Re: Uncomfortable, Uncertain, Uncompromising

Brother Ed, Brethren all:

As my experience is quite similar as regards defining secrets, I have
learned that the nature of the secrets is more clearly explained in the
MM degree, the lectures and the charge that follow. In the first
degree, we are obligated not to reveal any of the arts parts and
points, but those are not very clear after such an information flood as
the EA degree. I believe that, as an EA, my first duty was to practice
keeping all things Masonic as secrets, not revealing anything that
occurred while the lodge was at labor (I was also given some tools with
which I would practice and perfect their use). In the FC degree, I
received more light and more clarity, and I also began to ask more
questions (and summer was over so more Brothers were accessible), to
better understand the secrets and the nature of my obligations.

At my raising, I did receive more light and a wonderful allegory that
taught me much. I also heard a lecture that partly summarized the
allegory but also brought answers to some questions that were raised in
the preceeding degrees. I received a charge, as all Master Masons in
my jurisdiction do, which aided in clarifying my duties regarding those
secrets. I also received the complete ritual, most of which is in
cipher, our Standard Manual and the Constitution and By-Laws, which
serve as references.

Between degrees, and still, I researched and discovered other sources
of light, several of which explain the arts parts and points, the
obligations, various learned opinions about what the secrets really
are.

In all that time, I was still present in Masonic newsgroups like this
one, and my idea of what was secret did change over the year since I
was first initiated. But what didn't change is that I determined for
myself and committed to keeping certain things secret. For example, as
has been stated, the real secrets are our modes and methods of
recognition, with everything else being little more than private
affairs of Masons. But I choose not only to keep those secret, but
nearly all the ritual of the three degrees. Any Mason would accept
that decision and not press me to reveal what I believe to be secret
outside of Lodge, harmony being more important.

> I *want* to let the profane
> know that Freemasonry is a wonderful body, and has more to offer than
> they could ever put in, but I *don't* want to reveal, by accident or
> exuberance, any of the secret a,p,etc... to non-brethren.

This might be easier than you think. Talk to your Secretary because he
may have literature meant for distribution outside the lodge that can
guide you in drafting your own expressions.

> In fact, I
> felt a twinge of uncertainty about typing "secret a,p,etc" in that last
> sentence.

I, too, felt likewise when I once revealed a couple of words from my
obligation. I was gently admonished about violating my obligation by
revealing those words, but I later understood the words themselves were
not secret. In your perusal of the Internet, you will come across many
documents written about Masonry. Some are tidbits of information, some
are valuable opinions and observations. It was from one of these, as I
noted earlier, where I found additional light regarding the arts parts
and points.

> What limitations do we have that serve as a clearly defined
> boundary beyond which me must not pass ? Can we cipher ? What to do ?

Hmm. Well, your jurisdiction will have indicated what they consider
secrets, and your Secretary or degree coach can certainly help you in
that regard. Otherwise, it might be safe to assume that, if several
reliable and credible sources speak freely of something, it may not
necessarily be a secret one must keep hidden from the profane world.
Other than that, use your best judgement. There's nothing wrong with
being overprotective.

> Is there a listserv for Masons who can ask/answer questions or discuss
> our craft without cowans' eyes and ears seeing and hearing what they
> should not ?

Actually, there are a couple places online that have tyled venues. One
I frequent is the Global Fraternal Network, which holds daily meetings
online. I believe, though, that most of these tyled meetings are only
open to Master Masons.

You can speak with any Brother local to you, which might be the best
and quickest way to get the answers you seek. You can ask someone
online if they would meet you in a private chat or discuss by email,
but each verifying the other is a Mason is difficult to do when you are
not face to face. The GFN I mentioned above does a fair job of
verification, but they go one step further by contacting your lodge to
verify your affiliation before you receive access to their tyled
meetings.

> I think that this group is great for letting non-Masons know what we're
> all about, and I can only hope and try to present an image that makes
> them want to ask to become one.

Being yourself, being honest to yourself and others, and posting any
fun events you attended or for which you volunteered are some of the
ways you can promote Masonry. The secrets don't have to be revealed,
but can be lumped into something like "memory and floor work, rituals
that teach Masonry with allegories and lectures..."

> I'm just a little nervous about the
> possibility that I may reveal something that is L or I to myself or any
> other person u # c % H etc...

This has made rounds all by itself, and there are about as many
opinions as respondents. Again, if you think it shouldn't be revealed,
don't reveal it.

> Hell, I may have gone too far with that
> last bit.

I won't tell anyone. :)

S&F Regards,
Larry
Holbrook #30 AF&AM
Forest Grove, Oregon

.

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