My MS father is a Mason, Master Mason (3rd degree) I believe although honestly I'm not sure about their little levels and all. Doesn't seem to bother the elders, so what do I care.
When I was little (under 5) I witnessed quite a lot of their rituals. Some were so bizarre that I am hesitant to talk about, as it would sound like I've gone off the deep end. But I will tell you about one.
I remember a man dressed all in black with white gloves and a big, black hat. I think he was also wearing a whit apron, although I'm not certain about that detail. He was talking to another man who was dressed in regular clothes. Around them were several other men, who were also dressed in black. After he finished talking, the man in regular clothes got on his knees and looked up at the man in black who took a knife and cut his throat. I saw the blood and screamed. The man in black saw me, pointed at me and screamed, "YOU!"
I ran away to hide. I remember my father came and found me. He had a strange and creepy smile as he picked me up and carried me back to the room where everyone else was. The man in regular clothes was laid out on a low table so that his head was about my height. My father pushed me close and I noticed the blood from a tiny cut on his neck. I was staring at his face when suddenly he turned his head, opened his eyes and yelled at me.
I don't remember what happened after that.
It was only many years later that I was doing research into my memories, that I interviewed a former Mason who told me what I saw was an initiation ritual. Evidently one must swear allegiance to Masonry on pain of having your throat slit and your intestines cut out and slung over your left shoulder. This is re-enacted to enforce silence, and that is what I saw. He told me that when they "cut" the throat, it is a very slight cut, much like one get whilst shaving.
He also told me that in his area they would dressed up children in sheep's wool as part of the initiation. He was it was not uncommon to have children involved, or used, or frightened during various rituals.
I don't know if they are satanic, out to throw over the government or controlled by UFOs. I only know what I saw and experienced.