AN INTRODUCTION TO ESOTERIC FREEMASONRY

A.·. A.·. & E.·. F.·. Esoteric Freemasonry contains all the teachings, rituals and initiations of so-called "Regular Masonry."  This is no great feat since these rituals are widely available in books and over the Internet.  What we did was change the wording of these rituals slightly to avoid copyright infringement but still retain the original meaning.  This also is no great feat as it has been accomplished by others many times.   

A.·. A.·. & E.·. F.·. Esoteric Freemasonry also contains esoteric teachings, rituals and initiations for every degree.  These teachings go beyond "regular" Masonry and are intended to help the aspiring Mason to become more and more ethical, moral and spiritual according to his or her chosen spiritual path.  Nothing in the teachings, initiations or rituals of Esoteric Freemasonry are intended to change the candidate in any way other that the way the candidate intends to change him or herself.

Unlike "regular" Masons, A.·. A.·. & E.·. F.·. does not discriminate against any person regardless of age, color, creed, economic status, education, gender, handicap, occupation, political philosophies, race, religion, sexual preferences or social standing in the community.  Candidates under the age of 18 require the consent of their parent or guardian unless emancipated.  We do not use the "black ball" system to keep our adversaries, competitors and enemies out of the lodge.

Unlike "regular" Masons, all business of the Lodge is conducted by the elected officers [ Master and two Wardens] .  Since there are no Lodge expenses and members pay no Lodge dues or fees, the Lodge does not have a treasury nor an elected treasurer.  The cost of any meals or other expenses is handled as the members decide.  Likewise, the Lodge does not have an elected Secretary to keep minutes of business meetings or handle the collection of dues and fees.  Every member is a paid-up lifetime member.

Unlike "regular" Masons who have weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or quarterly meetings, Esoteric Freemasons tend to meet informally except for initiations and practice sessions.  Informal meetings over a meal or casual drink is one way members exchange thoughts and ideas about the work of becoming a better person through Esoteric Freemasonry.  Informal get-togethers with friends and significant others to discuss important issues is another way Esoteric Freemasons "act by the plumb, meet on the level and part by the square."

To act by the plumb is to be an upright person doing the best she or he can on a daily basis to accept life, self and others.  To meet on the level is to meet heart-to-heart, face-to-face and as equals in the presence of the Divine.  To part by the square is to part with a feeling friendship and a desire for all the best for others.

Esoteric Freemasons tend to spend more time becoming better people than "regular" Masons because the esoteric teachings and rituals are designed to give them tools to become better people.  These tools require personal effort.  Those who use these tools do become better people, more so than "regular" Masons.   Most "regular" Masons who become Esoteric Masons say this is so.

Esoteric Freemasonry is intended for those people who want to become more spiritual in their everyday life, for those who want to improve themselves and their life as it is today,  and for seekers of truth.  It is truth that sets us free.  It is truth that helps us become more than we are.  It is truth that helps us travel our own spiritual path to the Divine.

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