I'm interested by all of them in an academic sense. I'm not contemplating joining any of them.
My opinion on them is as follows.
In my experience thus far, there are two types of esoteric societies, usually the two have a fair amount of cross over.
First, most esoteric societies are founded based on explicitly extra-christian ideas. Meaning ideas from outside of the faith. Most such societies have roots in hermeticism specifically. They exist to pass on gnostic/hermetic teachings, often times also mixed with some eastern mysticism, which became popular in the victorian age.
Secondly, many such societies have simply become fashionable social clubs for wealthy old men to sit around and network, or simply get away from the wife for a bit and smoke and play cards with "the boys".
As for the masons specifically... I don't know what I think entirely. I think there deffinetly are esoteric elements with masonic tradition, most of which is probably lost on most of the members today.
Masonic tradition and Mormon tradition are almost identical on numerous points, largely because Joseph Smith was a mason, and he stole much of his inspiration for mormonism from his experiences in the masonic lodge.
In the 18th century Masonry was the home of the ideas of freedom and individual rights, and self government etc. It provided the environment necessary for such ideas to be fostered during a time when they were politically dangerous.
For this reason, most of the american founders were masons, and for some time after the founding of america, american masonic lodges were seen as bastions of republican principles (republican in the original sense, not the modern political party).
Today, the vast majority of masons are just good ole boys in a social club.
I wouldln't join the masons simply because its an area where I'd rather be safe than sorry. Further, I believe in the honor of my word and I am hesitant to take oaths that I might not be able to keep.
For years I have wanted to start, or find a fraternal organization based around the idea of knighthood which re-inforces the code that I believe in and organizes its members to serve a larger purpose.
Originally, my interests lay primarily in politics and in the realm of educating people regarding the true foundations of our society and our government. I still have some interest in that, however, over the last few years my perspective, and motivations have changed somewhat.
I'm less motivated to political involvement, and more motivated towards church involvement. I feel a strong pull towards re-kindling the contemplative, mystical aspects of the faith as well as teaching people the foundations of the faith.
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