Beyond the Brotherhood: The Evolving Role of Women in Freemasonry
The image of Freemasonry in the popular imagination is a distinct one. It often conjures visions of secret handshakes, ancient rituals, and exclusive gatherings of men in lodges closed to the outside world. For centuries, this perception held a great deal of truth, as the Craft was traditionally a homosocial space, a brotherhood of men dedicated to self-improvement and philanthropy.
However, this picture is incomplete. The story of Freemasonry is far more nuanced, and the relationship between women and the Craft is a long, complex, and evolving narrative. The journey has been marked by exclusion, adaptation, and the eventual creation of vibrant and independent Masonic bodies for women. Understanding the history and current landscape reveals a fascinating aspect of Masonic development, showing how its core principles can and do extend beyond its traditional male-only origins.
Today, the question of gender in Freemasonry is not a simple yes or no. A rich tapestry of organizations exists, providing avenues for spiritual and moral development for all who seek it. The presence of female masons is a testament to the enduring appeal of Masonic philosophy and its capacity for growth in a changing world.
Why Was Freemasonry Traditionally for Men?
To understand the modern role of women in Masonry, one must first look to its origins. Freemasonry as we know it today, often called speculative Masonry, grew out of the operative stonemason guilds of the Middle Ages. These guilds were trade organizations for the men who built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe.
In that era, such physically demanding trades were exclusively the domain of men. The guild structure provided a framework for training, quality control, and mutual support for its male members. The lodge was their workplace and their meeting hall, a place to share trade secrets and build camaraderie.
As the great age of cathedral building waned, these operative lodges began to accept non-stonemasons as members. These new members, known as speculative Masons, were not interested in the literal tools of the trade but in the moral and philosophical lessons that could be drawn from them. This transition occurred during the 17th and 18th centuries, a time when societal norms strictly defined gender roles.
Public and civic life, including membership in fraternities and societies, was almost universally restricted to men. The foundational documents of modern Freemasonry, such as James Anderson’s Constitutions of 1723, reflected these societal standards. The rules stipulated that Masons should be ‘good and true Men, free-born, and of mature and discreet Age’, thereby formally codifying the all-male tradition that had been inherited from the operative guilds.
How Did Women First Enter Freemasonry?
The formal exclusion of women did not entirely prevent their participation. Early exceptions and unique circumstances have been recorded, though they are rare. One of the most cited, if debated, examples is that of Elizabeth Aldworth, who is said to have secretly witnessed a lodge meeting in Ireland in the early 1710s and was subsequently initiated to preserve the lodge’s secrets.
The most significant developments, however, began in 18th-century France with the emergence of ‘Adoption Lodges’ or ‘Lodges of Adoption’. These were systems of degrees for women that were sponsored by and attached to regular male Masonic lodges. While women in these lodges were not considered Masons in the same way as their male counterparts, it was the first organized system for female participation in a Masonic environment.
This set the stage for a monumental shift. The true turning point came in France in the late 19th century. A French lodge, Les Libres Penseurs, initiated the prominent writer and women’s rights activist Maria Deraismes in 1882. This act was considered highly irregular by mainstream French Freemasonry, and the lodge’s charter was revoked.
Undeterred, Deraismes, along with the influential Mason Georges Martin, worked to establish a Masonic body that would admit both men and women on equal terms. In 1893, they founded the Grande Loge Symbolique Écossaise ‘Le Droit Humain’. This marked the birth of International Co-Freemasonry, a global movement that initiates men and women without discrimination. It established a precedent for a fully Masonic experience that was not limited by gender.
What Are the Different Types of Masonic Bodies for Women Today?
The seeds planted by pioneers like Maria Deraismes have blossomed into a diverse global landscape of Freemasonry for women. Today, there is not one single type of female Masonry but several distinct forms, each with its own history and administrative structure. These bodies operate independently of the traditional male-only Grand Lodges but share the same fundamental principles and use similar ritual and symbolic systems.
These organizations provide a complete Masonic experience, guiding their members through the three degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. They are dedicated to the same core tenets of self-discovery, charitable work, and the building of a better society through individual improvement. The existence of these parallel and equally valid Masonic paths is a crucial part of the modern story.
What Are Female Masons Called?
The terminology used can sometimes be confusing to the uninitiated. In Co-Masonic orders like Le Droit Humain, both male and female members are simply referred to as Freemasons. There is no gendered distinction, as the focus is on their shared identity within the Craft.
In women-only orders, members also call themselves Freemasons. While the outside world might search for a specific term, the women in these organizations view themselves as part of the broader Masonic tradition. The question of what are girl masons called often comes from a place of curiosity, but the answer is straightforward: they are Freemasons, or sometimes referred to as ‘sisters’ within their own lodge context, much like men use the term ‘brother’.
Are There Separate Organizations for Women?
Yes, alongside Co-Masonry, two prominent women-only Grand Lodges were established in the United Kingdom in the early 20th century. The first was The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons, or HFAF, which was founded in 1913. Originally established as a Co-Masonic order, it voted to restrict its new initiates to women only in the 1920s, with a formal name change solidifying this in 1935.
The other major body is the Order of Women Freemasons, or OWF. Founded in 1908 as the Grand Lodge of Adoptive Masonry, it also began as a Co-Masonic organization before dedicating itself to an exclusively female membership. Today, the OWF is the largest Masonic organization for women in the United Kingdom, with lodges across the UK and overseas.
These organizations provide a unique space for women to engage with Masonic teachings. For many members, the single-gender environment allows for a different kind of fellowship and focus, free from the social dynamics that can be present in mixed groups. This personal preference for a women-only space is a key reason for the strength and continued growth of these orders. The powerful narrative of a woman’s journey in Freemasonry often highlights this unique sense of sisterhood and empowerment.
Do Traditional Male Lodges Recognize Female Masons?
This is perhaps the most complex and frequently asked question. The answer lies in the Masonic concept of ‘regularity’. A Grand Lodge is considered ‘regular’ if it adheres to a set of ancient landmarks and principles, a key one being its descent from one of the historic Grand Lodges of the British Isles. Another long-held landmark, for most, is the restriction of membership to men.
Because of this, mainstream ‘regular’ Grand Lodges, such as the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and the majority of Grand Lodges in the United States, do not formally recognize female or Co-Masonic Grand Lodges as regular. This means they do not permit ‘inter-visitation’, where a member of one lodge can attend a meeting at another. This is the primary practical barrier between the different branches of Freemasonry.
However, a lack of formal recognition does not mean a lack of respect or acknowledgement. In a landmark statement in 1998, the UGLE clarified its position. It stated that while its own rules on gender would not change, it acknowledged that the women-only Grand Lodges in the UK, the OWF and HFAF, are regular in their practice. The statement affirmed that these bodies follow the Masonic model so closely that ‘discussions with them can be fraternal and relaxed’.
The UGLE confirmed that while its members cannot attend their meetings, they can share premises and engage in informal social events. This pragmatic approach, as reported by outlets like the BBC, has fostered a relationship of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. The core question, can a woman be a mason, is therefore answered differently depending on which Masonic constitution you consult, even if the underlying principles are shared.
Are There Other Masonic-Adjacent Groups for Women?
Beyond the bodies that practice Craft Freemasonry, there are also numerous appendant and concordant bodies with historical ties to the Masonic fraternity that have long welcomed women. These organizations are not Masonic lodges themselves but are part of the wider ‘Masonic family’.
The most well-known of these is the Order of the Eastern Star (OES). Founded in the mid-19th century, the OES is open to Master Masons and their female relatives, such as wives, widows, daughters, and sisters. Its teachings are based on biblical heroines and focus on charity, truth, and loving kindness. It offers a space for men and women to work together in a shared pursuit of moral values.
Other similar organizations include the Order of the Amaranth and the White Shrine of Jerusalem. These groups have their own beautiful rituals, charitable projects, and social structures. They have provided a vital avenue for women to participate in the moral and social life associated with Freemasonry for over a century, long before the wider acceptance of women’s lodges.
This model of related but distinct organizations has parallels in other civic groups. Many fraternities and sororities operate in this way, and even service clubs have evolved their structures over time. While many civic groups have updated their inclusion policies, such as the changes seen in Rotary Club membership rules, the unique history of Freemasonry’s lineage from operative guilds gives its structural divisions a different context.
What Does Freemasonry Offer Women?
Whether in a co-ed or women-only lodge, the core offerings of Freemasonry are universal. The Craft provides a structured path for self-development and introspection. It uses allegory and symbolism, primarily based on the tools of the ancient stonemasons, to teach profound lessons about morality, ethics, and one’s place in the universe.
Women who join Freemasonry are seeking the same ‘light’ or knowledge that men seek. They are drawn to the promise of becoming better individuals, of contributing to their communities, and of joining a fellowship of like-minded people. The journey through the Masonic degrees is a personal one, and its impact is not determined by gender. The historical context of Women And Freemasonry shows a persistent desire to access these universal teachings.
The principles of ‘Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth’ are interpreted in these lodges as universal human values. They foster a powerful sense of community and mutual support, a ‘sisterhood’ that mirrors the ‘brotherhood’ of male lodges. Women in Freemasonry engage in the same charitable work, the same philosophical discussions, and the same pursuit of a more enlightened self.
Ultimately, the experience enriches their lives by providing a framework for moral contemplation and a community dedicated to positive action. The growing community of women in Freemasonry is a vibrant testament to the power of these ideals to transcend historical boundaries.
The story of women and Freemasonry is one of evolution. What began as a strictly male fraternity, born from the realities of medieval labor, has grown to encompass a much wider world. While the traditional, male-only branch of the Craft remains the largest and most widely known, it now exists alongside strong, independent, and legitimate Masonic traditions for women and for men and women together.
This parallel development has not diluted Freemasonry but rather enriched it, demonstrating the universal appeal of its core message. The path forward will likely involve continued dialogue, mutual respect, and a growing understanding between all branches of the Masonic family. The journey is far from over, but it is clear that women have firmly and rightfully established their place within the great Masonic quest for light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are female Masonic organizations officially recognized by traditional male Freemasonry?
The relationship is complex and depends on the concept of "regularity." Most mainstream, male-only Grand Lodges, such as the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and the majority of state Grand Lodges in the United States, do not formally recognize female or co-masonic orders. This is because their foundational rules traditionally restrict membership to men, and they only grant official recognition to other Masonic bodies that adhere to the same principles.
However, a lack of formal recognition does not always mean hostility. In many regions, the relationship is one of mutual respect, with male lodges acknowledging that female orders work "in parallel" and share similar values of charity, self-improvement, and community service. While official inter-visitation or joint ceremonies are not permitted, informal cooperation and amicable relations often exist.
What is the difference between co-masonic and women-only Masonic orders?
The primary difference lies in their membership policies. Co-Masonic organizations, also known as mixed-gender Masonry, initiate both men and women as equal members, allowing them to work together in the same lodge. These orders operate on the principle that the philosophical and moral teachings of Freemasonry should be accessible to all worthy individuals, regardless of gender.
Conversely, women-only Masonic orders were established to provide a dedicated Masonic space exclusively for women. They function as a direct parallel to traditional male-only Freemasonry, offering a unique environment for female fellowship, leadership, and personal growth. Both types of organizations follow Masonic traditions, but one champions a mixed-gender environment while the other provides a single-gender experience.
Do female Masonic organizations have the same rituals and degrees as male Freemasonry?
Yes, the core structure of rituals and degrees is largely the same. Female and co-masonic bodies practice the three symbolic degrees of Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason, which form the foundation of the Masonic system. The ceremonies use the same allegorical narratives, symbols, and moral lessons to guide a candidate’s journey of self-discovery.
The purpose and philosophical underpinnings of these rituals are identical to those in male Freemasonry. They focus on teaching morality, integrity, and fraternity through timeless allegories and symbolism. While minor variations in the wording may exist between different orders, the fundamental experience and the moral teachings conveyed through the degree work remain consistent.
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