Le Droit Humain

Mixed Freemasonry for men and women.

In the International Order of Mixed Freemasonry (IOGVM) 'Le Droit Humain', men and women practice Freemasonry together. They work together on their personal formation, using symbols and rituals. The ideal that Freemasonry has in mind is universal brotherhood and love for all living things.
In Freemasonry, members strive for friendship and love for their fellow man.

Website: https://www.ledroithumain.nl

Scottish Rite

"Unity, Tolerance and Progress" is the theme of The Scottish Rite, which was founded in our country in 1912. It is, alongside the way of working in the Lodges of Freemasonry, the most extensive Masonic organisation in the world. The Scottish Rite can be found all over the world, especially in the United States where it was first founded.
More than 1100 Freemasons have chosen to work in The Scottish Rite alongside their work in the Lodge!

In the lodges we work according to the so-called Building and Light symbolism, but there are more facets to discover in this diamond called Freemasonry. It is a house with many rooms!

The main focus is on the normal work in the Lodge, culminating in the Master Exaltation; the Scottish Rite does not elevate the Freemason, but it can enrich his life.
Around the world, The Scottish Rite works in its own specific way to help the Brethren come to a fuller understanding. Thus, various religious and philosophical motifs are incorporated into the rituals, providing a total understanding and therefore a better insight into the way of working in one's own Lodge. Meeting people is the most important thing in Freemasonry, meeting kindred spirits who, like you, want to grow in their spiritual development. The goal is to become free as a human being, to mean something to others and to come to a better understanding of the All.
On the internet are many sites dedicated to Freemasonry, this is after all a worldwide organisation with in every country different working methods and in every country many lodges and additional working methods with each their own accents and atmosphere.

Website: https://www.aasr.nl

Mark Master Mason

(Mark Master Mason)

In Dutch Freemasonry, the methods after the Master Degree are called 'continuation paths'. These degrees originated mainly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The degree of Mark Master Mason is one of the earliest developments, based on themes that already played a role before the 18th century, when Freemasonry only included the degrees of Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft. The degree may have originated in Scotland. Written sources report that the degree was also practised in England in the mid-18th century.

The ritual of "promotion" to Mark Master is visual and compelling. The candidate has an active role. An event 'happens' to him, as if taken from life. The ritual contains characteristic elements in which the ideas of the operative (free) masons and of the early speculative 'Masons' become visible. The purport of the ritual is clear and applicable to everyone's daily life. The atmosphere in Masons' lodges is determined by the whole method, which encourages friendship, modesty and delivering the best possible labour. The seriousness of the ritual goes hand in hand with relaxation and fun.

Website: https://www.merkmeesters.nl

Knights Templar

(Grand Priory of the Netherlands)

Knight Templars (KT), as this Order is known in abbreviated form in England, is a Christian Military Order. The Dutch branch is a Province of the Grand Priory of England and was given this status in 1983, after the foundation of 5 Preceptories in the years before. Although still young, its specific way of working appeals to many Freemasons. About 300 members in 10 Preceptories work diligently with a Christian tradition. This tradition has its origin in the time of the Crusaders, which tradition it upholds.

The English rituals have been translated into Dutch and all the Preceptories work with this translated ritual, with one exception. This Preceptory, which was the first in the Netherlands, works in Leiden.

Members must be members of the Holy Royal Vault before they can apply. They must also adhere to the Christian faith, although not necessarily profess it. The defence of the faith and of each other is one of the principles of the Order. The special clothing required, white tunic and cloak, both with a red cross, is impressive and contributes to a feeling of unity in the battle of life.

Website: https://www.grootpriorij.nl

Red Cross of Constantine

The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Appendant Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St. John the Evangelist

The name of this Order is difficult to translate into Dutch as The Red Cross of Constantine. The English name is usually the usual one.

As a Military Masonic Order, many traditions from the Roman Military structure are followed. The conversion to Christianity of the Roman-Byzantine Emperor Constantine is the main theme from which the Christian ritual derives its data. As part of the English Constitution, the Benelux Division is entitled to exercise its supervision over Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Although small, with about 200 members in 7 Conclaves, two of which are in Belgium, it is a highly valued method of working, in which style and rite are prominent. The name Benelux Division is a bit premature, as it will not be possible to establish a Conclave in Luxembourg, as this country does not have a H.R.G. Chapter. During the Annual Meeting of the Benelux Division, the rites of the Appended Orders are traditionally performed. Christian faith in the Holy Trinity is a prerequisite for membership of this Order, in addition to membership of the H.R.G.

Website: http://rcc-benelux.info/AAH/

Shriners

Shriners International, also commonly known as The Shriners or formerly known as the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, is a Maçonnica order founded in 1870 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

Originally founded in 1872 with the aim of being a social club for Freemasons, it has grown to become the largest Masonic charity in the world. Throughout the US, Shriners have a network of 22 specialist hospitals where children with orthopaedic problems and burns can be treated free of charge. The Order has many similarities with the (much smaller) Grotto.
Admission requirements for the Shriners are the 32° to the Scottish Rite or a Knight Templar (York Rite).

In Europe, there is an Oasis in Germany: https://www.emiratshriners.com

Website: https://www.shrinersinternational.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emiratshriners/

Maconniek Motorcyclists Collective, Big Light!!!

The name GrootLicht alludes to the activities of Freemasons who enjoy riding together.
Tours offer a good platform for encounters between Freemasons of different lodges, powers and nationalities, and for contacts with non-Masons who ride as
and for contacts with non-Masons who ride as guests. An essential characteristic is the open and friendly atmosphere during the meetings.

GrootLicht is not an association or club with a rulebook, board or membership fees, it is just a name under which Masonic tours are announced.

Those who wish to receive or send information about motorbike tours with other Masons can register.
The administration is done by a few "coordinators".

They also maintain contact with Maçonnique motorcyclists in Germany, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Romania, Italy, Finland,
Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, Scotland, Australia, Canada and the United States. This leads to participation in each other's tours.
In this way, Freemasons also meet each other outside their lodges and across national borders, and the Brotherhood in all its diversity can gain strength.

Website: www.grootlicht.net

The Order of Weavers, Feminea Textura

During the Second World War, women had noticed that their membership of Freemasonry had been a great help to men. In addition, their self-esteem had increased because they themselves had been able to do much of the work that men had been forced to abandon because of deportation or employment. They wanted to be part of what Freemasonry apparently had to offer.

However, (regular) Freemasonry only accepts men as members. Mixed Freemasonry (see Le Droit Humain) did not appeal to a number of women. They wanted to set up their own organisation, in the same spirit and with the same methods. Three Freemasons promised their co-operation in the construction of initiation rituals. A conscious decision was made to ensure the independence of the organisation and its specifically female character. Therefore, not the building symbolism of Freemasonry, but the symbolism of weaving was chosen as the central theme.

In 1947, the Order 'Vita Feminea Textura' was founded in Utrecht by six women. In 1950, the first rituals were composed and twelve women were initiated by a number of Freemasons. The work in an own Order began.

Website: https://www.ordevanweefsters.nl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orde.vanweefsters.5