How is the hierarchy within Freemasonry?

ILLUSTRATIONS Andre Toma

how can you check in this part of the report, Freemasonry had subdivisions and adaptations over time. Today, it has a common base, but later evolves into more than 50 different hierarchies (the so-called Rites). Only two are more relevant: York and Scots. There are also “appendix organs”: official organizations that are extensions (like the Rites), but shorter and more recent.

Most strands use an initial hierarchical structure called blue masonry. These are the first three steps, which refer to the operatives of the Temple of Solomon: Apprentice, Companion and Master. The duration of each stage varies greatly according to the jurisdiction of each Lodge, but is rarely less than three months or more than three years.

Thereafter, she may advance further into the specific York Rite or Scottish Rite hierarchies, and still participate in some of the “appendix bodies”. But none of them are mandatory.

the english version

The left half of the ladder in the illustration above depicts the Scottish Rite, practiced by about 12% of Freemasons. This strand, quite popular in the United Kingdom, is not older than blue Freemasonry. Above the Master’s degree, there are a further 30 different stages. Their names and their subdivisions may change in different countries and jurisdictions, but they are always 33 degrees. The latter requires “exceptional service” to achieve. It’s not enough just to study.

the yankee version

On the right stairs is the York Rite, variant that appeared in the USA in 1799 and is currently predominant. It’s a much shorter ladder, with only ten additional levels above Master.

The seventh degree is basically the same thing as the Holy Royal Arch, a rite that works by itself (see below). It is a very ancient organ-appendix, appearing with the first Grand Lodges in the 18th century. It is practically already considered obligatory in the York Rite and highly recommended in others. This is because, in this phase, the Master’s spirituality is developed. Metaphorically, he returns to the ruins of Solomon’s Temple to rebuild another temple.

SOME OF THE APPENDICES

shriners

It is a kind of “subgroup” created in 1870 by an actor and a doctor from New York. Known for building and maintaining children’s hospitals, its members often wear a red fez (a flat, Middle Eastern hat). Women over 18 related to the Shriners can participate in two other Masonic appendices: the Ladies’ Oriental Shrine and the Daughters of the Nile

Order of the Eastern Star

Created in 1850, in Mississippi, USA, it is one of the few appendices that accept females. Originally, only women linked to Masters (daughters, wives, mothers, etc.). But later it also started to welcome members of the groups Filhas de Jó and Ordem do Arco-Íris (both present in Brazil), which accept young people between 10 and 20 years old.

Knights of Molay

Most of the appendices are geared towards DMs. This one is an exception. It receives people from outside the order, from 12 to 21 years old, and has established itself as a kind of “preparatory school” for those who want to become a Freemason. Created in the USA in 1919, it won the world. Today, Brazil already has more DeMolays than the USA. Interested parties can register at demolay.org.br

SOURCESBooksEncyclopedia of Freemasoney and Its Kindred SciencesIt isThe Symbolism of Freemasonryby Albert G. Mackey;The Secret Book of Freemasonryby Otavio Cohen;Born in Blood – The Lost Secrets of Freemasonryby John Robinson;Three Distinct Knocksanonymous author;Masonry Dissectedby Samuel Prichard;The Brotherhoodby Stephen Knight;Morgan’s Exposure of Free Masonryby William Morgan;Handbook of Freemasonryby Richard Carlile;Duncan’s Masoic Ritual and Monitorby Malcom C. Duncan;Low Twelve: By Their Deeds Ye Shall Know Themby Edward S. Ellis;Pamphlets on Freemasons’ Rituals and Practice in Brazil, from Princeton University; It is General Ahiman Rezon, by Daniel Sickels. ArticlesFreemasonry: History and Historiography, by Celia M. Marinho de Azevedo; It isThe Third Degree Tracing Board, by Terry Spalding-Martin. and websitesThe New York Times,Former Masons,airtight,freemasonry.bcy.caIt isfreemasons-freemasonry.com