looking for 411 about freemasonary

this is my first post, so here goes. i have long been interested in the masons but have some questions.

first can any one tell me the if there is a difference between the social aspects and the craft that is to say are the occult aspects openly discussed with members or are they invited to such "fourms" in private? that is to say the ideas of the occult or the craft. if you must have an invite how do you set yourself up for such an invatation?

also i have read that you must be unmutilated does this include surgical scars and tattoos?
would like answers to this and any other 411 you all would have.

I am 555

I'm afraid this thread is likely to be closed by the administrators as it doesn't have a conspiratorial angle or invite negative comments about freemasonry. However, I'll answer your questions as best I can.

1. There is no formal 'occult' aspect to freemasonry, but individuals have followed that route occasionally. So no invite.
2. Mutilations, tatoos and scars are fine.

[edit on 22-1-2006 by Trinityman]