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List of Masonic rites

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A Rite, within the context of Freemasonry, refers to a comprehensive system of degrees that hold the capability to initiate and advance a newcomer through various stages of Masonic knowledge and experience. In some cases, a Master Mason can be invited to join a different rite after having reached Mastery to further his knowledge. For a system of Masonic degrees to be named rite, it must encompass the first three blue lodge craft degrees, either as degrees within the rite or as a prerequisite for joining the rite. In essence, a Masonic rite occupies a central position in the trajectory of a Mason's journey, serving as the vehicle through which Masonic teachings and lessons are imparted.

Authority and Control

Except for rare exceptions, Masonic rites are most of the time under the control of Grand Lodges for the first three degrees then under the control of a concordant body for any upper degrees.

The most practiced rite in the world from the Entered Apprentice degree is the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

Masonic rites

Over time, a number of different Masonic degree systems have been developed, some of which are still in use, and others which have now ceased to exist. In his 1861 book "Tuileur Général De La Francmaçonnerie Ou Manuel De L'initié", Jean-Marie Ragon lists 52 Masonic Rites and over 1400 degrees.

Currently Practiced Masonic Rites

Rite Name Degrees Notable Regions Year Established Notes
Adonhiramite Rite 13 Brazil, Portugal, Uruguay, France - Ends with Noachite or Prussian Knight degree. Has been worked in Brazil since the early 19th century.
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite 33 Worldwide 1801 Most widely practiced Masonic rite globally
Ancient and Primitive Rite - Multiple regions - One of the historic Egyptian-influenced rites
Portuguese Rite - Portugal - National rite of Portuguese Freemasonry
Brazilian Rite Multiple Brazil Late 19th/Early 20th century Based on J. Sadler's translation of the Emulation Ritual of the U.G.L.E. Incorporates Brazilian national symbols and history in its lectures
Irish Rite - Ireland - Traditional rite practiced in Ireland
French Rite - France - One of the principal rites practiced in French Freemasonry
Moorish Rite - Multiple regions - Influenced by Moorish traditions
National Mexican Rite - Mexico - National rite of Mexican Freemasonry
Primitive Scottish Rite - Multiple regions 1770 Established at Namur. Practiced by some Grand Lodges and worked exclusively by the Grande Loge Symbolique travaillant au Rite Écossais Primitif
Rectified Scottish Rite - Europe - Christian-themed Scottish Rite variant
Standard Scottish Rite - Multiple regions - Standardized version of Scottish Rite workings
Rite Français Moderne Rétabli - France - Modern restoration of French Rite
Rite of Baldwyn - Multiple regions - Historic English rite
Rite of Memphis 95 Multiple regions - Also known as Oriental Rite. Egyptian-influenced system
Rite of Memphis-Misraim 99 Multiple regions - Combines Memphis and Misraim traditions. Egyptian Masonry system
Rite of Misraim - Multiple regions - Egyptian-influenced rite
Rite Opératif de Salomon - Multiple regions - Operative working focusing on Solomonic traditions
Schröder Rite - Multiple regions - German masonic system
Swedish Rite - Sweden - Official system of Swedish Freemasonry
York Rite - Multiple regions - One of the most popular rites, especially in English-speaking countries
Martinism Rite 10 Multiple regions - Esoteric Christian system
French or Modern Rite - France - Principal rite of French Freemasonry
Pennsylvania Rite - Pennsylvania, USA - Also called Old Ancients Ritual. Only U.S. state not practicing Preston-Webb Ritual
Philosophical Scottish Rite 12 Belgium 1796 Still actively practiced in Belgium
Eclectic Rite 3 Germany, Switzerland, Uruguay, Brazil 1783 Blue Lodge degrees only
Philosophical French Rite 3 France 1969-2002 Created within Tolérance lodge of Grand Orient de France. Covers three symbolic degrees (Apprentice, Fellowcraft, Master)

Historical Rites that are believed to No Longer be Practiced

Rite Name Degrees Year Established Notes
Ancient Reformed rite - - -
Rite of Adoption - - -
Rite of Strict Observance - - -
Cagliostro Adoption Rite - - -
Rite of the Knights of the Two Eagles - - -
Amicists Rite - - -
African Architect Rite - 1767 -
Rite of the Chapter of Clermont - 1754 -
Chaldean Rite 3 - -
Fesster Rite 9 1765 -
Clerks of the Relaxed Observance Rite 10 - -
Rite of Brother Henoch 4 - -
Indian Rite 3 - -
Chastannier Rite - 1767 Benedict
Rite of the Negotiates 3 1780 Pythagorean masonic rite
Rite of the Benevolent Knights - - Of the Holy City of Jerusalem
Brothers of the Rose-Croix - - -
Brotherhood of Moravian brothers - 1739 Order of the mustard seed
English Conclave of Templar-Kadosh Rite - - -
Primitive Scottish Rite (Marchet) 33 - From Advocate Marchet de Nivelles
Rite of Reformed Scots - 1766 By Tschoudy
Rite of Reformed Scots of Saint-Martin 7 - -
Egyptian Rite (Cagliostro) - 1782 -
Rite of Elect Cőens 9 1754 Martinez Paschalis
Rite of the Elect of the Truth 14 1779 Three classes
Eons Rite - - Zoroastrian Masonry
Rite of the Knights of the Polar Star - - -
Fessler Rite 9 1797 -
Rite of the Brothers - - -
Palladian Rite - - -
Rite of the Black Brothers - - -
Rite of the perfect Egyptian initiates 7 - Lyon France, Crota-Repoa
Rite of Universal Harmony - 1782 -
Rite of the Grand Lodge of the Three Globes 17 1740 Berlin
Zinnendorf Rite 7 1770 -
Heredom Rite 25 1758 Also known as Perfection
Rite of the Invisibles - - -
Rose Croix Rectified of Schroeder 7 1766 -
Hermetic Rite of Avignon - - -
Rite of Liberty - 1740 Founded in Paris
Rite of the Decorated Masters - - Strict Observance
French Noahides Rite - - Napoleonic Masonry
Rite of the Templar Orient - - -
Haitian rite 3 - Blue Lodge
Rite of the Land of Palestine - - -
Pernetty Rite - 1760 Also known as Enlightened of Avignon
Persian Philosophical Rite 7 - -
Philalethes Rite 12 1773 Seekers of Truth
Rite Primitif de Narbonne 3 1779 Rite of the Primitive Philadelphians
Schroepffer Rite - - Magic, evocations
Sophisians Rite 7 1801 -
Rite of Swedenborg 8 1721 Illuminated of Stockholm
Rite de la Vieille Bru 9 1748 Faithful Scotchman from Toulouse
Rite of the Disciples of Hermes - - -
Manichaean Brothers Rite - - -
Pantheists Rite - - Also known as Socratic Lodge
Rite of the Knights of the Pure Truth - - -
Xerophagists Rite - - -
Rite of the Illuminated Zodiac - - -

Masonic Orders

Order Name Year Established Notes
Ordre Initiatique et Traditionnel de l'Art Royal 1973 Still active in 2024, Traditionalist Order, Practices the Rite Opératif de Salomon
Order of the Apocalypse - -
Order of Noachites 1757 M. de St. Gelaire
Knight of the Holy City Order - -
Architects of Africa - Also known as African Brotherhood or Chaos Order
Order of the Eagles and the Sun - -
Assanites Order - The Old Man of the Mountain
Order of Cuchiara 1512 Italy, also known as Trowel Order
Bonze Order - -
Cauldron Order 1512 Italy
Charles XIII Order - Bernadotte, King of Sweden
Knights of Asia Order - Initiated Brothers in 5 degrees
Scandinavian Order - -
Adepts Order - -
Knights of the Desert Order - -
Diamond Order 17th century Invulnerable Knights
Awakened Order 18th century -
Moravian Brothers Order - The Mustard Seed
Grand Duke Order - -
Lanturlus Order 1771 Instituted by Marquis de Croismarc
Hassanites Order - The Old Man of the Mountain
Illustrious Neapolitan Grand Masters Order - -
Magicians Order 18th century -
Masters of 1804 1804 Political masonic Order
Palladium Order 18th century Sovereign Council of Wisdom
Perfect Initiates of Asia Order - -
Unknown Philosophers Order - In 2 points
Sacred Sophisiros Order - -
Saint-Joachim Order 1760 Christian Freemasonry
Seven Sages Order 17th century Companions of Ulysses
Tobacological Order 18th century Also known as Prizers

Masonic Academies

Academy Name Degrees Location Notes
Academy of the Rose 4 - -
Russian-Swedish - - Alchemical Masonry of Schroder
Academy of the Ancients - Warsaw Also known as Academy of Secrets
Academy Areopagite - - Of the Knights Kadosch
Academy of the Sublime Masters - - Of the Luminous Ring
Academy of the True Masons 6 Paris Established 1861

Diffusion of Rites (Blue Lodge level)

Europe

France

Grand Lodge Type Rites Practiced Notes
Grand Orient de France (GODF) Oldest and largest French Grand Lodge
  • French Rite
  • Rectified Scottish Rite
  • Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
  • Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraïm
  • Philosophical French Rite
-
Grande Loge de France (GLDF) Second largest Grand Lodge
  • Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
-
Grande Loge Nationale Française (GLNF) Third largest, only one in regularity with U.G.L.E.
  • French Rite
  • Rectified Scottish Rite
  • Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite
  • Emulation Rite
  • York Rite
  • Standard Scottish Rite
-

Italy

Grand Lodge Type Rites Practiced Notes
Grande Oriente d'Italia (GOI) Oldest and largest Italian Grand Lodge
  • Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR)
  • French Rite (Modern Rite)
  • York Rite
  • Egyptian Rite
-
Gran Loggia Regolare d'Italia (GLRI) -
  • Emulation Rite
-
Serenissima Gran Loggia d'Italia (SGLI) -
  • Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR)
  • York Rite
-
Gran Loggia d'Italia degli ALAM (GLdI) -
  • Ancient and Primitive Rite of Memphis-Misraim
  • Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR)
-

North America

United States

State/Region Grand Lodge Blue Lodge Rites Practiced Notes
General Grand College of Rites N/A Focuses on collection and publication of texts from defunct masonic degrees and quasi-Masonic rituals.
Alabama Grand Lodge of Alabama York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Alaska Grand Lodge of Alaska York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Arizona Grand Lodge of Arizona York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Arkansas Grand Lodge of Arkansas York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
California Grand Lodge of California
  • York Rite (Preston/Webb)
  • AASR (Craft Degrees)
Multiple ritual jurisdiction
Colorado Grand Lodge of Colorado York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Connecticut Grand Lodge of Connecticut York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Delaware Grand Lodge of Delaware York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
District of Columbia GLDC
  • Emulation Rite
  • AASR (Craft Degrees)
  • York Rite (Preston/Webb)
  • French Rite (Modern Rite)
  • McBride Ritual
Most diverse ritual jurisdiction in the US
Florida Grand Lodge of Florida York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Georgia Grand Lodge of Georgia York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Hawaii Grand Lodge of Hawaii
  • York Rite (Preston/Webb)
  • AASR (Craft Degrees)
Multiple ritual jurisdiction
Idaho Grand Lodge of Idaho York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Illinois Grand Lodge of Illinois York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Indiana Grand Lodge of Indiana
  • York Rite (Preston/Webb)
  • Emulation Rite
Multiple ritual jurisdiction
Iowa Grand Lodge of Iowa York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Kansas Grand Lodge of Kansas York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Kentucky Grand Lodge of Kentucky York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Louisiana Grand Lodge of Louisiana
  • York Rite (Preston/Webb)
  • AASR (Craft Degrees)

Multiple ritual jurisdiction
Maine Grand Lodge of Maine York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Maryland Grand Lodge of Maryland York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Massachusetts York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Michigan Grand Lodge of Michigan York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Minnesota Grand Lodge of Minnesota York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Mississippi Grand Lodge of Mississippi York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Missouri Grand Lodge of Missouri York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Montana Grand Lodge of Montana York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Nebraska Grand Lodge of Nebraska York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Nevada Grand Lodge of Nevada York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
New Hampshire Grand Lodge of New Hampshire York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
New Jersey Grand Lodge of New Jersey York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
New Mexico Grand Lodge of New Mexico York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
New York Grand Lodge of New York
  • York Rite (Preston/Webb)
  • AASR (Craft Degrees)
Multiple ritual jurisdiction
North Carolina Grand Lodge of North Carolina York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
North Dakota Grand Lodge of North Dakota York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Ohio Grand Lodge of Ohio
  • York Rite (Preston/Webb)
  • Emulation Rite
Goose and Gridiron Lodge No.1717 with special dispensation
Oklahoma Grand Lodge of Oklahoma York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Oregon Grand Lodge of Oregon York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Pennsylvania Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Rite Unique version of the Ancient Ritual only practiced in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island Grand Lodge of Rhode Island York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
South Carolina Grand Lodge of South Carolina York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
South Dakota Grand Lodge of South Dakota York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Tennessee Grand Lodge of Tennessee York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Texas Grand Lodge of Texas York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Utah Grand Lodge of Utah York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Vermont Grand Lodge of Vermont York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Virginia Grand Lodge of Virginia York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Washington Grand Lodge of Washington York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
West Virginia Grand Lodge of West Virginia York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction
Wisconsin Grand Lodge of Wisconsin
  • York Rite (Preston/Webb)
  • AASR (Craft Degrees)
Multiple ritual jurisdiction
Wyoming Grand Lodge of Wyoming York Rite (Preston/Webb) Single ritual jurisdiction

Color Key:

  • Red background indicates Single Ritual Jurisdiction
  • Green background indicates Multiple Ritual Jurisdiction

Notes:

  • All jurisdictions allow AASR and York Rite as upper degrees after the Blue Lodge level
  • The Pennsylvania Rite is a unique variation of the Ancient Ritual
  • The District of Columbia has the most diverse selection of approved rituals
  • Special dispensations may exist in certain jurisdictions for specific lodges

Masonic Rite Origins

Rite Name Origin Location Year Established Original Purpose/Context
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Charleston, South Carolina 1801 Evolved from Rite of Perfection
Rite of Memphis France - Oriental and Egyptian traditions
Swedish Rite Sweden - Christian-oriented Masonry
York Rite England - Based on English craft traditions
French Rite France 1786 Modern French Masonry
Philosophical French Rite France 1969-2002 Developed within Tolérance lodge
Pennsylvania Rite Pennsylvania, USA - Derived from Antient Grand Lodge of England

A key feature that distinguishes these rites is their relationship with the blue lodge degrees. Some rites incorporate these degrees directly, while others require them as prerequisites. The diversity of rites reflects the rich historical development of Freemasonry across different cultures and regions.

Authority and Control

Most Masonic rites operate under a dual control structure:

  • First three degrees are typically under the control of Grand Lodges
  • Upper degrees are usually managed by concordant bodies


See also

References

  1. de Hoyos, Arturo (2014). "Masonic Rites and Systems". In Bodgan, Henrik; Snoek, Jan A. M. (eds.). Handbook of Freemasonry. Brill Handbooks on Contemporary Religion. Vol. 8. Leiden: Brill Publishers. pp. 355–377. doi:10.1163/9789004273122_020. ISBN 978-90-04-21833-8. ISSN 1874-6691.
  2. "Appendant and Concordant Bodies of Freemasonry • Jackson Lodge № 1, F. & A. M."
  3. "Concordant Bodies | Appendant Bodies | Affiliations". 4 December 2020.
  4. "Frequently Asked Questions | Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., U.S.A."
  5. J.-M. Ragon (1861). Tuileur Général de la Francmaçonnerie ou Manuel de l'Initié (in French). Paris: Collignon, Libraire-Éditeur. pp.335-378
  6. "Rito Adonhiramita | Maçonaria Adonhiramite | Graus Filosóficos | Loja Adonhiramita". Rito Adonhiramita. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  7. Dale, John (2022-06-27). "The Rite Stuff: The Many Masonic Rituals of Latin America". California Freemason Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  8. "Rito Português – G ∴ L ∴ U ∴ P ∴".
  9. ^ Folger, Robert B., M.D. (1881). The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, in Thirty-Three Degrees.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. "Resources - Robert Burns Lodge No. 59". www.robertburns59.org. 2023-08-01. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  11. https://www.gadlu.info/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/NUMERO-17.pdf
  12. "Rito Eclético | Maçonaria Eclética | Maçonaria Alemã". Rito Adonhiramita. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  13. Carreau, Jean-Paul (June 7, 2011). "Le Rite Français Philosophique dernier rite Au Sein Du G∴O∴D∴F∴". La chaîne d'union. 55 (1): 28–39.
  14. "OITAR, Ordre Initiatique et Traditionnel de l'Art Royal - Accueil". www.oitar.info. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  15. "LA France 93". www.lafrancelodge93.org. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  16. "Lodge Le Progres de l'Oceanie-Hawaii Freemasonry-A Masonic Lodge in Honolulu, Hawaii". Lodge Le Progres de l'Oceanie-Hawaii Freemasonry-A Masonic Lodge in Honolulu, Hawaii. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  17. nolahistoryguy (2016-12-20). "The Grand Lodge of Louisiana and Scottish Freemasonry". Edward Branley - The NOLA History Guy. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  18. "About Cervantes No. 5". Cervantes. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  19. https://library.la-mason.com/PastProceedings/1860/1867.pdf
  20. "Etoile Polaire No. 1 About Us". www.etoilepolaire1.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  21. "Germania Lodge No. 46". www.germanialodge.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  22. "Galileo-Mazzini Lodge #368 Kenner LA | MasonPost.com". www.masonpost.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  23. https://www.geocities.ws/ladistrict16/
  24. "Perseverance Lodge #4 New Orleans LA | MasonPost.com". www.masonpost.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  25. "Home | Albert Pike Lodge #376". Albert Pike Lodge. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  26. "Paul M. Schneidau Lodge #391 Kenner LA | MasonPost.com". www.masonpost.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  27. "Red vs Blue lodges – Masonry 101". 2021-06-14. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  28. "connect | Aurora #0030". wi.moriapp.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  29. "Internet Lodge - The Creation of Goose and Gridiron Lodge No 1717 in Ohio". internet.lodge.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  30. "connect | Aurora #0030". wi.moriapp.com. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  31. https://www.robertburns59.org/resources/
  32. http://www.themasonictrowel.com/masonic_talk/stb/stbs/63-08.htm
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