Unveiling the Sisterhood: The Hidden History and Modern Reality of Women in Freemasonry
When one pictures a Freemason, the image that typically comes to mind is of a man in an apron, a member of a centuries-old fraternity steeped in tradition and secrecy. For much of its history, this picture was largely accurate. Freemasonry, in its most recognized form, has been a homosocial organization, a brotherhood of men dedicated to moral and spiritual improvement.
This common perception, however, only tells part of a much more complex and fascinating story. The question of women’s involvement in the Craft is not a new one, nor is it a simple matter of exclusion. Over the centuries, the landscape has evolved dramatically, giving rise to vibrant and legitimate Masonic bodies for women and for men and women together.
To truly understand the Craft today, one must look beyond the old paradigms and explore the rich and often overlooked history of women as Masons. The journey reveals not a simple footnote but a parallel stream of Masonic light, one that upholds the same core tenets of self-discovery, charity, and integrity. It is a story that challenges assumptions and illuminates the expansive nature of Masonic philosophy, including the fascinating history of female Masons.
Why Was Freemasonry Traditionally for Men Only?
To grasp why Freemasonry developed as a male-only institution, we must travel back to its origins. Before it became the speculative, philosophical society it is today, Freemasonry was an operative craft. Its predecessors were the guilds of stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe.
These medieval guilds were trade organizations. They protected the secrets of their craft, ensured high standards of work, and provided aid to members and their families. At that time, stonemasonry was a physically demanding and itinerant profession almost exclusively undertaken by men.
As the era of grand cathedral building waned in the 16th and 17th centuries, these operative lodges began accepting non-operative members. These ‘accepted’ or ‘speculative’ Masons were gentlemen and scholars intrigued by the guilds’ allegorical teachings, moral framework, and fraternal bonds. This transition culminated in the formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717, marking the official birth of modern speculative Freemasonry.
During this period, the social and legal landscape of the 18th century was vastly different. Public life, including membership in clubs, societies, and civic organizations, was the domain of men. The foundational documents of modern Freemasonry, like Anderson’s Constitutions of 1723, reflected the societal norms of the time by stipulating that Masons should be ‘good and true Men, free-born, and of mature and discreet Age’. The fraternity’s structure was thus built upon the existing social framework.
Were There Ever Exceptions to the All-Male Rule?
Despite the formal rules, whispers and legends of women entering the Masonic fold have persisted for centuries. The most famous and well-documented case is that of the Honorable Elizabeth St. Leger, born in 1693 in County Cork, Ireland. She would later become known as ‘The Lady Freemason’.
The story goes that a Lodge was being held in her family home, Doneraile Court. Overcome with curiosity, the young Elizabeth hid in an adjoining room to observe the secret proceedings. She was discovered and, after a lengthy discussion, the Masons present decided that she had seen too much to be allowed to leave without being bound by the same solemn obligations they had taken. Consequently, they initiated her into the Craft.
Far from being a mere footnote, Elizabeth St. Leger, later Mrs. Elizabeth Aldworth, remained a respected and active member of her Lodge for the rest of her life. Her Masonic apron and jewels are still preserved, tangible proof of this remarkable exception to the rule. While her case is unique in its detail and verification, it highlights that even in the earliest days of speculative Masonry, the ‘rules’ were not entirely immutable.
Other stories exist, though they are often more difficult to substantiate. Tales of women disguising themselves as men to gain entry or of entire ‘lodges of adoption’ in 18th-century France suggest a persistent interest and involvement by women, even if it was on the periphery of the mainstream institution. These lodges, while connected to male Masonry, offered a separate, parallel experience for female relatives of Masons, using a similar but distinct ritual and symbolism.
How Did Women Formally Enter Freemasonry?
The true turning point for women in Freemasonry arrived not through exceptions or adoption, but through a revolutionary act of inclusion. This pivotal moment occurred in late 19th-century France, a country with a Masonic tradition that was often more philosophically and politically radical than its British counterpart.
In 1882, the Lodge ‘Les Libres Penseurs’ or ‘The Free Thinkers’ in Le Pecq, France, asserted its autonomy and initiated Maria Deraismes, a prominent writer, orator, and advocate for women’s rights. This was a direct challenge to Masonic convention. While the lodge subsequently had its charter revoked by its Grand Lodge, the seed had been planted.
Deraismes was not content to be a solitary female Mason. Alongside Georges Martin, a fellow Mason and passionate advocate for equality, she embarked on a mission to create a Masonic body that would not just admit women, but would initiate men and women on an absolutely equal footing. After more than a decade of work, they succeeded.
In 1893, they founded the ‘Grande Loge Symbolique Écossaise de France, Le Droit Humain’, which would become the International Order of Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain. This was the first Masonic obedience in the world to be established as fully co-ed, granting men and women the same rights, responsibilities, and access to all degrees of the Craft. This movement quickly spread beyond France, establishing a lasting and global landscape of Masonic women in Freemasonry.
What Do Female-Only and Co-Masonic Lodges Look Like Today?
From the seeds planted by Le Droit Humain, a diverse ecosystem of Masonic bodies for women has flourished. Today, these organizations are not ‘auxiliaries’ or ‘side-degrees’ but are autonomous Masonic obediences that practice authentic Freemasonry. They fall primarily into two categories: co-masonic and female-only.
Co-Masonic orders, like the founding Le Droit Humain, continue to initiate both men and women who work together in lodge. These international bodies emphasize the principle of universal fraternity without distinction of gender, race, or religion. They see the inclusion of both masculine and feminine perspectives as essential to achieving a more complete understanding of Masonic symbolism and philosophy.
In the early 20th century, a different model emerged. Some members of the co-masonic movement felt there was a need for a space where women could lead and develop in a single-sex environment, mirroring the structure of traditional male Freemasonry. This led to the formation of female-only Grand Lodges. In the United Kingdom, this resulted in the creation of The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) in 1913, which began as female-only, and The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF) in 1908.
These female-only orders are now thriving institutions with lodges across the world. They perform the same ancient rituals, confer the same degrees, and uphold the same moral and charitable principles as their male counterparts. The only significant difference is their membership. For many women, this provides a unique environment for personal growth and leadership, forming a vibrant community of women in Freemasonry dedicated to the Craft’s ideals.
What Are Female Freemasons Called?
One of the most common questions that arises concerns terminology. Given the historically male context, many wonder about the proper title for a woman who is a member of the Craft. The answer is simple and speaks volumes about equality.
A woman who has been initiated into Freemasonry is called a Freemason, or a Mason. Terms like ‘Masoness’ or other feminized versions are not used and are generally considered incorrect and diminutive. The title ‘Mason’ is seen as a non-gendered term denoting one who practices the art and science of Freemasonry.
This deliberate choice of language underscores a fundamental principle within these orders: Masonic teachings are universal. The allegorical journey of self-improvement, the symbolic tools used for moral instruction, and the philosophical principles of the Craft are not gender-specific. Therefore, the title for one who undertakes this journey is also not gender-specific. It is a point of pride and a reflection of the equal standing they hold within their respective Masonic organizations. Fully understanding what female freemasons are called is key to respecting their position.
This simple question of what are female masons called reveals a deeper truth about their place in the Masonic world. They are not practicing a different or diluted form of the Craft; they are practicing Freemasonry. Their claim to the title ‘Freemason’ is as legitimate as that of any man in any lodge worldwide.
How Does Mainstream Freemasonry View Female Masons?
The relationship between ‘mainstream’ or ‘regular’ male Freemasonry and the co-masonic and female-only orders is nuanced. Regularity is a complex concept in Freemasonry, used by Grand Lodges to mutually recognize each other as legitimate. For a Grand Lodge to be considered regular by bodies like the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE), the mother Grand Lodge of the world, it must adhere to a set of ‘Ancient Landmarks’.
One of these core landmarks is the requirement that its members be men. Consequently, regular male Grand Lodges do not formally recognize female or co-masonic Grand Lodges as Masonically regular. This means that members cannot officially visit each other’s lodges or engage in Masonic activities together. This is a matter of constitutional policy, not of animosity. Many historical articles detailing the relationship between women and Freemasonry explore this complex dynamic.
However, in recent decades, the relationship has become one of informal respect and mutual acknowledgment. In 1999, the UGLE issued a landmark statement clarifying its position. It acknowledged that the Order of Women Freemasons and the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons are regular in their practice, following Masonic principles and using the same rituals, even though their members are not recognized for visitation.
The statement clarified that discussions with these orders are permissible and that the relationship should be one of courtesy and respect. This reflects a modern understanding that while the constitutional rules on gender remain, the women’s orders are not clandestine or irregular in their work; they are simply separate. Many regular lodges now openly explain the official stance on Freemasonry and women on their own platforms.
Do Male and Female Masons Share the Same Core Beliefs?
Absolutely. This is perhaps the most important point of all. Regardless of the organizational divides, the core essence of Freemasonry is shared by all who practice it, male or female. The fundamental purpose remains the same: to take good people and help them become better.
All these Masonic bodies, whether male-only, female-only, or co-masonic, use the same symbolic language. The allegory of building King Solomon’s Temple, the use of the square and compasses, the symbolism of the working tools, and the journey through the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason are universal cornerstones of the Masonic experience.
The moral teachings are identical. Lessons in integrity, charity, truth, and self-discipline are central to all forms of the Craft. The requirement of a belief in a Supreme Being, the Great Architect of the Universe, is a shared landmark, providing a spiritual, though non-denominational, foundation for the work.
Furthermore, the esoteric and philosophical inquiries are also a shared pursuit. Both traditions explore profound questions through higher degrees and further study, often leading seekers to ponder complex concepts, from the nature of the Great Architect to deeper questions like who is the god of the 33rd degree mason. The quest for light and knowledge is a journey undertaken by all Masons, irrespective of their gender or the specific constitution of their Grand Lodge.
What Does the Future Hold for Women and the Craft?
The role and visibility of women in Freemasonry are undeniably growing. Female-only and co-masonic orders are attracting new members who are drawn to the timeless appeal of Masonic philosophy but seek an inclusive environment. As society continues to evolve, it is likely that the presence of female Masons will become more widely known and understood.
Whether the formal barriers of recognition between regular male Masonry and the women’s orders will ever change remains to be seen. Freemasonry is an institution that values tradition and moves with deliberate caution. For many, the single-sex nature of their respective fraternities is a cherished and defining feature.
What is certain is that women are not new to Freemasonry, nor are they a passing trend. They have established their own legitimate and thriving Masonic traditions that have been active for well over a century. They are a vital and integral part of the broader tapestry of world Freemasonry.
The story of women and Freemasonry is a testament to the enduring power of its ideals. It shows that the principles of fraternity, self-improvement, and enlightenment are universal desires that cannot be permanently confined by the social conventions of any single era. The sisterhood is not just a hidden chapter of Masonic history; it is a living, breathing, and essential part of its present and future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a woman join any Masonic lodge she wants?
No, a woman cannot join any Masonic lodge. The majority of Masonic Grand Lodges around the world, often referred to as "regular" or mainstream Freemasonry, maintain a traditional membership requirement of being exclusively for men. Therefore, a woman interested in becoming a Freemason must seek out a specific Masonic body, or obedience, that has an open membership policy.
These organizations fall into two main categories: women-only Grand Lodges, such as The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF), and co-masonic or mixed-gender orders like Le Droit Humain, which admit both men and women. While separate from the male-only lodges, these bodies offer the same Masonic journey of self-development. A prospective female member should research the specific obediences that are active in her geographic area.
Are the rituals and degrees the same for male and female Freemasons?
The foundational structure, symbolism, and moral teachings of the rituals are essentially the same for all Freemasons, regardless of gender. Women progress through the three core degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason, engaging with the same allegories and philosophical lessons as their male counterparts. The central purpose of using symbolism to build character and explore morality is a universal constant across all legitimate Masonic orders.
While the core tenets are preserved, some minor adjustments to the ritual’s wording may be made to be gender-neutral in co-masonic lodges or specific to a female context in women-only lodges. However, the symbolic actions, core narrative, and essential meaning of the ceremonies remain unchanged. The integrity of the Masonic experience is maintained, ensuring a consistent path of enlightenment for all members.
Are Masonic organizations that accept women considered ‘regular’?
By the strict definition used by mainstream, male-only Grand Lodges (like the United Grand Lodge of England), Masonic bodies that admit women are not granted formal recognition and are therefore not considered "regular." This is because these male-only Grand Lodges adhere to a specific set of rules, or "Ancient Landmarks," one of which historically includes the exclusion of women from membership.
This lack of formal recognition means that members of male-only lodges cannot officially visit or interact with women’s or co-masonic lodges, and vice-versa. However, women’s and co-masonic organizations view themselves as legitimate and regular by their own standards, practicing the same principles of Freemasonry. They operate as a parallel and valid branch of the broader Masonic family, sharing a common heritage.
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.
