Beyond the Brotherhood: A Comprehensive Look at Women and Freemasonry
When most people picture a Freemason, the image is invariably of a man. It’s a vision steeped in centuries of tradition, of a secret society, a fraternity, a brotherhood. This perception is not without merit, as mainstream Freemasonry has historically been and largely remains the domain of men. Yet, this picture is incomplete. The story of Freemasonry is far more complex and inclusive than many realize, with a rich and evolving history that includes the significant contributions and participation of women.
The relationship between women and the Craft is not a modern invention but a parallel stream that has flowed alongside the masculine current for centuries. To truly understand Freemasonry today, one must look beyond the lodge doors of the familiar male-only orders. It requires an exploration of different Masonic obediences, a dive into forgotten history, and an appreciation for the universal appeal of Masonic light. The existence of female masons is a fact, not a debate, with dedicated lodges and Grand Lodges for women flourishing around the world.
These women are not part of an auxiliary club or a social-only offshoot. They are initiated, passed, and raised using rituals and ceremonies that are substantively identical to those practiced in male lodges. They undertake the same philosophical and moral journey, seeking to improve themselves and their communities through the timeless principles of the Craft. This article will illuminate that path, exploring the history, development, and current state of women in the world of Freemasonry.
Why Was Freemasonry Traditionally for Men?
To understand why women were initially excluded, we must travel back to the origins of the institution. Before it was a speculative, philosophical society, Freemasonry was an operative craft. It was the trade organization, or guild, for the highly skilled stonemasons who built the magnificent cathedrals and castles of Europe. This was a world of physically demanding labor, of quarries and construction sites, a profession dominated entirely by men.
The organizational structure, the secrets of geometry, and the bonds of fellowship were all forged in this masculine environment. The lodge was a place for craftsmen to regulate their trade, care for their sick or widowed, and pass on their skills. The very language and symbolism of Freemasonry, from the working tools to the architectural allegories, are a direct inheritance from this operative past.
When Freemasonry began its transition from an operative to a ‘speculative’ society in the 17th and early 18th centuries, it retained its existing structure and customs. The new members were gentlemen and intellectuals, not stonemasons, but they adopted the guild’s framework. The landmark document codifying the rules for this new form of Freemasonry, the Rev. James Anderson’s Constitutions of 1723, explicitly stated that Masons must be ‘good and true Men, free-born, and of mature and discreet Age, no bondmen, no women, no immoral or scandalous men, but of good Report’.
This regulation was less a philosophical statement against women and more a reflection of the social and legal norms of the era. At that time, women had few legal rights, could not own property independently, and were excluded from public and professional life. The fraternity, as it was constituted, simply mirrored the patriarchal society in which it was born. This historical context is the foundation upon which the traditional male-only structure of many Grand Lodges rests today.
How Did Women First Become Involved in Masonry?
Despite the formal exclusion, women’s interest in and connection to Freemasonry began to emerge almost immediately. The earliest and most widespread form of female participation appeared in 18th-century France with the ‘Loges d’Adoption’ or Lodges of Adoption. These were Masonic bodies sponsored by regular male lodges, created specifically for the female relatives of their members.
While not considered ‘regular’ Masonry, these Lodges of Adoption were not mere social clubs. They developed their own unique rituals, symbols, and degree systems, often drawing from biblical heroines and classical allegories. The themes were adapted to reflect feminine virtues, but the core purpose remained Masonic: moral instruction, charitable work, and the bonds of a shared secret society. It provided a structured and meaningful way for women to engage with the Masonic world that was otherwise closed to them.
Beyond these organized systems, there are a few legendary, albeit irregular, instances of women being initiated into male lodges. The most famous case is that of Elizabeth Aldworth, the ‘Lady Freemason’. Sometime in the early 1710s in Ireland, she is said to have secretly witnessed a lodge meeting being held in her father’s home. Upon being discovered, the lodge members decided the best way to secure her silence and bind her to secrecy was to initiate her into the Craft. She reportedly remained a respected member of her lodge for the rest of her life.
While stories like Aldworth’s are fascinating exceptions, they highlight a persistent curiosity and attraction to the ideals of Freemasonry that transcended gender boundaries even in its earliest speculative days. They were the first sparks that would eventually lead to the formal establishment of independent and equal Masonic bodies for women.
What is Co-Freemasonry?
Co-Freemasonry, also known as mixed Masonry, represents a radical departure from the single-gender model. It is a form of Freemasonry that admits both men and women on terms of absolute equality. Its genesis marks a pivotal moment in the history of women’s involvement in the Craft, moving from adopted or exceptional status to one of full and equal partnership.
The most prominent and oldest co-masonic organization is The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain. It was founded in France in 1893 after a regular male lodge, ‘Les Libres Penseurs’ (The Freethinkers), initiated a well-known feminist and activist named Maria Deraismes. When her lodge’s Grand Lodge refused to recognize her initiation, Deraismes and another visionary Mason, Georges Martin, established a new Masonic order founded on the principle that the path to enlightenment should be open to all humanity, regardless of gender.
Le Droit Humain was revolutionary. It did not create a separate system for women but insisted on a single, unified Craft where men and women work together in the same lodges, hold the same offices, and progress through the same degrees. This philosophy of universal brotherhood, embracing all of humanity, quickly spread from France across the globe. Today, Le Droit Humain has federations and pioneer lodges in over 60 countries, offering a Masonic home for those who believe in the co-masonic ideal.
Are There Lodges Exclusively for Women?
Yes, absolutely. Parallel to the development of co-masonry, another powerful movement was taking shape: Freemasonry exclusively for women. This model appeals to those who believe in the value of single-gender spaces for personal and spiritual development, mirroring the structure of traditional male Freemasonry but for a female membership.
The two most significant women-only Grand Lodges are based in the United Kingdom. The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) was founded in 1908, and The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) was established in 1913. Both organizations were originally founded as co-masonic bodies but made the decision early in their history to become exclusively for women, believing it would foster a more focused and empowering environment.
These are not auxiliary groups. They are sovereign and independent Masonic orders that practice Freemasonry in its entirety. They use traditional rituals, work the three degrees of Craft Masonry, and extend into further Masonic orders like the Royal Arch. Their standards for membership and ritualistic practice are exacting. The growth and public presence of these orders have become more pronounced in recent years, a fact highlighted in reports from major news outlets like the BBC, which noted their increasing visibility.
These orders provide a compelling option for women who seek the traditional Masonic experience of fraternity and self-discovery within a sisterhood. For those wanting to delve deeper into the specific histories of these orders, the Museum of Freemasonry provides excellent resources and articles that detail their origins and development.
What is the Status of Female Freemasons in the United States?
The Masonic landscape in the United States is particularly complex when it comes to the topic of women. The concept of ‘regularity’ is paramount. Each state has a ‘mainstream’ Grand Lodge that is considered regular, and these Grand Lodges trace their lineage back to the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, or Scotland. They adhere to the traditional model and do not admit women, nor do they formally recognize Masonic bodies that do.
However, this does not mean women’s and co-masonic orders do not exist in the US. They do, and in many cases, they thrive. Federations of Le Droit Humain and other co-masonic orders have been active in the country for over a century. There are also women-only lodges and Grand Lodges operating independently. The journey for female freemasons in the United States is often one of seeking out these alternative, or ‘liberal’, obediences.
The key issue is one of recognition and inter-visitation. A woman who is a member of a co-masonic lodge in New York cannot visit a regular, male-only lodge in the same city. The mainstream Grand Lodges do not consider her to be a ‘regular’ Mason. This creates a separation between the different streams of Freemasonry, though informal friendships and mutual respect often exist on a personal level between individual members.
Do Mainstream Male Lodges Recognize Women’s Lodges?
While formal recognition is rare, particularly in the United States, the attitude of mainstream Freemasonry towards women’s orders has softened significantly in recent decades. The most important development came from the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the mother Grand Lodge of modern Freemasonry.
In 1998, the UGLE issued a landmark statement acknowledging that the two women-only Grand Lodges in the UK, the OWF and HFAF, are regular in their practice. While UGLE does not formally ‘recognize’ them in a way that would allow inter-visitation (as UGLE’s rules still define Freemasonry as being for men), it affirmed that ‘their rituals are based on the same traditional sources as our own’ and that they ‘hold a similar belief in a Supreme Being’.
This statement was monumental. It effectively said, ‘While we do not admit women, we see you, we respect your work, and we consider you to be practicing Freemasonry authentically’. This has allowed for more open and amicable relationships, with members from both male and female lodges able to interact at social events and work together on community projects. This evolving relationship is a key part of the modern discussion regarding women and freemasonry, signaling a shift from strict separation towards mutual respect.
What Are Female Masons Called?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions, and the answer is refreshingly simple. Women who are members of the Craft are called Freemasons. Sometimes they are referred to as Masons. The term is considered gender-neutral in this context, referring to a practitioner of Freemasonry.
Terms like ‘Masoness’, ‘Lady Freemason’, or ‘Sister Mason’ are generally considered outdated, inaccurate, or are used only in specific historical contexts. In modern co-masonic and women-only lodges, the members refer to each other and are referred to simply as Freemasons. This is an important point of etiquette and respect, as it affirms their status as equal participants in the Craft. If you are ever unsure, a simple guide on what are girl masons called confirms that ‘Freemason’ is the correct and respectful term.
Do Women Freemasons Use the Same Rituals?
Yes. The core of the Masonic experience lies in its ritual and symbolism, and this is true for all forms of Freemasonry. Women’s and co-masonic lodges perform the same three degrees of Craft Masonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The allegorical journeys, the moral lessons taught through symbols, and the philosophical inquiries are identical.
The obligations taken, the secrets entrusted, and the methods of recognition are all derived from the same ancient traditions as male lodges. The profound experience of being raised to the sublime degree of a Master Mason, for instance, carries the same weight and teaches the same lessons of fidelity and mortality. The allegorical search for that which was lost, including understanding what is the word of a master mason, is a central pillar of their Masonic work, just as it is in any regular lodge worldwide. The setting may be different, but the light they seek is the same.
Why Do Women Want to Become Freemasons?
The motivations that draw women to Freemasonry are precisely the same as those that draw men. They are seekers of knowledge, truth, and personal betterment. They are looking for a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to principles of integrity, charity, and respect. Freemasonry offers a structured path for moral and spiritual development, a ‘peculiar system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated by symbols’.
Many are drawn to the esoteric and philosophical dimensions of the Craft, exploring the deeper meanings of its ancient symbols and allegories. Others are attracted by the strong bonds of fellowship and sisterhood, creating a supportive network that transcends social and professional boundaries. And for all, the commitment to charity and the betterment of society is a powerful and fulfilling calling. The desire for light is a universal human impulse, not a gendered one.
What Does the Future Hold for Women in Freemasonry?
The future for women in Freemasonry appears bright and full of potential. The visibility of women’s and co-masonic orders is steadily increasing, aided by the internet and a more open society. As more people learn that these options exist, membership continues to grow. The conversation around the topic is more active than ever, with many individuals sharing their own research and perspectives on the evolving role of women in the Craft.
While it seems unlikely that most mainstream male Grand Lodges will begin admitting women in the near future, the trend towards greater respect and informal cooperation is likely to continue. The Masonic world is slowly but surely embracing a more pluralistic view, recognizing that different people may need different spaces to practice the Craft. There is value in men-only lodges, value in women-only lodges, and value in mixed-gender lodges. Each serves a different need but all work towards the same noble goal.
The story of women and Freemasonry is one of persistence, dedication, and an unyielding belief in the universal principles of the Craft. It is a testament to the idea that the search for light, fellowship, and self-improvement is a journey open to all who sincerely seek it, regardless of their gender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do female Masonic lodges in the UK interact with male lodges?
Historically and administratively, female and male Masonic lodges operate independently as single-gender organisations. The two main bodies for women, The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) and Freemasonry for Women (HFAF), work "in parallel" to the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), which governs men’s Freemasonry. This means that while they are formally recognised by UGLE as being regular in their practice, they do not attend each other’s official lodge meetings.
Despite the separation in formal lodge proceedings, there is a growing sense of a wider Masonic community that includes both men and women. It is common for lodges to hold joint social events, charity fundraisers, and open days where members and their families can mix freely. This allows for a shared sense of purpose and community while preserving the unique, single-gender environment of the lodge room itself.
What is the typical time commitment and cost involved in joining a women’s Masonic lodge?
The time commitment for a Female Mason is manageable and designed to fit around modern life. A typical lodge will hold a formal meeting between four and six times per year, with each meeting lasting a couple of hours and often followed by an optional social dinner. Members may also be invited to attend optional rehearsals or committee meetings, but the core commitment is the regular lodge meetings.
Financially, there is an initial one-time fee for initiation, which covers administrative costs and regalia, followed by an annual subscription fee to the lodge. These annual dues contribute to the running of the lodge, rental of the Masonic hall, and dues to the Grand Lodge. Members should also budget for the cost of dining after meetings and for voluntary contributions to charitable causes, which are a cornerstone of Masonic life.
Is women’s Freemasonry as secretive as the men’s, and what does that secrecy entail?
Women’s Freemasonry is not a secret society, but rather a society with secrets, a distinction it shares with the men’s orders. Members are proud of their involvement and are free to tell people they are Freemasons. The "secrets" are confined to the traditional methods of recognition, such as specific handshakes or words, which are used to prove membership when visiting another lodge.
The purpose of this privacy is to preserve the integrity and impact of the ceremonies for new members, allowing them to experience the lessons and symbolism for themselves without prior spoilers. These ceremonies are allegorical plays that teach moral and philosophical lessons, and their private nature ensures a shared, profound experience for all initiates. The principles and aims of female Freemasonry—charity, self-improvement, and fellowship—are entirely public.
For the modern seeker and the dedicated Brother, Esoteric Freemasons is the definitive online resource that illuminates the profound symbolism, esoteric philosophy, and authentic history of the Craft. We go beyond the surface to reveal the true light of Masonic knowledge.
