More
A lodge building representing the costs of Masonic membership
Guide

How Much Does It Cost to Be a Freemason? Fees & Dues

How much does it cost to be a Freemason? Real published examples of initiation fees, annual dues and Grand Lodge per capita, plus optional costs to budget for.

3 min readRead More
A ceremonial gavel representing the Worshipful Master of a lodge
Guide

The Worshipful Master and Lodge Officers Explained

Who runs a Masonic lodge? Meet the Worshipful Master and the other lodge officers, and learn what each of their roles involves.

2 min readRead More
The interior of a Masonic lodge room set up for a meeting
Insider

What Goes On in a Masonic Lodge Meeting?

What actually happens at a Masonic lodge meeting? Get an honest, respectful look at a typical evening in a Masonic lodge.

2 min readRead More
The Eye of Providence and unfinished pyramid Masonic symbols on the US one-dollar bill
Symbols

The Hidden Masonic Symbols on the Dollar Bill

Is the Eye of Providence on the US dollar really a Masonic symbol? Discover the truth behind the pyramid, the all-seeing eye, and other symbols on America's most familiar currency.

2 min readRead More
US Presidents who were Freemasons, including George Washington and Franklin D. Roosevelt
History

14 US Presidents Who Were Freemasons

From George Washington to Gerald Ford, discover the 14 American Presidents who were members of the Masonic fraternity and how their membership shaped their leadership.

3 min readRead More
A Masonic lodge room set for a Freemasonry ritual and degree ceremony
Insider

What Really Happens in Masonic Rituals?

Separate fact from fiction about Masonic ceremonies. Learn what actually happens during degree work, initiations, and lodge meetings — no conspiracy theories, just the truth.

3 min readRead More
Women in Freemasonry and the Order of the Eastern Star fraternal organization
Guide

Women and Freemasonry: A Complete Guide

Can women become Freemasons? Explore the history of women in Freemasonry, the Order of the Eastern Star, co-Masonic lodges, and the evolving relationship between women and the Craft.

3 min readRead More
Freemasonry versus the Illuminati, comparing the two secret societies and their symbols
Myths & Facts

Freemasonry vs. the Illuminati: What's the Difference?

Freemasons and the Illuminati are often confused in popular culture. Learn the real differences between these two organizations and separate historical fact from conspiracy fiction.

2 min readRead More
Masonic charity and philanthropy, including Shriners Hospitals for Children
Community

Masonic Charity: How Freemasons Give Back

Freemasons are one of the largest charitable organizations in the world, contributing billions of dollars annually. Discover how Masonic charity works and who it helps.

3 min readRead More

Put Your Reading to the Test

Try the Masonic Trivia Challenge: 10 questions, 20 seconds each. Play solo, challenge a friend, or run it at your lodge.

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