Today I made the initial step in becoming a Mason by petitioning a lodge. I should be able to begn my degree work upon returning from this deployment (as long as my petition goes through). My question is whether or not there is anything I can do now to prepare myself for the degree work? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Congratulations on your decision to join the gentle craft.You are already a Mason in your heart. I see that you are at Fort Campbell. Are you joining a Tennessee lodge, or Kentucky ?

You may wish to read

"Freemasonry for Dummies"
and
"The complete idiot's guide to Freemasonry"

both available from Amazon.com These books explain a great deal about Masonry and the appendant bodies of Masonry.

You may be able to complete the ceremonial and degree work in Iraq. There are many lodges here.

Check in with your base chaplain's office when you arrive. Masonry is NOT a religion, but Chaplains often provide meeting rooms, and administrative support for the lodges.

Look around for Masons when you arrive in Iraq.

I petitioned a lodge here in Kentucky. Also, we're operating off of a smaller base so I'm not sure if there is a lodge there but I'll have to check.

quote:

Originally posted by saber519d:
Today I made the initial step in becoming a Mason by petitioning a lodge. I should be able to begin my degree work upon returning from this deployment (as long as my petition goes through). My question is whether or not there is anything I can do now to prepare myself for the degree work? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

No, Freemasonry does not ask anything of petitioners until they receive their first degree, or Entered Apprentist degree. Thanks for serving our country. Let us all know when you take your degrees.

Fraternally,
/s/
Terry, PM
Freemason
U.S. Army (Ret.)
Hot Topics Moderator

Freemasonry for dummies is an awesome book. I found it to be very informative and accurate.