Everyone is pretty heavy on the conspiracy theories about Freemasons. From personal experience I can tell you that its nothing like what you think. Even at very high levels. Its a frat. Simple as that.

I have family memebers that are shriners (you have to reach the pentacle of freemasonry to get invited to that level). They really do just hang around and have fun while donating large amounts of money and time to philoanthropic events.

I was going to join but they make you swear that you believe in god. I couldn't put my word on that so there goes tradition.

Sorry to burst your bubble. Especially now, freemasons are hurting for members and many of the lodges have fallen into disrepair.

Now infultrait the Skull and Bones and there you migth have some sort of kewl conspiracy theory. I doubt it though.