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 figure steeped in centuries of tradition and brotherhood. For much of its history, this image has been largely accurate. The Craft, in its most recognized form, has been a homosocial institution, a space for men to pursue moral and spiritual enlightenment.
This common perception, however, obscures a more complex and fascinating reality. The story of women and Freemasonry is not one of simple exclusion but a rich narrative of exceptions, adaptations, and the eventual creation of parallel, thriving Masonic traditions for women. To truly understand the Craft today, one must explore the often-overlooked history of female Masons and their journey from historical footnotes to established members of the global Masonic family.
The question of a woman’s place in the lodge room is not a new one. It has been debated and discussed for centuries, leading to the development of distinct branches of Freemasonry that welcome women on equal terms. This article will illuminate that history, exploring how and why women became Masons and what their practice of the Craft looks like in the 21st century.
Why Was Freemasonry Traditionally for Men Only?
To understand the historical exclusion of women, we must travel back to the origins of speculative Freemasonry in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The institution evolved from the guilds of operative stonemasons, the men who physically built the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. These guilds were exclusively male, a reflection of the labor laws and societal norms of the time.
As Freemasonry transitioned from an operative craft to a speculative or philosophical one, it retained many of the structures and customs of its origins. The early lodges were social hubs for men, places where they could discuss philosophy, conduct business, and engage in fellowship away from the public eye. The social fabric of the era simply did not accommodate women in such spaces.
This tradition was formally codified in the landmark document of modern Freemasonry, the Anderson’s Constitutions of 1723. This foundational text stipulated that Masons must be ‘free men, and of mature and discreet Age, no Bondmen, no Women, no immoral or scandalous men, but of good Report’. The term ‘free’ referred to a man’s ability to make his own decisions and enter into contracts, a legal status not afforded to women at the time.
Therefore, the exclusion of women was not born of a philosophical objection to their capacity for moral improvement but was a direct product of the legal, social, and economic limitations placed upon them during the period when Freemasonry was taking its modern shape. The lodge was a microcosm of the public sphere, a domain that society had designated for men.
Were There Ever Exceptions to the ‘Men Only’ Rule?
History is rarely without its intriguing anomalies, and the strict rules of Freemasonry were occasionally tested. The most famous exception is the remarkable case of the Hon. Elizabeth St. Leger, who later became Mrs. Elizabeth Aldworth. Born in Ireland in 1693, she holds the unique distinction of being widely recognized as ‘The Lady Freemason’.
The story goes that a young Elizabeth, driven by curiosity, hid in an adjoining room during a Masonic lodge meeting being held in her family home. She was discovered after witnessing the secret proceedings. The Masons, faced with an unprecedented dilemma of how to protect their oaths, chose a radical solution. They decided the only way to bind her to secrecy was to initiate her into the Craft.
Elizabeth St. Leger was duly initiated as an Entered Apprentice and later passed to the degree of Fellow Craft. She remained a respected member of her lodge for the rest of her life, her Masonic apron a cherished possession. While her initiation was highly irregular, it stands as a powerful historical testament that the barrier to women was not insurmountable.
Other, less documented cases exist, particularly within the more liberal Masonic traditions of 18th-century France. Some military lodges, known for their less rigid adherence to rules, occasionally initiated women, often wives or companions of prominent officers. These were isolated incidents, not a widespread movement, but they demonstrated a recurring willingness to bend the established customs under specific circumstances.
How Did Co-Masonry and Women’s Lodges Begin?
The shift from individual exceptions to organized Freemasonry for women began in late 19th-century France, a crucible of progressive social and political thought. The key figures in this transformation were Maria Deraismes, a prominent journalist and feminist, and Georges Martin, a senator and Freemason with a deep belief in equality.
Maria Deraismes was initiated into a men’s lodge, ‘Les Libres Penseurs’ (The Free Thinkers), on January 14, 1882. This was a radical and controversial act that caused a schism within French Freemasonry. While her lodge was suspended for its actions, the seed had been planted. Deraismes and Martin recognized that isolated initiations were not enough; a dedicated and permanent structure was needed.
In 1893, they co-founded the ‘Grande Loge Symbolique Écossaise de France, Le Droit Humain’ (The International Order of Co-Freemasonry Le Droit Humain). This was the world’s first Masonic body created to initiate both men and women on equal terms. Its founding principle was that all humanity, regardless of gender, race, or religion, should have access to the teachings of Freemasonry.
Le Droit Humain quickly expanded beyond France, establishing lodges across Europe and around the world. It represented a fundamental reinterpretation of the Masonic ideal, moving from ‘brotherhood’ to a broader concept of human fraternity. This marked the birth of what is now known as Co-Masonry or mixed-gender Freemasonry, a vibrant and global tradition that continues to this day.
What Are the Main Types of Women’s Freemasonry Today?
The seeds planted by Le Droit Humain blossomed into a diverse landscape of Masonic opportunities for women. Over the last century, several distinct forms have emerged, each with its own philosophy and structure. Today, a woman seeking to become a Freemason has more options than ever before, with a diverse array of Masonic organizations available to her.
What is Co-Freemasonry?
Co-Freemasonry, also known as mixed Freemasonry, follows the model established by Le Droit Humain. These lodges initiate both men and women, who work together in the lodge room as equals. This form of Masonry is predicated on the belief that a balanced perspective, incorporating both masculine and feminine energies and viewpoints, enriches the Masonic experience for everyone.
Co-Masonic orders are international in scope and are particularly strong in continental Europe and the Americas. They practice the same core rituals and espouse the same philosophical tenets of self-improvement and service to humanity as their male-only counterparts. For those who believe that gender segregation is an outdated concept, Co-Masonry offers a modern and inclusive path.
What are Women-Only Grand Lodges?
Another significant development was the formation of Masonic obediences exclusively for women. This movement began in England in the early 20th century, led by members of Co-Masonic lodges who felt that a single-gender environment would be more conducive to their work. They sought to create a space for women that mirrored the traditional structure of male Freemasonry.
This led to the establishment of two main Grand Lodges for women in the United Kingdom: The Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons (HFAF), founded in 1913, and The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF), founded in 1908. These bodies are run by women, for women. They maintain that a single-sex environment allows women to develop leadership skills and form powerful bonds of sisterhood without the social dynamics present in mixed groups. The vibrant landscape for female Masons in the UK is a testament to the success of this model, and you can learn more about the historical journey of women and Freemasonry through dedicated historical resources.
These women-only Grand Lodges practice traditional Masonic ritual and adhere to the ancient landmarks, rules, and principles of the Craft. Their existence provides a compelling alternative for women who prefer the focus and camaraderie of a sororal, or sisterly, environment.
What about Appendant and Concordant Bodies?
It is also important to mention organizations that are connected to Freemasonry but are not Masonic lodges themselves. The most well-known of these is the Order of the Eastern Star. Founded in the mid-19th century, it is an appendant body open to Master Masons and their female relatives, such as wives, daughters, sisters, and mothers.
While the Eastern Star shares similar values of charity, truth, and loving-kindness, its rituals and structure are distinct from those of a Masonic lodge. It is a valuable part of the extended Masonic family, offering fellowship and a path for moral instruction, but it is not Freemasonry. Understanding this distinction is key to navigating the complex world of Masonic-related organizations.
What is the Relationship Between Male and Female Grand Lodges?
The relationship between mainstream, male-only Freemasonry and the various women’s and co-ed Masonic bodies is nuanced. The central concept governing these interactions is ‘regularity’, a complex system of mutual recognition between Grand Lodges. For a Grand Lodge to be considered ‘regular’, it must adhere to certain ancient landmarks, including the exclusion of women, as laid down in founding documents like Anderson’s Constitutions.
Because women’s and Co-Masonic lodges initiate women, they are considered ‘irregular’ by mainstream Grand Lodges like the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) and most Grand Lodges in the United States. This means there is no formal recognition, and members of regular lodges are forbidden from visiting irregular lodges or interacting with them on a formal Masonic basis. This has created separate, parallel streams of Freemasonry.
However, the relationship is not one of hostility. In 1998, UGLE issued a landmark statement clarifying its position. It acknowledged that women’s Grand Lodges like the OWF and HFAF are ‘regular in practice’, meaning they are seen as sincere in their Masonic pursuits, use traditional rituals, and require a belief in a Supreme Being. While not formally recognized, they are respected. The statement notes that discussions between members may happen, though formal Masonic contact is prohibited. This has fostered a climate of quiet, informal respect. Different Masonic scholars and communities offer varied perspectives on women in Freemasonry, reflecting the ongoing evolution of this relationship.
The debate over recognition and regularity remains a significant topic within the broader context of women and Freemasonry. Many hope for greater unity in the future, while others believe the separate-but-respectful approach works well for all involved. A thoughtful analysis of Freemasonry and women reveals the deep historical and philosophical reasons behind these different structures, showing that there is no single, easy answer to the question of Masonic unity.
What Happens Inside a Women’s Masonic Lodge?
For those curious about what happens behind the closed doors of a women’s lodge, the answer may be surprisingly familiar. The core experience is virtually identical to that found in a men’s lodge. The focus is on a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols. Members progress through the same three degrees: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason.
Each degree involves a ceremony or ritual play in which allegorical lessons are imparted to the candidate. These ceremonies use the traditional symbolism of the stonemason’s craft, such as the square, compasses, and plumb rule, to teach enduring principles of moral and ethical living. The lodge room is set up in the same manner, the officers have the same titles and roles, and the ultimate goal is the same: to take a good person and help them become better.
Lodge meetings are a blend of ritual, administrative business, and fellowship. After the formal proceedings, members often gather for a meal, known as a festive board, to enjoy each other’s company and strengthen the bonds of sisterhood. Beyond the lodge, members engage in charitable work and community service, putting their Masonic principles into practice.
One of the few differences is the terminology. While some women Masons simply refer to themselves as Freemasons, others embrace terms like ‘soror’ (Latin for sister) to complement the male ‘frater’ (brother). When considering what female Freemasons are called, the answer often depends on the specific tradition and personal preference, but the underlying identity is that of a dedicated practitioner of the Craft.
What Does the Future Hold for Women and Freemasonry?
The 21st century has seen a significant increase in the visibility and public acceptance of women’s Freemasonry. As society continues to evolve, the principles of equality and inclusion have gained greater traction, making the idea of female Masons less of a novelty and more of an accepted reality.
Women’s and Co-Masonic Grand Lodges are experiencing steady growth, attracting women from all walks of life who are searching for spiritual light, personal development, and a strong sense of community. The internet and social media have allowed these organizations to reach a wider audience, demystifying their work and showcasing the profound benefits they offer.
While the formal separation between regular and irregular Freemasonry is likely to remain for the foreseeable future, the tone of the relationship continues to soften. Mutual respect and a shared commitment to the core tenets of the Craft are building bridges of understanding. The story of women in Freemasonry is a powerful reminder that the Craft is a living, evolving tradition, capable of adapting its form while preserving its timeless spirit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my Masonic relative is no longer living?
You can absolutely still be eligible for membership even if your qualifying Master Mason relative is deceased. The key requirement is proving his good standing within the Masonic fraternity at the time of his passing. Your local chapter can guide you on the necessary documentation to verify this important connection.
This enduring link is a cornerstone of the Order, honoring the legacy of Masons and their families across generations. When you inquire with a local group, be prepared to provide your relative’s name, the lodge he belonged to, and his approximate dates of membership if possible. This information will greatly assist the chapter secretary in the verification process.
What is the typical time commitment for an Eastern Star member?
The time commitment for members is flexible and largely depends on your personal level of interest and availability. Most chapters hold one or two stated meetings per month, which are the core of the chapter’s business and ritualistic work. Attending these meetings regularly is encouraged to stay connected and involved with your chapter’s activities.
Beyond the regular meetings, members can choose to participate in various social events, fundraisers, and community service projects. You can be as active as your schedule allows, whether that means attending every event or simply supporting the chapter through your presence when you can. There is no strict participation requirement beyond being a member in good standing.
Is the Order of the Eastern Star a secret society?
The Order of the Eastern Star is not considered a secret society, but rather a private organization or a "society with secrets." Our existence, purpose, and extensive charitable activities are all public knowledge, and we welcome inquiries from the community. We are proud of our heritage and our positive contributions to society.
The "secrets" pertain to our traditional modes of recognition and the symbolic lessons taught within our chapter meetings, which are reserved for members. This is done to preserve the unique experience and solemn tradition for those who have been initiated. Our core values of charity, truth, and loving-kindness, however, are openly shared with 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.
