How does one become a member of Freemasonry?

A candidate must seek membership of his own free will and accord, as Freemasonry does not canvass for prospective members, as the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India notes. General eligibility requires a belief in a Supreme Being, mature age, good moral character, and a visible means of reputable livelihood 12. Atheists cannot become Masons, as the Regional Grand Lodge of Southern India states.

A candidate is introduced by submitting a formal petition or being proposed by a member, typically to the lodge nearest his place of residence 123. Once read at a regular stated meeting, the application is assigned to an investigating committee tasked with inquiring into the applicant's character, reputation, and background 13.

Masonic regulations enforce a probation period of at least one month or one lodge night between the initial proposition and the vote, ensuring adequate time for private inquiry 13. If the committee reports favorably, the lodge proceeds to a secret ballot, where the candidate must be found personally acceptable to the members present 32. Certain specialized bodies, such as research lodges, establish distinct additional criteria, requiring applicants to submit a literary or scientific masterpiece before a proposal can be considered 4.