Editing Freemasonry (section)

==== Sponsorship and investigation ====
Once initial contact is established, the candidate is typically introduced to the lodge through sponsorship, typically by finding two members to sign the petition, the top-line signer becoming the godfather. The sponsor assumes significant responsibility toward the lodge by presenting a non-Mason, evaluating the alignment between the candidate's aspirations and Masonic values. This preliminary phase can last from a few months to several years depending on the Lodge and jurisdiction and generally includes several informal meetings to establish mutual trust and clarify expectations.<ref>Pozarnik, Alain. ''Devenir Franc-maçon au XXIème siècle'', Dervy, 2009.</ref>

Following this introduction, an investigation is generally started. Candidates can be invited to a series of interviews with various lodge officers or designated members. These meetings, often three in number, examine the candidate's profile, motivations, and compatibility with the lodge's philosophical orientation. The interviews also allow the candidate to ask questions and develop a clearer understanding of the commitment they are considering.<ref name="auto1">Noël, Pierre. ''Guide pratique du Franc-maçon'', Editions Maçonniques de France, 2012.</ref>