Beyond the Brotherhood: Are There Female Freemasons?
When most people picture a Freemason, they imagine a man in an apron, a member of a centuries-old fraternity steeped in tradition and secrecy. The image of the Craft is overwhelmingly male, a ‘band of brothers’ dedicated to self-improvement and charitable work. This perception leads to one of the most frequently asked questions about the ancient institution: can a woman be a Freemason?
The answer is far more complex and fascinating than a simple yes or no. While the majority of Masonic Grand Lodges around the world, often referred to as ‘regular’ or ‘mainstream’, do not admit women, the story does not end there. A rich and legitimate history of women’s involvement in Masonry has been unfolding for over a century, creating a vibrant world of female Masons who practice the same rituals and uphold the same values.
To understand this landscape, one must look beyond the doors of a single lodge and explore the diverse branches of the Masonic family tree. The historical context, the rise of alternative Masonic orders, and the evolving social attitudes have all shaped the role of women within this esoteric world. The journey reveals not a simple exclusion, but a parallel and powerful tradition of female Masonic practice.
Why Was Freemasonry Traditionally for Men Only?
To grasp the current situation, we must first travel back to the origins of modern Freemasonry. The institution as we know it today, known as ‘speculative’ Masonry, evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons who built Europe’s great cathedrals and castles. These were physically demanding trades in an era with rigid gender roles, and the guilds were exclusively male.
When Freemasonry transitioned from an operative craft to a speculative, philosophical society in the 17th and 18th centuries, it retained many of its original structures and customs. The first formal rulebook for speculative Freemasonry, James Anderson’s Constitutions of 1723, stipulated that Masons should be ‘free men, of mature and discreet age, no bondmen, no women, no immoral or scandalous men, but of good report’.
This rule was a product of its time. In the 18th century, women had few legal rights, could not own property independently in many places, and were largely excluded from public and professional life. The concept of being ‘free’ was legally and socially tied to manhood. Therefore, the exclusion of women was less a philosophical statement against their character and more a reflection of the societal norms of the era in which the fraternity was formalized.
Did Any Women Ever Join Traditional Masonic Lodges?
Despite the explicit rules, history is filled with intriguing exceptions that challenge the narrative of a purely male fraternity. These rare instances, often born of unusual circumstances, show that the line was not always as impermeable as the official documents suggest. The most famous case is that of Elizabeth Aldworth, known as ‘The Lady Freemason’.
Who Was Elizabeth Aldworth?
Born in 1695, Elizabeth St Leger Aldworth lived in County Cork, Ireland. The story goes that a private lodge, which included her father, was meeting in their family home. Overcome with curiosity, she reportedly hid in an adjoining room and witnessed the secret proceedings of a Masonic degree.
After being discovered, the members of the lodge faced a dilemma. She had seen their secret rituals, and they were bound by a solemn oath to protect them. After much deliberation, they determined the only way to ensure her silence was to bind her with the very same oath. Consequently, Elizabeth Aldworth was initiated and passed through the degrees of Freemasonry, remaining a respected member in good standing for the rest of her life.
What About Other Historical Examples?
While Aldworth’s story is the most celebrated, she was not entirely unique. Other accounts exist, though some are less substantiated. One notable example is Countess Hélène Hadik-Barkóczy de Szala in Hungary, who was reportedly initiated into a regular lodge in 1875. Her initiation was an attempt by a faction within the lodge to advocate for the inclusion of women, though it caused a significant schism and was not widely accepted.
These historical anecdotes are important because they show that the question of women’s involvement is not new. For centuries, individuals have challenged the traditional boundaries of the Craft. Exploring the detailed history of women and freemasonry provides valuable context for understanding how these early exceptions paved the way for later, more organized movements.
What is Co-Freemasonry?
The first major, organized effort to create a space for both men and women in Freemasonry began in late 19th-century France. This movement, known as Co-Freemasonry or Mixed Masonry, was founded on the principle that the tenets of Freemasonry, liberty, equality, and fraternity, should apply to all of humanity, regardless of gender.
Its origins lie with the initiation of feminist pioneer Maria Deraismes in 1882 into a men’s lodge that was willing to defy the conventions of the time. Although the lodge was suspended for its actions, Deraismes, along with the influential Georges Martin, went on to establish a new Masonic order. In 1893, they founded Le Droit Humain, or ‘The Human Right’, the first Co-Masonic body.
Le Droit Humain operates with rituals and structures that are recognizable to any Mason, but with the fundamental difference of initiating both men and women on equal terms. This form of Masonry spread internationally, establishing a presence in many countries around the world. It offered a path for those who believed the philosophical core of Freemasonry should not be constrained by gender, creating a truly universal brotherhood. The global perspective on Freemasonry and women often begins with the groundbreaking work of these French visionaries.
Are There Exclusively Female Masonic Orders?
Beyond mixed-gender Co-Masonry, another powerful movement emerged: Freemasonry exclusively for women. This began in the early 20th century in the United Kingdom when a group of men and women who had joined a French Co-Masonic lodge decided to pursue a different path. They believed that while men had their single-gender Craft, women should have the same opportunity.
This led to the formation of women-only Masonic bodies. The first of these, which would eventually become The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF), was founded in 1913. Shortly after, another group formed The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) in 1908, which is now the largest Masonic order for women in the UK. These organizations were founded with the help of male Masons who provided the necessary ritual knowledge and authority to ensure their work was authentic.
Today, these orders are thriving. They practice the same three-degree system of Craft Freemasonry, from Entered Apprentice to Master Mason, using rituals that are virtually identical to those used in male lodges. They have their own Grand Lodges, constitutions, and administrative structures. For a woman seeking the Masonic experience among her peers, these orders provide a complete and fulfilling path. A personal account of a woman’s journey in Freemasonry vividly illustrates the profound impact this experience can have. These groups are part of a diverse landscape of female Masonic organizations that offer a genuine Masonic home for women.
How Do Mainstream Grand Lodges View Female Masons?
The relationship between ‘regular’ male Freemasonry and the various female and co-masonic orders is nuanced. The key concept here is ‘regularity’, which is a system of mutual recognition between Grand Lodges. To be considered regular, a Grand Lodge must adhere to a set of ancient principles, or ‘landmarks’, which typically include a belief in a Supreme Being, the display of a Volume of Sacred Law in the lodge, and the exclusion of women from membership.
Because women’s and co-masonic orders initiate women, they are not formally ‘recognized’ by mainstream male Grand Lodges like the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) or most Grand Lodges in the United States. This means their members cannot visit regular male lodges, and vice-versa. It is a formal separation based on adherence to these historic landmarks.
However, the absence of formal recognition does not always mean hostility. In 1999, the UGLE issued a statement clarifying its position. It acknowledged that women’s Masonic orders are ‘regular in practice’, meaning they follow the Masonic rituals and principles authentically, even if they are not formally recognized. The UGLE stated that while inter-visitation is not allowed, informal discussions and relationships at a local level are permissible. This stance marks a significant evolution from outright denial to a form of respectful coexistence, a topic often explored in discussions about the global state of women and Freemasonry.
What Does the Path of a Female Freemason Look Like?
For a woman who joins an order like the OWF, HFAF, or Le Droit Humain, the Masonic journey is remarkably similar to that of her male counterparts in the ‘regular’ Craft. The experience is centered on the same allegorical lessons and symbolic teachings designed to foster moral and spiritual development.
How is the Initiation Process Similar?
The core of the Masonic experience is the degree system. A candidate, whether male or female, begins as an Entered Apprentice. Through dramatic and symbolic ceremonies, they are taught foundational lessons about morality, truth, and self-knowledge. They then progress to the degree of Fellow Craft, where the focus shifts to intellectual pursuits and the study of the hidden mysteries of nature and science.
Finally, they are raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason, which confronts the candidate with an allegory of death and rebirth, teaching profound lessons about fidelity and immortality. This shared journey, with its rich symbolism and solemn obligations, is the essence of Freemasonry. Even the more complex appendant bodies and their teachings, like those related to 32nd degree Mason secrets, have parallels within the broader Masonic world accessible to both men and women in their respective orders.
What About Masonic Symbolism and Regalia?
The symbolic language of Freemasonry is universal across all its branches. A female Mason learns to use the same working tools as moral guides: the 24-inch gauge to divide her time, the common gavel to divest her heart of vice, and the square to square her actions. The square and compasses remain the preeminent symbol of the Craft, representing the relationship between the material and the spiritual.
Members of women’s lodges wear aprons, collars, and jewels just as male Masons do. The question, can a woman wear a Masonic ring, has a clear answer. If she is a duly initiated member of a recognized Masonic order, be it female-only or co-masonic, then wearing a ring with the square and compasses is her right, a symbol of her commitment to the Craft.
What is the Future for Women in Freemasonry?
The landscape of Freemasonry is continually evolving. While the traditional, male-only Grand Lodges are unlikely to change their core rules regarding membership in the near future, attitudes are softening. The growing acknowledgment and respect shown by bodies like the UGLE towards women’s orders signal a significant shift.
As society continues to champion equality, the principles of Freemasonry itself, which speak of universal brotherhood and enlightenment, will increasingly be viewed through a modern lens. The dialogue between the different Masonic obediences is growing, fostering a climate of mutual respect rather than exclusion. The existence of thriving female and co-masonic orders proves that the teachings of the Craft are universal and not dependent on gender.
Ultimately, the question is not whether women can be Masons, they already are, and have been for over a century. The real question is how the different branches of the great Masonic family will relate to one another in the years to come. The future likely holds a more pluralistic and cooperative vision of Freemasonry, where different orders can coexist and work towards the shared goal of making good people better, regardless of their gender.
The story of women and Freemasonry is one of resilience, dedication, and a profound love for the Craft’s timeless principles. It demonstrates that the light of Masonry is powerful enough to shine beyond its original confines, illuminating paths for all who sincerely seek it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women join the Freemasons, or is the Eastern Star their only option?
Historically and traditionally, lodges under the jurisdiction of mainstream Grand Lodges of Freemasonry are open only to men. The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) was created as a separate, appendant body that allows women to participate in a Masonic-related environment. It is not "female Masonry" but rather a distinct organization with its own rituals and lessons that is open to both men and women.
To join the Eastern Star, a woman typically needs to have a specific Masonic affiliation, such as being the wife, daughter, sister, or mother of a Master Mason. Master Masons themselves are also eligible and welcome to join the OES. Therefore, while women cannot join a traditional Masonic lodge, the Eastern Star provides a parallel path for them to share in the charitable and moral tenets of the broader Masonic family.
How do the symbols of the Eastern Star and Masonry relate to each other?
The symbols of both Freemasonry and the Order of the Eastern Star serve the same core purpose: to teach moral, ethical, and spiritual lessons through allegory. Both organizations place a holy book, typically the Bible, at the center of their meeting spaces as a source of divine guidance. This shared foundation means their symbols often point toward similar virtues like fidelity, charity, and the search for truth.
However, their primary symbols draw from different sources to convey these lessons. Masonic symbolism is heavily based on the tools of operative stonemasons, such as the Square and Compasses, which represent living an upright and well-regulated life. In contrast, the Eastern Star’s central symbol is the inverted five-pointed star, with each point representing a different biblical heroine and the distinct virtue she embodies.
Are the meanings of Eastern Star and Masonic symbols considered secret?
While the specific ceremonies and modes of recognition within both organizations are private to their members, the general meanings of their most prominent symbols are not secret at all. The lessons taught by symbols like the Masonic Square and Compasses or the Eastern Star’s five points are based on universal principles of morality, faith, and charity that are openly discussed. These symbols are displayed publicly on buildings, rings, and car emblems precisely because their meaning is meant to be a positive public statement.
The "secrecy" often associated with these groups pertains to the private methods used to teach these lessons within a lodge or chapter, which creates a unique and binding experience for initiates. This distinction is crucial; the organizations are not hiding sinister meanings but are preserving the traditional and personal journey of self-discovery for their members. The goal is to make the lessons more impactful through personal experience rather than to conceal them from the world.
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.
