The word "freemason", or "freemason" (franc-maçon), which is one and the same, literally translates from French as "free mason." The philosophy of this ethical movement that arose in the 18th century is based on monotheistic religions.
Freemasonry initially arose as a closed organization, inaccessible to outsiders. The Brotherhood consists of the Great Masonic Lodges, each with its own jurisdiction. Regular lodges comply with Masonic landmarks, i.e. unchanging commandments and principles of Freemasonry. On the other hand, the interpretation of these principles varies within each concrete box: different Masonic jurisdictions adhere to their own ideas and landmarks. Lodges that do not comply with landmarks are recognized as irregular.
To express their ethical and moral system, Masons use allegories and metaphorical symbols. Freemasons often appeal to legends associated with the construction of the Temple of Solomon. According to some theories, Freemasonry originates even from the Order of the Rosicrucians or the Templars, but according to the most common version, the fraternity was founded by medieval bricklayers.
Freemasonry of our time is spread all over the world and is presented in various forms. The total number of Masons is estimated at about six million people. Historically, only a free mature man could become a freemason, and only on the recommendation of one of the members of the fraternity. Mixed Freemasonry is now widespread, although for some time the lodges that took women into their circles were considered irregular. Moreover, recently women have been creating their own lodges, existing according to principles similar to the rituals of “male” Anglo-Saxon lodges.
Famous figures of world politics and art now do not hide their belonging to Freemasonry. Among the famous members of this secret society, we can recall Winston Churchill, Henry Ford, Mark Twain, Ben Franklin. Today, Masons are not so influential and more secretive, but the fraternity remains one of the most famous in the world. Around him there are many speculations and assumptions, Freemasons are credited with "world domination" and "secret conspiracies", however, the key ethical idea of Freemasonry is an innocuous belief in a higher being that controls the course of events.
Opponents of Freemasonry accuse them of involvement in occult practices and excessive politicization. Churches of all faiths criticize Freemasons, and this is natural: their moral convictions and spiritual beliefs are often at odds.
Masons of today are differentiating more and more, but one practice remains unchanged: this is the "method of induction." It lies in the fact that for initiation into Masons, a person should be recommended by someone from already held members of society. Members of the organization observe certain greeting rituals, adhere to prescribed gestures, and have passwords. For people who are not members of the box, access to meetings is closed.
