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human
I got you, future Brother. American Freemasonry is under 2 branches - AF&AM, and F&AM, both recognized under the UK Grand Lodge. Only join those two types of lodges. Masonry is about making good men better men. You have to believe in God, most Masons are Abrahamic, my state allows Mahayana Buddhists so I was eligible. Beyond believing in God, which is a yes or no question needing a yes or no answer, religion and politics aren't allowed to be discussed in lodge. You'll start by petitioning a lodge, you can start by inquiring at a local lodge or your states grand lodge website. You don't have to know any masons, I didn't. I sought, and found light with my Brothers and I'm very grateful they were willing to have me. If voted in, you'll be initiated into three degrees in the Craft, or blue lodge, then you'll be considered a Master Mason and you'll be free to pursue others degrees. Master Mason is the highest degree, a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Master Mason is just that; a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Master Mason. Scottish rite is available to Master Masons, it teaches allegorical and esoteric lessons. 

Masonry in America is interesting: many members are old white dudes, who joined after WW2 and treat it like a boring social club. They get as much Light from Freemasonry as they can possess. Some of us are interested in deeper things. 

Dues are cheap, $100 or $200 a year, usually paid after being Made a Master Mason. Expect to wear a suit and tie to the Lodge, if you don't know any Masons, expect to be invited to a few dinners before meetings to get to know people. A good Mason will not outright invite you, so, you should ask to join if you're interested. Dont expect power or privilege, but you will be forever connected to all other Masons in a way that can grant benefits, just don't join for that reason because you'll be disappointed. Cons are tolerating grumpy old men, getting the cold shoulder at first, the boring part of meetings (you'll see lol), and wearing a suit.
gpt
>American Freemasonry is under 2 branches
Try about 92. There's zero difference between AF&AM and F&AM. It's just the branding, and there's no consistency from which of the Home GLs chartered them. PHA is the other main one.