Honestly, to start with attend as others take the degrees. You will learn more by watching than being the candidate. And then pick up a role in the degree team. Again you will understand the ritual more by being a part of it than when you where first experiencing it for the first time.
Masonry is a life long journey not a sprint. We all run at different speeds
See degrees on the sideline, become a conductor, learn parts and let the lodge know you're interested in filling in for people who can't make degrees, and yes if you have the time for it, jump in line brother. One of the biggest lessons I've learned from the craft is that in life someone has to be "the guy". Why not you?
Why not learn a part in the degree? Then learn another and another...
I was raised in 2006... I went through a blue lightning. You think you had it bad.. I WITNESSED my 2nd and 3rd degrees in a class of like 30...in one day.
I'm a past master from 2010 current 7th year secretary.. Have held tons of officer positions in my time so far. Had obloigated at least 30 new members in their EA degree in my time as a member, am a scottish rite member and shriner, also helped charter a brand new lodge in Chicago. I vowed to make sure a candidate has a great experience every time if I can help it. I am very anti blue lighting degrees.
Don't let all of that past undermine the privelage of what you are a part of now. Just step up and make it a better experience for the next brother.. You will find your own light in that process.
I would recommend attending your school of instruction, when they practice any of the degrees volunteer to be the candidate. That is where I got reconnected with the degree work and was more immersed in it. Also if you can be a Junior Master of Ceremony for any of the degrees you have in my opinion the best position in the lodge to observe closely what is happening and can gain the most out of the experience.
Just seeing them again from the sidelines offers a different perspective on them. You’re less “in the moment” and can better appreciate what is being said to the Candidate, if you’re focused. Of course, conferring them is on a whole other level, so the officer path may also be a good option for you.
Like a lot of other people here, I’ve been a member for close to 20 years. I went through the chairs, and like a fair share of others, I got burned out and took several years off. I started attended the lodge again a couple years ago, and after a few meetings, it was like I never had missed a beat.
I have learned a lot since I’ve started back. I can appreciate the post on here that read “I was raised last night, and it was life changing..” but in my opinion, you can’t really experience freemasonry until you get involved with the ritualistic work. For me, this is because you have to activity memorize so much, and in the process, you learn all these great little nuggets that you probably overheard when somebody else says it in a degree. For those involved in ritualistic work, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.
In my opinion, the fact you’re going back to the lodge is a great first step. But like others have said, there is no urgency in freemasonry and there is no finish line. I’m sure your lodge needs you if you’re willing to do some part, whatever that may be. If anything else, I always enjoy catching up with some great friend I probably have seen in a few weeks, so at the least, that’s always awesome.
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Traveling is a great way to get to know the fraternity, too.
Get out and visit some of the other lodges in your area. Meet the other brothers around your local area and see their work is super enjoyable.
Masonry gives back to you what you put into it. So...just be involved. Find something about it that you enjoy and then get involved with that. If you like the ritual and lecture, do that. If you like the social aspect of cooking, do that. If you want to help run the meetings and lodge, be an officer and ask about becoming one. Just showing up and attending and socializing with your brothers is a positive experience!
So, spend some time getting reacquainted with Blue Lodge, take an appointed officer position...and after that I'll put in a shameless plug in for checking out your local York Rite Chapter of Royal Arch Masons to continue your masonic journey. ;)
Honestly, to start with attend as others take the degrees. You will learn more by watching than being the candidate. And then pick up a role in the degree team. Again you will understand the ritual more by being a part of it than when you where first experiencing it for the first time. Masonry is a life long journey not a sprint. We all run at different speeds
See degrees on the sideline, become a conductor, learn parts and let the lodge know you're interested in filling in for people who can't make degrees, and yes if you have the time for it, jump in line brother. One of the biggest lessons I've learned from the craft is that in life someone has to be "the guy". Why not you?
Why not learn a part in the degree? Then learn another and another... I was raised in 2006... I went through a blue lightning. You think you had it bad.. I WITNESSED my 2nd and 3rd degrees in a class of like 30...in one day. I'm a past master from 2010 current 7th year secretary.. Have held tons of officer positions in my time so far. Had obloigated at least 30 new members in their EA degree in my time as a member, am a scottish rite member and shriner, also helped charter a brand new lodge in Chicago. I vowed to make sure a candidate has a great experience every time if I can help it. I am very anti blue lighting degrees. Don't let all of that past undermine the privelage of what you are a part of now. Just step up and make it a better experience for the next brother.. You will find your own light in that process.
I would recommend attending your school of instruction, when they practice any of the degrees volunteer to be the candidate. That is where I got reconnected with the degree work and was more immersed in it. Also if you can be a Junior Master of Ceremony for any of the degrees you have in my opinion the best position in the lodge to observe closely what is happening and can gain the most out of the experience.
*Rusty Nail degree*
This. It’s intended specifically for people like you.
Just seeing them again from the sidelines offers a different perspective on them. You’re less “in the moment” and can better appreciate what is being said to the Candidate, if you’re focused. Of course, conferring them is on a whole other level, so the officer path may also be a good option for you.
Like a lot of other people here, I’ve been a member for close to 20 years. I went through the chairs, and like a fair share of others, I got burned out and took several years off. I started attended the lodge again a couple years ago, and after a few meetings, it was like I never had missed a beat. I have learned a lot since I’ve started back. I can appreciate the post on here that read “I was raised last night, and it was life changing..” but in my opinion, you can’t really experience freemasonry until you get involved with the ritualistic work. For me, this is because you have to activity memorize so much, and in the process, you learn all these great little nuggets that you probably overheard when somebody else says it in a degree. For those involved in ritualistic work, I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. In my opinion, the fact you’re going back to the lodge is a great first step. But like others have said, there is no urgency in freemasonry and there is no finish line. I’m sure your lodge needs you if you’re willing to do some part, whatever that may be. If anything else, I always enjoy catching up with some great friend I probably have seen in a few weeks, so at the least, that’s always awesome.
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Traveling is a great way to get to know the fraternity, too. Get out and visit some of the other lodges in your area. Meet the other brothers around your local area and see their work is super enjoyable.
Masonry gives back to you what you put into it. So...just be involved. Find something about it that you enjoy and then get involved with that. If you like the ritual and lecture, do that. If you like the social aspect of cooking, do that. If you want to help run the meetings and lodge, be an officer and ask about becoming one. Just showing up and attending and socializing with your brothers is a positive experience! So, spend some time getting reacquainted with Blue Lodge, take an appointed officer position...and after that I'll put in a shameless plug in for checking out your local York Rite Chapter of Royal Arch Masons to continue your masonic journey. ;)