Unveiling the Identity of Female Masons
The question "What are female Masons called?" often arises in discussions about Freemasonry, a fraternity with a long and sometimes enigmatic history. For many, the image of a Mason conjures up a specific demographic, and the idea of women participating in Masonic rituals and organizations can be a source of curiosity and even confusion. Let's delve into the specifics of how women are involved with Masonry and what they are called.
The Core of Freemasonry: Exclusively Male?
Historically, and in its most widely recognized form, Freemasonry is a fraternity exclusively for men. The fundamental requirements for membership in the ancient craft lodges, governed by Grand Lodges recognized by the United Grand Lodge of England, are that an applicant must be a man, of good character, and believe in a Supreme Being. This has led to the common perception that Masons are solely men.
However, This Does Not Mean Women Are Excluded from All Forms of Masonic-Affiliated Organizations.
The landscape of fraternal organizations with ties to Masonic principles is more diverse than a simple "yes" or "no" to female participation. The answer to "What are female Masons called?" depends on which organization you are referring to.
The Most Direct Answer: Women's Masonic Organizations
When people inquire about female Masons, they are often referring to women who are part of organizations that mirror the structure, teachings, and ritualistic work of Freemasonry. These organizations are sometimes referred to as "co-Masonic" or "parallel" organizations. The most prominent and widely recognized among these is:
- The Order of Women Freemasons (OWF): This is a sovereign Grand Lodge of Freemasonry for women, operating under its own constitution and Grand Master. It offers the same degrees and ceremonies as traditional Freemasonry, allowing women to experience the full scope of Masonic teachings. Members of the Order of Women Freemasons are, in essence, Freemasons, but they are members of a separate, exclusively female jurisdiction.
Other organizations also exist that share Masonic principles and rituals, often with a historical lineage that traces back to Masonic roots. These may include:
- The Honorable Order of American Co-Masonry: This organization allows both men and women to be members and works under a mixed-gender structure. While not exclusively for women, it is a significant avenue for female participation in a Masonic-style fraternity.
- Various independent lodges and chapters: Across different countries and even within the United States, there are numerous independent bodies that have adopted Masonic rituals and principles and admit women. The specific names and structures of these can vary greatly.
So, to be precise, while traditional Masonic lodges are for men, women can be members of exclusively female Masonic orders or co-Masonic organizations. They are referred to as members of those specific orders, and in the context of their respective organizations, they are Freemasons.
What About the Wives and Relatives of Masons?
It's also important to distinguish between being a "female Mason" and being a female relative of a Mason. Many fraternal organizations that are extensions or adjuncts to Freemasonry exist for the benefit of the families of Masons. These are not Masonic bodies themselves but are often supported by them.
- Order of the Eastern Star (OES): This is perhaps the most widely known and largest fraternal organization that is open to both women and men. While it is often referred to as an "affiliated" organization with Masonry, it is not technically a Masonic lodge. However, it is deeply intertwined with Freemasonry. Membership in the Order of the Eastern Star requires that a person be at least 18 years old and either be a Freemason in good standing or a woman who is related to a Master Mason in good standing (e.g., wife, daughter, sister, mother, granddaughter, or in some jurisdictions, a relative by marriage). Members are referred to as "Stars."
- Job's Daughters International: This is an organization for young women, typically aged 11 to 20, who are related to Masons in good standing.
- The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls: Similar to Job's Daughters, this is a youth organization for young women, sponsored by Freemasonry.
While these organizations offer valuable experiences and embody similar virtues and principles as Freemasonry, their members are not typically referred to as "female Masons" in the same way that members of the Order of Women Freemasons are. They are members of their respective organizations.
The Distinction is Crucial
The key takeaway is that traditional Freemasonry, as practiced by lodges under recognized Grand Lodges, remains an all-male institution. However, the spirit and principles of Freemasonry have inspired and led to the formation of numerous organizations where women can participate fully, either in exclusively female Masonic bodies or in co-Masonic or affiliated groups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can women participate in Masonic-style organizations?
Women can participate in Masonic-style organizations through several avenues. The most direct is by joining an exclusively female Masonic order, such as the Order of Women Freemasons. They can also become members of co-Masonic organizations that admit both men and women, or join affiliated groups like the Order of the Eastern Star, which has strong ties to Freemasonry and admits both Masons and female relatives of Masons.
Why do traditional Masonic lodges exclude women?
The historical reasons for the exclusion of women from traditional Masonic lodges are complex and rooted in the origins of the fraternity in the stonemason guilds of the Middle Ages, which were exclusively male. Over time, the rituals and traditions developed with this male-only membership in mind. While the exact reasons are debated and have evolved, the established practice and recognition by Grand Lodges are significant factors.
Are the degrees in women's Masonic organizations the same as in men's?
Yes, in organizations like the Order of Women Freemasons, the degrees and ceremonies are often identical to those found in traditional male Freemasonry. These organizations aim to provide women with the same philosophical and moral teachings and experiences as their male counterparts.
What is the difference between a "female Mason" and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star?
A "female Mason" typically refers to a woman who is a member of an exclusively female Masonic order that confers Masonic degrees. A member of the Order of the Eastern Star is part of a large fraternal organization affiliated with Freemasonry, but it is not a Masonic lodge itself. While women in the Order of the Eastern Star often have family connections to Masons, they do not hold Masonic membership in the same way as a member of a women's Masonic order.
