Unveiling the Sisterhood: The Hidden History of Women and Freemasonry
When one pictures a Freemason, the image that typically comes to mind is that of a man in an apron, a member of a centuries-old fraternity steeped in tradition and secrecy. For much of its history, this image has been largely accurate. Freemasonry, in its most recognized form, has been a homosocial institution, a brotherhood of men dedicated to moral and spiritual improvement.
Yet, this picture is incomplete. The relationship between women and the Craft is far more nuanced and fascinating than a simple story of exclusion. It is a tale of determined individuals, evolving societal norms, and the birth of parallel Masonic movements that thrive to this day. To truly understand the Masonic world, one must explore the complex history of female Masons and their unique journey toward the light.
The story is not one of modern invention but has roots stretching back centuries. It involves exceptional circumstances, clandestine initiations, and the pioneering efforts of women who saw the value in Masonic principles and sought to create a space for themselves within its framework. This article will illuminate that hidden history, tracing the path from exclusion to the vibrant, active world of female Freemasonry today.
Why Was Freemasonry Traditionally for Men Only?
To understand the exclusion of women, we must look back to the origins of modern, or speculative, Freemasonry in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The fraternity evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons who built Europe’s magnificent cathedrals and castles. These guilds were, by their very nature, male-dominated professions. The physical labor was demanding, and the structure of apprenticeship and trade was built around men.
As Freemasonry transitioned from a guild of working builders to a philosophical society of ‘speculative’ Masons, it retained many of the original customs and regulations of its operative predecessors. These were known as the ‘Ancient Charges’ or ‘Old Charges’.
When the first Grand Lodge was formed in London in 1717 and later codified its principles in James Anderson’s Constitutions of 1723, these traditions were formalized. The Constitutions explicitly stated that Masons were to be ‘good men and true, free-born, and of mature and discreet age, no bondmen, no women’.
This rule was not necessarily born of malice but was a product of its time. In the 18th century, women had few legal rights. They could not own property independently, sign contracts, or participate in public or civic life in the same way men could. Since Freemasonry was a society of free men who met in public houses and engaged in civic discourse, the inclusion of women was simply outside the era’s social and legal framework.
Were There Any Early Exceptions to the Rule?
Despite the official rules, history is seldom without its fascinating exceptions. The most famous and well-documented case is that of Elizabeth Aldworth, known as ‘The Lady Freemason’. Born in 1695 in Ireland, she was the daughter of the 1st Viscount Doneraile. The story goes that a private lodge, of which her father was a member, held its meetings in their family home.
Driven by curiosity, the young Elizabeth concealed herself in an adjoining room to witness the secret ceremonies. After being discovered, the members of the lodge faced a dilemma. She had learned a significant portion of their secrets. After much deliberation, they decided the only way to bind her to secrecy was to initiate her into the Craft. Aldworth reportedly remained a respected member of her lodge for the rest of her life.
While Aldworth’s story is the most celebrated, other scattered accounts and legends exist of women gaining entry into Masonic lodges under extraordinary circumstances. Furthermore, some associated side degrees or social orders emerged that included female relatives of Masons, hinting at a desire for a more inclusive social environment, even if it fell short of full Masonic initiation.
These cases were anomalies, not the norm. They did not change the fundamental male-only character of mainstream Freemasonry at the time. However, they planted a seed, demonstrating that the bond of Masonic obligation could, under the right conditions, transcend gender. These early stories form a crucial part of the broader story of women and Freemasonry.
How Did Organized Female Freemasonry Begin?
The first widespread and organized system for female participation appeared in France in the 1740s with the ‘Lodges of Adoption’. These were auxiliary lodges chartered by and attached to regular male Masonic lodges. They were created specifically for the female relatives of Freemasons, allowing them to partake in a modified form of Masonic ritual and social life.
While these lodges used Masonic symbolism and taught moral lessons, they were not considered ‘regular’ Masonry. The members were ‘adopted’ rather than ‘initiated’ in the full sense, and the lodges were always under the authority of the sponsoring male lodge. The system was popular and spread throughout Europe, but it maintained a clear hierarchy with women in a subordinate role.
The true turning point came over a century later, again in France, fueled by the rising tide of feminism and secularism. In 1882, a male lodge, Les Libres Penseurs (The Freethinkers), acting independently of its grand lodge, initiated Maria Deraismes. Deraismes was a prominent journalist, writer, and champion of women’s rights.
Her initiation was a revolutionary act that sent shockwaves through the Masonic world. It directly challenged the ‘no women’ clause of the ancient constitutions. Though her lodge was suspended for its actions, the seed of equality had been sown. A decade later, in 1893, Deraismes, along with the influential Mason Georges Martin, co-founded the first Masonic order to admit men and women on equal footing: Le Droit Humain (Human Rights).
This was the birth of what is now known as Co-Masonry. It was not an adoptive or auxiliary rite but a complete and independent Masonic order that worked the ancient rituals and conferred the same degrees upon men and women alike. This was the moment that organized, equal Freemasonry for women truly began.
What Are the Different Forms of Female Freemasonry Today?
From these pioneering efforts, several distinct branches of Freemasonry that include women have flourished. Today, a woman seeking to join the Craft has more than one path to follow. Understanding these different forms helps to clarify the modern landscape and answer the question of what are female Masons in the 21st century.
What is Co-Masonry?
Co-Masonry, as established by Le Droit Humain, is a global movement that continues to practice Freemasonry with both men and women as equal members. Its philosophy is rooted in universalism and human rights, believing that the lessons and benefits of Freemasonry should be accessible to all worthy individuals, regardless of gender, religion, or ethnicity. Lodges under Co-Masonic orders, such as the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain, operate in dozens of countries worldwide.
What Are Women’s-Only Masonic Orders?
Shortly after the establishment of Co-Masonry, a different movement began in Great Britain. Some women, while inspired by the idea of female Freemasonry, felt that the unique dynamic of working in a single-sex environment was valuable and worth preserving. They wanted to create a space for women that was parallel to, not mixed with, male Freemasonry.
This led to the formation of the first women’s-only Grand Lodge in 1908, which is today known as the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF). Its founders were a group of men and women who seceded from the Co-Masonic movement to establish an order exclusively for women. The necessary rituals were performed by male Masons to ensure the new order had a legitimate and unbroken lineage, after which the men withdrew. You can read a personal account of a woman’s journey in Freemasonry to better understand this experience.
In 1913, a second group split from the OWF to form what is now called the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF). Both of these organizations are based in the UK but have lodges internationally. They practice the same ancient rituals as male lodges and are dedicated to the same principles of charity, fellowship, and self-development. Those who wish to can learn more about women and Freemasonry through historical archives and exhibits.
How Do These Orders Relate to Mainstream Male Freemasonry?
The relationship between these female and Co-Masonic orders and the ‘regular’ male Grand Lodges, like the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), is complex. Officially, UGLE and most mainstream Grand Lodges in the United States do not formally ‘recognize’ female lodges. Recognition is a formal term in Freemasonry implying inter-visitation rights and official diplomatic relations, which are withheld because these orders initiate women, contravening the ancient constitutions.
However, the stance has softened significantly over time. UGLE, for example, has stated that informal communication and discussions with women’s orders are permissible. It acknowledges that the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons are regular in their practice, barring the inclusion of women. It advises its members to treat female Masons with respect and courtesy. This evolving perspective on the relationship between Freemasonry and women shows a move towards mutual respect, if not formal integration.
What Do Female Freemasons Do?
Inside a women’s or Co-Masonic lodge, the activities are remarkably similar to those in a male lodge. The focus is on a system of morality veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Members progress through a series of degrees, each with its own ritual drama designed to impart moral and philosophical lessons.
Lodge meetings are a blend of ritual, business, and fellowship. They use the same symbolic tools: the square to teach morality, the compasses to circumscribe desires, and the gavel to maintain order. They study philosophy, history, and symbolism to improve themselves and, by extension, the world around them. Charity is a cornerstone of their work, with lodges raising significant funds for both Masonic and non-Masonic causes.
Regalia is also a key component. Members wear aprons, collars, and sometimes jewels of office, just as their male counterparts do. A female Masonic ring is a personal emblem of a member’s commitment, carrying the same weight of symbolism as one worn by a man. The core experience is universal: a journey of self-discovery within a supportive community.
What Does the Future Hold for Women in Freemasonry?
The future for women in Freemasonry appears bright and is marked by growing visibility and acceptance. The internet has been a powerful tool, allowing interested women to easily find and connect with Co-Masonic and women’s-only lodges, demystifying the process of joining.
While it remains highly unlikely that mainstream ‘regular’ Grand Lodges will change their fundamental rules and begin initiating women, the dialogue is shifting. The conversation is less about legitimacy and more about coexistence and mutual respect. The very existence of thriving female orders challenges old perceptions and enriches the broader Masonic family.
As society continues to evolve, so too will Freemasonry. The discussion around traditional Masonic membership requirements will undoubtedly continue, but the presence of female Masons is now an undeniable and permanent part of the Masonic landscape. They are not an anomaly but a testament to the enduring and universal appeal of the Craft’s core tenets: brotherly love, relief, and truth.
The hidden history is stepping out of the shadows. The story of women and Freemasonry is a powerful reminder that the quest for light is not confined by gender but is a fundamental human aspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the experience of female Freemasons compare to that of male Freemasons?
The core principles, rituals, and philosophical teachings of Freemasonry are fundamentally the same for both men and women. Both traditions use a system of symbolic allegories and degrees to guide members on a path of moral and spiritual development. The central tenets of self-improvement, charity, and integrity remain the foundational pillars regardless of the gender of the lodge’s members.
The primary distinction lies in the unique dynamic of a single-gender environment, fostering a powerful sense of sisterhood and mutual support among women. Female lodges provide a dedicated space for women to explore their personal growth and leadership potential outside of traditional structures. This environment creates a distinct community bond and a shared experience tailored to its members.
What is the process for a woman to join a Freemason group?
The journey to becoming a member typically begins with a woman expressing her interest, often by contacting a local lodge directly or through an acquaintance who is already a member. To be considered, candidates must meet specific criteria, such as being of legal age, of good moral character, and holding a belief in a Supreme Being. This is followed by a series of informal conversations or meetings to ensure the candidate is a good fit for the lodge and vice versa.
If there is mutual interest, the prospective member will be invited to submit a formal application and participate in an interview with a lodge committee. The committee’s recommendation is then presented to the lodge members, who will vote on her admission. Upon a successful ballot, the candidate is invited to an initiation ceremony, which marks her official entry into the fraternity and the start of her Masonic journey.
Are female Freemason groups officially recognized by traditional male Masonic lodges?
The concept of recognition within Freemasonry is complex and varies significantly between different Grand Lodges and jurisdictions. The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the oldest and one of the largest male-only Grand Lodges, does not formally recognize female lodges as "regular," meaning they cannot conduct joint ceremonies or visit each other’s meetings. However, the UGLE does acknowledge their existence and maintains that the relationship should be one of mutual respect and courtesy.
In contrast, other Masonic traditions, particularly those known as Continental or Liberal Freemasonry, often practice mutual recognition between male, female, and co-ed lodges. These obediences allow for inter-visitation and collaboration, viewing all branches as part of the wider Masonic family. Ultimately, female Freemasonry operates as a sovereign and legitimate entity in its own right, with its authority derived from its own history and constitutions.
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.
