What is Freemasonry? A Beginner’s Guide

Freemasonry is one of the most enduring and mysterious traditions in human history. While many believe its documented history begins in 1717 with the formation of the first Grand Lodge in England, this is merely the point at which Freemasonry was officially recorded in a structured manner. The actual origins of Freemasonry go back much further, beyond written history, spanning countless civilizations, belief systems, and initiatory schools of wisdom. It has existed under many names throughout the ages, always preserving and passing down hidden knowledge that has been lost to the rest of the world.

The teachings of Freemasonry date back to the remotest ages—tracing their lineage to ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians, the Egyptians, and the time of King Solomon. While today the society is known as Freemasonry, it has existed under different forms and names throughout history, always preserving and transmitting knowledge to those deemed worthy of receiving it. The reason for this secrecy is deeply rooted in the political and religious climate of different historical periods. To understand why Freemasonry has often operated in secrecy, one must first understand the dangers that those who pursued free thought and knowledge faced.

Throughout history, those who sought to teach free will, enlightenment, and deeper understanding often found themselves persecuted. During the Dark Ages, when fear and superstition dominated, anyone who taught ideas that challenged religious dogma or political authority could be branded a heretic, a sorcerer, or a witch, often facing execution. The church and ruling powers of the time sought to suppress anything that promoted independent thought, viewing it as a direct threat to their control. Those who possessed esoteric knowledge had no choice but to remain hidden, passing down their teachings in secret, ensuring their survival by being highly selective about who could be trusted with such wisdom.

The need for secrecy did not end there. In later centuries, particularly in Europe, simply being identified as a Freemason could mean imprisonment or execution. In more recent history, during World War II, members of Masonic lodges were targeted by oppressive regimes, sent to concentration camps alongside other persecuted groups. The persecution of those who sought knowledge and enlightenment was not limited to one era or one place—it has happened repeatedly throughout history. Because of this, Freemasonry and similar organizations had to remain hidden, developing secretive initiation processes and symbols to safeguard their teachings.

Freemasonry shares its lineage with many other groups throughout history—fraternities and initiatory orders that carried forward sacred and hidden knowledge. The Knights Templar, a powerful and secretive order of warrior-monks, suffered a brutal fate at the hands of the rulers of their time, but their knowledge and traditions did not die with them. Other esoteric traditions such as the Essenes, Pythagoreans, Therapeutae, Orphics, Eleusinian Mysteries, Mithraism, Dionysian rites, Neoplatonists, Stoics, Cynics, the Egyptian Mystery Schools, Vedic Brahmanism, Zoroastrianism, and the Rosicrucians all carried pieces of this same ancient wisdom. Each of these societies existed in different times and places, but they all shared a common goal—to preserve and pass down hidden knowledge that had the potential to transform those who understood it.

Many of these traditions masked their teachings in ways that allowed them to survive. Some embedded their knowledge in alchemy, hiding deeper truths within chemical and symbolic processes. Others disguised their teachings within religious texts, myths, and legends. Regardless of the methods used, the goal was always the same—to protect sacred wisdom from being lost or destroyed by those who would suppress it.

Today, Freemasonry continues this ancient tradition, offering a path of self-improvement, moral discipline, and deeper understanding to those who seek it. It is not simply an organization; it is a way of life, one that encourages its members to seek enlightenment, practice charity, and improve themselves through learning and application of its principles. The symbols and rituals of Freemasonry are not just remnants of an old tradition; they are tools designed to teach, to unlock deeper understanding, and to transform the individual.

For those who are drawn to its mysteries, Freemasonry provides a lifelong journey of discovery. It offers a structured way to study and apply ancient wisdom, guiding men toward becoming better versions of themselves. While much of the world has forgotten the names, ideas, and knowledge of the past, Freemasonry has preserved them. It has not just survived; it has endured, passing its teachings from generation to generation, waiting for those who seek the light of knowledge to step forward and receive it.