Architectural Symbolism

• There is a wide variety of Masonic rites and rituals, and each jurisdiction is free to set its own rituals. Of course, there are similarities to be found. All Masonic rites make use of architectural symbolism, especially the tools of the medieval stonemason. These tools include the square and compass, which form the symbol of the Freemasons. Freemasons are considered speculative masons, which means they are philosophical builders rather than physical builders. They use this symbolism to teach their members ethical lessons based on the principles of "Brotherly love, Relief and Truth," or "Liberty, Equality and Fraternity" as it is in France.
  
  

Tracing Boards

• Some Masonic lodges make use of tracing boards, painted or printed illustrations depicting the symbolic emblems of Freemasonry. These can be used as teaching aids in lectures to those following the three Degrees of Masonry and when experienced masons explain the concepts of the fraternity to the new members. They are also used by experienced members as reminders of the beliefs of the organization that they learned when they were first initiated into the fraternity.
  
  

Degrees

• The personal development of Freemasons are said to be divided into three stages, or degrees. The three degrees of Craft and Blue Lodge Freemasonry are Entered Apprentice (the Degree of the initiate), Fellow Craft (an intermediate degree that involves learning) and the Master Mason (which is necessary for the participation in most aspects of Masonry). The meaning of these degree is open to interpretation, and the individual Mason is supposed to interpret these himself as he learns. Therefore, different Masons grow at different rates by these degrees. In Craft Masonry, there is no higher degree than that of Master Mason, although other groups have higher degrees.
  
  

Signs, Grips and Words

• The Freemasons are thought by many to be a sinister secret society with its own hidden agendas, but in reality the only secrets that truly exist are the gestures and passwords used to gain admission to meetings and to identify legitimate visitors. These are generally known as signs (gestures), grips (secret handshakes) and words (secret passwords spoken to each other). Starting in the 18th century, there have been many exposés written that claim to reveal these secrets to the general public. These have more often than not proven to be false, if only because the signs, grips and words vary between lodges.