Many myths about Masonry have taken hold in the imagination of "conspiracy buffs.” This may be because Freemasons, like government intelligence agencies and big business, often allow the uninitiated to argue amongst themselves so that the truth remains private. In recent years, Masonic organizations worldwide have made efforts to address these myths and better address their critics.

Some of the most common Masonic “fictions” are addressed below:
 

fiction: masons have to take “blood oaths”
The traditional Masonic obligations, sworn by a candidate during the initiation ritual, are sometimes called “blood oaths” by those critical of the fraternity. The candidate wishes severe physical punishment upon himself should he ever reveal the secrets of Freemasonry to a non-Mason. While many non-Masons are horrified by this, these traditional obligations are no more literal than commonplace childhood "blood oaths", like "cross my heart and hope to die” – symbolic but psychologically powerful ways to express a serious bond or promise.

There are only 3 penalties that Masonry can actually impose on a member: censure, suspension of membership, and expulsion.