A Guide to the Many Houses of Freemasonry
Freemasonry is not a single, monolithic entity. It is a vast and vibrant ecosystem, a family of interconnected organizations, each with its own unique character, purpose, and path. To an outsider, this complex web of groups can seem bewildering, a confusing alphabet soup of Rites, Orders, and Bodies. But for the man who has knocked on the door of the Craft, this diversity represents a world of opportunity, a lifetime of potential discovery. Understanding these groups is the key to unlocking the true breadth and depth of the Masonic experience.
What is a Masonic Lodge?
A Masonic Lodge, often called a Blue Lodge, is the fundamental organizational unit of Freemasonry. It is the local, foundational group where every Freemason begins his journey and which remains his home base throughout his Masonic life. This is where a man petitions to join, where he is interviewed, and where, if accepted, he will experience the three core degrees of the fraternity.
Think of the Blue Lodge as the bedrock upon which the entire Masonic structure is built. It is here that members learn the most essential lessons of the Craft through the symbolic dramas of the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason degrees. Without membership in good standing in a Blue Lodge, a man cannot join any of the other Masonic organizations. It is the beginning, the middle, and the end of his identity as a Mason.
These lodges are chartered and governed by a Grand Lodge. They meet regularly, conduct their ritualistic degree work, manage their own finances, and plan charitable and social events for their members and the local community. It is a true fraternity, a brotherhood of men from all walks of life meeting on the level.
What is a Grand Lodge?
A Grand Lodge is the sovereign governing body for Freemasonry within a specific geographical jurisdiction, such as a state in the US, a province in Canada, or an entire country. It holds the ultimate authority over all the individual Blue Lodges operating within its territory. No Blue Lodge can exist without a charter granted by its respective Grand Lodge.
The primary function of a Grand Lodge is to ensure uniformity and preserve the ancient landmarks, rules, and regulations of the fraternity. It sets the standards for ritual, establishes the requirements for membership, and serves as the final arbiter in any disputes. A Grand Lodge is led by a Grand Master, who is elected by representatives from all the lodges in that jurisdiction and serves as the chief executive officer of the fraternity for his term.
Furthermore, the concept of "recognition" is central to how Grand Lodges interact. For two Grand Lodges to be "in amity," they must mutually recognize each other as legitimate and regular. This recognition allows their members to visit each other’s lodges and interact as brothers, creating a global network of Masonic fellowship.
Are There Different Types of Freemasonry?
Yes, the global Masonic family is broadly divided into two main branches, based on differing interpretations of core principles. The two major branches are known as Regular Freemasonry and Continental, or Liberal, Freemasonry.
Regular Freemasonry, which includes the United Grand Lodge of England and the majority of Grand Lodges in the United States and the Commonwealth, insists on a set of core tenets for recognition. The most critical of these are a mandatory belief in a Supreme Being and the immortality of the soul, the presence of a volume of sacred law (like the Bible, Torah, or Quran) in the lodge, and the exclusion of women from membership. This branch also strictly forbids the discussion of politics and religion within the lodge.
Continental Freemasonry, which is most prominent in France, Belgium, and parts of Latin America, takes a more liberal approach. The Grand Orient de France, a leading body in this tradition, removed the requirement of belief in a Supreme Being in 1877, championing absolute freedom of conscience. Many, though not all, bodies in this tradition also admit women, either in women-only lodges or in co-ed lodges, and may permit political discussions. Because of these differences, Regular and Continental Masonic bodies do not typically recognize each other or allow intervisitation.
What are Appendant and Concordant Bodies?
Appendant and Concordant Bodies are optional, specialized Masonic organizations that a Master Mason can choose to join after completing his first three degrees in the Blue Lodge. These groups are not "higher" degrees in terms of rank, but rather offer further degrees that expand upon and explore the themes and symbols introduced in the Blue Lodge. They offer a path for Masons who wish to delve deeper into specific aspects of Masonic philosophy, history, or service.
Think of the Blue Lodge as your essential undergraduate education in Freemasonry. It provides you with the foundational knowledge and makes you a full member of the Craft. The Appendant Bodies are like graduate schools or specialized continuing education courses. They allow you to pursue a particular field of interest, whether it be the chivalric traditions of the Knights Templar, the philosophical lessons of the Scottish Rite, or the philanthropic mission of the Shriners.
These bodies are called "appendant" because their membership is appended to, or dependent on, a Mason’s continued good standing in his Blue Lodge. If a Mason ceases to be a member of his Blue Lodge, he automatically loses his membership in all appendant organizations. They are an extension of the Masonic journey, not a replacement for its foundation.
What is the York Rite?
The York Rite is one of the two most prominent Appendant Body systems in Freemasonry, particularly in North America. It is a series of degrees that are thematically connected to the Blue Lodge degrees, often said to complete the stories and allegories that are left unfinished in the Master Mason degree. The York Rite is structured as three distinct but cooperative bodies, each conferring its own set of degrees.
The journey through the York Rite is often seen as a more direct continuation of the symbolism of ancient craft Masonry. Its degrees are rooted in Judeo-Christian history and tradition, exploring themes of loss, recovery, and redemption through powerful allegorical ceremonies. A Mason can choose to join one, two, or all three of the York Rite bodies.
The first body is the Royal Arch Chapter, which confers four degrees. Its capstone, the Royal Arch degree, is considered by many to be the completion of the Master Mason degree, as it focuses on the recovery of that which was lost in the Blue Lodge narrative.
The second body is the Council of Cryptic Masons, also known as the Cryptic Rite. It confers two degrees that fill in crucial historical and symbolic gaps between the Master Mason degree and the Royal Arch degree. Its lessons center on the preservation of sacred wisdom.
The third and final body is the Commandery of Knights Templar. This is an explicitly Christian-oriented organization within Freemasonry, and its members must profess a belief in Christianity. Its three degrees, or Orders, are based on the traditions of the medieval military-monastic orders and focus on chivalric virtues, self-sacrifice, and the defense of the Christian faith. The Commandery is known for its striking uniforms and public ceremonies.
What is the Scottish Rite?
The Scottish Rite is the other major Appendant Body system and is often described as the "university of Freemasonry." It is a comprehensive system of 29 degrees, numbered from the 4th to the 32nd, plus an honorary 33rd degree awarded for outstanding service. These degrees are not worked in full but are communicated through dramatic allegorical plays and lectures that explore a vast range of philosophical, ethical, historical, and religious subjects.
While the York Rite focuses on completing the narrative of the Blue Lodge, the Scottish Rite focuses on expanding its philosophical and moral teachings. Its degrees draw from a multitude of world traditions and wisdom schools to investigate the nature of divinity, humanity, and society. The goal is to prompt the Mason to think critically about his own values and his place in the world.
In the United States, the Scottish Rite is divided into two independent jurisdictions. The Southern Jurisdiction, with its headquarters in Washington, D.C., governs the Rite in 35 southern and western states. The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts, governs the Rite in the 15 northeastern and midwestern states. While they confer the same number of degrees, the specific rituals and degree titles can differ slightly between the two.
Joining the Scottish Rite offers a Mason a structured and profound educational experience. The degrees are typically conferred in large classes called "reunions," where members witness the lessons together over a weekend or several evenings, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and shared learning.
What is the Shrine?
The Shrine, formally known as Shriners International, is a Masonic Appendant Body renowned for its vibrant fellowship, distinctive red fez, and immense philanthropic mission. While it is a part of the Masonic family, its focus is less on ritualistic education and more on fun, camaraderie, and its official charity, the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
To become a Shriner, a man must first be a Master Mason. The organization was founded in 1870 by a group of Masons who felt the fraternity needed a fun-loving, social branch to complement the solemn ritual of the other bodies. The Shrine’s Middle Eastern theme, with its parades, circuses, and colorful units like the motor patrols and clown corps, was designed to be festive and entertaining.
However, behind the fun lies a deeply serious purpose. In 1922, the Shriners established the first Shriners Hospital for Children. Today, it is a network of world-class medical facilities across North America that provides expert pediatric specialty care for orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, completely free of charge to the patients and their families. This colossal charitable endeavor is the heart and soul of the Shrine, funded by its members and the public.
Are there other Masonic groups?
Yes, beyond the major Rites and the Shrine, there is a rich tapestry of smaller, more specialized Masonic groups that a Master Mason can join based on his specific interests. These organizations cater to a wide variety of passions, from esoteric study to purely social activities.
For example, the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine is a Christian-chivalric order that explores the story of Constantine the Great and the triumph of Christianity in the Roman Empire. The Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (SRICF) is an invitational Rosicrucian society exclusively for Christian Master Masons, dedicated to the study of esoteric wisdom and the hidden mysteries of nature and science.
On the more social side, groups like the Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, commonly known as the Grotto, focus on "Good Fellowship" and have their own charitable project supporting dental care for children with special needs. The Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America is another fun-loving group dedicated to fellowship and supporting research into neuromuscular diseases. These are just a few examples of the diverse paths a Mason can explore.
What about Masonic Groups for Women and Youth?
While "Regular" Freemasonry, as chartered by Grand Lodges, is exclusively for men, the broader Masonic family includes a number of important and influential organizations for women and young people. These groups are not part of Freemasonry itself but are closely related to it, sharing its core values of self-improvement, charity, and community service.
Membership in these bodies is typically based on a familial relationship to a Master Mason. They operate with their own rituals, degrees, and governing structures but maintain a close, supportive relationship with the Masonic lodges in their communities. These organizations play a vital role in extending the positive influence of Masonic principles to the entire family.
Can women be Freemasons?
In the context of Regular Freemasonry, the answer is no. However, there are several respected organizations for the female relatives of Master Masons. The most prominent of these is the Order of the Eastern Star, a massive international organization for both men and women with Masonic ties. It has its own beautiful system of degrees based on the heroic stories of five women from the Bible, and it is a major force for charity and community involvement.
Other groups include the Order of the Amaranth and the White Shrine of Jerusalem, each with its own unique ritual and charitable projects. It is also important to acknowledge that the Continental, or Liberal, tradition of Freemasonry does include co-ed lodges (Co-Freemasonry) and women-only Grand Lodges that are fully Masonic in their own right, though they are not recognized by the Regular branch of the fraternity.
Are there groups for young people?
Yes, the Masonic family places a strong emphasis on providing positive mentorship and character-building opportunities for young people. There are three primary Masonic-sponsored youth groups, each designed to instill values of leadership, personal responsibility, and reverence in a supportive, fun environment.
DeMolay International is an organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21. It was founded to provide a place for young men to develop into better citizens and leaders, guided by the seven cardinal virtues of the order.
Job’s Daughters International and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls are two separate but similar organizations for young women. Job’s Daughters, for girls with a Masonic relationship, bases its teachings on the Book of Job, emphasizing patience, faith, and the importance of family. The Order of the Rainbow for Girls is open to any girl and uses the colors of the rainbow to teach lessons about character and service. All three youth groups give young people invaluable experience in public speaking, planning events, managing budgets, and working as a team.
How do all these groups relate to each other?
All these diverse groups are woven together into what is often called the "Masonic family." The structure is hierarchical yet cooperative. The Blue Lodge is the non-negotiable foundation. It is the gate through which all Masons must pass and the home to which they must always belong.
The Grand Lodges serve as the regulatory authorities, ensuring that the Blue Lodges within their jurisdiction adhere to the core principles of the Craft. They are the guardians of Masonic law and tradition.
The Appendant and Concordant Bodies, like the York Rite, Scottish Rite, and the Shrine, are elective pathways. They are branches that grow from the strong trunk of the Blue Lodge, offering specialized knowledge, fellowship, and avenues for service. They depend entirely on the Blue Lodge for their existence and membership.
Finally, the organizations for women and youth are allied bodies. They are not Masonry, but they are of Masonry. They share the same moral universe and work in parallel with the lodges to build better individuals, stronger families, and more caring communities. Together, this entire network forms a comprehensive system for moral, intellectual, and social development that can enrich a person’s life from youth to old age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to join all these groups?
No, not at all. A man is a full and complete Freemason with just the three degrees of the Blue Lodge. Joining any appendant body is a purely personal choice based on his interests, time, and desire for further engagement with the fraternity’s teachings. Many Masons remain solely members of their Blue Lodge for their entire lives and have a rich and fulfilling Masonic experience.
Are some Masonic groups better than others?
No single Masonic group is inherently "better" than another. They simply offer different experiences and focus on different aspects of the Masonic tradition. The York Rite offers a chivalric and historical path, the Scottish Rite a philosophical and educational path, and the Shrine a philanthropic and social path. The "best" group for any individual Mason is the one that best aligns with his personal goals and what he seeks from his Masonic journey.
Is one group more powerful than another?
The concept of ‘power’ is contrary to the spirit of Freemasonry, which is a system of morality and self-improvement, not a ladder for personal influence. The ultimate authority in Craft Masonry rests with the Grand Lodge of a given jurisdiction. The Blue Lodge holds the foundational role, as no other body can exist without it. Appendant Bodies have authority only over their own specific degrees and members, and they all defer to the authority of the Grand Lodge on fundamental Masonic matters.
How does one choose which group to join?
The choice of which appendant body to join, if any, should be a thoughtful one. A Mason should talk to members of the different groups, learn about their specific rituals and activities, and reflect on what he hopes to gain. If he is drawn to history and chivalric tradition, the York Rite may be a good fit. If he desires a deep dive into philosophy and ethics, the Scottish Rite would be an excellent choice. If his primary motivation is fellowship and supporting a major philanthropy, the Shrine is a wonderful option. The journey is personal, and the right path is the one that resonates most deeply with the individual seeker.
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The intricate family of Masonic groups is not a maze designed to confuse, but a landscape of opportunity designed to enlighten. Each body, from the foundational Blue Lodge to the most specialized order, offers a unique lens through which to view the great truths of existence. The journey through them is a personal quest for more Light.
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. Your journey into the deeper meaning behind these groups starts here. Explore with us.
