Beyond the Brotherhood: Unveiling the Role of Women in Freemasonry
When you picture a Freemason, the image that comes to mind is likely a man in an apron, a member of a centuries-old fraternity steeped in tradition and secrecy. For much of its history, this picture has been accurate. Freemasonry, in its most widely recognized form, has been a brotherhood, a space for men to gather, learn, and grow through shared ritual and philosophy. Yet, this is not the complete picture. The story of women and their relationship with the Craft is far more complex, surprising, and dynamic than many realize.
The exclusion of women was not born from a philosophical rejection of their capabilities but from the historical origins of the institution itself. Today, however, the landscape is changing. A rich and legitimate world of female Masons exists, with dedicated lodges and Grand Lodges flourishing across the globe. Their existence challenges old paradigms and prompts a deeper conversation about the universal principles that lie at the heart of the Masonic tradition.
This article will explore the multifaceted role of women in Freemasonry. We will journey from the historical reasons for its male-only tradition to the pioneering women who broke the mold. We will examine the rise of co-masonic and female-only orders and look toward a future where the doors of Masonic light may open wider than ever before.
Why Was Freemasonry Traditionally for Men Only?
To understand why Freemasonry developed as a male-only society, we must look back to its roots in the medieval stonemasons’ guilds. These were operative guilds, meaning their members were actual, working stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. This was a physically demanding trade composed entirely of men.
The lodges were their professional and social centers. Here, they regulated their trade, trained apprentices, and cared for members and their families. The rules and customs, known as the Old Charges, naturally reflected this all-male environment. These documents, dating back to the 14th century, formed the blueprint for the fraternity’s structure.
When Freemasonry began its transition from an ‘operative’ craft to a ‘speculative’ one in the 17th and 18th centuries, it welcomed men who were not stonemasons. These new members were drawn to its system of morality, philosophy, and allegory. However, these early speculative lodges inherited the structures, customs, and all-male membership of their operative predecessors.
This was also a reflection of the times. In the 18th century, when the first Grand Lodge was formed in London in 1717, public life, professional associations, and philosophical societies were the exclusive domain of men. The lodge was a microcosm of the society in which it was born, and the exclusion of women was simply the status quo.
Have There Always Been Exceptions to the Rule?
Despite the established rules, history is filled with fascinating exceptions. The most famous case is that of Elizabeth Aldworth, known as ‘The Lady Freemason’. Born in 1695 in Ireland, she reportedly hid in a room adjacent to a lodge meeting being held in her family home. She was discovered after witnessing the proceedings.
Faced with a dilemma, the members of the lodge made a radical decision. To bind her to secrecy and preserve their esoteric knowledge, they initiated her into the Craft. Aldworth became a duly initiated Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Freemason, remaining a respected member in good standing for the rest of her life.
Her story is not entirely unique. Other accounts, though sometimes less documented, tell of women becoming Masons under extraordinary circumstances. In the 18th century, a woman known as Madame de Xaintrailles is said to have disguised herself as a man to serve in the French army. She was initiated into a Masonic lodge under her male persona and was later allowed to remain a member after her true identity was revealed, in honor of her patriotism and virtue.
These cases were certainly irregular and born of necessity, but they demonstrate that even in its earliest days, the absolute exclusion of women was not unbreachable. They were pioneers who, through chance or courage, stepped into a world not designed for them.
What Are Co-Masonic and Female-Only Grand Lodges?
The formal, organized inclusion of women in Freemasonry is a more modern development, beginning in the late 19th century. This movement did not seek to change mainstream Freemasonry from within but instead created new, parallel Masonic bodies that were inclusive from their inception. These generally fall into two categories: co-masonic, which admit both men and women, and female-only obediences.
How Did Co-Freemasonry Begin?
The birth of Co-Freemasonry can be traced to France in 1882. A lodge named Les Libres Penseurs, or ‘The Free Thinkers’, broke from its Grand Lodge and initiated Maria Deraismes, a prominent writer, feminist, and social reformer. This act was revolutionary and caused a significant schism in French Freemasonry.
While the lodge’s charter was revoked, the seed was planted. In 1893, Deraismes, along with the influential Freemason Georges Martin, co-founded the first Co-Masonic order: The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain. Its founding principle was that Masonic initiation should be a universal human right, available to all qualified individuals regardless of gender, race, or religion.
Le Droit Humain quickly spread from France across the world, establishing a new and enduring tradition of men and women working together in the lodge. It uses the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite and offers a complete system of Masonic education and ritual practice for all its members on a basis of absolute equality.
What About Masonic Bodies Exclusively for Women?
Alongside the development of Co-Masonry, another movement began to grow: Freemasonry exclusively for women. These organizations were founded on the belief that women, like men, could benefit from a dedicated space to practice the principles of the Craft. They adopted the same rituals, symbols, and moral teachings as their male counterparts, creating a genuine Masonic experience for women, by women.
Early in the 20th century, several male Masons in England decided to assist a group of women who wished to form their own lodges. This led to the creation of the Honourable Fraternity of Antient Masonry in 1908, which later split into two prominent English obediences for women: The Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons. Similar organizations have since been established worldwide, forming a global network of Masonic women practicing an authentic Craft.
These female Grand Lodges are not ‘auxiliaries’ or social clubs. They are sovereign, self-governing Masonic bodies that confer the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. They hold their work to be just as legitimate and profound as that practiced in any male lodge.
How Does Mainstream Freemasonry View Female Masons Today?
The relationship between mainstream, male-only Freemasonry and the various female and co-masonic orders is defined by the Masonic concept of ‘regularity’. A Grand Lodge is considered ‘regular’ if it adheres to a set of ancient landmarks, which traditionally include being open only to men. The most influential body in defining regularity is the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE).
Because they initiate women, female and co-masonic Grand Lodges are considered ‘irregular’ by the UGLE and the majority of mainstream Grand Lodges around the world that are in amity with it. This means they are not formally recognized, and their members cannot visit regular male lodges or engage in Masonic activities together. This historical division has been a source of much debate and misunderstanding.
However, the stance has softened considerably in recent decades. In 1998, the UGLE issued a landmark statement clarifying its position. While it does not formally recognize female Grand Lodges, it acknowledges that they are Masonic in character and practice. The UGLE stated that these bodies work in a ‘regular and constitutional manner’ and noted that discussions with them have been ‘cordial and constructive’. This shift represents a significant move from outright rejection to a position of respectful coexistence.
Many sources have analyzed this evolving relationship, noting that while formal intervisitation is not permitted, informal links and friendships between members of different obediences are common. The conversation about women and Freemasonry is now more open than ever before. This reflects a broader societal shift towards inclusivity, forcing an ancient institution to contemplate its future. The core issues are deeply rooted in tradition, yet the pressures of the modern world are undeniable, creating a complex and fascinating dynamic. There is a growing understanding that different Masonic obediences can exist and pursue the same goals of self-improvement and charity, even without formal recognition. Some analyses suggest that Freemasonry and women have reached a point of mutual respect, a detente that allows each to flourish in its own sphere. This modern perspective is crucial for understanding the current landscape, as it moves beyond simple exclusion to a more nuanced appreciation of parallel development. The situation is not static, and ongoing dialogue continues to shape the future of these interactions, with many Masons from different obediences sharing a common desire to see the Craft thrive. It is a topic that many within the fraternity feel is essential to its continued relevance, as highlighted in various Masonic discussions.
What Are the Pathways for Women in the United States?
In the United States, the Masonic landscape for women is vibrant and diverse, though it mirrors the global divide between regular and irregular bodies. The mainstream state Grand Lodges recognized by the UGLE remain exclusively male. However, women seeking Masonic light have several well-established paths to follow.
Co-Masonic bodies, particularly the American Federation of Le Droit Humain, have an active presence in the country. They offer women and men the opportunity to join lodges and work together as equals. In addition, there are now sovereign Grand Lodges for women, such as the Women’s Grand Lodge of California, which are growing in membership and influence. These groups provide a dedicated space for female Freemasons in the United States to practice the Craft according to their own governance.
What is the Order of the Eastern Star?
For over a century, the most common way for women to be associated with the Masonic family in the US has been through appendant bodies. The largest and most well-known of these is the Order of the Eastern Star. It is important to clarify that the Eastern Star is not Freemasonry, but it is closely related.
Founded in the mid-19th century by Master Mason Rob Morris, the Order of the Eastern Star was designed as a place for Master Masons and their female relatives to share in the moral and charitable principles of the Masonic fraternity. Its membership is open to men who are Master Masons and women who have specific Masonic affiliations, such as wives, widows, daughters, and sisters of Masons.
The organization has its own beautiful rituals, lessons, and symbols based on heroic female characters from the Bible. It is a powerful force for charity and community service. While members of the Eastern Star are not Freemasons in the technical sense, the order has provided millions of women with a meaningful connection to the Masonic world and its values.
Do Female and Co-Masonic Lodges Share the Same Core Beliefs?
Yes, absolutely. Whether a lodge is male-only, female-only, or co-masonic, the foundational principles of Freemasonry remain the same. The central teachings, symbolism, and allegorical journey of self-improvement are universal.
Members of all these Masonic bodies are taught through rituals that use the tools of the ancient stonemasons as symbols for building a better self and a better society. The lessons of the square of virtue, the compasses of restraint, and the level of equality resonate regardless of gender. The core work is focused on morality, charity, and the pursuit of truth.
One of the most fundamental requirements across almost all forms of Freemasonry is a belief in a Supreme Being. This is not tied to any specific religion or dogma, allowing people from different faiths to meet in harmony. The focus on a higher power underscores the idea that Masonic work is a sacred undertaking, aimed at spiritual and moral development. This prerequisite of a Masonic God belief is a unifying landmark that connects these diverse Masonic expressions.
What Does the Future Hold for Women and Freemasonry?
The story of women and Freemasonry is one of evolution. What began as a complete exclusion based on historical precedent has transformed into a complex world of parallel and co-existing Masonic traditions. The future will likely see this evolution continue.
Dialogue between regular and irregular obediences is increasing. As society continues to challenge traditional gender roles, the pressure on all institutions to become more inclusive will grow. Whether this will ever lead to formal recognition or intervisitation between male and female lodges on a grand scale remains to be seen.
What is certain is that women’s Freemasonry is here to stay. The dedicated women who have built their own lodges and Grand Lodges have proven that the principles of the Craft are truly universal. They are not waiting for permission or recognition to pursue Masonic light; they are actively building their own temples and shaping the future of the fraternity on their own terms.
The conversation is no longer about ‘if’ women can be Masons, but ‘how’ the various expressions of Freemasonry will coexist and interact in the 21st century. The future of the Craft may be one where brotherhood, sisterhood, and universal fellowship all find a valued place.
Frequently Asked Questions
As a non-member, how should I address someone I know is in the Order of the Eastern Star?
As a non-member, you are not expected to know any of the specific greetings or protocols of the Order, so a normal, respectful greeting is perfectly appropriate. You can simply address the person by their name as you would in any other social situation. If you wish to acknowledge their affiliation, doing so respectfully and without presumption is key; something as simple as, "I hear you’re involved with the Eastern Star, that’s wonderful," is a kind gesture.
It is best to avoid attempting to use any specific phrases, signs, or handshakes you may have heard about, as these are intended for members and their improper use can be seen as disrespectful. The most important thing is to interact with them genuinely and courteously. Their membership is an important part of their life, but it does not require a special or secret form of address from friends and acquaintances outside the Order.
Are formal Eastern Star greetings appropriate to use in public or non-Masonic settings?
Generally, the formal greetings, signs, and other ritualistic modes of recognition are reserved for use within official Eastern Star functions, such as a stated meeting or special event. Using these specific protocols in a casual public setting, like a restaurant or supermarket, would be considered out of place. This discretion helps maintain the distinct and respectful nature of the Order’s traditions and proceedings.
That being said, a simple and respectful acknowledgment between members in public is very common and perfectly acceptable. A quiet "Hello, Sister," or "Good to see you, Brother," is a warm way to acknowledge a shared connection without performing any of the formal rituals. This strikes a balance between showing camaraderie and upholding the traditional privacy of the Order’s specific customs.
Why is there a specific etiquette for greetings within the Eastern Star?
The specific etiquette for greetings serves to reinforce the foundational principles, lessons, and shared bonds that unite the members of the Order. These structured interactions act as a constant, tangible reminder of the solemn obligations and virtues that each member has pledged to uphold. This protocol fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, order, and reverence within the chapter room, distinguishing it from an ordinary social club.
Furthermore, this tradition is deeply rooted in the history of fraternal organizations, where unique modes of recognition were essential for verifying membership and maintaining the integrity of the group. While the need for secrecy has evolved, retaining this etiquette honors the Order’s heritage and strengthens the sense of identity and belonging among its members. It is a beautiful tradition that connects present-day members to all the Sisters and Brothers who have come before them.
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