Degrees & Ranks
Freemasonry is organized into a progressive system of degrees, each building upon the lessons of the last. From the Entered Apprentice to the 33rd Degree, discover the path of Masonic advancement.
The Three Blue Lodge Degrees
The foundation of all Freemasonry. Every Mason begins here, and the Blue Lodge is where the vast majority of Masonic life takes place.
1st Degree
Entered Apprentice
The first step in a Mason's journey. The Entered Apprentice degree introduces the candidate to the basic tenets of Freemasonry: Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. The candidate learns about the working tools of the apprentice — the 24-inch gauge and common gavel — which symbolize the division of time and the removal of vices. This degree emphasizes the importance of moral education and the beginning of self-improvement.
2nd Degree
Fellowcraft
The Fellowcraft degree represents the journey of intellectual growth. The candidate symbolically climbs a winding staircase, representing the liberal arts and sciences. The working tools of this degree — the plumb, square, and level — teach lessons of uprightness, morality, and equality. This degree encourages Masons to pursue knowledge and understand the deeper philosophical teachings of the Craft.
3rd Degree
Master Mason
The highest and most important degree in Freemasonry. The Master Mason degree centers on the legend of Hiram Abiff, the master builder of King Solomon's Temple, and teaches profound lessons about fidelity, integrity, and the immortality of the soul. Upon receiving this degree, a Mason is entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership, including voting in lodge and holding office. The vast majority of Masonic life takes place at this level.
The Masonic Journey
Entered Apprentice
Fellowcraft
Master Mason
Appendant Bodies
Scottish Rite
4° – 33°
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite confers an additional 29 degrees beyond Master Mason, numbered 4° through 32°. Each degree explores philosophical and moral teachings through elaborate dramatic presentations. The 33° (Inspector General Honorary) is an honorary degree bestowed for exceptional service to Freemasonry or humanity. The Scottish Rite is known for its emphasis on intellectual exploration and its extensive philanthropic work, including the Scottish Rite Learning Centers for children with dyslexia.
York Rite
Royal Arch, Cryptic, Commandery
The York Rite consists of three bodies: the Royal Arch Chapter (completing the Master Mason's journey to discover the Master's Word), the Council of Royal and Select Masters (exploring the hidden vault beneath Solomon's Temple), and the Knights Templar Commandery (the only Masonic body requiring belief in Christianity). The York Rite is considered by many to be the natural continuation of the Blue Lodge degrees.
Shriners International
Invitation upon Master Mason
The Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, known as the Shriners, is perhaps the most publicly visible Masonic organization. Founded in 1870, Shriners are famous for their red fez hats, their circus and parade appearances, and most importantly, their network of 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provide free orthopedic, burn, and spinal cord injury care to children regardless of ability to pay.
Order of the Eastern Star
Open to Master Masons and their female relatives
The Order of the Eastern Star (OES) is the largest fraternal organization in the world open to both men and women. Founded in 1850, it is open to Master Masons in good standing and their female relatives (wives, daughters, mothers, sisters, etc.). The OES confers degrees based on five Biblical heroines: Adah, Ruth, Esther, Martha, and Electa, each teaching lessons of fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith, and charity.
DeMolay International
Young men ages 12–21
Founded in 1919 in Kansas City, DeMolay International is a Masonic youth organization for young men aged 12 to 21. Named after Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, DeMolay teaches leadership, civic awareness, and personal responsibility. Notable DeMolay alumni include Walt Disney, John Wayne, and several U.S. astronauts.
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