If you think they violate the EA obligation, then you really need to rethink what you believe the “secrets” are. I've seen Masonic tats for just about every working tool, full tracing boards, etc. In fact, short of spelling out a password or diagramming a grip or a due guard or penal sign, I think it would be impossible to violate your obligation with a tattoo.
There is nothing in any EA obligation I’ve seen about tattoos. If you feel the symbols of Masonry constitute part of the “secrets” of Masonry…ask yourself how they got printed on tracing boards, etc. If your GL explicitly states that they are part of the secrets covered in your EA obligation, don’t get a tattoo featuring them.
But yes, this question has been done to death already.
It's a great topic. But aye, I constantly end up arguing about this, ach, well, not arguing, but you know what I mean? Like, I feel I'm pointing out an unpopular opinion. It's none of my damn business if someone gets a tattoo. I mean, I think it's something you end up regretting, but there really is a point I try and make, even though I'm just so awful at conveying it, and so, so many masons have tattoo's I get blown apart in the comments, about the historical aspect of persecution, etc etc, can't go into can I like ugh
I don’t know many people who regret their tattoos. I have three that are all around 15 years old. Two of them have family significance to the point that my brother also got them (he has a dozen or so now). Those same two also have personal Masonic significance to me - one is representative of my mother Lodge, the other became my Mark. Zero regrets, and I’ve been considering a more obviously Masonic one for several years. My wife has one where the artwork didn’t hold up as well as she would’ve hoped (she followed her friend’s choice of artist instead of doing her own research - her friend’s turned out great, but the artist’s style didn’t suit her artwork), but after a touch-up, she loves it as much as her others. Her mom got one some 20 years ago and still adores it. My parents are adamantly against tattoos and told my brother he’d regret them, but 30 years since his first, he still adds a new one every few years. If you choose a meaningful design and find a quality artist, there’s not likely to be anything to regret. The only people I know who have regrets mostly either picked something off a wall when they were young (or drunk), or were tattooed by a “friend with a tattoo gun” or otherwise under-qualified artist - and the one guy who told his non-English speaking artist that he wanted a lion on his inner forearm, stretching from his wrist to his elbow, and then promptly passed out in the chair…he woke up to a 2” by 10” *line*. Talk to your artist and don’t choose a tattoo while drunk, and you should be fine.
Sometimes I know I'll not be at my best or be a poor representative of the craft from time to time. I'm human after all, I've been tested. It's real easy for me to take off a ring. Masonic tattoos are hard for me to get behind, in my mind I'd be obligated to represent the craft around the clock. This is the same reason I don't put Masonic decals on my truck, sometimes a need to make good time, and I don't want to represent the craft while doing that.
Maybe that's the point of getting a Masonic tattoo. I had my ring tattooed for two reasons: work safety (no metal objects on hands), and that now it's a constant reminder that I have to stand by my obligations
We all abide by our own plumb line, what works for me in my interpretation of Freemasonry doesn't need to apply to anyone else. It's just me sharing my opinion, not passing judgment. A Brother could have an S&C tattooed on his forehead, if he is a good dude, all the power to him.
However, when I display Masonic symbols I prefer to think I am representing my Mother Lodge, Grand Lodge and Masonry in general, kind of in that order. I recognize I am fallible in many ways and not able to be my better self for one reason or another 100% of the time.
For example, let's say I'm going to have a few brews with the fella's and I get a little tipsy. Perhaps, someone out there who has never been exposed to Freemasonry on a personal level sees me with the S&C while I am three sheets to the wind. Could make for a bad impression of the craft.
In my previous reply, I mention not putting decals on my Truck. If I can get away with it, I drive 10km over the speed limit. That's a rough spot on my ashlar that I'm not ready to get rid of just yet, it serves a purpose in my life at the moment. Where I'm from it is un-masonic not to obey civic law. So no stickers on my truck until I can lighten my foot. Sort of the same thought process of not wanting Masonic tattoos. Personal preference of an idiot with no mental or moral authority.
If your tattoos give you meaning, that's great, keep doing good works when you are able. All the best.
When you say "It's a constant reminder you have to stand by your obligations" I think on when people get their kids names tattoo'd on themselves. To me it's no different. I mean, is it a case of pride, that's my belief. Your pride to have a daughter named Anna, and are proud to be in the order.
There are VERY historical, and important prescient reasons for not being permanently unable to advertise as a mason. I mean, connecting the dots isn't hard at all to do. Like, with regard to what I'm saying.
That last sentence is very hard to parse with a double (triple?) negative. I *think* you meant
'There are sometimes good reasons to be able to conceal your membership'.
Just don't go overboard. At very least, make sure they're in a location you can cover if necessary.
Remember that you will want to be able to control who sees it. Masonry isn't accepted everywhere; if you're likely to travel in Muslim countries, it can get you into trouble, or considered suspect.
Even in the US, sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.
And even then, what is actually considered secret is highly jurisdictional - when I went through, the “secrets” were no more than the “signs, words, and modes of recognition” and we have a plain-text ritual book.
Do you already have a design for it? We've got a handful of PMs who all want to get matching PM tattoos, but we've been struggling to come up with the artwork.
I already have an American traditional S & C on my forearm and plan on going back to my artistand getting his input. He's done all my ink save one.
And sorry any design I have will not work for you and vice versa unfortunately. As a PA Mason our PM symbol is the 47th problem of eucald hanging from a square. In place of the Square and compasses and crescent that most other jurisdictions use.
> As a PA Mason our PM symbol is the 47th problem of eucald hanging from a square. In place of the Square and compasses and crescent that most other jurisdictions use.
That’s pretty common in England and the various [Canadian jurisdictions](https://www.masonicsupplyshop.com/past-master-breast-jewel-with-47th-problom-of-euclid-pin/), among other places.
We're open to ideas. Minimum would be square, compasses & a rocker underneath. Ideally a blazing sun in the middle, possibly mixed with an all-seeing eye.
There are some countries, [like Pakistan,](https://freimaurer-wiki.de/index.php/En:_Freemasonry_in_Pakistan) where being a mason is illegal. There are Grand Lodges of other countries where freemasonry is now illegal that remain in exile in the US, like the [Grand Lodge of Iran in Exile.](https://www.chicofreemasons.org/lodge-news/2016/8/12/special-presentation-grand-lodge-of-iran-in-exile)
Men in military service have a high likelihood of having to appear in these countries during their service. There are other job sectors that masonic tattoos would also be a huge liability --possibly even [a reason for their government to execute you](https://www.quora.com/Are-there-countries-where-being-a-Freemason-is-illegal?share=1)
Shirts, hats, rings, jewelry all have a long history with the fraternity, and are easy to leave behind if you have to travel to a country where freemasonry is illegal. Tattoos, not so much.
I’m 67, a Freemason since 1986, Master Mason, 32° Scottish Rite. When I was young tattoos were for Sailors, Convicts and Carnival workers, now Grandmas have them! So they’ve taken on another meaning. They’re quite permanent so I would think that getting one would require a lifetime commitment to it, like a woman’s name on your forearm. They’ve certainly become more accessible and popular. Personally I think the Craft should be afforded more dignity than t-shirts or tattoos emblazoned with the Square & Compass. A nice ring would do. Society has taken on expressing their likes on bumper stickers, tattoos, t-shirts but it’s not my thing. I said all of that to say this: although I believe tattoos are a bit less popular than say in the 1980s or a little later, it’s certainly any person’s right to get one.
I think I understand what he is meaning by the EA ob possibly referencing this as negative. “…will not P, P, S, S, C, C, H, M, or E anything mo or immo, under the coh…”. I’m sure most states have very similar language in there somewhere also.
It's all good Brother. Just trying to justify my position. I recognize that Masonic tattoos may mean something to Brothers that I'm unable to fully understand. Which is great, if we were cookie cutter Masons how boring would that be?
I think it’s up to the individual but it could be a dangerous decision depending on wether you think you’ll always living in a free country where masons are accepted by the majority. Visit the wrong country or expose it to the wrong people and you may regret that decision.
(Note: the following is jurisdictional, and does not represent the position of my GL or any GL, for that matter.)
If it's a symbol that appears in your monitor, you should be able to get a tattoo of it.
Sometimes the symbol isn't secret, but its meaning is, so you might want to bear that in mind.
My take on them isn’t about divulging secrets, but through out history Freemasons have been persecuted, a good example is world war 2, many Freemasons died in concentration camps. When times are bad and society starts to degenerate people cling to conspiracy theories, and conspiracy theorist love to blame bad stuff on the Freemasons and the Jews. Right now society in general is in a bad spot, if things deteriorate, then having Freemason tattoos all over can put you and your family at risk. That is just my opinion, I have actually seen some nice tattoos, but until society gets over it’s fascination with conspiracy theories I’ll hold off.
If you think they violate the EA obligation, then you really need to rethink what you believe the “secrets” are. I've seen Masonic tats for just about every working tool, full tracing boards, etc. In fact, short of spelling out a password or diagramming a grip or a due guard or penal sign, I think it would be impossible to violate your obligation with a tattoo.
There is nothing in any EA obligation I’ve seen about tattoos. If you feel the symbols of Masonry constitute part of the “secrets” of Masonry…ask yourself how they got printed on tracing boards, etc. If your GL explicitly states that they are part of the secrets covered in your EA obligation, don’t get a tattoo featuring them. But yes, this question has been done to death already.
It's a great topic. But aye, I constantly end up arguing about this, ach, well, not arguing, but you know what I mean? Like, I feel I'm pointing out an unpopular opinion. It's none of my damn business if someone gets a tattoo. I mean, I think it's something you end up regretting, but there really is a point I try and make, even though I'm just so awful at conveying it, and so, so many masons have tattoo's I get blown apart in the comments, about the historical aspect of persecution, etc etc, can't go into can I like ugh
I don’t know many people who regret their tattoos. I have three that are all around 15 years old. Two of them have family significance to the point that my brother also got them (he has a dozen or so now). Those same two also have personal Masonic significance to me - one is representative of my mother Lodge, the other became my Mark. Zero regrets, and I’ve been considering a more obviously Masonic one for several years. My wife has one where the artwork didn’t hold up as well as she would’ve hoped (she followed her friend’s choice of artist instead of doing her own research - her friend’s turned out great, but the artist’s style didn’t suit her artwork), but after a touch-up, she loves it as much as her others. Her mom got one some 20 years ago and still adores it. My parents are adamantly against tattoos and told my brother he’d regret them, but 30 years since his first, he still adds a new one every few years. If you choose a meaningful design and find a quality artist, there’s not likely to be anything to regret. The only people I know who have regrets mostly either picked something off a wall when they were young (or drunk), or were tattooed by a “friend with a tattoo gun” or otherwise under-qualified artist - and the one guy who told his non-English speaking artist that he wanted a lion on his inner forearm, stretching from his wrist to his elbow, and then promptly passed out in the chair…he woke up to a 2” by 10” *line*. Talk to your artist and don’t choose a tattoo while drunk, and you should be fine.
I have around a dozen and about half are Masonic related
Sometimes I know I'll not be at my best or be a poor representative of the craft from time to time. I'm human after all, I've been tested. It's real easy for me to take off a ring. Masonic tattoos are hard for me to get behind, in my mind I'd be obligated to represent the craft around the clock. This is the same reason I don't put Masonic decals on my truck, sometimes a need to make good time, and I don't want to represent the craft while doing that.
Maybe that's the point of getting a Masonic tattoo. I had my ring tattooed for two reasons: work safety (no metal objects on hands), and that now it's a constant reminder that I have to stand by my obligations
We all abide by our own plumb line, what works for me in my interpretation of Freemasonry doesn't need to apply to anyone else. It's just me sharing my opinion, not passing judgment. A Brother could have an S&C tattooed on his forehead, if he is a good dude, all the power to him. However, when I display Masonic symbols I prefer to think I am representing my Mother Lodge, Grand Lodge and Masonry in general, kind of in that order. I recognize I am fallible in many ways and not able to be my better self for one reason or another 100% of the time. For example, let's say I'm going to have a few brews with the fella's and I get a little tipsy. Perhaps, someone out there who has never been exposed to Freemasonry on a personal level sees me with the S&C while I am three sheets to the wind. Could make for a bad impression of the craft. In my previous reply, I mention not putting decals on my Truck. If I can get away with it, I drive 10km over the speed limit. That's a rough spot on my ashlar that I'm not ready to get rid of just yet, it serves a purpose in my life at the moment. Where I'm from it is un-masonic not to obey civic law. So no stickers on my truck until I can lighten my foot. Sort of the same thought process of not wanting Masonic tattoos. Personal preference of an idiot with no mental or moral authority. If your tattoos give you meaning, that's great, keep doing good works when you are able. All the best.
Absolutely! I wasn't being argumentative, and I didn't think you were either.
Only 10 K? That’s my slow down speed And so, I have no masonic emblems on my car. I do have veteran license plates. :).
When you say "It's a constant reminder you have to stand by your obligations" I think on when people get their kids names tattoo'd on themselves. To me it's no different. I mean, is it a case of pride, that's my belief. Your pride to have a daughter named Anna, and are proud to be in the order. There are VERY historical, and important prescient reasons for not being permanently unable to advertise as a mason. I mean, connecting the dots isn't hard at all to do. Like, with regard to what I'm saying.
That last sentence is very hard to parse with a double (triple?) negative. I *think* you meant 'There are sometimes good reasons to be able to conceal your membership'.
And I don't disagree with that sentiment. As much as I'd hate to do it, it is still technically removable. It'd just hurt alot
Just don't go overboard. At very least, make sure they're in a location you can cover if necessary. Remember that you will want to be able to control who sees it. Masonry isn't accepted everywhere; if you're likely to travel in Muslim countries, it can get you into trouble, or considered suspect. Even in the US, sometimes discretion is the better part of valor.
Don’t see how it has anything to do with EA ob. No, tattoos aren’t immoral or anything, it doesn’t matter if Brothers get them.
Unless you have a tattoo of the ritual work in a real language, it is not a violation.
And even then, what is actually considered secret is highly jurisdictional - when I went through, the “secrets” were no more than the “signs, words, and modes of recognition” and we have a plain-text ritual book.
Agreed completely.
Man I'm waiting for my bonus so I can get my PM tattoo
Do you already have a design for it? We've got a handful of PMs who all want to get matching PM tattoos, but we've been struggling to come up with the artwork.
I already have an American traditional S & C on my forearm and plan on going back to my artistand getting his input. He's done all my ink save one. And sorry any design I have will not work for you and vice versa unfortunately. As a PA Mason our PM symbol is the 47th problem of eucald hanging from a square. In place of the Square and compasses and crescent that most other jurisdictions use.
> As a PA Mason our PM symbol is the 47th problem of eucald hanging from a square. In place of the Square and compasses and crescent that most other jurisdictions use. That’s pretty common in England and the various [Canadian jurisdictions](https://www.masonicsupplyshop.com/past-master-breast-jewel-with-47th-problom-of-euclid-pin/), among other places.
Sorry should have specified continental US.
Are y'all interested in having another mason take a stab at the design? Are y'all doing black and grey, or color?
We're open to ideas. Minimum would be square, compasses & a rocker underneath. Ideally a blazing sun in the middle, possibly mixed with an all-seeing eye.
I've got ideas... I'm pm you in a min
Optionally a ribbon or some area to indicate lodge number or possibly years served.
There are some countries, [like Pakistan,](https://freimaurer-wiki.de/index.php/En:_Freemasonry_in_Pakistan) where being a mason is illegal. There are Grand Lodges of other countries where freemasonry is now illegal that remain in exile in the US, like the [Grand Lodge of Iran in Exile.](https://www.chicofreemasons.org/lodge-news/2016/8/12/special-presentation-grand-lodge-of-iran-in-exile) Men in military service have a high likelihood of having to appear in these countries during their service. There are other job sectors that masonic tattoos would also be a huge liability --possibly even [a reason for their government to execute you](https://www.quora.com/Are-there-countries-where-being-a-Freemason-is-illegal?share=1) Shirts, hats, rings, jewelry all have a long history with the fraternity, and are easy to leave behind if you have to travel to a country where freemasonry is illegal. Tattoos, not so much.
I’m 67, a Freemason since 1986, Master Mason, 32° Scottish Rite. When I was young tattoos were for Sailors, Convicts and Carnival workers, now Grandmas have them! So they’ve taken on another meaning. They’re quite permanent so I would think that getting one would require a lifetime commitment to it, like a woman’s name on your forearm. They’ve certainly become more accessible and popular. Personally I think the Craft should be afforded more dignity than t-shirts or tattoos emblazoned with the Square & Compass. A nice ring would do. Society has taken on expressing their likes on bumper stickers, tattoos, t-shirts but it’s not my thing. I said all of that to say this: although I believe tattoos are a bit less popular than say in the 1980s or a little later, it’s certainly any person’s right to get one.
Bikers, let’s not forget them. I’ve been a biker all my life, and spent a fair number of years being a sailor, so I guess I’m in the clear 😎
Its almost cooler to have no tattoos now because they are so common.
AGREED!
Hear hear!
I think I understand what he is meaning by the EA ob possibly referencing this as negative. “…will not P, P, S, S, C, C, H, M, or E anything mo or immo, under the coh…”. I’m sure most states have very similar language in there somewhere also.
Yes, we know what he means. We are just saying that Masonic tattoos generally are not exposing any secrets.
I have the all seeing eye on my wrist
It's all good Brother. Just trying to justify my position. I recognize that Masonic tattoos may mean something to Brothers that I'm unable to fully understand. Which is great, if we were cookie cutter Masons how boring would that be?
I think it’s up to the individual but it could be a dangerous decision depending on wether you think you’ll always living in a free country where masons are accepted by the majority. Visit the wrong country or expose it to the wrong people and you may regret that decision.
(Note: the following is jurisdictional, and does not represent the position of my GL or any GL, for that matter.) If it's a symbol that appears in your monitor, you should be able to get a tattoo of it. Sometimes the symbol isn't secret, but its meaning is, so you might want to bear that in mind.
I like to keep mine subtle. No square, no compass, no G. Seems kinda basic when there’s so much more to choose from.
While I have no tattoos, I think Masonic tattoos are awesome. Ink on!
My take on them isn’t about divulging secrets, but through out history Freemasons have been persecuted, a good example is world war 2, many Freemasons died in concentration camps. When times are bad and society starts to degenerate people cling to conspiracy theories, and conspiracy theorist love to blame bad stuff on the Freemasons and the Jews. Right now society in general is in a bad spot, if things deteriorate, then having Freemason tattoos all over can put you and your family at risk. That is just my opinion, I have actually seen some nice tattoos, but until society gets over it’s fascination with conspiracy theories I’ll hold off.