Reading in these spring days the book “The Last Gospel” by D. Gibbins, dedicated to the myth of the lost text of the “Good Word” (Gospel), written by the hand of Christ himself, and also that Christianity is a religion that does not require interpretation and intermediaries, equal to men and women, under the influence of all these thoughts “about the female theme in religion”, I first found a mention of the “female Gospel”. This is what I called the “Gospel of Queen Mlke,” which dates back to Armenia at the end of the 10th century AD.

We also added ideas to the topic “about spiritual female power” by men who these days set a trend in conversations about the power of a Sweet Woman over a man, as well as how women manage to make men their Narrowed Ones, that is, narrow the circle of women of their beloved man to yourself alone.

Everything turned out in such a way that I realized that apparently the time had come to start and at the same time continue the conversation about secret female power.

At the same time, it is clear that the theme of secret power is inseparable from the theme of secret societies.

Women, as you know, are not accepted into the Freemasons. The exception is the “Order of the Swan” or the “Community of the Mother of God”, in which women were not only equal members, but also had the appropriate order symbols, standards and clothes, including a snow-white headdress reminiscent of the White Swan with a long neck falling like a “braid” on the shoulders of a faithful member of this secret society. The Order of the Swan, as already said, symbolizes secret female power. In the Middle Ages, he declared himself in Franconia (Bavaria) and Kyiv. (“Bavarian Swans of Hohenzollern and White Eagles of Tsarevich George”).

Let me draw your attention to the fact that this Order is directly related to Christianity, since its name refers to the Mother of God.

However, if we talk in general about the history of secret female power and secret female solidarity, then its origins are in the traditions of worship of the Great Mother, and later in the traditions of worship of queen-priestesses and Roman Sibyls, which dates back to the first centuries after the Nativity of Christ. Woman priestess, woman prophet, woman deaconess. Here is the historical spectrum of female power. This is clearly a female interpretation of the power of the Emperor - the Prophet, conveying the Will of the Gods! And this power is religious, not secular!

The fact is that the place of women in the Christian religion largely depends on the “mainstream church” or the dominant church ideology. Christianity in Ethiopia and Britain, i.e. Celtic Christianity, in this sense, differs significantly from Catholic Christianity, which quickly ousted women from the Catholic Church as soon as the prospects for the “deification of earthly rulers” opened up.

I note that Ethiopia and Great Britain, as territories that managed to preserve the traditions of subordination to women, are especially highlighted by the author of the book “The Last Gospel,” the Englishman D. Gibbins.

And it is difficult to argue with him, because the Tradition of the Female Queen and at the same time the Head of the Church, as is the case with Elizabeth II, has been preserved, precisely in England. And the “Ethiopian roots” of American President B. Obama, in turn, explain the “fraternization” of Queen Elizabeth and Michelle Obama, which was not understood and not accepted by fans of the tenets of secular rules, as discussed in the article “New Look at the G-20 Queens” World Rules". “Meeting “With Soul” and meeting “Without Soul”: lawyers are inferior to queens...”.

And where are Europe and Russia, next to this modern alliance of Britain, Ethiopia and America, marking the return of matriarchy to the planet, predicted by the Cumaean Sibyl?

I think that in Europe, and in particular in Rome, where men saw competitors in female queens, deaconesses and sibyls, this worship of women was forced to go underground.

And one of the reasons for the emergence of the “Order of the Swan” with female membership could be that women on European territory were removed from the combined monarchical and religious power for many centuries. I can assume that the women of the “Order of the Swan” could possess much more secret knowledge than the women of Ethiopia and Britain, or they had more hereditary rights to religious power. In any case, men considered them stronger competitors than British women.

No less curious is the fact that England waged a war with France in order to prevent the revival of the power of women in France, incl. the face of Joan of Arc, conveying the will of the Gods.

I note that the dates of the life of Joan of Arc (1412-1431) are close to the dates of the establishment of the “Order of the Swan” in Bavaria, which happened in 1440.

In the study of the “Russian prophetess” Helena Roerich, there was a small figurine of Joan of Arc on the table. Considering the connection of the E. Roerich family with the Freemasons, as well as with the swan Mahatmas, in this choice of hers one can see more than just some of her personal ideal.

So, in the person of the “Order of the Swan” we have a precedent for the “female order”, “female Freemasonry” and women’s secret power.

And if we draw an analogy between “female Freemasonry” and “male Freemasonry,” then a woman who joined the “Order of the Swan” in the Middle Ages probably also dedicated all her female heirs to this Order. After all, a male Mason who joins the Order also swears for all his descendants, which many modern Masons, by the way, don’t even know about. Those. a descendant of a Mason, without knowing it, is born a Mason. Having learned about this, I assumed that among women, membership in the “Order of the Swan” is hereditary. Those. a woman who has an ancestor from the “Order of the Swan” with this “ancestral seal” is born and, apparently, over time must realize this within herself.

And it was precisely in these spring days that I learned that this assumption of mine was true in relation to Helena Roerich. She explained her own craving for secret knowledge by the alleged participation in the Masonic societies of her closest ancestors. After all, Elena Roerich is the granddaughter of Kutuzov.

“Yes, it was the “savior of the Fatherland” Mikhail Illarionovich Kutuzov who was Elena’s ancestor. And who knows whether the fact that the field marshal was a member of a secret Masonic society and even, according to legend, met with the Count of Saint-Germain himself, played a role in determining Elena’s future views? They say that it was the legendary count, who was the Great Teacher of the East and a member of the Himalayan Community, who entered Kutuzov’s tent on the eve of the Battle of Borodino. And gave him the necessary advice. And also a certain ring sent by the Brotherhood to trusted people” (“Helena Roerich”).

For the first time, the hypothesis that women from the clan of “male Masons” can also feel hereditary membership in secret societies came to me when I learned about the proximity to the orders of Mikhail Yaroslavov and Alexei Yaroslavov, who lived in the 18th century. I admit that such a turn in the “History of the Yaroslavov Family” was unexpected for me, but I have long followed the main rule of the search: do not manipulate, but accept the facts as they are, and try to understand why those who lived many centuries before me made such decisions.

Helena Roerich writes about how she realized herself with such sincerity that there is no reason to doubt the veracity of her stories about herself. At the same time, she pays a lot of attention to her dreams, writing them down in her diary.

We are talking about the diary of Helena Roerich, where she recorded conversations with the Teachers of the East, Members of the Himalayan Brotherhood. “Including conversations with the Lord, the head of this Brotherhood. And here are the words themselves: “The dream is from Egyptian life. I established myself as the great Queen Jade. I stood in front of a large stone plinth on which was spread a map - a panorama of Egypt with raised images of buildings on it. The enemy's hand, as usual, in a white kid glove, rose and began to destroy the formations on the map. I stood calmly, contemplating these destructions and not obstructing them in any way, knowing that after purification it is easier to build, and said: “I establish myself as the great Queen Jade.”

E. Roerich in her dream “established herself as Queen Nefertiti,” and in real life, “by karmic right,” she wore “a jade signet ring. It was worn by Queen Nefertiti in the 14th century BC.”

This flow of dreams and thoughts of E. Roerich is interesting to me for the reason that Nefertiti is the wife of Ramses II. And my shared birthday with Ramses II encouraged me to study Freemasonry more carefully and even “establish” my own “Order of February 22”, which later, to my great surprise, turned out to be a reality! ("How America Rules the World with the Sacred Number 22: Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22 and the Alexandria Lighthouse").

In her prophecies, Helena Roerich heralded the coming of women's power, which we are seeing now as the first step in secular power.

However, the Kuma Sibyl predicted the same thing long before her.

According to existing myths, the last twelfth Roman Cumaean Sibyl, looking into the future, saw not only the end of the power of women - the Sibyls, but she also saw the revival of female matriarchy many centuries later. And it was precisely in order to ensure the “Female line of power” that the Cumaean Sibyl prepared a successor for herself in Britain: the warrior queen, high priestess and head of the Druids Boudicca (Andraste), believing that on the periphery this “female line” would be able to survive better.

Those. the thirteenth Sibyl no longer lived and acted in the Roman Empire, but in Britain, where Celtic Christianity, which had absorbed the traditions of the Atlanteans who worshiped the Great Mother, was more ready to preserve the Tradition of the Female Queen and at the same time the Head of the Church.

And now these dates, called the Cumaean Sibyl, have arrived.

The increase in the number of women in the first positions of secular power is perceived by many as the fulfillment of the prophecy of matriarchy.

However, in all of the above there is one important but significant “detail”

The power of a woman has always been religious, not secular, and was based on the ability to convey the will of the gods.

So, only an unenlightened consciousness can appoint “Swans” in the women’s community on the basis of secular status (Example The peculiarity of Helena Roerich’s prophecy is that she foreshadowed the onset of the era of the “Mother of the World,” the era of the flourishing of the feminine principle.

This is how this prophecy sounds in Agni Yoga:

“Yes, now a woman must prepare to be allowed to share the burdens of governing the country...

In ancient Egypt, the high priestesses were the inspirers of the Hierophants and conveyed to them the orders of the Goddess, therefore they can be called the guides of those in power.

The great era of women is coming. It is the woman who has to accomplish a twofold feat - to raise herself and to raise her eternal companion, a man.

All the forces of Light are waiting for this feat.

The Star of the Mother of the World indicated the date of the great deadline. All the Scriptures testify that the woman will erase the head of the Serpent. Let a woman’s heart be inflamed by this selfless feat, and courageously and fearlessly she will raise the sparkling, but also striking Sword of the Spirit” (Letters, 17.8.34).

“Urusvati! It's time to say that this is the name of the star that is uncontrollably approaching the Earth. For a long time she has been a symbol of the Mother of the World, and the Age of the Mother of the World should begin when her star approaches the Earth unprecedentedly. Jade also read this prophecy and, leaving, wanted to be on Earth to meet her arrival... The Great Epoch begins, for Spiritual Understanding is connected with the Mother of the World. Even for those who know the deadline, it is marvelous to look at the physical approach of the destined one. What is important is the coming of a very great Epoch, which will significantly change the life of the Earth” (“At the Threshold of the New World,” p. 79).”

Unfortunately, most Russian Christians do not know about the existence of many Gospels.

Unfortunately, most Russian Christians do not know that the Templars and Knights of Christ are directly connected with Christianity and Jerusalem.

Unfortunately, most Russian Christians do not know that early Christianity differs from pre-Nikon Christianity, and the Christianity of the Middle Ages does not coincide with what is being revealed to Christians today.

Unfortunately, most Russian Christians do not think about why the Temples of Sophia the Wisdom of God disappeared in Russia.

And moreover, he does not think about the role of women in the Christian religion, and also about the fact that perhaps those who today, one way or another, reveal information to us are right in some way and are even closer to the truth than we are.

Below I present some quotes from the book “The Last Gospel” that give reasons for thoughtfulness.

However, when reading them, one must remember that in them the truth can be intertwined with the author’s fiction.

Quote:

“The Emperor (!Claudius?) claims that the stones (of Stonehenge) were erected in honor of a tribe of giants who came from the east seeking refuge from the flood. The priests of Atlantis... The giants brought with them the Mother Goddess, who later began to be revered in Britain by the descendants of these kings, priests and queen-priestesses, who became the Druids.

Later

A high priestess was chosen from the noble families of the Britons... Boudicca the warrior queen was the High Priestess and Chief Druid.”

Quote:

“This is what, or rather who, the Romans were afraid of! That is why they were so afraid of the Britons and Boudicca in particular. Women held the true behind-the-scenes power of Rome! But outwardly the whole system belonged to men. The very idea of ​​a new cult, in which priestesses would rule equally with men, was more frightening than slavery. I always thought the Christian church was male dominated. The Church was not previously based on the superiority of men..."

Quote:

"Sibyls and connections with ancient Christianity...

Maybe the Sibyls, like the Vestals, were chosen from the richest families of Rome or even from the imperial family?

The Sibyls foresaw the coming to Rome of the eastern cult of worship of the divine ruler, the transformation of the emperor into a God living on earth

I'm talking about new religious ideas from the east, about new prophets, about the Messiah. A world was emerging in which the Sibyls could no longer rule, in which people no longer needed to become slaves of oracles and priests in order to learn the word of God...

The Sibyl knew that both men and women could be Christians and that there were no priests in this religion.”

Quote:

“Female power, That’s right, not the power of goddesses, but of real women, flesh and blood! This is what Sibyl saw. In Rome, women's power began to decline. The Vestals were literally locked behind the walls of the temples. The eternal fantasy of male despots about the suppression of women. A cult of a male emperor, surrounded by male priests, developed. As for the Sibyls, their calling from above was not to worship Apollo... They served matriarchy and sought to continue the female line of rule, which began in the Iron Age, when women headed families and clans. In Christianity, the Sibyl may have seen hope for a future revival of matriarchy. (The Sibyl pointed Claudius to Boudicca)

Why was Britain chosen? Because the most significant changes usually begin at the periphery. In Rome itself, civilization fell into decay, corruption flourished..."

Quote:

“The British tribes were ruled by warrior queens. Their clergy are Druids. Submit to the High Priestess

Boudicca began to be prepared for the role of the high priestess - the British Sibyl. Boudicca became the thirteenth link in the secret chain of knowledge that connected the Sibyls throughout the Roman Empire. She probably saw in Christianity the same thing as the Cumaean Sibyl - something that brought her even closer to the followers of Christ after the uprising against the Romans... The search for heaven on earth - the main idea of ​​Christianity - quickly found a response in the hearts of the Britons.

Perhaps Boudicca did not shout about it, but she probably decided for herself that Christian ideas would help her and the preservation of matriarchy...

We are talking now about Christianity, which has nothing to do with the Roman Catholic Church. About the Celtic Church, the British Church and Pelagianism

Quote:

"The monarch was considered the head of the English church, appointed by God himself"

Quote:

“Ethiopia is the ancient kingdom of Akum, which adopted Christianity in the 4th century after the birth of Christ. Few people know that African Americans are black Ethiopians, one of the oldest Christian communities directly associated with the Holy Sepulcher. Helen Equal to the Apostles handed over the keys to the Temple to my people. But after some time, a centuries-old wicked rivalry began with the Egyptian Coptic Church, monks from Alexandria... Then, in 188, due to a mysterious illness, all the Ethiopian monks disappeared from the Temple of the Lord. Many of our sacred books were stolen and burned, It was claimed that the manuscripts were also infected with the plague. In other words, something is written in them that in no case should have come to light..."

Quote:

“Ethiopians are one of the oldest Christian communities, descendants of the first followers of Jesus. On the periphery of the ancient world there lived another people similar to ours. Britons. Their church appeared in the 1st century AD. We have the same history of Christianity. It came to our countries thanks to the emperor and Christ. The Britons believe that the emperor himself brought Christianity to the country. Our people - that the emperor and the king went in search of the Messiah to the Holy Land. Both our peoples have always been able to keep secrets...

Quotes:

“The followers of Jesus and Mary Magdalene became a real force. In Britain, Mary was associated with the High Priestess, the warrior queen Andraste."

Architectural work of sister A.K.

Part 1. From Hypatia of Alexandria to the Eastern Star

Contrary to Dante's statement, “Abandon hope, ye who enter here,” Freemasonry opens the doors of hope to anyone who seeks, regardless of religion, political beliefs, social status or gender. As André Buisin, head of the Supreme Council of the Women's Lodge of France, dedicated in 1952, answered the question: “Are you a Freemason” - “I still have the happiness of being one!” It is quite obvious, however, that the newly initiated does not cross the threshold of the hellish palaces, but enters a harsh school of life. Into a micro-society in which one is a mirror for the other. However, Freemasonry has nothing in common with the idealistic paintings of Thomas More, and for some it is rather a prototype of Voltaire’s Eldorado, from which Candide finally left, or even the embodiment of La Fontaine’s fable “The Wolf and the Dog,” where the wolf chose to remain hungry and shabby, but free, without yoke around the neck. Here the quote from Dante may have a basis: abandon hope...

However, what kind of hope are we talking about? First of all, about the fact that everything will fall from the sky ready-made into the hands of the newly initiated - wisdom, respect, recognition, the ability to listen and be heard. The hope that he will meet people here, men and women, who will accept with unanimous approval all his actions and words. This hope is really worth leaving behind the threshold of the temple and starting to move upward very slowly, step by step. Knowing yourself through knowing others, knowing yourself through going through degrees - unique reflections of social reality, knowing yourself through the spiritual path, which the Master points out to students and apprentices, protecting and guiding them to the light.

Freemasonry, like any organization, is a copy of the society in which it originated and developed. Therefore, in order for women to gain access to the lodge, society had to begin to consider them again as full members. As it once was, for example in Antiquity. As is known, in Ancient Egypt there was no religious rivalry between women and men. With equal success, a woman could be both a pharaoh and a sender of religious cults. The initiatory communities of Pythagoras also accepted into their ranks not only men, but also Pythagorean women, who were supposed to become the embodiment of wisdom and bring the light of reason enlightened by science into all areas of life, both into everyday life and into its high spiritual spheres. “Initiates” could also be called the Vestals, called upon to maintain the sacred fire for 30 years (10 years studying rituals, 10 years actually serving and another 10 years to pass on their knowledge to others).

In one of the texts of the Roman poet Aurelius Prudentius, it is the woman who draws the plan of the temple, using the rule of the golden ratio. What happened next? This can be discussed for a long time, but the fact remains a fact. For many centuries, initiation became a male domain, performed by men for men. While women found themselves in the worst of the ghettos, for centuries all desire for spiritual life was extinguished in them. The woman was considered “non-initiated” by definition. As one of the founders of the Italian school of psychoanalysis, Professor Emilio Servadio, wrote even in the 20th century in the Masonic Review, the initiation of women “is only conceivable as a woman’s gradual awareness of her life-giving energy - “shakti” “... mediator water, “ ion”, generating worlds, the divine Zero. Identification of woman with male nature? What could be more absurd? Moreover, in Masonic rituals there are absolutely no symbols, actions and legends that would be inspired by the “feminine” theme.” However, women still did not consider themselves “non-initiated” and step by step made their way to the Masonic temple in order to one day enter it as a full member of the lodge.

So, the woman was able to survive this “martial law” and return to her spiritual and symbolic functions, which she somehow tried to perform all this time, only, I would say, unofficially. Let's try to outline the main milestones of this path. One of the first names among female Masons of our era is the name of Hypatia of Alexandria (370-415 AD), a female scientist of Greek origin, philosopher, mathematician and astronomer. Hypatia was the last head of the Neoplatonic school in Alexandria, famous for its large museum and the largest library in antiquity. In his Encyclopedia of Freemasonry, Albert Mackay writes the following: “From this school we inherit... the systems of symbolism and allegory which lie at the basis of Masonic philosophy. There is not a single sect as ancient as the school of Alexandria, with the possible exception of the Pythagorean, to which the Masonic teachers were so indebted for the content of their teachings and the esoteric method of transmitting them.” Hypatia received her education under the guidance of her father, Theon of Alexandria, who belonged to the scientists of the Alexandrian school. Around 400, Hypatia was invited to lecture at the School of Alexandria, where she occupied one of the leading departments - the department of philosophy. She taught the philosophy of Plato and Aristotle; She also taught mathematics and was involved in calculating astronomical tables. She wrote commentaries on the works of Apollonius of Perga and Diophantus of Alexandria, which have not reached us. Hypatia took part in Alexandrian city politics, having influence on the head of the city, Prefect Orestes. This circumstance caused constant friction with Bishop Kirill (later canonized), which is why the Christian community considered Hypatia guilty of the resulting turmoil. In 415, a group of Egyptian Christians, supporters of Bishop Cyril, attacked Hypatia and, lying in wait for her at her house, attacked her and dragged her into the church. There, under the shadow of the crucified Christ, having torn all her clothes to shreds, the unfortunate woman was mutilated with fragments of tiles and broken vessels. Then the body of the martyr was dragged through the streets of Alexandria. When the fury of the crowd subsided a little, Hypatia's body was cut into pieces and burned at the stake. “After these last outbreaks, the flame of Greek mathematics went out like a burnt-out candle,” Van der Waerden sadly stated in his book Awakening Science. Women masons, that is, masons, were quite common in Medieval Europe. There were women masons, women armorers, women working with armor. They, of course, could not be listed in the guilds on an equal basis with men, for example, they could not hire apprentices. However, they could inherit them along with the workshop from their father or husband. One of these female stonemasons was Sabine von Steinbach. She lived in Alsace (now eastern France) in the 13th century and was apparently the daughter of Erwin von Steinbach, the master builder of Strasbourg Cathedral. It is believed that after the death of her father, she continued work on the Cathedral and it is she who owns the allegorical sculptures of the Synagogue and the Church, personifying the Old and New Testaments, respectively, on the southern portal of the Temple. The first woman to receive "official" Masonic initiation into the degree of Apprentice and Journeyman was Elizabeth Aldworth (1695-1773), known as the "Lady Mason". From the story published by her family it follows that she secretly, through a hole made in the wall, watched the work of Lodge No. 44, in which her father and brothers were members. And lodge meetings, due to his father’s illness, were held right within the walls of their home in the Irish village of Doneraile. The curious lady was discovered and, after many hours of discussion, was given a choice: initiation or death. Elizabeth accordingly chose the first and was initiated into the first two Masonic degrees. In fact, she was a member of this lodge until her death in 1773. Mrs. Aldworth's regalia is on display in the Cork Masonic Hall, St. Taki, no. 27, where many Masonic artifacts are also displayed in the dining room in her honor. Today the lodge also uses a canopy chair that belonged to Mrs. Aldworth.

The position of women in Freemasonry was a reflection of the general position of women in that era, that is, at the beginning of the 18th century. The woman was absolutely financially dependent on her husband or father, under whose guardianship she was, in essence, for life. As a rule, she did not have her own property. This is precisely what Jameson Anderson had in mind when he published the first edition of his Masonic Constitution in 1723: “Persons admitted to lodges must be honest and loyal, freeborn, mature and judicious. Slaves and women cannot be like that...”

Cavalier Ramsay spoke out even more definitely about women in 1736, no longer referring to the subtleties of the law, but to the emotional side of women’s participation in work: “I fear that the charms of love may lead to the oblivion of brotherhood. The name of brother and friend will be forgotten, And the heart will be killed by rivalry.”

However, it was further impossible to keep women, and especially aristocrats, from participating in the new philosophical movement, which was also quickly becoming fashionable, and taking advantage of the fact that Andersen’s Constitution did not directly prohibit women from participating in fraternal meals after work, as well as in mourning ceremonies or the festivities of St. John, the women have taken another step. Gradually, French Freemasons began to call “sisters” the ladies taking part in the agapes, solemn meetings and celebrations of St. John.

This is how “freemasonry for ladies” or adoptive lodges arose, functioning under the strict supervision of “related” male lodges, the name of which they retain. In 1740, a real flourishing of adoptive lodges was observed in France, and by 1760, lodges of this kind already existed in most large French cities (there are 4 in Paris alone), as well as in Germany and the Netherlands. In 1808, adoptive lodges were prohibited by decree of the Grand Orient of France, as contrary to its constitution. The practice continued to exist, but went underground. Also, women were initiated into various degrees under the Egyptian Rite of Cagliostro, at the very beginning of Egyptian Freemasonry in 1780. Lodges of the Egyptian Rite existed in The Hague (under the leadership of his wife Lorenzi-Serafina), as well as in Mitau and Paris. However, I would like to say separately about Egyptian Freemasonry and the path of women in it. Along with the Rule of Cagliostro in France or Germany, various mixed or exclusively female obediences, consisting mainly of the highest nobility, appeared and disappeared. So in Prussia, at the court of Frederick II, for several years the so-called “Order of Pugs” under the leadership of Frederick’s sister enjoyed great popularity. Its emblem was the figure of a pug - the personification of kindness and devotion. This order, which existed for several years, was a very curious phenomenon. On the one hand, it was considered a parody of “official” Freemasonry, since its rituals were more like a parody of Masonic rituals, and “even” women were accepted into the ranks of its members. However, there is another version, according to which the “Order of Pugs” was practically the only opportunity for German Freemasons to somehow continue their work after the official ban on Freemasonry in Germany in 1736. It is also necessary to say a few words about such an interesting para-Masonic association as the “Order of the Eastern Star” and its creator Robert Morris.

The Order of the Eastern Star was founded in 1850 by Boston lawyer and philanthropist Robert Morris in New York, USA. Believing that all that is good in Freemasonry should not be limited to men who should share the "Masonic inspiration" with their wives, Robert Morris, bedridden after an accident, developed the Eastern Star degree system, which is still practiced today. Initially, any woman could be initiated into the lodge - the mother, wife, widow or adult daughter of a Mason, as well as a well-proven master. And naturally, the first initiates were his wife and daughters, as well as friendly neighbors. This “feminine direction” in Freemasonry was (and still is) educational and philanthropic in nature, and its teaching is based on the female images of the Bible. The order became widespread in the USA, but it failed to conquer the Old World

Order
17.06.2010

The policy for regulating membership in the Order of Freemasons is determined by the provisions of its normative documents, namely Anderson's Constitutions of 1723 and the “Poem of Moral Duty”, better known as the “Manuscripta Regius” of 1390. There are also several editions of the so-called “landmarks”, i.e. .e. “landmark pillars” of the Order, which contain its basic legislation in a condensed form. Landmarks are immutable and mandatory for all regular Freemasons. Certain additional requirements, in particular, for candidates may be put forward by various Masonic jurisdictions, for example, Grand Lodges of countries or individual symbolic lodges accepting candidates, and in this case these norms are enshrined in their General or Internal Regulations and also acquire the force of law.

The Order of Free Masons is the oldest initiatory society currently existing. He is proud of his traditions, invariably remains faithful to them and is well aware that it is precisely by following his traditions that he now exists in a form that is minimally removed from the oldest and best examples of Royal Art. The non-inclusion of certain groups of people among potential candidates is determined and motivated mainly by the ancient traditions of the Order and the need to preserve them unchanged, despite the fact that, from the point of view of modern times, some of these requirements are undoubtedly outdated. However, if the Order changed its ancient landscapes for the sake of time, it would simply cease to be itself, but would become something, even perhaps more perfect, but different, that is, it would cease to be the Order of Free Masons .

In general, according to the ancient laws of the Order, which have undergone only minor changes over time, adult free religious men of good morals, capable of learning, obeying, doing charity and having an inclination to the sciences and arts, are admitted into the regular Order.

By “regular Order” in this case we mean the Order of Freemasons itself, which stands on the position of faith in God, the Great Builder of the Universe, and observes the immutable landmarks of the Order in full. In addition to the regular branch, there is the so-called “liberal” Freemasonry, in particular, allowing the membership of atheists and women (in the form of separate women's lodges or mixed organizations), but this article applies only to regular obediences.

Admission to the regular Order is carried out according to the following scheme: after submitting an application for admission, the candidate undergoes a series of interviews - 1) with the brother-master of the lodge to which the application was submitted; 2) with a brother officer of this lodge; 3) (often) with the Worshipful Master of that lodge. The candidate is then invited to the general meeting of the given lodge, and he is brought blindfolded into the meeting hall after the opening of the works and must answer the questions of any of the brothers present. Based on the results of the poll, the lodge conducts a vote, the results of which are subsequently notified to the candidate. If the vote is positive, the candidate receives the title of graduate student, is invited to the next meeting of the lodge, and there he is initiated into the Order. Thus, the admission process is extremely subjective because the brothers of the lodge must decide for themselves whether they can call the candidate a brother and accept him as an equal into their lodge. Consequently, all ambiguities regarding the candidate’s compliance with the selection criteria are resolved during conversations with him and questioning in an open box. The following criteria for refusal of membership are absolute and cannot be considered, clarified or disputed during interviews and surveys. The most important question in this context of religious affiliation is considered, with the exception of cases of obvious atheism, by the brothers of the lodge.

So, according to the ancient laws of the Order, persons who do not meet the requirements set out above cannot become its members, and, accordingly, candidates for membership in it.

1. Women

The Order of Freemasons calls the first requirement for a candidate to be a free person. During the historical period of the formation of the Order in the middle of the 17th century. there was no need to talk about women's freedom; universal suffrage, which legitimized gender equality, was still two and a half centuries away. A woman was considered dependent on her father, then her husband, then her son. She was not free.

At the beginning of its activity, the Order of Free Masons was a guild of craftsmen and builders. The presence of female masons in the guild was not observed. There is also an implicit social reason for preventing women from joining Masonic meetings as members. After the transformation of operational (active) Freemasonry into a speculative (speculative) Order in its homeland, England, it acquired the form most familiar to English aristocrats of that time, namely the form of a club. Women were not allowed into English-style clubs until the end of World War II. Such clubs were intended then and now, to distract men from everyday worries, in particular family ones, to unite them for relaxation, usual in a male company (excluding debauchery), to provide communication on topics familiar to them, while in families men are usually deprived of the company of their own kind and their communication on “male” topics is limited.

Women - wives, brides, girlfriends, sisters, daughters, mothers and other relatives of the Freemasons - can attend annual or semi-annual general meetings-banquets, specially designed for family recreation of brothers, as well as other events appointed by lodges for the same purpose, from philosophical conversations -ethical character within the walls of the lodge to joint trips of brothers on excursions and into nature.

2. Atheists

During conversations and questioning, as well as submitting a request for entry, the candidate is required to confirm his faith in the One God the Creator, the immortality of the soul and (often) the revealed Revelation of God to man.

According to the Constitutions of 1723, a Freemason cannot be an atheist, since the work of the lodges is carried out in the Name of the Great Builder of the Universe, that is, the One God the Creator, called differently in different confessions. Ritual meetings of lodges open and close with prayer, solemn pledges are made on the Book of the Sacred Law (depending on the religion of the candidate, this can be almost any holy book - the Bible, Torah, Koran, Tripitaka, etc.). Therefore, no matter how the candidate calls God, he has the right to join the Order if he believes in His existence and considers this or that book so sacred that the obligation made on it will be sacred to him.

3. Polytheists

According to paragraph 2, the candidate must have faith in the One God. Most of the modern so-called pagan confessions are subtypes of the “New Age” movement, which has experienced considerable influence from Theosophy, which forces them to recognize the presence of a Single Creator (for example, Rod). In this case, based on the results of the interview, after clarifying the questions of confession of faith, such a candidate can be accepted into the brotherhood, subject to his consent to name the book that is sacred to him or make a solemn commitment on another sacred book. In the case of a candidate’s persistent belief in numerous pagan gods and other forms of primitive pagan cult, the candidate’s acceptance is excluded.

4. Some official confessions and sects

The only criterion for refusal of admission in this case is the provision of the teachings of some confessions and sects (for example, Anabaptists, Quakers, Sabbatarians) on the prohibition of any oaths and obligations. Entry into the Order and advancement up its hierarchical ladder requires the making at each stage of a solemn obligation not to divulge communicated secrets and sacraments to outsiders and to observe certain provisions of the moral code. According to the laws of the Order, obligations to him follow the obligations of a person to God, his country and his family, so if a person has a conflict between his obligations to God (in his own understanding and the understanding of his religious denomination) and his obligations if he joins the Order , it’s better for him not to join the Order at all.

5. Vicious people

The term is overly general, but Masonic law requires that the candidate be a person of "good character." If the candidate is well known to the brothers interviewing him as immoral, criminal, or otherwise vicious, he is rejected. In a more specific sense, the admission of candidates who have been tried or investigated in criminal cases (in the West, without exception) or who have only been in custody (in Russia) is excluded. Basically, the moral criterion is considered by the brothers of the lodge and evaluated by them.

1. Disabled people

This paragraph applies only to disabled people of the 1st group or other groups, if the candidate is not able to care for himself, when he is, for example, paralyzed, weak-minded or deaf-blind. In addition to the fact that initiation itself, which includes a ritual requiring movement and perception of auditory and visual symbols, becomes impossible for such a candidate, the provision on the freedom of the candidate is also violated, since such a candidate, who is completely dependent on the persons serving him, cannot be called free.

2. Financially insolvent

There is no property qualification in the Order, but there are entrance and annual fees, fees for vestments, literature, charity fees and other material fees for the needs of the Order. The Order needs members who can support its charitable activities and its existence. For low-income brothers, there is a multi-level system of installment payments, reduced contributions, etc. However, the Order is not a mutual aid fund, and its members cannot derive material benefit from it. In the event of disability, illness, injury or other life circumstances, a brother of the Order can count on one-time or multiple financial assistance, to which the widow, children or other dependents of a deceased brother are also entitled.

Further, there are certain rudimentary provisions, officially formalized, in particular, in the “Poem on Moral Duty,” provisions that are not currently observed. They apply to the membership of disabled people of any kind and kind, illegitimate people, those with “devil’s spots” on their bodies, etc. Naturally, in modern Freemasonry such restrictions would be such an obvious anachronism that they are not observed in everyday practice.

Traditionally, the Order is suspicious of candidates from among members of other initiatory associations. In some Masonic jurisdictions, membership in other societies, fraternities or orders becomes an obstacle to the admission of a candidate. Currently, in Russia, Israel, France, the USA and some other countries, such restrictions are not enshrined in law. However, the regular Order of Freemasons traditionally considers itself to be the oldest esoteric brotherhood that has preserved the initiatory tradition from the earliest period of human history, and therefore treats other initiatory societies with some distrust and prejudice.

As in the last case, as in the others, it must be repeated that the right of final judgment in all but the most obvious matters rests with the brethren of the lodge to which the candidate has petitioned, and the result of the vote of the brethren of the lodge is final.

APPLICATIONS

Excerpt from the latest edition of the General Rules of the Grand Lodge of Russia:

"72.2. In accordance with ancient customs, admission is permitted only to men over 21 years of age, of free and good morals. Sons of Masons can be initiated into the Order upon reaching 18 years of age.

72.3. The presentation of a candidate for initiation or regularization is carried out by at least two recommenders, Master Masons.

72.5. Based on the results of the poll under the bandage, a decision is made about initiation ... A candidate cannot be admitted to initiation in the Worshipful Lodge or regularized or reinstated in the Lodge if, in voting, he received more than two negative votes of the Master Masons entitled to vote in the given assembly: that is, in in the case of two negative votes, it is accepted, and in the case of three negative votes, it is rejected.”

Excerpt from the Internal Regulations of one of the Worshipful Lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Russia:

“11.1 Any candidate for initiation must be presented by one of the guarantors - the master of the Grand Lodge of Russia.

11.2 The guarantor certifies that the candidate:

Does not participate in any organizations whose goals or actions are contrary to the principles of the Order of Freemasons;

He has high moral qualities, sufficient intelligence, tolerance for other people’s opinions, inner kindness and attention to people, a sense of duty and honor, a desire for the Light of Truth and self-improvement - that is, he is free and has good morals;

He sincerely, and not out of secret intent, wants to join the fraternal chain.

11.3 The discussion takes place at a solemn regular meeting of the lodge in the student degree, during which the candidate’s application and characteristics for him are read out.

11.4. After interviewing and removing the candidate, who is informed that he will be informed of the decision of the brothers, the Worshipful Master proceeds to vote by secret ballot on the admission of the petitioner to initiation. All brothers except students take part in the voting. The applicant's candidacy is rejected if at least three of the brothers present vote against admission to initiation.

11.5. If the decision is positive, the Worshipful Master sets the date of initiation and instructs Brother Secretary to inform the candidate of the decision of the brothers, the place and date of initiation and remind him that before the ceremony he will be required to pay the entrance fee and a portion of the required annual fee in proportion to the number of months remaining until the annual closing of accounts. .

11.6 The size of the entry fee is set individually by the Worshipful Master and Treasurer of the lodge.”

Masons are members of the oldest and largest brotherhood on the planet. There are 2 million active members worldwide. From French, the word “Mason” or “Freemason” is translated as “freemason.” The movement itself originated at the end of the 16th century. The secret brotherhood included religious leaders, scientists, presidents and kings. In this article we will tell you about how to become a Freemason. So let's get started.

First method. Preparation for initiation. Learning the Basics

The brotherhood was founded by men who pledged to show mutual support on the principles of comradeship, friendship and service to humanity. For several centuries, the “free masons” brought a certain philosophical and spiritual component into the lives of the members of their movement. These key principles are known to all people who know how to become a Freemason. In Russia and other countries, these criteria are the same:

• You need to be a man.
• Have a decent reputation and good recommendations from peers.
• Be at least 21 years old.
• Believe in a Higher Power, regardless of religious preferences.

Interest in personal development

The motto of Freemasonry can be expressed in one sentence: “The better a person is, the more beautiful the world he will create.” If you have no interest in your own development, then you may not even learn about how to become a Freemason. You will still be denied entry. Particular emphasis in the teaching is placed on moral purity, personal responsibility and honor of each member of the movement. The Fraternity provides the newly elected Mason with the following opportunities:

• Receiving an invitation to participate in the rituals of the lodge, including the rite of initiation and tapping.
• Encouraging actions that are aimed at benefiting humanity.
• Permission to use the Masonic symbol - square and compass.
• Receiving advice from senior members on how to participate in philanthropy, live a loving life, and be a good citizen.
• Attending lectures on the history of Freemasonry, etc.
• Participation in lodge meetings (1-2 times a month) held in public buildings or churches.

The ability to separate fiction and truth

Thanks to books such as The Da Vinci Code, the idea that Freemasons are members of a brotherhood seeking to seize power throughout the world has taken root in the public consciousness. And their various secret symbols are hidden in Washington and other cities. In reality, everything is different. The Freemasons are not a secret organization, and people who seek to join the fraternity to obtain secret information simply do not understand the purposes of its existence.

Second method. Submitting a membership request. Contact with local lodge

This method is the simplest in terms of starting the initiation procedure. For example, if you don’t know how to become a Freemason in Moscow, then we advise you to look for the nearest lodge in the capital. The same applies to other cities. Anyone wishing to join the ranks of the Freemasons must contact their provincial or district lodge. As a rule, her number is in the regular telephone directory. It will be much easier to find a branch via Google and contact its representatives remotely. There are several other methods depending on where you live, but contact with the regional lodge is the most optimal. Start with this.

• Find a Mason. It can be identified by the symbols of the movement that are found on rings, hats, clothing, etc. Some even put Masonic signs on the bumper of their car. Any member of the fraternity will be happy to provide information to anyone interested.
• Some lodges are of the opinion that applicants for membership must contact them themselves. Others allow their members to hand out invitations. So if an invitation has been received from one of the representatives of the fraternity, then you can safely move on to the next steps. Let's move on.

Interview

How do you become a Freemason after receiving an invitation? You will be called to the box for an interview. This is done by members of the brotherhood who are members of the Investigative Committee.

• They ask the applicant about his background, character, and goals for joining.
• Afterwards, the applicant is given the opportunity to ask questions that interest him.
• Then the Investigative Committee will check the information received and make a decision in 1-2 weeks. There may be several reasons for refusal: violence against a family member, drug use, alcoholism, etc. In some countries, the verification period extends for years.
• The issue of admitting an applicant to the fraternity is decided by the members of the lodge by voting.
• If the candidacy is approved, the applicant will be sent an invitation.

Third method. Getting a degree. Student

In any organization there is a hierarchical structure. And the Masonic fraternity is no exception. The applicant who passes the interview is awarded an apprentice degree. Then he is gradually initiated into the principles of Freemasonry.

• Certain tools are used to metaphorically express the moral foundations of brotherhood.
• To advance to the next level, the student must master one of the catechisms perfectly.

Journeyman

At this stage, the candidate continues to study the principles of fraternity, as well as their relationship to the world of art and science.

• There are several checks to determine the degree to which the candidate has mastered the knowledge acquired in the first stage.
• To move to the next level, a thorough mastery of the second catechism is necessary.

Master

This is the highest and most difficult degree to achieve in the Masonic hierarchy.

• Its receipt is celebrated with a special ritual.
• Applicants must have an excellent understanding of the philosophy of the fraternity.
• People who know how to become Master Masons are well aware of the duration of this procedure. For example, in the USA, the path from writing an application to receiving the degree itself takes from 4 to 8 months.

• There are several movements in Freemasonry that allow women to join their ranks. But most of the secret brotherhood does not recognize them as full members.
• Mastering catechisms is a rather labor-intensive process, but the knowledge gained will be very useful in the future.

Warning

• The Lodge may suspend or revoke membership if a Mason's actions are contrary to the principles and requirements of the fraternity.
• They can refuse entry even for the most insignificant reason. But this does not mean that you cannot submit a new application after some time.

An example from the classics

And in conclusion, we will tell you about the most popular literary character who was a member of the Freemasons. This is Pierre Bezukhov from the novel War and Peace. After marrying an unloved woman, he plunged into a deep mental crisis. And Freemasonry became for him a means of finding peace. A certain Bazdeev, the oldest member of the brotherhood, told him about the “free masons”. Pierre didn’t even have to think about how to become a Freemason in St. Petersburg. Bazdeev personally invited him to the box and received him in compliance with all the necessary rituals.

What activities did Pierre engage in after becoming a Freemason? Yes, the same as all members of the brotherhood. The main goal of the Masons is to correct the minds and hearts of individuals for the betterment of the human race, as well as to “confront the evil that reigns in the world.” As a result, Pierre headed the St. Petersburg Freemasonry and began to finance its activities.

Background. It is believed that the first mixed lodge appeared in The Hague in 1751, but there is a version, although still unconfirmed, that women's Freemasonry, as a successor to the female priestly orders of the Ancient World, appeared simultaneously with the formation of male lodges. There is evidence that some women were able to gain mastery in various corporations even before the rise of speculative Freemasonry. This, for example, could happen upon the death of a Mason husband. This is evidenced, in particular, by the book of trades of Paris (1268), the Charter of the Guild of Carpenters in Norwich (1375).

The first female Freemason was Mrs Aldworth of Newmarket, County Cork in Ireland. She was born in 1713, her father and brothers were members of the aristocratic Masonic lodge. In 1732, while Doncraile's father, his venerable brother, were organizing their work at home, a young woman made a hole in the wall and managed to watch the meeting. Once caught, her behavior led to a two-hour debate between the brothers, after which it was decided to offer her a choice between initiation and death. She accepted initiation and remained an active member until her death at the age of 95.

So, with the first attempts to admit women into the lodge, a new movement appeared - adoptive or joint Freemasonry, but the so-called regular lodges, that is, lodges established under the auspices of any of the great jurisdictions of the world and following the letter of the original charters (its members recognize the existence Great Architect of the Universe, do not discuss issues relating to religion and politics at meetings, and conduct solemn ritual work with the Book of the Sacred Law open), still deny women the right of admission.

Be that as it may, the most prominent among such lodges in Europe were the French ones, which were very active in the period from the 1770s to the 1780s. It must be said, however, that according to Andersen’s “Constitution” of 1723, women were strictly forbidden to be admitted to Freemasons. This ban was in full force in Great Britain and the British colonies in America (until it gained independence, after which America quickly overtook Europe in the number of “female” lodges), but continental Europe violated it. Adoptive lodges gave ladies the opportunity to communicate with like-minded women who shared educational and philanthropic ideals, to pray to the Great Architect of the Universe - the God of the Masons and Newtonian science, to invent rituals and make speeches. The main figure in women's Masonic ceremonies was the “Queen of the Amazons.” Surrounded by “sisters” endowed with military ranks, the “queen” performed initiation rites not only for women, but also for men. The catechisms of adoptive lodges called on women to resist the unjust power of men, throw off their yoke, subordinate family relationships to their will, and dispose of private property on equal terms with their husbands. At one of the ceremonies, the “queen” asked the “great patriarch” on what basis men consider themselves owners and masters of women, and then demanded that the “sisters” free themselves from this slavery and treat men who do not accept their freedom as tyrants . Thus, in the 1780s, French Masonic lodges contributed, if not emancipation, then to significant progress in relations between men and women. Therefore, it would be wrong to think that French women became familiar with the Enlightenment only in their own living rooms or in private Parisian salons - no, this process also took place in adoptive lodges. Here a natural question arises: what role did a woman play or is playing in the Freemasonry system?

Of course, here the role of a woman is the same as in any political system - to find out or receive from a man the information necessary for the organization in any way, convey a message, establish connections, create the basis for further manipulation of the subject in the right way, and the like, in short - to work in the interests of the owners, or Masters, of the lodge. In other words, a woman is a kind of instrument for achieving the goals of Masonic organizations, that invisible “underlying foundation” of the iceberg that allows it to move towards its goal.

A historical milestone in women's Freemasonry was 1774, when the Grand Orient became an independent federation of Masonic lodges, including adaptive lodges, which received official status and recognition within the confederation. Similar lodges, still bearing the same names as their male counterparts, quickly spread throughout the country. They were very diverse, and some of them, especially those from Paris, acquired considerable authority and prestige. In particular, the Adaptive Lodge of the Nine Sisters was a women's group actively supported by the men's Lodge into which Voltaire was initiated in 1778. Another La Candeur, (Centrity), created in 1775, was so active and famous that it soon eclipsed its male “double” - the male Lodge that created it. This situation, however, was the reason for the rapid limitation of its independence. The activities of such lodges varied greatly, but mostly gravitated towards philanthropic goals. However, various events from time to time forced their members to become more and more interested in society and the processes occurring in it.

The second half of the 19th century can be considered the time of the official birth of liberal Freemasonry, when several events occurred that had no precedent in the Masonic world. The French Revolution abolished all lodges, both adaptive and male. After the end of the revolution, during the period of the Empire, adaptive Freemasonry, like Freemasonry in general, was restored and continued to develop, despite all the vicissitudes of the 19th century. However, without that romantic halo that it had before. It lost its innovation and rebellious spirit and became an instrument of power, gathering an elite loyal to Bonaparte around a few famous figures such as Josephine de Beauharnais and Caroline Bonaparte. Adaptive Freemasonry became a prestigious sign for almost thirty lodges, most of which were located in Paris. Most of the members of these adaptive lodges were no longer interested in the problems of society, but were concerned with superficial issues.

Since 1870, the first initiated women also appeared in the Memphis charter lodges. The Grand Orient of France, created in 1773, is one of the oldest Grand Lodges in France. This is the largest French obedience. The WWF works according to the French, French Restored, Ancient and Accepted Scottish, Scottish Strict Rites (rituals) and the Rite of Memphis-Misraim. In 1774, after the introduction of the Adoptive Charter in a number of his lodges, he issued a decree allowing their use, after which the Duchess of Bourbon was elected the first Grand Master of France.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, the Grand Lodge of France helped to revive the adaptive lodges and adopted a constitution regulating their functioning. On May 29, 1901, Le Libre Examen (Freedom of Conscience), the first lodge to be created, held a debate on the topic “Woman’s Place in Society.” The first Grand Master (the title given to the Worshipful Master of an adaptive lodge) was M. Bertholt. She was the successor of Blanche Murat, who transferred from the Free East Lodge of Madrid and was admitted to Freedom of Conscience shortly after its creation. This lodge became the first lodge of the Women's Grand Lodge of France and B. Murat became number one on its lists. The "New Jerusalem" - the second lodge - installed by the Scottish Grand Lodge, became part of the Grand Lodge of France on May 31, 1907. Despite the First World War, women's Freemasonry continued to establish itself. Nine more lodges were created between July 1923 and December 1936. Thus, by 1936 there were 11.

In 1935, during the Congress, the brothers of the Grand Lodge of France, without consultation with the sisters, decided to give the adaptive lodges full autonomy and help them create an all-female Grand Lodge. The decision was expressed in the following phrase: “Congress entrusts to our sisters the honor of establishing women's Freemasonry on a par with ours.” Probably not yet feeling the strength to cope with such a task, most of the sisters decided to maintain their previous position. Within a year they organized and formalized the Annual Congress of Adaptive Lodges and a five-member Grand Secretariat. Anne-Marie Pedeneau-Gentili was elected unanimously and presided over all general sessions for two years. Unfortunately, World War II scattered the Freemason women, many of whom ended up in concentration camps with the Brothers, while others took an active part in the French Resistance.

If we talk about statistics, then in the middle of the 18th century the total number of Masonic lodges was about 50 thousand people - including both Europeans and Americans, but there were literally several hundred women among them. By 1785, the number of female Masons reached approximately 1,500. And although the majority of lodges still adhered to the “canonical” charter and did not allow women, peasants, workers, or, especially, slaves into their ranks, nevertheless the lodges in their desire for equality and dignity, for independence , freedom of speech and religious tolerance were turned to the future, to the kingdom of human rights and egalitarian ideals, to the world of universal equality and brotherhood, regardless of gender, race and religion. Naturally, with the passage of time and as the principles of equality between the sexes were established, the number of women's lodges increased, in the 20th century, especially at the end, reaching an impressive number.

The largest number of such organizations is now concentrated in the United States, a country famous for its freedoms, equality and opportunities for all. Therefore, when speaking about women’s lodges, we mean primarily American ones, which, like everything American, today set the tone in the women’s Masonic movement.
At the moment, there are a great many women's Masonic organizations in the United States, but the most influential of them are, perhaps, the following: “Order of the Eastern Star” (2,500,000 members and numerous branches around the world), “White Temple of Jerusalem” (the lodge was founded in 1894), “Purple Order”, “Daughters of the Nile”, “Daughters of Mokanna”, “Order of the Rainbow” and “Daughters of Labor” (the last two lodges are youth lodges, with a preferential right to elect girls to them).

The most eminent and influential lodge, consisting mainly of women, is the Order of the Eastern Star. The lodge was founded in New York on December 28, 1868 by Boston lawyer and philanthropist Robert Morris. Despite the fact that the founder of the lodge was a man, over time, however, its ranks were so replenished with female Masons that the order was recognized as predominantly female. Members of the lodge must be over 18 years of age, have an impeccable reputation and be qualified masters (more precisely, craftswomen) of their craft. Each lodge branch consists of 18 dignitaries (officers), the majority of whom are women. The lodge is headed by the Grand Matron and the Patron. It is assumed that the position of Patron can only be held by a man. However, if there is no suitable male candidate for this post, then a woman can also act as Patron.
The ideology of the lodge is based on female biblical images. Nevertheless, people of various faiths have access to the organization.

The emblem of the order is a five-pointed star, personifying the star of Bethlehem. The Order is mainly engaged in educational and scientific activities, but devotes a lot of time to charitable activities. As for the structure of modern women’s lodges (by the word “women’s” we mean mixed lodges with a predominant female composition, because all-female lodges are nothing more than feminist clubs of interests), then, according to established tradition, they have, as a rule, there are three or four degrees of initiation, and in their rituals a special role is played by the symbol of the forbidden fruit, Eve’s apple, which the Evil One tempted her to taste. Therefore, when raising a candidate to the second degree, she is asked the question: “Are you our comrade?” The intended response is, “I know the forbidden fruit.” Next, the initiate takes a Masonic oath: “I swear to never eat apple grains, for they contain the seed of the forbidden fruit. I swear not to remove the garter of the order this night and never to give away secrets,” which implies avoidance of any love affairs in the future. It should be noted that the ritual of women's Freemasonry, to a much greater extent than men's, is imbued with the symbolism of the Old Testament. Thus, during the initiation of the Perfect Master to the fourth degree, a secret is revealed to her, which is that the first meeting of the lodge took place not just anywhere, but in paradise, when Adam and Eve were innocent and did not know sin; that the second meeting took place in Noah's ark during the flood; that for the third time the three angels sent by God to Abraham sat; that the fourth meeting took place in the cave when the angels, after the destruction of Sodom, visited Lot and his family, and the fifth was held by Joseph when he found his brother Benjamin. Of course, there are many versions and all kinds of “fairy tales” about women’s Freemasonry and the specifics of its rituals, but, apparently, there are no strictly established, identical rituals generally accepted for all women’s Masonic lodges. There are only certain imperatives, or instructions, that every women's Masonic organization must follow, but the customs and orders within the lodge are set by the founders or craftswomen themselves.

One of the most famous female Masons of our time is Eleanor Roosevelt, the wife of the 32nd US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the leader of American women's Freemasonry, who devoted all her time to women's problems. It is quite possible that the lodge headed by her was a kind of feminist club, where, most likely, discrimination against women in the United States was discussed and all possible measures were taken to mitigate it, but at the same time, however, it should be noted that the very presence of women in the world, and not only in Masonic, gives it a new specific “taste” and “zest”, a certain originality and a peculiar depth. So, truly, cherchez lafemme!

The Women's Grand Lodge of France (http://www.glff.org/internet/index.php) is an international women's Masonic organization with more than 12,000 members, united in more than 300 lodges around the world. It has been operating as an independent overhead line since 1952. It excludes from its principles the Landmark about purely male membership in Freemasonry, recognizes the right to freedom of conscience of everyone, but, accordingly, the secular nature of modern society as a whole.

VWLF lodges operate according to several charters (rituals) - the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, the French Rite, the Scottish Strict Rite. Grand Symbolic Lodge of France - this lodge operates according to the Rite of Memphis Misraim, in which initiations take place up to 95 degrees. There are about 1,000 brothers and sisters in the VSLF, and the VSL is mixed.

In 2007, the Grand Orient rejected an invitation from Grand Master Jean-Michel Quilardet to discuss the possibility of women's membership in the lodges. The 2010 Summer Convention, after heated debate and a margin of just a few votes in favor, allowed lodges to initiate women.