What not to write?

[chrmc]

I'm presently doing research for a masonic paper, and once again came to the question "what can and can't you write down?"

We all know that we've sworn not to write etc. any of the secrets of ancient freemasonry, but what exactly are these? Theoretically everything in the ritual can be found on the web, so does that mean that there are no more secrets?
I've asked different brethren and the answer I most often get, is that we cannot share any of the esoteric stuff, which doesn't really clarify anything that much more.

I've heard it further classified as the only thing being secret is the passwords and modes of recognition, while others again say that you can't reveal the obligation.
Others again say that one cannot write anything that isn't monitorial, but this is also a slightly ambiguous guideline as many monitors contain illustrations of large parts of the ritual.

So I ask you this brethren. Do any of you know what from the ritual is ok to write down in a research paper and what isn't?

 

[tomasball]

You shouldn't write the fact that there are things we shouldn't write. Oops.

 

[Zack]

Just my way of doing this; if it is in code in my code book I do not write it.
I hear you don't have a cypher in Texas, so I understand your problem

 

[chrmc]

Just my way of doing this; if it is in code in my code book I do not write it.
I hear you don't have a cypher in Texas, so I understand your problem

I think that is a good guideline, but as you say the lack of a cypher in Texas makes that hard. If you look at the UK ritual (which is the only one I have in writing) we're only talking about grips, passwords and a few other things as you say.
But using that standard one could almost say that it's ok to write about something in one jurisdiction, but not in another? Confusion lives on...

 

[Zack]

I estimate 70-75% of our is encoded. Far more than grips, passwords, etc.
Just because it may be written on the internet or in some books doesn't release me from my obligations.

A lot of variations from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Perhaps your DDGM or a member of the Committeeon Work, if you have such a thing, could answer your question. Personally, if I wasn't sure, I would err on the caution side.

 

[cog41]

Take a look at some of the articles at www.freemason-freemasonry.com the Pietre Stones Review of Freemasonry. In many of the articles you will find words and phrases used in ritual. In most cases only masons or freemasonry buffs will be the only ones to notice.
Most of the authors are highly respected members of the fraternity, following their example should provide some sense of security.

 

[THurse]

Their'e are many different things that is written, about the ins and outs, but I was taught myself to never write anything down. This depends on what one needs to know. When, where and how.

 

[scialytic]

You shouldn't write the fact that there are things we shouldn't write. Oops.

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[Pscyclepath]

I like THulse's repsonse, but for general guidance and the instruction of new Brother's, here's sort of a simple checklist that I came up with...

"Not proper to be written":

* Modes of recognition (grips, signs, and words/passwords)
* Any parts of the ritual and proficiency lectures that are not included/written down in the Monitor for your state (typically represented by some sort of graphic, or "* * * *"
* How you (or anyone else) vote with the ballot box.
* Confidential information entrusted to you by a brother Mason under the provisions of your obligation.

The Grand Lodge's Masonic Digest may also give guidance in specific cases about certain things that should not be included in the Lodge minutes as well.