# Freemason Passwords **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 30, 2001, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859 "2001-04-30T15:31:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Starbury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@Starbury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starbury)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2001, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/1 "2001-04-30T15:31:02Z")
I’ve searched the previous Freemason topics here, but I haven’t found an answer to this question: Can someone explain to me the meaning behind the word ‘ **BOAZ** ’, the password for Masons? From what I have read, this is the word used by first-degree masons. I am also curious as to what the password is used for. Do they ask you for the password to get into Mason ceremonies, or is it just a way for one Mason to identify himself to a fellow member? Do any of the other passwords have any significance (like **TUBAL CAIN** and **AMMI RUHAMAH** )? Finally, is there really a ‘secret’ handshake for members? Can someone describe it to me? I’ve done a search on the internet, but all I am able to find is vague descriptions mixed in with conspiracy theories. ---
**Author:** ![Spritle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Spritle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spritle)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2001, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/2 "2001-04-30T18:27:41Z")
You seem to be zestful in your quest, but you don’t say why. I imagine that any posters who are also Masons would not answer your questions out of loyalty to the order. I also imagine that non-Masons would not (should not?) know the answers. Perhaps that’s what is meant by ‘secret’. Usually, secret passwords and/or handshakes (along with other such) are used to identify group members and also identify non-group members. With any society that wishes to remain anonymous (although Masons do not) or a group that fears persecution, positive identification of members **and impostors** is fundamentally important. Why would anyone want to reveal these secrets and remove that ability? ---
**Author:** ![Starbury](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f04885/32.png) [@Starbury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starbury)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2001, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/3 "2001-04-30T19:19:18Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Spritle \* > **You seem to be zestful in your quest, but you don’t say why.** Is there a reason better than just curiousity? To some extent, this question stems from a recent encounter I had with a “black” mason in Newark, NJ. (That’s what he referred to himself as, anyway. I got the impression that he did not identify with the “anglo” masons) He had a tatoo on his arm of the Mason logo (with the compass and the G in the center). I remarked that it seemed strange to me that a member would be so open about it. He said that the masons were not a secret society. So I then asked him what degree he had attained, and his response was to ask me if I knew the password. (obviously this isn’t an exact transcript of our dialog) Up until that point, I had thought that talk of passwords and secret handshakes among the masons were just rumors. He seemed fairly serious about it, though. So I began researching it, and read some documents that had passwords for the various degrees of the freemasons. The words seemed fairly nonsensical to me, but I suspect that they mean something to a mason. So I asked it here. There’s been some discussion on these boards in the past on the freemasons, and there certainly are people out there who have left the group who might have that information. To be honest, I don’t see the question as being all that different from asking about the ceremonies of Judaism or the social practices of democrats, or the [type of action] of [name of group]. > [@](#): > > \*\* > With any society that wishes to remain anonymous (although Masons do not) or a group that fears persecution, positive identification of members **and impostors** is fundamentally important.\*\* I guess that’s another reason why I’m interested. I doubt that there’s any chance of persecution of masons. The anti-mason party disbanded quite some time ago. So why do they need passwords and secret handshakes? But that does bring up another question I had. The guy I talked to mentioned more than once that there were ‘many imposters’ out there. Is this really a concern for freemasons? Are there that many people out there that are only pretending to be Shriners? > [@](#): > > \*\* > Why would anyone want to reveal these secrets and remove that ability? \*\* In this day and age, with a group of that size, I can’t imagine that very many secrets can be kept (I’m just having trouble tracking them down with Google…) ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2001, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/4 "2001-04-30T20:51:11Z")
IANAM (I am not a mason), but I know that Tubal Cain was the first smith. While I can’t help you on any of the rest, other than that Boaz was the husband of Ruth and ancestor of King David, I admit I have mixed feelings about your question. On the one hand, if the masons want to keep it secret, it should be secret. On the other, I have a problem with secret societies and “hidden knowledge”. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2001, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/5 "2001-04-30T23:38:37Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Starbury \* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Spritle \* > > You seem to be zestful in your quest, but you don’t say why. > > Is there a reason better than just curiousity? Yes, there would have to be in some cases. The Masons are not a public park, nor are their buildings and meeting sites public places. They meet in private as a private group - sort of like your family meeting in private as a private family in your family home. So, say I’m curious to what you have in your house: how about handing over a key to the front door? And don’t forget the combo to the safe - I’m really curious as to what’s in there! If you don’t see the analogy here, it’s hopeless. > [@](#): > > To some extent, this question stems from a recent encounter I had with a “black” mason in Newark, NJ. (That’s what he referred to himself as, anyway. I’ve known many Prince Hall Masons and not a one of them has referred to himself as a black mason. Perchance you’re making this up? > [@](#): > > I got the impression that he did not identify with the “anglo” masons) He had a tatoo on his arm of the Mason logo (with the compass and the G in the center). “Got the impression.”?! Oh, please. The issues involved between Prince Hall and other Masons are pretty well-known to both Masonic and Non-Masonic students of Masonry (leaving out, of course, the Fundamentalist Christian groups who think anything other than them is Evil Incarnate - said groups continue to repeat very old lies). Many jurisdictions give “full faith and credit” to Prince Hall Lodges. Again, I say: Perchance you’re making this up? > [@](#): > > I remarked that it seemed strange to me that a member would be so open about it. Damn near every town I’ve lived in (overseas, too!) has had a Masonic Lodge. That’s one hell of a secret! > [@](#): > > He said that the masons were not a secret society. This is correct. The Masonic line is that they’re “a society with secrets, not a secret society.” > [@](#): > > So I then asked him what degree he had attained, and his response was to ask me if I knew the password. (obviously this isn’t an exact transcript of our dialog) Oh, that’s just BS. Every single Mason I’ve known is perfectly willing to, and does, tell someone who asks what degree in the Order he’s attained. And if he knows you’re not a Mason, he’s not going to ask you the password anyway. > [@](#): > > Up until that point, I had thought that talk of passwords and secret handshakes among the masons were just rumors. Masons aren’t the only ones with passwords. The Order of the Arrow (of which I’m a member) with the Boy Scouts has a couple, the Order of DeMolay (of which I’m a member; however, I’m not a Mason) has passwords also - not surprising since they’re sponsored by the Masons. Hell, the military uses passwords to prevent unauthorized intruders. I’m willing to bet your ISP has you use a password - hey, I’m curious as to what you do online: what’s your password, again? > [@](#): > > He seemed fairly serious about it, though. So I began researching it, and read some documents that had passwords for the various degrees of the freemasons. The words seemed fairly nonsensical to me, but I suspect that they mean something to a mason. So I asked it here. There’s been some discussion on these boards in the past on the freemasons, and there certainly are people out there who have left the group who might have that information. Short lesson: Anything purporting to provide the passwords will be from an anti-Masonic outfit. You can get salt at your local grocer’s. > [@](#): > > To be honest, I don’t see the question as being all that different from asking about the ceremonies of Judaism or the social practices of democrats, or the [type of action] of [name of group]. Then you are intentionally deluding yourself. Again: Masonry is not a church and it is not a public park. > [@](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > With any society that wishes to remain anonymous (although Masons do not) or a group that fears persecution, positive identification of members **and impostors** is fundamentally important. > > I guess that’s another reason why I’m interested. I doubt that there’s any chance of persecution of masons. The anti-mason party disbanded quite some time ago. So why do they need passwords and secret handshakes? Probably to keep non-Masons out of their private affairs. > [@](#): > > But that does bring up another question I had. The guy I talked to mentioned more than once that there were ‘many imposters’ out there. Is this really a concern for freemasons? Are there that many people out there that are only pretending to be Shriners? Well, since you evidently didn’t get the info your “curiosity” compels you to seek, I’m guessing the Masons have one less impostor to worry about. > [@](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > Why would anyone want to reveal these secrets and remove that ability? > > In this day and age, with a group of that size, I can’t imagine that very many secrets can be kept (I’m just having trouble tracking them down with Google…) Oh, it doesn’t matter the size of a group of ethical folks. If they’re ethical, they’ll keep their word. Being ethical, btw, is a very big thing with the Masons and they don’t keep that bit secret. ---
**Author:** ![coolestwhiteboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/977dab/32.png) [@coolestwhiteboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coolestwhiteboy)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2001, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/6 "2001-04-30T23:48:50Z")
This reply may be of dubious helpfulness, but you might look at the movie “The Man Who Would Be King” (or maybe the book or story by Rudyard Kipling). In the movie, one reason that Rudyard Kipling teams up with or otherwise supports the endeavors of Sean Connery (the man who would be king) is that they’re both Masons. You will see one or two instances of a secret-password-like dialogue, and PERHAPS a special handshake (I’m shaky on the handshake). First guy: Where are you traveling? Second guy: I am a traveler from the East. First guy: Where are you bound? Second guy: etc etc I also have an old 78 rpm record that I got at a rummage sale in Ettrick, Wisconsin–the site of the original Garden of Eden. In this mainly instrumental song, the chorus goes “For every guy who’s on the level [Mason symbol], there’s a girl who’s on the square [complementary Mason symbol].” Thus, perhaps there were Mason courtships involving such pickup lines as “If I told you you’re built like a brick s\*\*\*house, would you hold it against me?” ---
**Author:** ![thinksnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thinksnow/32/2849_2.png) [@thinksnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thinksnow)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/7 "2001-05-01T01:37:32Z")
Well, if they have ever documented any of these passwords or rituals, there should be a copy in the Library of Congress. Same goes for any (and every) Fraternity and Sorority, BTW & FWIW. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/8 "2001-05-01T02:31:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by thinksnow \* > \*\*Well, if they have ever documented any of these passwords or rituals, there should be a copy in the Library of Congress. Same goes for any (and every) Fraternity and Sorority, BTW & FWIW. \*\* Oh, good grief - what is the basis for that claim? I am a member of the Knights of Columbus. We, too, have rituals and degrees that are secret, although they are “documented” in the sense of existing in printed books that are distributed only to those members involved in conducting the degree ceremonies. There are no copies in the Library of Congress. And we, too, are not a secret society. Only our ceremonials are kept secret, because we feel that knowing the content ahead of time would lessen the dramatic impact of the lessons exemplified therein. - Rick ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/9 "2001-05-01T03:03:08Z")
I gather that **Starbury** has already seen this, but Cecil wrote a bit on the subject: [What’s the story on Freemasonry?](http://www.straightdope.com/classics/a4_138.html) ---
**Author:** ![thinksnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thinksnow/32/2849_2.png) [@thinksnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thinksnow)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/10 "2001-05-01T03:54:43Z")
Huh, even the vaunted **Cecil** mentions > [@](#): > > In reality, books on Masonic rituals can be found in many public libraries. **Bricker** , I don’t have a cite, as it’s word of mouth, but I suppose I could dig something up for you if you don’t think your groups have their secrets secreted away in the LOC. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/11 "2001-05-01T04:56:38Z")
I think it’s worth noting here that a publication having a “Library of Congress Catalog Number” does not mean, in any shape or form whatsoever, that the publication itself is, in fact, in the Library of Congress. All that it means is that the particular publication has a number assigned to it using the Library of Congress Cataloging system insteadof the Dewey Decimal system. ---
**Author:** ![Chas.E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e99b99/32.png) [@Chas.E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chas.E)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/12 "2001-05-01T05:30:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by thinksnow \* > \*\*Well, if they have ever documented any of these passwords or rituals, there should be a copy in the Library of Congress. \*\* Or [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com) if you just know what to look for. Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, By Albert Pike [http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564592758](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1564592758) My grandfather was a 33 degree Mason, and when he died, we found a copy of this book in his possessions, with an inscription that it was to be returned to his lodge upon his death, and signed in blood. My sister swiped it. The problem is that there are a bazillion different masonic groups, and they all have slightly different doctrines. But almost all of them are based on Albert Pike’s materials. ---
**Author:** ![Measure\_for\_Measure](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/measure_for_measure/32/557_2.png) [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/13 "2001-05-01T05:46:57Z")
A website proporting to reveal the Mason’s secret handshake and other secrets (anti-masonic site): [http://www.freemasonwatch.freepress-freespeech.com/secrets.html](http://www.freemasonwatch.freepress-freespeech.com/secrets.html) Various works of fiction (eg From Hell, Alan Moore) also have Masonic themes. Website, sponsored by the Masons, defending themselves: [http://www.masonicinfo.com/](http://www.masonicinfo.com/) Review of various secret societies: [http://www.i5ive.com/article.cfm/words/18927](http://www.i5ive.com/article.cfm/words/18927) One of many nutcase conspiratorial webpages: [http://pages.about.com/treborr/secretsocietyindex.htm](http://pages.about.com/treborr/secretsocietyindex.htm) A guide to conspiratorial websites (hey, I’m on a roll): [http://www.crank.net/conspiracy.html](http://www.crank.net/conspiracy.html) Fnord ---
**Author:** ![Flymaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/c4cdca/32.png) [@Flymaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flymaster)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/14 "2001-05-01T05:59:56Z")
One of William Poundstone’s _Big Secrets_ books purported to expose some of the Masons’ secrets. I don’t know how accurate it is, of course, but, if nothing else, it was an interesting read. ---
**Author:** ![Chas.E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e99b99/32.png) [@Chas.E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chas.E)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/15 "2001-05-01T06:19:46Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bricker \* > **I am a member of the Knights of Columbus. We, too, have rituals and degrees that are secret, although they are “documented” in the sense of existing in printed books that are distributed only to those members involved in conducting the degree ceremonies. There are no copies in the Library of Congress.** But there are copies available for public inspection at libraries. The world’s largest library of Masonic publications is The Masonic Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a scant 20 miles from where I live. I believe the second largest collection is at the Manly Hall Foundation in Los Angeles. I met Manly Hall, he was quite an interesting guy. Most of the Masonic publications are copyrighted to prevent republication, and also to prevent other masonic groups from swiping their doctrines. If they’re copyrighted, there is a copy in the Library of Congress. See my previous message, with a link to an [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com) page where you can buy the standard Masonic reference book by Albert Pike. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/16 "2001-05-01T10:48:34Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Chas.E \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Bricker \* > > **I am a member of the Knights of Columbus. We, too, have rituals and degrees that are secret, although they are “documented” in the sense of existing in printed books that are distributed only to those members involved in conducting the degree ceremonies. There are no copies in the Library of Congress.** > > But there are copies available for public inspection at libraries. The world’s largest library of Masonic publications is The Masonic Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a scant 20 miles from where I live. I believe the second largest collection is at the Manly Hall Foundation in Los Angeles. I met Manly Hall, he was quite an interesting guy. > > Most of the Masonic publications are copyrighted to prevent republication, and also to prevent other masonic groups from swiping their doctrines. If they’re copyrighted, there is a copy in the Library of Congress. See my previous message, with a link to an [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com) page where you can buy the standard Masonic reference book by Albert Pike. \*\* Where to begin? **Chas E.,** 1. I was talking about the Knights of Columbus rituals; I have no idea if masonic rituals may be found in the Library of Congress; I assure you the K of C ones are not. 2. There is no relationship between being a copyrighted material and appearing in the Library of Congress. If you wish to _register_ your copyright, then the U.S. Copyright office will have a copy. However, any original work you create is protected by copyright, even if it exists nowhere but your desk drawer. > [@](#): > > _Originally posted by thinksnow_ > **Bricker, I don’t have a cite, as it’s word of mouth, but I suppose I could dig something up for you if you don’t think your groups have their secrets secreted away in the LOC.** No, you can’t dig up such a thing. Any gratuitous assertion may be equally gratuitously denied. Yes, thinksnow, please provide a cite indicating that the Knights of Columbus initiation ceremonies may be found at the Library of Congress. - Rick ---
**Author:** ![Fenris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fenris/32/498_2.png) [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/17 "2001-05-01T12:21:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by coolestwhiteboy \* > \*\* > I also have an old 78 rpm record that I got at a rummage sale in Ettrick, Wisconsin–_the site of the original Garden of Eden._ \*\* [hijack] “site of the origianl Garden of Eden”? Wha? 1. The _Biblical_ Garden of Eden? Wisconsin…why Wisconsin? Wha? 2. The _original_ Garden of Eden? There were counterfits? Multiple copies? Backups? Please explain further! [/hijack] Fenris ---
**Author:** ![TwistofFate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@TwistofFate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwistofFate)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/18 "2001-05-01T13:16:44Z")
Maybe its “In the garden of eden” by I. Ron Butterfly? ---
**Author:** ![Spritle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Spritle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spritle)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/19 "2001-05-01T13:42:20Z")
**Monty** , you handled him well. Thanks for the added input. You responded as I wished to, (but as the first response… and I’m a wuss.) I treat society “secrets” just as that. If they wanted me to know, or didn’t mind if I knew, they’d tell me. Kind of like when the two people in the next cube are talking. BTW, I’m a former DeMolay myself (until I turned 21, of course.) **What does that mean “until I turned 21”? Are members excommunicated? Forced into Masonry? Shanghied into Shriners? Knocked into Knights Templar? I ain’t tellin… IT’S A SECRET!!** ---
**Author:** ![Milton\_De\_La\_Warre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e480ec/32.png) [@Milton\_De\_La\_Warre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Milton_De_La_Warre)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2001, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859/20 "2001-05-01T14:31:07Z")
There’s a book that I’ve seen at Barnes & Noble from time to time on their clearance tables which is apparently a reprot of an old 19th Century thing puroprting to tell all the “secrets” of Freemasonry, including the handshake. Why didn’t I buy it? Because I couldn’t care less. I’m no mason, but I’ve had relatives who were and as far as I know it only once granted a minimal benefit (besides fellowship and an occasional free drink). As far as I can tell, Masonry is the senior among a lot of other clubs like the IOOF, Moose, Elks, or what have you. It’s not like the Communist Party or something. The reason that mason secrets survive books like the aforementioned and websites like are on this post is becuase hardly anyone cares beyond idle curosity (like ion the OP). But if the secrets were a genuine big deal, then the masons would do what the military does when their secrets get out: make up some new ones. Kaiser Wilhelm had a really strong fear of the Masons for some reason. He went as far as to construct a “replica” of the supposedly secret Mason ceremony room. I can’t imagine the advantage to be gained from doing that. For me, the interest beyond idle curosity regarding the arcane ceremonies of a club is the development of the anti-Mason hate. If the History Channel is to be believed, I reckon it has its origin in the US from some kind of deal in upstate NY where some overzealous Masons may have bumped off someone who let the cats out of the masonic bags about the ceremonies. I guess fellow Masons then stacked the jury that heard the case, and it came out. You can imagine that this compounded the injury to public trust and tolerance. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/freemason-passwords/63859.md?page=2)