International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women*
Le Droit Humain
British Federation
seeing in a different light
seeing in a different light
Freemasons, when considering their art and science, almost invariably identify with one single form of the pursuit, namely that system propagated by what has come to be known as mainstream Freemasonry and known to the world at large as regular Freemasonry. This form is typically one which acknowledges the English Grand Lodge (UGLE) as the standard-bearer of regular Freemasonry throughout the world, and one finds that, for example, all-male Freemasonry in USA adheres to this as the absolute and immutable standard of masonic exactness. The truth of what Freemasonry really is, is far more complex, and even the most superficial scholarship shows that, far from there being one single strand of this fascinating system of morality, there are many forms and organisations all calling themselves Freemasonry. Whereas the form of Freemasonry propagated by English all-male Freemasonry is a dogmatic form, insisting on rigid adherence to certain principles regarded by them as central to the masonic raison d’tre, one finds that when the English forms were exported to continental Europe they underwent an important change, resulting in European, and more especially French Masonic practice, being essentially adogmatic or liberal, and not as hide-bound by civic and other traditions, whilst remaining true to the core principles of what makes Freemasonry the secular spiritual pursuit that it is.
The Other Brotherhood is available in softback, 122 pages, richly illustrated and is available from Amazon at £18.27
A new book has been published, the first ever comprehensive work on Le Droit Humain in English. More Light – Today’s Freemasonry for Men and Women will be a revelation to many, Freemasons and non-Freemasons alike.
Freemasonry is often looked upon as an all-male pursuit, a social activity. But since 1893, when French Freemason Georges Martin founded the mixed masonic Order Le Droit Humain, Freemasonry for men and women has flourished and grown from strength to strength, currently boasting more than 30,000 members in over 50 countries. The International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women Le Droit Humain forms part of a larger Masonic family, namely the liberal branch of Freemasonry alongside Orders such as the Grand Orient of France and many others worldwide. The British Federation of Le Droit Humain prides itself on being the home of spiritual and esoteric Freemasonry in the United Kingdom.
This book sets out to show how in this Masonic Order a truly liberal, spiritual, esoteric and philosophical Freemasonry is followed, detailing some of the practices and aims of its members. The authors draw on the various strands that have come together to make Freemasonry what it is today, from the Ancient Mysteries, Mithraism, Eleusinian practices and medieval stonemasons, in addition giving us some fascinating insights into the ritual and ceremonial dimension.
More Light is available in softback, 140 pages, richly illustrated and is available from Amazon at £16.99.
Esoteric study in Brighton & Hove
We meet at Ovingdean Village Hall , Ovingdean Road, Ovingdean Brighton BN2 7BB. All are welcome. For further details and to confirm your visit, contact Martyn Yeats on mfy2405@gmail.com
Forthcoming meetings will gather at the Civil Service Club, More details Contact the Secretary of the Triangle Bro∴Jane Austen-Young
A new lodge for men and women has now been started outside Bristol. More details . There are still opportunities for new members to join Contact Us
"Withdraw within yourself, and examine yourself. If you do not yet therein discover beauty, do as the artist, who cuts off, polishes, purifies until he has adorned his statue with all the marks of beauty. Remove from your soul, therefore, all that is superfluous, straighten out all that is crooked, purify and illuminate what is obscure, and do not cease perfecting your statue until the divine resplendence of virtue shines forth upon your sight"
~ Plotinus
Freemasonry is perhaps the best known and oldest fraternity in the world. It is an initiatory system containing the keys to the Ancient Mysteries, which are experienced through a series of mystery dramas designed to open up and deepen our awareness and understanding
Freemasons use terms and traditions of medieval stonemasons as allegories for building temples in our own hearts as we seek greater understanding within ourselves. We therefore tread a path which is spiritual, but secular, owing nothing to any one particular religion.
Defining who we are to non-masons is challenging because often the answers non-masons are seeking defy easy explanations. This sometimes results in Freemasonry being misunderstood.
If masonry is a secret organisation, we are not very good at keeping the secret! Freemasons work in almost every country in the world. Our buildings, addresses, phone numbers and websites are not secret. Our challenge in defining ourselves is that there is no single, simple phrase that can completely describe us.
We offer a system of morality, veiled in allegory and illustrated by symbols.
Masonry uses symbolism based upon the tools of stonemasons who built vast cathedrals and castles in medieval times: the construction of a building is symbolic for building our own individual character.
Freemasons are Brothers and Sisters meeting on the level. This means we are all equal, irrespective of who we are and where we come from. We do not accept distinctions based on gender, race or ethnic origin, religion or philosophical views. Le Droit Humain is the International Order of liberal Freemasonry for men and women. The British Federation is the UK branch of this International Order.
The British Federation of Le Droit Humain practises esoteric freemasonry. Our model is introspective and intellectual.
Liberal freemasonry follows the rituals and traditions of ancient masonry, but we believe that neither gender nor lack of belief in God should be barriers to membership.
We practise speculative freemasonry, using symbolism to understand deeper truths and build character in individual masons.
For further Basic Information
Freemasonry - The Esoteric TraditionIt's now only increasingly rare individuals who behold something of a deeper nature in our Masonic ritual and teachings and are often considered as somewhat eccentric or individuals or 'fantasizers'; to be charitably tolerated as long as they do not overstep the mark with their fantastical interpretations.
This volume is devoted to those members of society who maintain that Freemasonry should be interpreted, experienced and lived as an authentic Initiatic School, as was doubtless intended by the creators of its complex ritual forms, brimming with symbols, allegories and hidden meanings.
From a metahistorical point of view, the true 'figure' of the Freemason will be portrayed as a sort of 'Archetype of Enlightenment',which is clearly recognisable and presented in the western tradition throughout history. From the Epoptes of the Eleusinian Mysteries, to the Hermetic of the first centuries B.C.; from the Magician and the Neoplatonist of the Renaissance to the Rosicrucian; from the Alchemist to the Freemason, the same goal of, an individual featuring a series of common characteristics and, in particular, a similar 'vision of the world', is manifested cyclically in specific historical moments. (Quote from the Lewis Masonic website)
First impressions of a new member
What makes the British Federation such a special and unique Masonic Order? As a recently affiliated member perhaps I can humbly offer an answer to this question being as I am new to the order and, in theory, totally unbiased. Maybe not totally unbiased since I do have a point of reference to which I can compare Le Droit Humain: my previous Masonic reincarnation. Read More
Bro Superabo, Maa Kheru Lodge 975
(es-uh-ter-ik) "adjective
1. understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest; recondite: poetry full of esoteric allusions.
2. belonging to the select few.
3. private; secret; confidential.
4. (of a philosophical doctrine or the like) intended to be revealed only to the initiates of a group: the esoteric doctrines of Pythagoras."
Published Mar 18, 2017
Published Sept 24, 2016
Annie Besant was the founder of the British Federation of the Order, the International Order of Co-Freemasonry, Le Droit Humain as it was known at the time. She was the first ruler of Lodge Human Duty No. 6 which still exists today.
- The Declaration of Principles grants the Lodges the right to choose their acclamation: To the Glory of the Great Architect Of The Universe and/or To the Perfection of Humanity.
Weekly Podcast on different masonic subjects for the enquiring mind. View
To Pietre Stones website article
Listen to an interview with the former head of the British Federation of our Order, Brian Roberts 33° and BBC Radio Wales Listen
Women and Freemasonry Listen
* Previously known as the International Order of Co-Freemasonry.
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