Yes. The group established certain signs so that members could recognize each other without being identified by others. This would include specific gestures, phrases and greetings. Some of these Masonic secrets have been revealed by resentful ex-members at various times in history. To circumvent the problem, the brotherhood may have established new codes, making this information outdated. There are also experts who believe that Freemasonry itself may have “leaked” false data to mislead curious people. When in doubt, here’s a tip: don’t try to pass yourself off as a Freemason.
ILLUSTRATIONS Andre Toma
HANDSHAKES
There is at least one specific fulfillment for each of the three more traditional hierarchical degrees. At the second and third level, some authors describe a squeeze in two parts: the “pass” and the “real”, each with its own name. But they do not define how and when each one should be used. For each grip there is also a specific dialogue, probably created as another way to identify imposters.
Apprentice
A) Real (“Boaz”): The thumb is pressed against the knuckle of the index finger of the other
Partner
B) Pass (“Shibboleth”): The thumb is pressed against the space between the knuckle of the index and middle finger
C) Real (“Jachim”): After completing the pass, the thumb is pressed against the joint of the partner’s middle finger
Teacher
D) Pass (“Tubalcain”): The thumb is pressed against the space between the knuckle of the middle finger and the ring finger.
AND)Real (“Ma-Ha-Bone”): After Tubalcain, the middle three fingers are pressed against the partner’s wrist.
SIGNS OF DISTRESS
According to some authors, these gestures are used to communicate that the Freemason is in danger. They are taught at each transition ritual between degrees. But, again, there can be specific variations on each type of Rite:
1) Apprentice Guard: It is taught in the Mason’s initiation rite. The right hand should be raised flat to the throat, with the thumb extended towards you. Then rest your arm in a natural position.
2) Companion Guard: Its form and function are not consensus among scholars. The most cited position is the right hand on the left pectoral, with the left arm to the sky, the hand flat and the elbow at 90º
3)Master’s Guard: Arms raised to the sky with elbows at 90º. If it is not possible to do so, a cipher phrase must be used. Among the variants cited, «Will no one help the widow’s children?» and “Come to me, sons of the widow” (Hiram Abif’s mother was a widow)
SOURCESBooksEncyclopedia of Freemasoney and Its Kindred SciencesIt isThe Symbolism of Freemasonryby Albert G. Mackey;The Secret Book of Freemasonryby Otavio Cohen;Born in Blood – The Lost Secrets of Freemasonryby John Robinson;Three Distinct Knocksanonymous author;Masonry Dissectedby Samuel Prichard;The Brotherhoodby Stephen Knight;Morgan’s Exposure of Free Masonryby William Morgan;Handbook of Freemasonryby Richard Carlile;Duncan’s Masoic Ritual and Monitorby Malcom C. Duncan;Low Twelve: By Their Deeds Ye Shall Know Themby Edward S. Ellis;Pamphlets on Freemasons’ Rituals and Practice in Brazil, from Princeton University; and General Ahiman Rezon, by Daniel Sickels.Articles Freemasonry: History and Historiography, by Celia M. Marinho de Azevedo; It isThe Third Degree Tracing Board, by Terry Spalding-Martin. and websitesThe New York Times,Former Masons,airtight,freemasonry.bcy.caIt isfreemasons-freemasonry.com