Mens Groups
Many men express a sense of social alienation and a lack of community. They seek a remedy in ad hoc men's groups, drumming circles, shamanism, and other avenues that promise a cure and present a hodgepodge of syncretic rituals based on modern images of supposed ancient customs.
Men are missing the obvious. Brotherhoods welded together by tried and true rituals refined since the age of enlightenment already exist in every community. These are selective groups that investigate the character and motives of potential members. Those who pass muster will find that, in addition to offering a congregation of peers, that the fraternal societies existing membership includes a number of older men, so often absent from new-age groups, who are genuine, sage mentors to the younger generation.
In other words, instead of the transient world of the ad hoc men's groups, the younger men may find in the traditional fraternal societies their own "Iron John" and may make life-long friends who, in Aristotelian terms are true, disinterested friends, concerned in mutual welfare, not selfish gain. Additionally, unlike so many upstart men's groups, the traditional fraternal societies address the needs of the whole family.
Modern men seeking to alleviate a sense of social alienation and lack of community, who want to join hands and practice volunteerism, should embrace the fraternal societies that were so well known to their fathers and their father's fathers before them. Within the peaceful walls of the Lodge, a man may find the sanctuary he so yearns for in these trying times, and by his participation ensure that the Men's House will be perpetuated for the benefit and enjoyment of his children's children.
Know, however, that most do not solicit for members. A man must seek them out and express a desire to join in their mysteries.
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