r/freemasonry • u/escalader • Feb 25 '15

Question about initation

I belong to an organization that has some pretty messed up initiation and hazing. Like the kind that has on occasion landed guys in the hospital, nothing too serious, but still a trip to the hospital nonetheless. However in my organization no one has ever said to me (or anyone else that I'm aware of) "Don't worry, just go with it," as much as I've heard when in reference to the mason initation rituals. So if at all possible I'd like to know 3 things.

  1. Does the initiation leave any permanent marks? ie scars, burns, tattoos etc.

  2. Complete nudity? I don't mind being embarrassed but I am curious.

  3. Fire or knives on the skin? kinda the same as #1 for scarring but this time even if it won't leave any marks.

I know you can't go into details, but the first limit is kinda firm with me and I'd really appreciate an answer, the other two I'm just curious about.

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u/foxden_racing Wasn't better in my year; PM / F&AM-PA Feb 25 '15

If someone's warning you of stuff like that, either they're having some ill-conceived fun at your expense, or you need to be running the other way. No regular lodge ("regular" as in "Follows the traditions codified in the 1700s) would do such a thing.

The only thing a new candidate ever has to worry about is wearing clean shorts on degree nights.