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Originally posted by Optimist Prime
Okay. I've wanted to join since I was 13. I am 21 now so how do I join?
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First of all, congratulations on taking the first step in becoming a Freemason. Traditionally, you must ask for membership of your own free will and accord. Many Masonic grand lodges have relaxed the 'no solicitation' clause for membership though you won't see them coercing anyone into joining our Order.
Since you live in Virginia, take a look at the Grand Lodge of Virginia web site at
http://www.grandlodgeofvirginia.org/ ; in it you'll find more information about Freemasonry and the addresses and contacts of the Masonic lodge in your area.
You'll probably be contacting the lodge's secretary first, since he is the one who generally runs the day-to-day operations of the lodge. You'll probably be asked to visit the lodge and invited to dinner so you can meet the brethren, if you are sincerely interested in becoming a member, you will be given a petition for membership.
After you fill it out and return it to the secretary, it will be read in open lodge during a stated meeting. An investigating committee will be appointed to interview you and give you the opportunity to ask questions about the fraternity.
The committee reports on the petitioner at the following stated meeting and then the ballot is spread. In many Grand Lodges the ballot must be unanimous to elect a candidate to membership. Following election, you will be contacted to receive the first, or Entered Apprentice degree in lodge.
There are three degrees in Symbolic, or 'Blue Lodge' Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. Each degree is very symbolic and teaches many lessons in morality. Before being passed to the Fellowcraft degree or raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason you must pass an examination consisting of a series of lectures that will enable to prove yourself proficient in each degree. You will be assigned an instructor or 'coach' and taught the lectures, which in many Masonic jurisdictions are only taught by mouth-to-ear.
Depending on your ability to remember and recall the lectures, it takes anywhere from three to five months from EA to MM.
After passing the proficiency of the Master Mason degree or having completed other requirements depending on the Grand Lodge, you are then eligible to join the Scottish or York Rites and or the Shrine, which expand on the symbolism of Masonry.
Any other questions you might have, please feel free and PM me. Good luck and wish you the best!