Beyond the Brotherhood: Unveiling the Role of Women in Freemasonry
Freemasonry, a word that often conjures images of secret handshakes, ancient rituals, and exclusive men’s clubs, has long been perceived as a world strictly for men. The term ‘Brotherhood’ itself reinforces this idea, suggesting a fraternity where women have no place. For centuries, this perception has largely been the reality within the most visible branches of the Craft.
This historical context, however, does not tell the whole story. The relationship between women and Freemasonry is far more nuanced and complex than a simple ‘men only’ rule suggests. The modern Masonic landscape includes thriving, legitimate Masonic organizations for women and for both genders together. The existence of female Masons challenges common assumptions and opens up a fascinating chapter in the history of the Craft.
So, can a woman become a Freemason? The answer is a surprising and multifaceted ‘yes’, but it depends entirely on which branch of the global Masonic family one is looking at. To understand this, we must journey back to the origins of the institution and trace the divergent paths that have led to the inclusive Masonic world of today.
Why Has Freemasonry Traditionally Been for Men Only?
To grasp the historical exclusion of women, we must look at Freemasonry’s origins. Modern speculative Freemasonry evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. These medieval guilds were, by the nature of their physically demanding labor, exclusively male professions.
The traditions, tools, and structures of these operative lodges were inherited by speculative Freemasonry in the 17th and 18th centuries. The working tools of a stonemason, like the square, compasses, and gavel, were transformed into symbolic instruments for moral and spiritual self-improvement. The very allegory of building a structure, specifically King Solomon’s Temple, became the central metaphor for building a better self.
When the first Grand Lodge was formed in London in 1717, its founders sought to codify the rules of the fraternity. James Anderson’s ‘Constitutions of the Free-Masons’ in 1723 became a foundational document. It famously stipulated that Masons were to be ‘good and true Men, free-born, and of mature and discreet Age’. This ‘men only’ clause was not seen as controversial at the time; it simply reflected the societal norms and the operative history of the Craft.
The symbolic language of Freemasonry also developed along masculine lines. The concepts of brotherhood, fatherhood, and sonship are deeply embedded in its rituals and teachings. The relationship between the Master of the Lodge and its members is often framed in paternal terms. This framework, established centuries ago, has been maintained by the so-called ‘regular’ branch of Freemasonry, which traces its lineage directly back to the Grand Lodges of the British Isles.
Therefore, the tradition is not rooted in any animosity towards women. Instead, it is a direct result of its historical evolution from an all-male trade and the subsequent formalization of those conditions into its founding documents and symbolic structure. This historical precedent is the primary reason why the largest and most widely known Masonic bodies, such as the United Grand Lodge of England and most Grand Lodges in the United States, do not admit women.
What is Co-Masonry or Mixed Freemasonry?
While traditional Freemasonry continued its male-only path, a revolutionary new branch of the Craft emerged in the late 19th century. This movement, known as Co-Masonry or mixed Freemasonry, was founded on the principle that the pursuit of Masonic Light should not be restricted by gender.
The story of Co-Masonry begins in France, a country with a different Masonic tradition than that of England. In 1882, a French lodge, acting on its belief in absolute equality, initiated the prominent intellectual and women’s rights activist Maria Deraismes. This act was radical and caused a significant rift within French Freemasonry.
Although her lodge was subsequently suspended, the seed of equality had been planted. Deraismes, along with the influential politician and Mason Georges Martin, believed passionately that Freemasonry’s universal principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity must apply to all of humanity. Together, they worked to establish a new Masonic obedience that would welcome both men and women on equal terms.
In 1893, they founded the ‘Grande Loge Symbolique Écossaise de France, Le Droit Humain’, which translates to ‘The Human Right’. This was the world’s first Co-Masonic body. Its constitution boldly declared its purpose to unite men and women who, in a spirit of fraternity, work for the ‘progress of humanity’ without imposing any dogmatic beliefs. This philosophy rapidly gained traction.
Le Droit Humain expanded internationally, establishing lodges across Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Today, the International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women, Le Droit Humain, is a global organization with tens of thousands of members. It practices the ancient and accepted rituals of Freemasonry, conferring the same degrees and using the same symbolism as its male-only counterparts.
The key difference is its unwavering commitment to inclusivity. In a Co-Masonic lodge, men and women work side by side, holding offices, performing rituals, and engaging in philosophical discussion as equals. This model presents a vision of Freemasonry that directly reflects a more egalitarian modern society, with insights from diverse Masonic voices shaping its contemporary practice.
Co-Masonry is not a diluted or ‘auxiliary’ form of the Craft. It is Freemasonry, pure and simple, distinguished only by its progressive stance on membership. It offers a path for men and women who wish to share the Masonic journey together, reflecting broader perspectives on international Masonry that value inclusion and universal brotherhood and sisterhood.
Are There Women-Only Masonic Lodges?
Beyond the mixed-gender model of Co-Masonry, another significant development occurred: the formation of Masonic obediences exclusively for women. These bodies operate in parallel to male-only Freemasonry, using the same rituals and adhering to the same principles of self-improvement and charity, but in a single-gender environment.
This movement began in England in the early 20th century. A number of women who had been initiated in French Co-Masonic lodges decided they wished to create a sovereign Masonic organization for women in their own country. They believed that a single-sex environment could offer a unique and empowering space for women to develop as individuals and as leaders within the Craft.
This led to the establishment of the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF) in 1913, which was originally known as The Honourable Fraternity of Antient Masonry. Another major body, the Order of Women Freemasons (OWF), was founded in 1908. Both organizations are based in the United Kingdom and have lodges in other parts of the world.
These women’s Grand Lodges are not ‘auxiliaries’ or social clubs. They are legitimate, self-governing Masonic bodies that confer the three degrees of Craft Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. They are dedicated to the same tenets of Brotherly Love (or Sisterly Love), Relief, and Truth that guide male Masons. The question of what women in these orders are called is simple: they are called Freemasons.
Their lodge rooms are set up identically to male lodges, their officers hold the same titles, and their members wear the same symbolic aprons. The work they do is serious, symbolic, and aimed at personal and spiritual growth. For women who feel that a single-gender setting is most conducive to this work, these organizations provide a dedicated and supportive Masonic home.
In recent years, these women’s Masonic orders have experienced significant growth in visibility and membership. As societal roles have evolved, more women are seeking out avenues for personal development and community that were previously inaccessible. News reports have highlighted how female-only lodges have seen a rise in interest, attracting a new generation of women to the principles of the Craft.
How Do Mainstream Grand Lodges View Female Masons?
The relationship between ‘regular’ male Freemasonry and the women’s and Co-Masonic orders is a delicate subject governed by the concept of ‘recognition’. In Masonic terms, recognition is the formal acknowledgment by one Grand Lodge that another Grand Lodge is legitimate and adheres to certain foundational principles, often called the ‘Ancient Landmarks’.
Because traditional Grand Lodges, like the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and the state Grand Lodges in the US, strictly adhere to the ‘men only’ rule, they do not formally recognize women’s or Co-Masonic Grand Lodges. This means they do not permit their members to visit their lodges or engage in Masonic ritual together. This is the core of exploring the complex question of whether a woman can be a Mason from the perspective of a traditional Mason.
However, the absence of formal recognition does not equate to hostility or denial of their existence. In a landmark statement in 2018, the UGLE clarified its position. It stated that while it does not recognize women’s lodges, it acknowledges that they exist, share similar values, and that relations should be cordial and respectful.
The UGLE’s guidance advises that its members should not be Masonicly unwelcoming to members of women’s lodges. This has opened the door for informal social interaction and cooperation on community or charitable projects. The stance is one of mutual respect, not formal Masonic union. Many local lodges and Masons have engaged in open discussions on Freemasonry and women to better understand these parallel organizations.
This position can be summarized as ‘separate but parallel’. The male Grand Lodges maintain their own constitutions and traditions, while acknowledging that women’s and Co-Masonic bodies practice Freemasonry in their own sovereign way. For the individual man or woman seeking Masonic Light, this means there are distinct, non-overlapping paths available to them.
What is the Difference Between Freemasonry and Appendant Bodies for Women?
A common point of confusion for the public is the distinction between being a female Freemason and being a member of a Masonic-related organization for women. These associated groups are often called appendant bodies or concordant bodies, and they have a historical connection to Freemasonry but are not Masonry itself.
The most well-known of these is the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). The OES is an organization for both men and women, but membership for women is contingent on having a specific Masonic relationship. Typically, one must be the wife, widow, daughter, sister, or mother of a Master Mason to be eligible to join.
While the Order of the Eastern Star has its own beautiful rituals, charitable projects, and moral lessons based on biblical heroines, its members are not considered Freemasons. They do not go through the three degrees of Craft Masonry. It is a Masonic family organization, designed to include the female relatives of Masons in the broader social and charitable work of the fraternity.
Other similar bodies include the Order of the Amaranth and the Social Order of the Beauceant. These groups provide valuable community and opportunities for personal growth, but they are distinct from the Masonic lodges that initiate women as Freemasons. This distinction is important for clarity. It is also helpful to differentiate Masonic bodies from other civic and charitable groups; for instance, many people wonder about the connection, but understanding if Rotary Club members are Freemasons reveals they are entirely separate organizations with different origins and purposes.
To be a Freemason, a woman must be initiated, passed, and raised in a duly constituted Masonic lodge that accepts women, such as one under the jurisdiction of a Co-Masonic or women’s Grand Lodge. Membership in an appendant body, while honorable and rewarding, is a different experience and status.
What Does the Future Hold for Women in Freemasonry?
The Masonic world is not static; it has always evolved to reflect the society in which it operates. The future for women in Freemasonry appears to be one of continued growth and increasing visibility. As information becomes more accessible through the internet and social media, more women are discovering that a path to Masonic Light is available to them.
Women’s and Co-Masonic orders are becoming more adept at public outreach, demystifying their work and showcasing their contributions to charity and community. This transparency helps to break down old stereotypes and attract new members who are drawn to the core Masonic principles of self-improvement, fellowship, and service.
While it seems unlikely that the major ‘regular’ male Grand Lodges will change their constitutional requirements regarding gender in the near future, the trend of respectful coexistence is likely to strengthen. The shared values between all branches of Freemasonry provide a strong foundation for mutual understanding and informal cooperation.
The dialogue is shifting from ‘can women be Masons?’ to ‘which Masonic path is right for you?’. The existence of multiple, legitimate Masonic traditions provides a rich tapestry of options for the modern seeker. Whether in a male-only, female-only, or mixed-gender lodge, the ultimate goal remains the same: to take good people and help them become better.
The story of women in Freemasonry is a testament to the enduring and universal appeal of the Craft’s ideals. It demonstrates that the principles of liberty of conscience, the pursuit of knowledge, and the bonds of fellowship are not confined to any single gender but are the shared heritage of all who seek to build a better world, one stone at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Co-Masonry and women’s-only Grand Lodges the same thing?
While both are part of the Masonic tradition, they are fundamentally different in their membership structure. Co-Masonic orders, such as The Honorable Order of American Co-Masonry, initiate both men and women to work together as equals in the lodge. In contrast, women’s-only Masonic bodies, like the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, operate as parallel organizations to traditional male Freemasonry, but with a membership exclusively for women.
The choice between these models often reflects a philosophical preference for the kind of environment a member seeks. Some individuals feel that a mixed-gender setting best embodies the Masonic principle of universality and equality. Others believe that a women’s-only space provides a unique and powerful atmosphere for personal development, empowerment, and building a distinct sisterhood.
Do traditional male Grand Lodges recognize female Masons?
The vast majority of mainstream, male-only Grand Lodges do not formally recognize female Masonic organizations or their members as "regular" in the Masonic sense. This means they do not permit intervisitation or officially acknowledge the validity of their rituals and initiations. This position is based on long-standing traditions and constitutions that define a Freemason as being a man.
However, the relationship is often one of mutual respect rather than animosity, and it is slowly evolving. Some male Grand Lodges, while withholding formal recognition, acknowledge that these female orders operate sincerely in the spirit of Freemasonry and maintain informal, amicable relations. For female Masons, their legitimacy is derived from their own sovereign charters and commitment to Masonic principles, not from the validation of external bodies.
What is the purpose and focus of meetings in female Masonic orders?
Meetings in female Masonic orders are centered on the core tenets of self-improvement, moral and ethical education, and charitable work. A primary focus of lodge meetings is the performance of ritual and the conferral of degrees, which are symbolic allegories used to teach profound moral lessons. These ceremonies are conducted with great care and are meant to be a contemplative, shared experience for all members present.
Beyond the formal ritual, meetings are a vital space for sisterhood, fellowship, and conducting the lodge’s business. This includes planning community outreach and charity events, managing lodge finances, and voting on the admission of new candidates. The overarching goal is to create a supportive and inspiring environment where women can explore philosophical truths and build lifelong bonds.
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.
