Unveiling the Sisterhood: The Untold Story of Women in Freemasonry
When you picture a Freemason, a specific image likely comes to mind. It probably involves a man in an apron, participating in ancient rituals shrouded in symbolism and secrecy. For centuries, this has been the dominant public perception of the world’s oldest and largest fraternity. But what if that picture is incomplete? The relationship between women and Freemasonry is far more complex, historic, and vibrant than most people realize.
The story is not a simple one of exclusion. Instead, it is a nuanced narrative of parallel development, mutual respect, and a shared pursuit of light and knowledge. From legendary tales of accidental initiates to the formal establishment of powerful Masonic orders for women, the Craft’s landscape is more diverse than ever. Understanding the journey of female Masons is essential to grasping the full scope of Masonic history and its modern evolution.
This exploration will illuminate the historical context, the rise of women’s Masonic bodies, and their place in the world today. We will delve into the different forms of Freemasonry open to women and examine how they relate to their male counterparts. The journey reveals a deep and abiding connection to the core tenets of self-improvement, charity, and fellowship that define the Masonic spirit.
Why Was Freemasonry Traditionally for Men?
To understand the present, we must first look to the past. Freemasonry’s origins are traced back to the operative stonemason guilds of the Middle Ages. These guilds were organizations of craftsmen responsible for building Europe’s magnificent cathedrals and castles. Membership was restricted to men, as stonemasonry was a physically demanding trade reserved for them at the time.
As the era of cathedral-building waned, these operative guilds began to evolve. Around the 17th and early 18th centuries, they started accepting members who were not actual stonemasons. These ‘speculative’ Masons were gentlemen and thinkers drawn to the guild’s system of morality, symbolism, and fellowship. This transition culminated in the formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717, marking the birth of modern Freemasonry.
During this period, societal norms strictly defined gender roles. Public and civic life, including membership in fraternities and societies, was the exclusive domain of men. The early regulations and constitutions of speculative Freemasonry reflected the society in which they were written, formally restricting membership to men of good standing.
This historical context is not an excuse but an explanation. The fraternity’s structure was a product of its time. However, the principles it espoused, such as brotherly love, relief, and truth, are universal. This universality would eventually create pathways for women to engage with the Craft’s teachings in their own right.
Are There Any Historical Exceptions to the ‘Men Only’ Rule?
History is rarely without its fascinating anomalies. Even within the strictly male framework of early speculative Masonry, there is the celebrated case of Elizabeth Aldworth, known as ‘The Lady Freemason’. Born in 1695 in Ireland, she reportedly overheard the proceedings of a Masonic lodge meeting being held in her family’s home. To protect the lodge’s secrets, a decision was made to initiate her into the Craft.
Her initiation was, of course, highly irregular. Yet, she was by all accounts a respected and dedicated member for the rest of her life, known for her charitable works. While her story is unique and not a precedent for admitting women, it demonstrates that even in the 18th century, the ‘rules’ could be bent under extraordinary circumstances. It highlights a focus on the character of the individual over rigid adherence to convention.
Other less-verified stories exist of women gaining access to Masonic knowledge, but Aldworth’s case remains the most well-documented. These tales became an important part of Masonic lore, hinting at a future where the barrier of gender would be more formally and thoughtfully addressed.
How Did Women’s Freemasonry Formally Begin?
The true genesis of organized Freemasonry for women began not in the British Isles, but in France during the 18th century. French Masonry developed ‘Lodges of Adoption’ which were attached to regular male lodges. These bodies allowed female relatives of Masons to participate in a form of Masonic-style ritual and fellowship.
While supervised by male Masons and not considered ‘regular’ Masonry, these Lodges of Adoption were a significant step. They provided women with their own space to engage with allegorical teachings and moral philosophy. The system had its own degrees and symbols, creating a unique and enriching experience for its members.
The most pivotal moment, however, arrived in the late 19th century. In 1882, a French lodge, ‘Les Libres Penseurs’ or ‘The Free Thinkers’, asserted its autonomy and initiated Maria Deraismes, a prominent writer, feminist, and lecturer. This act was a radical departure from Masonic tradition and caused a schism within French Freemasonry.
Undeterred, Deraismes, along with the influential Freemason Georges Martin, went on to establish a new Masonic order that admitted both men and women as equals. In 1893, they founded ‘La Grande Loge Symbolique Écossaise de France, Le Droit Humain’. This marked the birth of International Co-Masonry, a truly global movement that would spread the principles of Freemasonry to all people, regardless of gender, race, or religion.
What Are the Different Types of Women’s Masonic Bodies Today?
Today, the landscape of Freemasonry for women is rich and varied. There are several distinct avenues for women who feel a calling to the Craft. These bodies are not novelties; they are well-established, serious organizations with long histories and global memberships.
What is Co-Masonry?
Co-Masonry, or mixed-gender Freemasonry, stems directly from the pioneering work of Maria Deraismes and Georges Martin. The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain, is the largest and most prominent example. It has federations and lodges in over 60 countries, working the ancient and accepted Scottish Rite from the 1st to the 33rd degree.
Co-Masonic orders hold the principle of equality as their highest ideal. They believe that the exclusion of women from the Craft is a violation of Masonic universality. In their lodges, men and women work together as absolute equals, sharing in ritual, governance, and fellowship. This form of Masonry appeals to those who believe that a complete representation of humanity enriches the Masonic experience.
What are Female-Only Grand Lodges?
Another significant branch consists of Masonic orders that are exclusively for women. In the United Kingdom, two main bodies were established in the early 20th century. The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) was founded in 1908, and The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) was founded in 1913. Both were started by men and women who broke away from Co-Masonry, believing that women, like men, would benefit from a single-sex Masonic environment.
These organizations are not auxiliary groups. They are independent Grand Lodges that practice Craft Freemasonry in a manner that is virtually identical to their male counterparts. They confer the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, and they expect the same high standards of character and commitment from their members. Exploring a woman’s journey in Freemasonry within these orders reveals a path of profound personal growth and sisterhood.
What Are Appendant Bodies for Women?
In addition to Co-Masonry and female-only Craft Masonry, there are also appendant or concordant bodies. These are organizations that require a Masonic connection for membership but are not Craft Masonry themselves. The most well-known of these is the Order of the Eastern Star (OES).
The OES was founded in the mid-19th century and is open to both men who are Master Masons and their female relatives. Its teachings are based on biblical heroines and it focuses on charity, fraternity, and moral lessons. While it shares a close relationship with mainstream Masonry, it is a distinct organization with its own rituals and structure.
How Do Mainstream Grand Lodges View Women Freemasons?
The question of recognition is central to the relationship between the different Masonic families. Mainstream or ‘regular’ Freemasonry, typified by the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), defines itself by a set of ancient landmarks. One of these is the restriction of membership to men.
Because of this, regular Grand Lodges do not formally ‘recognize’ women’s or co-Masonic lodges. This means they do not permit intervisitation or treat them as part of the same Masonic family. However, this lack of formal recognition does not equate to hostility or dismissal. In fact, the relationship has evolved into one of quiet respect.
In 1999, the UGLE issued a statement clarifying its position. It acknowledged that the two women’s Grand Lodges in the UK, the OWF and HFAF, are regular in their practice, following Masonic principles and using rituals that are recognizably Masonic. The UGLE’s statement on women Freemasons confirms that while they are not formally recognized, discussions with them are permissible on matters of mutual interest. This stance acknowledges that they are working in parallel towards the same goals of moral and spiritual upliftment.
This perspective is shared by many regular Grand Lodges around the world. There is a growing understanding that these different streams of Masonry can coexist peacefully, each serving the needs of its members. The shared goal is to make good people better, a mission that transcends organizational boundaries. Many resources now exist to help people understand the complex world of masonic women in Freemasonry and the various paths available to them.
What is the Experience of a Woman in Freemasonry Like?
Regardless of the specific order a woman joins, her experience is rooted in the same core Masonic principles that have guided men for centuries. The journey is one of self-discovery, moral education, and spiritual enlightenment. It is a commitment to improve oneself for the benefit of one’s family and community.
The lodge becomes a unique space of trust and support, a true sisterhood. It is a place where women from all walks of life can meet on the level, putting aside differences in social standing, profession, or background. This fellowship is one of the most cherished aspects of the Masonic experience.
This growth in women’s Freemasonry has naturally led to questions about proper terminology. While terms may vary slightly by jurisdiction, members are typically referred to as Freemasons or Masons. The question often arises about what are female Masons called, and the answer is usually simple: they are called Masons. Similarly, discussions about younger members might bring up the phrasing of what are girl Masons called, but the focus remains on the title of Mason as a universal descriptor of a member of the Craft.
Do Women Freemasons Use the Same Rituals and Symbols?
Yes, the rituals, allegories, and symbols used in women’s and co-Masonic lodges are fundamentally the same as those used in male lodges. The powerful drama of the three degrees, centered on the building of King Solomon’s Temple, remains the core of the Masonic lesson plan. The symbols, from the Square and Compasses to the All-Seeing Eye, carry the same deep philosophical meanings.
There may be minor adjustments to the wording of the ritual to be gender-inclusive in a co-Masonic setting or gender-specific in a female-only lodge. For example, references to ‘Brother’ might be changed to ‘Brother or Sister’ in a mixed lodge, or simply ‘Sister’ in a women’s lodge. These changes are cosmetic and do not alter the essential meaning or impact of the ceremonies.
The profound obligations taken by members are also universal. The commitment to guard the secrets of the Craft, such as the legendary Master Mason password, is a universal principle that binds all Masons together in a shared vow of fidelity. This sacred trust is a cornerstone of the Masonic method, ensuring that its lessons are revealed only to those who have proven themselves worthy.
What is the Future of Women in Freemasonry?
The future for women in Freemasonry is exceptionally bright. As society continues to evolve, the idea of women participating in all avenues of spiritual and philosophical inquiry is becoming universally accepted. The internet has played a massive role in demystifying Freemasonry and making information accessible to a wider audience.
Women seeking a path of personal development, structured fellowship, and meaningful service are increasingly discovering the Masonic tradition. They are finding a system that offers not dogma, but a framework for their own moral and intellectual growth. The growth of women’s and co-Masonic orders around the world is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Craft’s teachings.
This modern era sees a more open and collaborative spirit. While formal recognition remains a complex issue, the informal bridges of understanding and respect are stronger than ever. The focus is shifting from what divides the different Masonic families to what unites them: a shared commitment to building a better world, one good person at a time. Viewing a modern perspective on the Craft shows how these timeless principles are being adapted and embraced by a new generation of seekers, both male and female.
The story of women and Freemasonry is no longer a footnote; it is a vital and expanding chapter in the ongoing history of the Craft. It is a story of perseverance, dedication, and the unquenchable human desire for more light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wear my late husband’s or father’s Masonic ring as a tribute?
Wearing a Masonic ring belonging to a cherished family member is a common and heartfelt question. While wearing the ring on your finger is generally discouraged as it implies you are a member, many within the fraternity view wearing it on a chain as a necklace to be a respectful and touching tribute. This method honors the man and his dedication to the Craft without misrepresenting your own status as a non-Mason.
The primary concern is avoiding the false impression of membership, which Masons take very seriously. By converting the ring into a pendant or keeping it as a treasured keepsake, you clearly signal your intent is one of memorial, not impersonation. This approach is widely seen as a loving way to keep their memory and affiliation close to your heart.
What is the difference between wearing a Masonic ring as a member versus as a non-member?
For a Freemason, wearing the ring is a profound and public declaration of his identity and commitment to the fraternity’s core tenets. It acts as a recognizable symbol to other Masons around the world, signifying a shared bond and a promise to uphold the values of brotherly love, relief, and truth. The ring is worn with a deep, personal understanding of its symbolism and the obligations it represents.
For a non-member, wearing an authentic Masonic ring is problematic because it communicates a membership they do not possess. This is viewed not as a simple fashion choice but as a misrepresentation that can cause confusion and is considered disrespectful to the institution. The distinction is about authenticity and honoring the commitment that the symbol represents, which is earned through initiation and dedication to the Craft.
Are there any Masonic-related organizations for women that have their own rings?
Yes, there are several respected organizations affiliated with Freemasonry that are open to women, and they have their own unique rings and emblems. The most well-known of these is the Order of the Eastern Star, which is open to women who have specific Masonic relatives. Members of the Eastern Star are entitled to wear rings and jewelry featuring its distinct five-pointed star symbol.
These rings signify the woman’s own membership and her commitment to the principles of her specific order. Other appendant bodies for women include the Order of the Amaranth and the White Shrine of Jerusalem, each with its own beautiful and symbolic jewelry. Joining one of these organizations is the most appropriate way for a woman to wear a ring that is directly connected to the broader Masonic family.
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.
