What about the Masonic Goat?

by Lekenrick
(Greenville, Washington)

Do you have to ride a real goat during the Freemasonry rituals?

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Aug 03, 2010
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You have to provide your own goat.
by: Tim

Just kidding.

Thank you for your question. The quick answer is that there is no goat, real or otherwise, in Masonic ritual.

The origin and history of the Masonic Goat is still being discussed by Masonic scholars. A Web search on the term, "history masonic goat" (without the quotes) will give you more reading on the subject than you could ever finish. Basically, it appears that the Masonic goat was simply a joke that caught on and continues to be perpetuated today, mostly by Freemasons who continue to find it funny.

There is, apparently, some evidence that the Odd Fellows and the Elks did use a goat as part of their initiation ritual. Over time this peculiar practice came to be associated with all secret societies. The phrase "Riding the goat," came to be synonymous with being initiated.

Today, candidates may still be teased about riding the goat prior to their initiation. While I can't say for certain that some fun-loving Brothers won't have a candidate ride a goat as a ruse, I can assure you that it is not a part of the Freemasonry rituals.

For a much deeper explanation of the history and meaning of "Riding the Goat" I recommend this page by the Grand Lodge of British Columbia and Yukon.

Thanks again for the question.

Fraternally,

Tim

Dec 27, 2011
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Goats
by: Anonymous

What would you feed the goat? And how many goats do u have to feed

Nov 23, 2014
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you're dumb
by: Anonymous

You have to ride a live goat in the ritual of becoming a third degree mason.

Dec 10, 2014
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Snicker
by: Tharn

"You have to ride a live goat in the ritual of becoming a third degree mason."

Snicker.

I mean, honestly! That you would spread such a tattered old fable is indicative either of your gullibility or your desire to frighten the gullible.

If it matters, one theory of where that silly tale got started is that very early Freemasons, desirous not to offend members of any faith, termed the Almighty as "God of All Things'." Well-intentioned, but the easily-deluded took ithe acronym as a reference to a farm beast; the term was dropped 200+ years ago, but the foolish still cling to it.

Anyway, let's stick to reality, shall we? No goats, period.

Mar 07, 2015
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Goat riding
by: Anonymous

OK but why they still have it (Goat Riding image) in masonic Scottish Rite Temple in Washington DC, if it doesn't symbolize something? These people don't do something for nothing.

Mar 13, 2015
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You say so...
by: Tharn

Oddly, you are the first person I've ever sern claim that. Care to back it up with a link to an image?

If - if - there is such a picture, I would venture to say that it os indeed nothing but a joke - Masons laughing the themselves, much as a fairly well-known series of post-cards did in Edwardian England.

No goats.

Meanwhile, I look forward to seeing an image of this alleged capital goat.

Oct 12, 2015
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What is the Masonic Goat ?
by: Anonymous

When I was in university life, I was fond to read and know about the free masons society. I also purchased some books at that time and those books helped me a lot to know about the free masons.

Jan 28, 2016
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Questions
by: Anonymous

I am getting my 3rd degree next Saturday, what are some questions that a Mason might ask another Mason ? Someone came up to me and said "How old is your grandmother" what are more questions. And answers

Feb 04, 2016
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Not likely
by: Tharn

"I am getting my 3rd degree next Saturday, what are some questions that a Mason might ask another Mason ? Someone came up to me and said "How old is your grandmother" what are more questions. And answers "

Please. If you are a Mason, it would have already been stressed to you that some things are not for public discussion. Talk to members of your own lodge.

If you are not a Mason, that's a swing and a miss...

Sep 18, 2016
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Fun
by: Anonymous

I had my 3rd put on me not too long ago, when all was said and done the goat wasn't TOO bad. Left me a little sore the next morning but it was all worth being raised a mason.

Sep 18, 2016
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Congratulations and welcome...
by: Tim

Dear Anonymous,

Congratulations on being raised as a Master Mason, and I'm glad you have found the experience worthwhile. I am glad also that you had fun, and I know that you are having fun now regarding the Masonic goat. Unfortunately and regrettably, some who visit this page don't know that the Masonic Goat is all in fun. I guess world conquerors aren't supposed to have a sense of humor.

Welcome to the fraternity brother. I wish you well.

Apr 05, 2017
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Really
by: Anonymous

There is no goat..G.O.A.T..people..

May 21, 2017
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Masonic goat
by: Anonypetermous

Masonic rituals going back 100 years in Sussex England had a slight connection to satanism in my third degree i was blindfolded and I sat on a full sized stuffed goat with a dagger held to my throat after that I was laid down in an open casket but this was only done in my lodge and different candidates go through different rituals

May 26, 2017
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Nonsense
by: John

In reply to: Anonypetermous

No they don't and no you weren't.

May 29, 2017
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Anonypetermous
by: Tharn

Horsepucky. There's no such foolishness in real Freemasonry.

Aug 13, 2017
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There are no goats in Freemasonry
by: H.Charles

I'll preface this by saying that I am the Senior Warden in my Blue Lodge, a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, a York Rite Mason and a member of the Mystic Shrine.I have never seen any ritual that involves a goat or anything even remotely resembling a goat nor any mention of a goat in anything that we do. I have seen old literature such as a postcard that showed this but these were designed and sold by non-Masons as joke type literature or for making fun of Freemasonry. I find that those who perpetuate this talk are non-Masons who would do well to become educated before they speak. I would not know if other organizations use or have a reference to a goat.

Oct 10, 2017
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Just received my 3rd
by: Anonymous

I'm not sure of a lot of what I have read in this thread but I went through my 3rd degree on 10/6/2017 and it was an experience I'll never forget. Definitely looking forward to returning the favor during our next class coming through. I'll also say that it was worth the wait and I can't wait to receive all that masonry has in store for me in the future.

Oct 21, 2017
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G.O.A.T
by: Anonymous

I had my 3rd degree last night was an experience for sure, enjoyed every minute of it. Prior to it I was informed of this ‘goat’ but can confirm it’s just a bit of banter to make the candidate nervous of the unknown. Nae goats nae sheep nae chickens. But G.O.A.T could mean God Of Almighty Things that’s what I’m taking from it

Oct 29, 2017
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G.O.A.T
by: Anonymous

I received my 3rd degree last night. No mention of goat was ever said. However a brother from a visiting lodge did make a G.O.A.T noise while spectating.

Nov 04, 2017
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possible cultural connection?
by: Raymond

Not sure if there's an historical connection, but I found this interesting.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_Goat

Dec 17, 2017
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Masonic goats? Maybe
by: Tony

Not sure how to post a pic on here or I would have. Been a mason for 12 years. No goats in the ritual anywhere, but the building my lodge is in has 2 lamp stands out front that have 3 goat head on each and 3 sets of goat hoofs at the bottom of each. The building was built in 1927. I know the whole goat thing is considered a joke but that’s a big expense for a joke

Jan 15, 2018
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Goat in the UGLE amblem
by: Umit Sakmar

Why two cherubs legs, goat legs in the UGLE's amblem?

Jun 06, 2018
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for Umit Sakmar
by: Lark

Sorry to have missed your question for this long.

The two creatures featured in the UGLE coat of arms are heraldic 'supporters'. (Google 'heraldry' for more details. They are in fact stylized and rather simplified 'cherubim', angelic creatures described in the first chapter of Ezekiel in the Old Testament.

Ezekiel describes cherubim in detail. One of the points is that they had the feet of a calf. "I:7 And their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot: and they sparkled like the colour of burnished brass."

The coat of arms in its present form dates from c. 1813, but original versions date from the 1700s, when Freemasonry was mainly confined to the British Isles, at the time almost entirely Christian. It is less than surprising that the coat of arms would feature Biblical imagery.

So: 1) Cherubim, angelic figures, 2) calf feet, not goat feet.

Jul 31, 2018
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FC MASON
by: Anonymous

I have gotten my first and second degree getting my third in 2 weeks I get nervous at times is there anything to be worried about?? Lol

Dec 13, 2019
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What is a HAZING in freemasonry
by: Umit Sakmar

What is a "HAZING" in the freemasonry and other esoteric systems. I think riding goat is a hazing.

Dec 13, 2019
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Umit Sakmar
by: Last

Thank you for your question.

There is no hazing of any kind in Freemasonry. And, as has been noted here before, there are no goats, either; that’s just a private joke that has got out of hand.

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