What is the Masonic handshake?

A Masonic handshake (or "grip") is a symbolic touch, not a secret one, used within Freemasonry for members to identify each other and signify their degree (level) during ceremonies, with different grips for the Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason degrees, teaching moral lessons, though many "secrets" have become public knowledge online. While depicted in media, Masons usually identify each other outside of lodges through spoken words, dues cards, or simply by asking, rather than using these grips publicly.

How do Masons greet each other?

Today, there are a dozen different secret handshakes within Freemasonry that are used depending on the level of the Mason. For example, a Worshipful Master uses a different handshake than an Entered Apprentice. Using these greetings, Brethren can identify a Mason's rank without ever uttering a word.

What does 3-5-7 mean in masonry?

In Freemasonry, "357" refers to key symbolic numbers representing moral and intellectual growth, particularly in the Fellow Craft degree, symbolizing steps on the winding stair: 3 for the three principal officers/degrees, 5 for the Five Orders of Architecture/senses, and 7 for the Seven Liberal Arts/Sciences, all leading to wisdom, while "Mason 357" can also denote a specific ritualistic lecture system (Preston-Webb) or a modern membership goal (raising 3%, reinstating 5%, losing < 7%). 

What is the Masons golden rule?

Masons are explicitly charged to practice the Golden Rule, to “do unto him as you wish he should do unto you.” This principle is a key reason why Freemasonry is not a religion but a fraternity that respects all of them, requiring only that its members believe in a Supreme Being.

Why do Christians not like Freemasons?

Many Christians oppose Freemasonry due to fundamental clashes in core beliefs, including differing views on Jesus' uniqueness (Christians see Him as the only way to God, while Freemasonry promotes religious universalism), salvation (Christians believe in grace through faith, vs. Masonic ideas of works or secret knowledge), oaths (James 5:12 vs. Masonic vows), and the perceived mixing of Christianity with pagan or occultic symbols and teachings. Critics argue Masonry presents itself as a parallel path to God, undermining Christ's exclusive claims, and uses rituals that contradict Christian scripture, leading many denominations to prohibit membership. 

"Masonic Handshakes" ~ Freemasonry

What does the Bible say about Masons?

The Bible doesn't mention Freemasons because it predates the fraternity, but Christian interpretations conflict with Masonic teachings on key doctrines like salvation, God's nature, and exclusive truth, with some verses (like Matthew 5:34-37 and James 5:12) cited against Masonic oaths and universalism, while other denominations find compatibility by viewing Freemasonry as a moral, non-religious fraternity. 

What is the 8 hour rule for Freemasons?

The "8 hour rule" in Freemasonry refers to the symbolic division of a 24-hour day into three equal parts, taught through the 24-inch gauge working tool, encouraging Masons to dedicate eight hours to God/brotherly relief, eight to their usual vocations, and eight to refreshment and sleep for balance and moderation. While the concept of an eight-hour day for labor was later a significant labor movement achievement (first won by stonemasons in Australia in 1856), the Masonic teaching emphasizes spiritual/fraternal duty, work, and rest as a guiding principle for personal discipline.
 

What secrets do the Masons hold?

Freemasons often say that they "are not a secret society, but rather a society with secrets". The secrets of Freemasonry are the various modes of recognition – grips (handshakes), words (akin to modern passwords), and signs (hand gestures) that indicate one is a Freemason.

Why do Masons like 33?

The number 33 is significant in Freemasonry primarily because it's the highest degree (Sovereign Grand Inspector General) in the Scottish Rite, an honorary title for exceptional service, symbolizing spiritual perfection, wisdom, and leadership. It also holds esoteric meaning, connecting to the 33 vertebrae in the human spine as a path for spiritual awakening, and represents a pinnacle of dedication within the Craft.
 

Can Masons tell people they are Masons?

Yes, Freemasons can tell people they are members, as it's not a secret society in the traditional sense, but they generally won't reveal another Mason's membership without consent, and many prefer discretion due to misunderstanding or privacy, although wearing pins or discussing community involvement are common ways to show affiliation. While the specific words and grips of their rituals are kept private as a matter of trust, the organization itself is open about its existence and charitable work, with members free to disclose their own status. 

Is Joe Biden a Freemason?

The most recent president to have undisputed membership is Gerald Ford. Ronald Reagan was granted an honorary membership in 1988, and Joe Biden was declared a "Mason at Sight" by the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina in 2025, although it is disputed whether he accepted membership.

What do Masons call their God?

Jahbulon or Jabulon or Jahbuhlun (supposedly from Hebrew: יָהּ‎ בַּעַל אוֹן, romanized: Yāh baʿal ʾōn, "Jah-Baal-strength") is a word which historically was used, and is allegedly still used in some rituals of Royal Arch Masonry and derivations thereof.

Is 47 a Masonic number?

The 47th problem of Euclid is a perfect Freemasonry symbol. It teaches us to bow our head in respect to how the arts and the sciences work with religion. The 47th problem of Euclid teaches man to stand in awe of God's given knowledge to man and how the sciences and the arts work.

How do Masons say amen?

So mote it be - Wikipedia.

Why do Masons roll up their trouser legs?

Another Masonic ritual is the rolled-up trouser leg. "It's the one that gives us the most trouble," says Bob Cooper. "What it means is that your skin touches the lodge so there is physical contact between you and the lodge.

What is the secret code of the Masons?

The pigpen cipher (alternatively referred to as the masonic cipher, Freemason's cipher, Rosicrucian cipher, Napoleon cipher, and tic-tac-toe cipher) is a geometric simple substitution cipher, which exchanges letters for symbols which are fragments of a grid.

Why is Freemasonry feared?

There have long been conspiracy theories concerning Freemasonry in which the organization is either bent on world domination or it is already covertly in control of world politics.

Which president was 33 degree Mason?

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd U.S. President, was a prominent Freemason who received the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite in 1945, the highest honor in that branch, and was also a Past Grand Master of Missouri. He considered this distinction, the 33° Honorary, a significant achievement, making him the only U.S. President to hold it.
 

Is a shriner higher than a Mason?

There is no higher degree in Freemasonry than that of Master Mason (the Third Degree). Shriner are distinguished by an enjoyment of life in the interest of philanthropy.

Do Masons believe in God?

Yes, Freemasons are required to believe in a Supreme Being (God) but not a specific one, making the organization compatible with various faiths like Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Hinduism, as long as members acknowledge a deity and an immortal soul, using titles like the "Grand Architect of the Universe" to maintain unity. Masonry itself isn't a religion but a fraternal organization that encourages religious belief and personal moral improvement, emphasizing that the path to God is personal. 

What are Freemasons not allowed to talk about?

Anglo-American style Freemasonry, which insists that a "volume of sacred law" (such as the Bible, Quran or other religious text) should be open in a working lodge, that every member should profess belief in a supreme being, that only men should be admitted, and discussion of religion or politics does not take place ...

Why do Masons knock three times?

According to Strieber, the pattern of three knocks is important in certain Masonic initiations, appears in Mozart's Masonic opera, The Magic Flute, and indicates a move from a lower to higher level. In Tibetan Buddhism, three groups of three knocks represents progress in past, present, and future time.

What disqualifies you from becoming a Freemason?

Freemason disqualifications center on character, belief, and intent: you must be a man (in traditional Freemasonry) of good moral character, believe in a Supreme Being (atheists are excluded), be of legal age, and apply for genuine self-improvement, not personal gain, with reasons like a significant criminal history (especially of "moral turpitude") or dishonesty about your past being major barriers, though minor offenses with full disclosure are often manageable. 

What happens at a Masonic Ladies Night?

Ladies' Nights can often be grand affairs, and may include gifts for the ladies, black or white tie attire, toasts to the King, presentations, and poems and songs presented or sung by the Masons to the women.

Is Shaquille Oneal a Freemason?

Yes, Shaquille O'Neal is a Freemason, a member of the Prince Hall African-American Freemasons, initiated at Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston, Massachusetts, and even received the rare honor of being made a Master Mason "at sight" due to his charitable work and character.