Step One

Brothers who are already a Freemason, click here

 

HOW TO BECOME A FREEMASON

 

Step 1 – The Basics

To begin, here is a list of initial qualifications:

  • Be a man.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be a resident of the State of Washington.
  • Possess a belief in the existence of a Supreme Being.
  • Be capable of reading and writing, hearing, seeing and feeling.
  • Be of good moral character and free from previous felony convictions (we may conduct a criminal background check).
  • Obtain three signatures on your petition from members of Esoterika Lodge. These members must know you well enough to vouch for you.
  • Attended at least four consecutive dinners prior to submitting your petition.

 

 

Not Like Other Lodges

Esoterika has a quality-focused approach to Freemasonry which is significantly different that other lodges. In most other lodges in the area, you may Petition, join and receive the degrees in a short period of time. This approach is thought to inspire Master Masons who will then learn more about the degree experience and Freemasonry as a whole.

 

Esoterika Lodge has a different approach. Generally, each of the degrees will take approximately one year to complete. There is a fair amount of reading involved. Understanding of the degree must be demonstrated before progressing to the next degree. You will have a mentor and/or coach to assist you with your learning. When completed, our experience is that you will have a far greater understanding and appreciation of Freemasonry and the teachings of each of the three degrees.

 

You will be encouraged to visit several lodges in the area so that we may assist you in determining the best lodge for you. The Membership Coordinator will assist you in making proper introductions so that you are comfortable with your visits. It is most important for us to help you find the right lodge for you - even if it is not Esoterika! Ultimately, we want your Masonic career to be spiritually and intellectually fulfilling and successful.

 

 

It Takes Commitment

Becoming a Freemason is a serious commitment that should never be entered into lightly. Prior to submitting your Petition, you should spend time getting to know the Brothers of Esoterika by attending dinners and meeting with its members. You should also understand that Esoterika requires dedication from its members. We expect you to attend all dinners and open Lodge activities. The Brothers of Esoterika will commit a significant amount of time, educational opportunities, mentoring and resources to assist you in your Masonic journey.  It is therefore expected, that you will return this favor by a similar commitment to learn and progress through the degrees in a timely manner.

 

Esoterika Lodge is focused on the esoteric practice and study of Freemasonry and, more importantly, taking the lessons that you learn and inculcating these into your everyday life.

 

 

Degrees

Simply put, there are three “Degrees” in Freemasonry. They are the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason degrees. Each degree is similar to a play in which you are a participant. There is nothing that you need to do at this time to prepare for a degree. Each degree teaches a variety of allegorical, moral and philosophical lessons.

 

Esoterika expands upon these teachings so that the candidate learns these before progressing to the next degree.

 

 

Time, Energy, Money

In keeping our dedication to quality and education Esoterika has high standards. We accept a limited number of new Petitions (Candidates) in January. We welcome and encourage you to attend our dinners and open events. 

 

To be eligible for membership in Esoterika we require your time, effort and money.

 

Time – Candidates participant in a degree. These take several hours and there is generally a celebration afterward. Candidates are required to memorize some material, read and work with their mentor/coach.

 

Energy – Similar to taking a night class, we have homework which requires effort. This can be done a little bit at a time, but will require focused attention.

 

Money – We require our members to purchase books to create their Masonic Library and to study. As a candidate working through degrees, you will not pay annual dues. However, you should expect to purchase material for your studies. These are approximately $100 per year and spread out over that time. You will be asked to assist in degrees and purchase one-time regalia for the degrees.

 

 

What to know before submitting your petition

To become a Freemason, you must submit a “Petition” to the Lodge you wish to join. A Petition is basically an application which provides the lodge with your background information.  Therefore, selecting the right lodge to submit a Petition is very important! Each Masonic lodge has an individual focus - essentially, what you may be involved in after you receive the degrees of Freemasonry.

 

 

Submitting a Petition

You will be introduced to our membership coordinator who will work with you to meet each of the members. Once you have three members who will sign your petition and you have decided that you want to join Esoterika, you will first complete a petition (please discuss with the Membership Coordinator). The fee to petition the Lodge is $500 and annual dues are approximately $500. Once you completely fill out your Petition, you will need to bring it, along with the applicable petition fee, to our January dinner. At our January dinner, you will need to have three Brothers, who deem you a worthy individual, endorse your Petition before it can be submitted to the Lodge. That being said, you are welcome and advised to join us for dinner at our June and October dinners to provide Brothers an opportunity to get to know you and for you to get to know Esoterika. 

 

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The Allegory of the Cave