A Complete Guide to the Masonic Family of Organizations
Freemasonry, often spoken of in hushed tones, is not a single, monolithic entity. It is a vast and intricate tapestry woven from countless threads, a global fraternity composed of many distinct yet related organizations. To understand the Craft is to understand its structure, a family tree with deep roots and sprawling branches, each offering a unique path for personal growth and fellowship.
This network can seem bewildering to the uninitiated. From the foundational Blue Lodge to the philosophical Scottish Rite and the chivalric York Rite, each body has its own history, symbolism, and purpose. This guide will illuminate the landscape of Masonic organizations, providing a clear map for the curious seeker and the dedicated Brother alike.
What is the Core of Freemasonry?
The absolute foundation of all Freemasonry is the Symbolic Lodge, often called the Craft Lodge or Blue Lodge. Every single Freemason in the world, regardless of any other affiliation, must begin his journey here. It is the bedrock upon which the entire Masonic edifice is built.
Within the Blue Lodge, a man progresses through a series of three degrees, each a profound allegorical play teaching moral and ethical lessons. This is the essential experience of being a Mason. All other Masonic bodies are considered extensions or elaborations of the lessons taught in these first three degrees.
What are the Three Degrees of Craft Masonry?
The three degrees of the Blue Lodge represent a symbolic journey of human development, from birth and ignorance to life and enlightenment. The first degree is that of the Entered Apprentice, which focuses on themes of birth, purification, and the beginning of a man’s search for light. It is a candidate’s formal entry into the fraternity.
The second degree is the Fellowcraft, which represents the stage of manhood and intellectual pursuit. Its lessons emphasize the importance of education, the study of the liberal arts and sciences, and the application of knowledge to build a virtuous life. It is a call to labor and to refine one’s character.
The third and final degree of the Blue Lodge is that of the Master Mason. This degree confronts the themes of mortality, fidelity, and the hope of resurrection. It is a deeply moving and dramatic experience that completes a man’s symbolic journey, making him a full member of the fraternity with all its rights and responsibilities.
What are Appendant and Concordant Bodies?
Appendant and Concordant Bodies are optional Masonic organizations that a Master Mason can choose to join. These groups are not "higher" in authority than the Blue Lodge, but rather offer further exploration of specific Masonic themes, philosophies, or historical traditions. The term "appendant" signifies that they are attached to the Blue Lodge, while "concordant" implies they are in harmony with its teachings.
Joining these bodies is a personal choice, driven by a Mason’s individual interests. They provide avenues for specialized study, deeper fellowship, and participation in unique charitable or social activities. Think of the Blue Lodge as a university education, and the appendant bodies as graduate programs in specialized fields.
Why Do Masons Join These Additional Bodies?
A Master Mason joins an appendant body to continue his search for more light, the central metaphor of the Masonic journey. He may be drawn to the chivalric traditions of the Knights Templar, the deep philosophical lessons of the Scottish Rite, or the focused charitable work of the Shriners.
These organizations offer a richer, more diverse Masonic experience. They provide new allegories and dramas that build upon the foundational lessons of the first three degrees. Furthermore, they create smaller, more specialized communities of fellowship where men with shared interests can form even stronger bonds.
What are the Major Appendant Bodies in the York Rite?
The York Rite is one of the two primary systems of appendant bodies in Freemasonry. It is often described as a more direct continuation of the Blue Lodge narrative, focusing on the recovery and preservation of that which was lost in the Master Mason degree. Its structure is a series of distinct bodies, each with its own set of degrees or orders.
To journey through the York Rite is to embark on a historical and allegorical quest. The experience is composed of three main parts, the Royal Arch Chapter, the Cryptic Council, and the Knights Templar Commandery. Each builds upon the last, creating a cohesive and powerful narrative.
What is the Royal Arch Chapter?
The Royal Arch Chapter is typically the first body a Master Mason joins within the York Rite. Its central purpose is to explore the story of the recovery of the Lost Word, a key element from the Master Mason degree. The degrees of the Chapter are considered by many to be the completion of the ancient craft.
The primary and most significant degree is the Royal Arch Mason degree. It is a dramatic and moving ceremony that takes the candidate on a symbolic journey through the ruins of King Solomon’s Temple. This experience provides profound answers to questions raised in the Blue Lodge, bringing the story to a powerful climax.
What is the Council of Cryptic Masons?
The Council of Royal and Select Masters, often called the Cryptic Council, is the second body of the York Rite. Its degrees are known as the Cryptic Degrees because their story revolves around a secret vault, or crypt, beneath King Solomon’s Temple. These degrees chronologically occur before the Master Mason degree, filling in crucial historical and allegorical details.
The Cryptic Masons focus on the preservation of the sacred treasures of the Temple, including the Lost Word itself. The lessons emphasize patience, faithfulness, and the duty to protect that which is sacred. This body provides essential context that enriches the entire Masonic story.
What is the Commandery of Knights Templar?
The Commandery of Knights Templar is the final body within the York Rite, and it is unique among Masonic organizations. Membership is open only to Master Masons who are also Royal Arch Masons and who profess a belief in Christianity. Its orders are based on the traditions of medieval chivalry and the historical Knights Templar.
The Commandery confers three orders, the Order of the Red Cross, the Order of Malta, and the Order of the Temple. These are not degrees but orders of Christian knighthood, teaching lessons of faith, sacrifice, and the defense of the innocent. The Commandery is known for its spectacular uniforms, public drills, and solemn, inspiring ceremonies.
What are the Major Appendant Bodies in the Scottish Rite?
The Scottish Rite is the other primary system of appendant bodies and offers a vastly different experience from the York Rite. Instead of a linear narrative, it presents a series of philosophical and allegorical degrees that explore a wide range of spiritual, ethical, and historical themes. It is often called the "University of Freemasonry" for its intellectual depth.
The Rite is organized into a sequence of degrees numbered from 4 to 32. These degrees are conferred in groups within different chambers, such as the Lodge of Perfection and the Consistory. The Scottish Rite journey is one of deep reflection on humanity’s age-old quest for truth.
How is the Scottish Rite Structured?
The Scottish Rite’s structure can be complex, particularly in the United States, where it is divided into two separate jurisdictions. The Southern Jurisdiction governs 35 states, primarily in the South and West, while the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction governs the remaining 15 states in the Northeast and Midwest. Each jurisdiction manages its own affairs and has slight variations in its ritual and degree structure.
A Master Mason joins the Scottish Rite and witnesses the degrees, which are typically presented as elaborate theatrical plays. These degrees use allegory to explore concepts from world religions, classical philosophy, and history, all with the aim of encouraging the Mason to think critically about his own values and his place in the world.
What is the 33rd Degree?
The 33rd Degree is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of Freemasonry. It is not a degree that one can apply for or earn through regular progression. It is an honorary degree, bestowed upon a select number of 32nd Degree Masons by the Supreme Council of the jurisdiction.
This honor is awarded in recognition of outstanding service to Freemasonry, the Scottish Rite, or to humanity as a whole. It is a mark of high esteem, given to men who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership. A 33rd Degree Mason holds no more rank or authority over other Masons, but is simply recognized for his distinguished contributions.
What Philosophy Does the Scottish Rite Teach?
The core philosophy of the Scottish Rite is one of universalism and intellectual liberty. Its degrees draw upon the wisdom of many cultures and traditions, from ancient Egypt and the Kabbalah to the chivalric codes and the Enlightenment philosophers. The goal is not to promote any single doctrine, but to use these diverse stories to teach a common morality.
The Rite champions the cause of the common man against tyranny and ignorance. It teaches its members to be tolerant of all faiths and beliefs, to value education, to practice charity, and to work for the betterment of society. It is a path for the Mason who seeks to expand his mind and deepen his understanding of the human condition.
What are Masonic Youth Organizations?
The Masonic family extends beyond its adult members to include several dynamic organizations for young people. These groups provide a positive and supportive environment where youth can develop leadership skills, practice public speaking, engage in community service, and build lifelong friendships. While sponsored by Masonic bodies, they operate independently with their own rituals and traditions.
These organizations are a vital part of the Masonic tradition of community building. They instill the core Masonic values of integrity, friendship, and charity in the next generation. Membership is open to young people who meet the age requirements, often with a Masonic relative as a sponsor, though this is not always a strict requirement.
What is DeMolay International?
DeMolay International is a premier leadership organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21. It was founded in 1919 and is named for Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the historical Knights Templar. DeMolay’s teachings are centered on seven cardinal virtues, including love of parents, reverence for sacred things, and patriotism.
Members of DeMolay plan and run their own activities, from fundraisers and community service projects to social events and athletic competitions. The organization provides a framework for young men to learn responsibility, teamwork, and self-confidence in a fun and engaging way.
What is Job’s Daughters International?
Job’s Daughters International is an organization for young women between the ages of 10 and 20 who have a Masonic heritage. The group’s lessons and rituals are based on the Book of Job, emphasizing the virtues of patience, faith, and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs.
Members learn valuable skills in planning, organization, and finance by managing their local chapter, known as a Bethel. Job’s Daughters actively promotes scholarship, leadership, and a commitment to serving others, all within a close-knit sisterhood.
What is the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls?
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is another prominent organization for young women, typically between the ages of 11 and 20. Its teachings are based on lessons from the Old Testament, with each of the seven colors of the rainbow representing a specific virtue, such as love, religion, and service.
Rainbow Girls focuses heavily on community service and charity work. The organization empowers its members to become confident and compassionate leaders, providing them with opportunities for public speaking, event planning, and personal development in a nurturing and supportive environment.
What are Organizations for Women with Masonic Ties?
While traditional Freemasonry is a fraternity for men, the Masonic family includes several major organizations that welcome women. These groups are not part of Freemasonry itself, but are closely related, sharing similar values and a commitment to charity, community, and moral improvement. Membership typically requires a family connection to a Master Mason.
These organizations provide a unique space for men and women to work together in a Masonic context. They have their own beautiful rituals, leadership structures, and charitable projects, contributing significantly to the overall mission of the Masonic family.
What is the Order of the Eastern Star?
The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world to which both men and women can belong. Membership is open to women with specific Masonic affiliations, such as wives, daughters, and mothers of Master Masons, as well as to Master Masons themselves.
The teachings of the Order are based on the lives of five heroic female figures from the Bible. Each of these heroines exemplifies a particular virtue, such as fidelity, loyalty, and faith. Chapters of the Eastern Star are known for their extensive charitable work, particularly in areas like cancer research and support for youth groups.
What is the Order of the Amaranth?
The Order of the Amaranth is another co-ed organization for Master Masons and their female relatives. Its core teachings are centered on the virtues of Truth, Faith, Wisdom, and Charity. The name comes from the amaranth flower, which was used as a symbol of immortality and enduring friendship.
The Order of the Amaranth is distinguished by its primary philanthropic project, the Amaranth Diabetes Foundation. Members dedicate significant effort to raising funds for diabetes research, demonstrating their commitment to service in a tangible and impactful way.
Are There Other Notable Masonic Groups?
Beyond the core Rites and family organizations, the Masonic world is populated by a fascinating array of other groups. These bodies cater to more specific interests, from pure fun and fellowship to focused philanthropy and the preservation of distinct historical traditions. They add to the rich diversity of the Masonic experience.
Each of these groups requires a Mason to have first completed his three degrees in the Blue Lodge. They demonstrate the incredible flexibility of the Masonic framework, which allows men to create communities centered around almost any shared passion, all grounded in the core principles of the Craft.
What is the Shrine (Shriners International)?
Shriners International is one of the most visible Masonic-related organizations, famous for its red fezzes, colorful parades, and circus events. Membership is open to Master Masons, and the organization is focused on fun, fellowship, and its world-renowned philanthropy.
The official philanthropy of the Shrine is the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of specialized medical facilities that provide expert pediatric care completely free of charge. Shriners are deeply committed to this cause, and their fun-loving public persona is matched by a profound dedication to helping children in need.
What is the Grotto (MOVPER)?
The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, commonly known as the Grotto, is an organization for Master Masons dedicated to promoting "Good Fellowship." While the Shrine is known for its large-scale philanthropy, the Grotto’s motto is "Good Fellowship," and its primary focus is on creating a fun and informal social outlet for its members.
Grottoes are known for their lighthearted and humorous approach to fraternity. They often engage in charitable work, with a particular focus on cerebral palsy research and dental care for children with special needs, but their main purpose is to foster joy and camaraderie among Masons.
What are Prince Hall Masonic Bodies?
Prince Hall Freemasonry is a branch of the fraternity founded in the late 18th century by Prince Hall, an abolitionist and prominent free black citizen in Boston. It was established because the mainstream colonial lodges would not admit African Americans. Today, Prince Hall Grand Lodges exist across North America and the world.
Prince Hall Masonry is not an appendant body, but a parallel and equally legitimate system of Freemasonry with its own Blue Lodges, York Rites, Scottish Rites, and Shrines. In recent decades, the vast majority of mainstream Grand Lodges have formally recognized Prince Hall Grand Lodges as regular and authentic, a crucial step in healing a historical divide.
What is Co-Freemasonry or Universal Freemasonry?
Co-Freemasonry refers to Masonic bodies that admit both men and women as equal members. These organizations, such as the Honorable Order of American Co-Masonry and the Grand Orient of France, believe that the principles of Freemasonry should be open to all people regardless of gender.
It is important to note that these co-masonic and women-only bodies are not recognized as regular by the mainstream, male-only Grand Lodges that trace their lineage to the United Grand Lodge of England. While they practice similar rituals and uphold similar values, they exist outside the system of mutual recognition that defines mainstream Freemasonry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to join all these groups?
Absolutely not. The only requirement to be a Freemason is to be a Master Mason in good standing in a Blue Lodge. All other bodies are entirely voluntary. A Mason can have a rich and fulfilling experience without ever joining an appendant body, or he can choose to join one or many, depending on his time, finances, and personal interests.
Are these groups secret societies?
No, they are more accurately described as societies with secrets. Their existence, locations, and leadership are all public knowledge. The "secrets" of Freemasonry pertain to the specific modes of recognition, such as handshakes and passwords, and the allegorical lessons of the degree rituals, which are intended to be experienced firsthand.
Is one organization “better” than another?
No organization is considered "better" or "higher" than another in terms of Masonic authority. The Blue Lodge is the foundation for all. The choice between the York Rite, the Scottish Rite, or any other body is a matter of personal preference. One is not superior to the other, they simply offer different paths and different perspectives on the same core truths.
How do these organizations relate to a Grand Lodge?
A Grand Lodge is the sovereign governing body for all the Blue Lodges within a specific geographical area, such as a state or country. Appendant bodies like the York and Scottish Rites operate under their own national or regional leadership but do so with the permission of the Grand Lodges in their territory. A fundamental rule is that all members of an appendant body must remain in good standing with their Blue Lodge, which is under the authority of its Grand Lodge.
The list of Masonic organizations is long, but the journey through them is a personal one. It is a path of continuous discovery, a quest for light that can lead a man through chivalric orders, philosophical schools, and communities of profound fellowship. The true map is not the list of names, but the internal compass that guides a seeker toward greater understanding.
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. Your journey beyond the list starts here, where we explore not just the "what," but the "why." Continue your search with us.
