Modes of recognition
Traditional modes of mutual recognition constitute the first landmark.
Three symbolic degrees
Symbolic Freemasonry is divided into Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.
Third-degree legend
The legend of the Temple Builder retains its central place in the third degree.
Election of a Grand Master
The fraternity is governed by a Grand Master elected from its membership.
Presiding over assemblies
The Grand Master has the prerogative to preside over assemblies of the Craft.
Dispensing with time limits
The Grand Master may grant dispensations from prescribed waiting periods for degrees.
Lodges under dispensation
The Grand Master may authorize the opening and working of a lodge under dispensation.
Making Masons at sight
Mackey describes accelerated admission in an occasional lodge, with the Grand Master and at least six other Masons — not a solitary private initiation.
Meeting in lodges
Freemasons assemble in lodges for their shared work.
Master and two Wardens
A lodge is governed by a Master and two Wardens.
Guarded meetings
A working lodge must be guarded against unauthorized entry.
Right to representation
Every Mason has a right to representation at general assemblies and to instruct their representatives.
Right of appeal
A lodge decision may be appealed to the Grand Lodge or general assembly of the Craft.
Right of visitation
Mackey describes a right to visit regular lodges, subject to justified restrictions.
Examining a visitor
An unknown visitor is examined according to custom unless a brother present can properly vouch for them.
Lodge autonomy
A lodge does not interfere in another lodge's affairs or confer degrees on its members.
Jurisdiction
A Mason is subject to the Masonic rules of the jurisdiction of residence, even when unaffiliated with a lodge.
Historical admission requirements
Mackey requires a mature man, free-born and physically unmutilated. This exclusionary historical formulation is neither this initiative's recommendation nor a description of all present-day obediences.
Belief in God
Mackey makes belief in God as the Grand Architect of the Universe a condition of his system.
Future life
His formulation associates belief in God with resurrection and a future life.
Book of the Law
A book understood to express revealed divine will forms part of the lodge's furniture; Mackey does not restrict it to the Christian Bible.
Equality
Within the lodge, merit, virtue and knowledge take precedence over wealth and social rank.
Confidentiality
Masonic modes of working and recognition are kept confidential. This does not necessarily conceal the fraternity's purpose from the public.
Building symbolism
Speculative Masonry bases moral teaching on the building craft and its tools.
Immutability
Mackey concludes that his landmarks cannot be changed, removed or supplemented.