Twelve Principles of
Regular Freemasons
1. Freemasonry is a fraternal initiatory association, founded on the belief in God, the Great Architect of the Universe.
2. Freemasonry is based on the Ancient Charges and Landmarks and respects other traditions proper to the Order, especially those concerning the regularity of its Jurisdiction.
3. Freemasonry is an Order to which only free, independent, and well-mannered individuals can belong, committing themselves to the ideals of Peace, Love, and Brotherhood.
4. Freemasonry aims at the moral improvement of its members, and through them, the improvement of all Humanity.
5. Freemasonry requires its members to meticulously practice rituals and symbols, and spiritual and initiatory means unique to it, leading to the attainment of Knowledge and Truth.
6. Freemasonry mandates its members to respect the beliefs and faith of others. Within its ranks, it forbids any political or religious discussions or polemics. This allows it to remain a constant and secure Center of the Fraternal Union, where understanding, tolerance, and fruitful harmony among people prevail, difficult to achieve under other conditions.
7. Freemasons gather beyond the reach of the profane world, in lodges where the three Great Lights of the Order, the Volume of Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses, are always present and visible – to work ritually, with dignity, fervor, and in accordance with the rules prescribed in the Constitution and Regulations of the Obedience.
8. Freemasons take their oath on the Volume of Sacred Law; therefore, this oath possesses a lofty, sacred, and unquestionable character in its endurance.
9. Freemasons can admit to their lodges only adults, who are righteous and discreet, people of honor, who highly value their title of Brother Freemason, capable of assessing the potential of others and the infinite forces of Eternity.
10. Freemasons cultivate in their Lodges the Love of Country, respect for Law, and regard for constitutional authority. They recognize and honor work in all its forms as the highest duty of a human being.
11. Freemasons provide others with an active example through their proper conduct, thereby radiating the Order’s influence outwardly. They do this while maintaining Masonic secrecy.
12. Freemasons are honor-bound to provide mutual help and fraternal defense, even at the risk of their own lives. They cultivate the art of maintaining calm and balance in all situations.
The above principles have been adopted by the main, so-called regular stream of Freemasonry, deriving from the tradition of the oldest Masonic organization in the world – the Grand Lodge of England. In 1991, they were recognized by the revived Grand National Lodge of Poland. The Ancient Charges mentioned in Article 2 are a canon of regulations and customs established in the English Constitutions of the free masons’ association from 1723 and 1738. The Landmarks, on the other hand, refer to national or local Masonic traditions accepted in regular Masonry.
2. Freemasonry is based on the Ancient Charges and Landmarks and respects other traditions proper to the Order, especially those concerning the regularity of its Jurisdiction.
3. Freemasonry is an Order to which only free, independent, and well-mannered individuals can belong, committing themselves to the ideals of Peace, Love, and Brotherhood.
4. Freemasonry aims at the moral improvement of its members, and through them, the improvement of all Humanity.
5. Freemasonry requires its members to meticulously practice rituals and symbols, and spiritual and initiatory means unique to it, leading to the attainment of Knowledge and Truth.
6. Freemasonry mandates its members to respect the beliefs and faith of others. Within its ranks, it forbids any political or religious discussions or polemics. This allows it to remain a constant and secure Center of the Fraternal Union, where understanding, tolerance, and fruitful harmony among people prevail, difficult to achieve under other conditions.
7. Freemasons gather beyond the reach of the profane world, in lodges where the three Great Lights of the Order, the Volume of Sacred Law, the Square, and the Compasses, are always present and visible – to work ritually, with dignity, fervor, and in accordance with the rules prescribed in the Constitution and Regulations of the Obedience.
8. Freemasons take their oath on the Volume of Sacred Law; therefore, this oath possesses a lofty, sacred, and unquestionable character in its endurance.
9. Freemasons can admit to their lodges only adults, who are righteous and discreet, people of honor, who highly value their title of Brother Freemason, capable of assessing the potential of others and the infinite forces of Eternity.
10. Freemasons cultivate in their Lodges the Love of Country, respect for Law, and regard for constitutional authority. They recognize and honor work in all its forms as the highest duty of a human being.
11. Freemasons provide others with an active example through their proper conduct, thereby radiating the Order’s influence outwardly. They do this while maintaining Masonic secrecy.
12. Freemasons are honor-bound to provide mutual help and fraternal defense, even at the risk of their own lives. They cultivate the art of maintaining calm and balance in all situations.
The above principles have been adopted by the main, so-called regular stream of Freemasonry, deriving from the tradition of the oldest Masonic organization in the world – the Grand Lodge of England. In 1991, they were recognized by the revived Grand National Lodge of Poland. The Ancient Charges mentioned in Article 2 are a canon of regulations and customs established in the English Constitutions of the free masons’ association from 1723 and 1738. The Landmarks, on the other hand, refer to national or local Masonic traditions accepted in regular Masonry.