Freemasonry draws upon the traditions of the medieval stonemasons who travelled the country seeking work. Often being illiterate, they could not rely on written certificates to prove their qualifications but used instead “trade secrets” and certain words and actions. These practises continue to be used in our meetings today in exactly the same way that we use passwords and PIN numbers to access websites and bank accounts.

Each member’s experience is different and personal to them. A person’s motives for joining and his interests within the Fraternity may be very different from those of other members. As can be seen from the quotations herein, different people derive different types of satisfaction from Freemasonry.