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Freemasonry

Playing in Narrative​

My impression of Freemasonry over the years is that it gives men an opportunity to play in a safe narrative and leadership experience. This is something that's rare to find in late adulthood. Brothers experience a ritual framework in which they can inhabit symbolic stories and explore structured leadership in a safe and consequence-free space.

Freemasonry draws on allegories, fables, symbolism and myth to create the ritual. Members step into roles within the ceremonies to perform a symbolic narrative. These stories come from in moral lessons and historical and mythical figures in their pursuit of personal growth, ethical reflection, and the search for wisdom.

In between the narrative experiences that make up the initiation and ritual, each lodge operates month-to-month as a miniature parliament. Offices are filled by elections and meetings are run by established rules of order. During meetings brothers take turns in discussions and voting on decisions. This structure allows everyone to practice public speaking, leadership, and mediation in a supportive environment.

This combination of story and structure creates a space for experimentation. A member may serve as a moral guide one month and a presiding officer the next with each role offering a new perspective. Within the lodge these shifts build adaptability and confidence that can carry over into their civic, professional, and personal lives.

Last updated on by Rob Carlson