Can Women Be Freemasons?

Most people have heard of the Freemasons, especially with all of the recent books and movies around that mention the organization, but what else is really known about them? Are they really a secret or clandestine order? And what of all the conspiracy theory stuff that's floating around on the internet? Do they only admit men, and then is it really done under secrecy in a mysterious initiation? Is any of this true?

The answer to all of these questions is yes and no. First of all, Masonic organizations are not truly secret since their symbols are in plain sight and their charitable work is done in the public eye. They are, however, an organization with secrets. The difference is that while their rituals and the meanings of their strange symbols are kept among their members, the actual organization or order is well publicized. You can see their temples in almost every city, marked with the square and compasses. They make no effort to hide their buildings. It's only their ceremonies that are reserved for the initiated.

The next question is one of the conspiracy theories. Do a search on Freemasonry on the internet and pages of information will come up about how the Freemasons are trying to take over the world or how they are Satanists. While it's all fun to read, it's also mostly made up since the only people who truly know what goes on are the Masons themselves and they're not likely to talk. The Masonic organizations are basically philosophical societies that promote high morals, free thinking and charity. There's no conspiracy involved, unless making the world a better place could be considered a conspiracy.

The last question is partially true. The Free and Accepted Masons are a male oriented group that do not recognize women members, however, there are Masonic groups that admit women and some that admit both men and women. The male masons, thought, will not recognize these Masons as being true Masons. But the Co-Masonic orders follow the same rituals, initiations and belief systems, thereby allowing women to participate in the same privileges that go along with being a Mason. Freemasonry is a way of life and the Co-Masonic orders believe the female gender should not be excluded simply because they are women.

Historically, there are accounts of women being initiated into the male Masonic organization, but these are generally unfounded rumors. The truth is either not documented or denied by the men because of their reluctance to admit women into the order. Either way, it doesn't matter, because if a woman really desires to live a Masonic life, there are avenues in Co-Freemasonry.