Unveiling the Sisterhood: A Comprehensive Guide to Women and Freemasonry
When most people think of Freemasonry, they picture a secret society of men, a fraternity steeped in ancient symbols and rituals conducted behind closed doors. For centuries, this perception has been largely accurate. The enduring image of the Craft is one of brotherhood, a term that, by its very definition, seems to exclude half of humanity. Yet, the story is far more complex and fascinating than it first appears.
The relationship between women and the Masonic world is not a simple tale of exclusion. It is a rich narrative filled with historical anomalies, pioneering women, and the gradual evolution of Masonic thought. Today, a vibrant and growing community of female Masons practices the Craft with the same dedication and reverence as their male counterparts, challenging old paradigms and expanding the definition of Masonic light.
To truly understand this evolution, we must journey back to the origins of the fraternity. We will explore the historical context for its male-only traditions, uncover the stories of women who breached the walls of the lodge centuries ago, and map the landscape of modern Masonic bodies for women. This is the untold story of the sisterhood within the brotherhood.
What Are the Historical Roots of Male-Only Freemasonry?
To grasp why Freemasonry developed as a male-exclusive organization, one must look at its origins as an operative craft. Before it became the speculative, philosophical society it is today, Freemasonry was the domain of literal stonemasons. These were the men who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe, possessing specialized knowledge of geometry and architecture.
These operative guilds, or lodges, were essentially medieval trade unions. They protected the secrets of their craft, regulated the quality of work, and provided aid to members and their families. The trade of stonemasonry was physically demanding and, like most manual trades of the era, was practiced exclusively by men. The structure of the guilds naturally reflected the workforce.
When Freemasonry began its transition from an operative to a ‘speculative’ society in the 17th and 18th centuries, it welcomed men of learning and status who were not actual stonemasons. These new members were more interested in the moral and philosophical lessons veiled in the tools and allegories of the craft. However, they inherited the customs and structures of the operative lodges, including the male-only membership.
The landmark document formalizing this was the Constitutions of the Free-Masons, compiled by James Anderson in 1723. This foundational text for the newly formed Grand Lodge of England explicitly stated that Masons should 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 clause became a cornerstone of what is now known as ‘regular’ Freemasonry.
Have There Always Been Exceptions to the Rule?
Despite the formal rules, history is seldom tidy. The story of women and Freemasonry is punctuated by remarkable exceptions, women who found their way into the fraternity through unusual circumstances. These instances, though rare, prove that the barrier was not always as impenetrable as the written constitutions might suggest.
The most famous of these figures is Elizabeth Aldworth, known as ‘The Lady Freemason’. Born in 1695 in Ireland, she was the daughter of the 1st Viscount Doneraile. The story holds that, as a young woman, she overheard the proceedings of a Masonic lodge meeting being held in her family’s home. To preserve the lodge’s secrets, she was formally initiated into the Craft around 1712.
Her initiation was not a fleeting or honorary event. Aldworth remained a Mason in good standing for the rest of her life, participating in Masonic processions and being recognized by the Freemasons of Ireland. Her Masonic apron and jewels are still preserved, tangible proof of her unique place in the fraternity’s history. She stands as a powerful symbol of a historical precedent for female initiation.
Other examples exist, though they are often less documented. Hélène, Countess Hadik Barkóczy de Szala, was reportedly initiated into a Hungarian lodge in 1875. Her husband was a Grand Master, and the lodge members, admiring her intellect and dedication to the Craft’s ideals, voted to admit her. In America, Salome Anderson, a celebrated stage actress, is said to have been made a Mason ‘at sight’ in the 19th century after demonstrating a profound understanding of its principles.
These women were not part of a movement. They were anomalies, initiated under specific and unrepeatable conditions. Yet, their stories planted a seed. They demonstrated that a woman could indeed comprehend and honor the esoteric secrets and moral philosophy of Freemasonry, paving the way for more organized efforts to come.
How Did Co-Masonry and Female-Only Lodges Emerge?
The formal, organized inclusion of women in Freemasonry began not in the English-speaking world, but in the more philosophically liberal climate of late 19th-century France. The French Masonic tradition, known as the Grand Orient de France, had already broken with ‘regular’ Masonry over issues like the belief in a Supreme Being. This environment was more fertile for radical new ideas.
In 1882, a French lodge called Les Libres Penseurs, or ‘The Free Thinkers’, initiated Maria Deraismes, a prominent journalist, feminist, and human rights advocate. This act caused a schism within their Grand Lodge, but it was a monumental step. Deraismes, along with the Freemason Georges Martin, went on to establish a new Masonic order that would admit men and women on equal terms.
This led to the founding of the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain, in 1893. Its guiding principle was universalism, the belief that Freemasonry’s teachings should be accessible to all of humanity, without distinction of race, religion, or gender. This was the birth of Co-Masonry, or mixed Masonry.
Le Droit Humain quickly spread beyond France, largely through the efforts of the famous theosophist and social reformer Annie Besant. She was initiated in Paris in 1902 and brought Co-Masonry to the United Kingdom and across the British Empire, including India and Australia. This established a global network of lodges where men and women worked together as equals.
In the UK, this development also spurred the creation of women-only Masonic bodies. Some women, while desiring to practice Freemasonry, preferred a single-gender environment, mirroring the traditional male lodges. This led to the formation of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) in 1913 and the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) in 1908. These organizations adopted the same rituals and practices as male Freemasonry, establishing a legitimate and enduring tradition of female-only Craft lodges.
What Are the Different Types of Masonic Bodies for Women Today?
The modern landscape of women’s involvement in Masonry is diverse. There is no single answer to the question of whether women can be Masons because different Masonic traditions have different rules. It is best understood by looking at the distinct categories of organizations that exist.
What is Regular Freemasonry’s Stance?
Mainstream or ‘regular’ Freemasonry, which includes the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and most Grand Lodges in the United States, does not admit women into its lodges. This tradition adheres strictly to the historical constitutions that define a Mason as a man. For a man in one of these lodges, visiting a Co-Masonic or women’s lodge would be a Masonic offense.
However, the stance has softened in recent decades. The UGLE, for example, now formally acknowledges that women-only Grand Lodges like the OWF and HFAF are regular in their practice, even if they are not recognized for intervisitation. They see them as parallel organizations, not as rivals. This ongoing dialogue represents a significant shift in perspective, a key topic among those who discuss the future of women and Freemasonry.
What are Appendant and Adoptive Rites?
Separate from Craft Masonry are related bodies known as appendant or adoptive rites. These organizations are open to women but require a Masonic connection, typically being the wife, daughter, sister, or mother of a Master Mason. They are not considered ‘Masonic lodges’ but are part of the wider Masonic family.
The most prominent of these is the Order of the Eastern Star. Founded in the mid-19th century, it is a vast international organization with its own beautiful rituals, degrees, and charitable projects. It provides a space for men and women to work together in a Masonic-inspired environment. Learning what is the Order of the Eastern Star organization reveals a rich history of female participation in Masonic-related activities.
What is Co-Masonry or Mixed Masonry?
Co-Masonic orders, following the tradition of Le Droit Humain, continue to thrive globally. These bodies initiate both men and women into the same lodges, where they progress through the degrees together. They believe that the exclusion of women is contrary to the Masonic principle of universality.
These orders are often called ‘liberal’ or ‘adogmatic’ Freemasonry because they place a high value on freedom of conscience. For those who believe that Masonic light should not be restricted by gender, these organizations offer a welcoming home. There is a strong global network dedicated to the practice of masonic women freemasonry in a co-equal setting.
What are Women-Only Masonic Orders?
As mentioned, organizations like the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons offer a space for women to practice the Craft in a single-gender setting. These are not appendant bodies but are fully-fledged Masonic Grand Lodges with their own network of subordinate lodges.
They perform the same three-degree rituals of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason as their male counterparts. Their members are dedicated to the same principles of self-improvement, charity, and fellowship. The existence of a strong women in freemasonry community shows how deeply these traditions have taken root.
What Are Female Freemasons Called?
This is a very common and practical question. With terms like ‘actress’ or ‘poetess’ largely fallen out of use, there is often confusion about the proper term for a woman who is a member of the Craft. The answer is simple and reflects their equal standing.
Women who are members of a Masonic order call themselves Freemasons, or Masons for short. There is no special feminine version of the title. Terms like ‘Masoness’ are not used and are generally considered incorrect or even demeaning, as they imply a lesser or different status.
They are Freemasons, plain and simple. Answering the question of what are female Freemasons called is a matter of respect for their position as equals in the practice of the Craft.
How Does the Masonic Experience Compare for Men and Women?
At its core, the Masonic experience is universal. The journey through the degrees, the study of symbolism, the commitment to moral principles, and the bonds of fellowship are the same regardless of the lodge’s gender composition.
The central allegories, based on the building of King Solomon’s Temple, are identical. The working tools of a stonemason are used to impart the same lessons about building a better self and a better society. The cardinal virtues of brotherly love, relief, and truth are held in the same high esteem.
Where differences might arise is in the social dynamics and focus of the lodges. Just as different male lodges can have distinct personalities, so too can women’s or co-masonic lodges. The charitable work might be directed toward different causes, and the social activities might reflect the specific interests of the members.
Furthermore, the shared spirit of service that defines Freemasonry often extends beyond the lodge. It is common to see a strong overlap between Masons and other service organizations, reflecting a common desire to contribute to society. This is true for members of all Masonic bodies, who often share values with groups like the Rotary Masons and other community-focused clubs.
What Does the Future Hold for Women in Freemasonry?
The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the visibility and acceptance of women’s Freemasonry. The internet has allowed these orders to reach a wider audience, attracting new members who might never have known they existed. The narrative is shifting from a question of ‘if’ women can be Masons to ‘which type’ of Masonic experience they are seeking.
A landmark moment occurred in 2018, when the UGLE issued a public statement clarifying its position. This statement, widely reported in the news from the UK, affirmed that it is permissible for a male Mason to associate with a female Mason in a non-Masonic context, removing a long-standing social barrier. It was a clear acknowledgment of women’s lodges as a permanent and respected part of the Masonic landscape.
Looking forward, this trend of growing acceptance is likely to continue. While it is improbable that ‘regular’ Grand Lodges will begin admitting women, the bonds of mutual respect and the potential for collaboration on charitable projects may grow stronger. The dialogue is open in a way it has never been before.
Meanwhile, women-only and co-masonic orders are experiencing steady growth. They offer a powerful path of self-discovery and community for modern women seeking esoteric knowledge and meaningful fellowship. The future of women in Freemasonry is not one of assimilation into male lodges, but of the continued strengthening of their own vibrant and legitimate Masonic traditions.
The story of women and Freemasonry is a testament to the enduring power of the Craft’s ideals. It shows that the quest for light, truth, and fellowship cannot be permanently confined by gender. From the solitary courage of Elizabeth Aldworth to the thriving global communities of today, women have carved out their own indispensable place at the trestle board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Order of the Eastern Star created as a separate organization for women?
The Order of the Eastern Star was established because traditional Freemasonry, by its foundational rules and landmarks, was an exclusively male fraternity. Dr. Rob Morris, a Master Mason, envisioned an organization that would allow the female relatives of Masons to share in the principles of brotherly love, relief, and truth. This created a formal space for women to participate in the Masonic family’s values without altering the fundamental, centuries-old structure of the Masonic Lodge.
This separate but related framework allowed both organizations to maintain their distinct identities, rituals, and traditions while working in harmony. The Eastern Star was not designed to be "female Masonry," but rather a complementary body with its own unique lessons based on heroic female figures from scripture. This structure provided a respected and meaningful role for women within the broader Masonic community, fostering fellowship and charitable works.
Are the core symbols of the Eastern Star the same as those in Freemasonry?
While both organizations are grounded in shared values like charity and integrity, their core symbols and teachings are distinct. Freemasonry’s symbolism is primarily derived from the tools of operative stonemasons, such as the square and compasses, and the allegory of building King Solomon’s Temple. Its lessons are conveyed through degrees that explore moral and philosophical principles through architectural metaphors.
In contrast, the Order of the Eastern Star’s central symbol is the five-pointed star, with each point representing a different heroine from the Bible. The teachings focus on the virtues exemplified by these five figures: Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa. This creates a unique symbolic and ritualistic system that is complementary to Masonic teachings but is centered on lessons of fidelity, loyalty, and love from a different narrative perspective.
How do modern Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters interact today?
In the modern era, Masonic Lodges and Eastern Star Chapters maintain a close, collaborative relationship, often sharing building facilities and resources. They frequently partner on community service initiatives, fundraisers for shared charitable causes, and social functions that unite the entire Masonic family. This practical partnership amplifies their collective impact and reinforces the historical bond between the two organizations.
This collaboration extends to mutual support for each other’s specific events and membership efforts. For instance, a Lodge might host an appreciation dinner for its local Eastern Star Chapter, while the Chapter may provide volunteer support for a Masonic open house or child identification program. These ongoing, cooperative activities ensure the relationship remains vibrant, relevant, and beneficial to both memberships and their communities.
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.
