Freemasonry

Order of Freemasons

Freemasonry is not a religion, ideology, or philosophy of life. And it is certainly not a sect or secret society. The Order of Freemasons is a democratic association whose members strive to deepen their understanding. Of course, the Order is not alone in this endeavor. But Freemasonry distinguishes itself from other organizations in this field through its unique working methods. It uses symbols and rituals that symbolically represent the course of human life.
Website: https://www.vrijmetselarij.nl
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Le Droit Humain

In the International Order of Co-Masonic Brotherhood (IOGVM) 'Le Droit Humain', men and women practice Freemasonry together. They work together on their personal development, 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 human beings.

Scottish Rite AASR

"Unity, Tolerance, and Progress" is the theme of the Scottish Rite, which was founded in our country in 1912. In addition to the working methods of the Masonic Lodges, it is the most extensive Masonic organization in the world. The Scottish Rite can be found all over the world, especially in the United States, where it was first established.
More than 1,100 Freemasons have chosen to work in the Scottish Rite in addition to their work in the Lodge!
In the Lodges, work is carried out according to the so-called Building and Light Symbolism, but there are more facets to discover in that diamond called Freemasonry. It is a house with many rooms!
The main emphasis is on the normal work in the Lodge, culminating in the Master's elevation; the Scottish Rite does not make the Freemason higher, but it can enrich his life.
Worldwide, the Scottish Rite works in its own specific way to help the Brothers achieve a more complete understanding. Various religious and philosophical motifs are incorporated into the rituals, creating a total insight and, as a result, a better understanding of the working methods in one's own Lodge. In Freemasonry, meeting others is paramount, meeting kindred spirits who, like you, want to grow in their spiritual development. The goal is to become free as a human being, to be able to mean something to others, and to come to a better understanding of the Universe.
There are many websites dedicated to Freemasonry, as it is a global organization with different working methods in each country and many lodges and additional working methods in each country, each with their own emphases and atmosphere.
Website: https://www.aasr.nl

Royal Arch

The Royal Arch is the unmistakable conclusion of the symbolic degrees. It represents the search for and unexpected rediscovery of the lost master word, which the master mason has promised to seek with all his might. Finding the old master word is a mystical experience, leading to introspection and self-reflection. In this inspiring and challenging ritual, the master mason is confronted with the Higher in and around himself, and thus becomes a participant in the Light that was, is, and will be.
The rite of the Holy Royal Arch is therefore a logical continuation of the master degree
and also its completion.
The three symbolic degrees each have their own specific focus on the elementary relationships in our Being:
1. the apprentice degree requires examination of one's own conscious and subconscious inner self;
2. the fellow degree confronts us with the environment and circumstances of our existence: the brothers,
our fellow human beings and the world around us;
3. the master degree nurtures awareness of the relationship with the Higher.
In the degree of the Holy Royal Arch, mystical union with the Higher takes place. It is therefore the logical continuation of the Master's elevation, aimed at continuously activating the constant presence of the Supreme Architect of the Universe in our inner sanctuary, in which His Name, the ancient master word, is engraved forever.
Website: https://www.hkgnederland.nl
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Mark Master Masons

In Dutch Freemasonry, the practices following the Master Mason degree are also referred to as 'follow-up paths'. These degrees mainly originated 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. In any case, written sources report that the degree was also practiced in England in the mid-18th century.
The ritual of 'promotion' to Mark Master is vivid and compelling. The candidate plays an active role. He 'experiences' an event that is 'taken from real life'. The ritual also contains characteristic elements that reflect the ideas of the operative (free) masons and the early speculative 'Masons'. The meaning of the ritual is clear and applicable to everyone's daily life. The atmosphere in Master Mason lodges is determined by the entire working method, which encourages friendship, modesty, and performing the best possible work. The seriousness of the ritual goes hand in hand with relaxation and enjoyment.
Website: https://www.merkmeesters.nl

Royal Ark Mariner

As a Master Mason, you can become a member of a Royal Ark Mariner lodge. This step in Freemasonry is highly recommended. The degree of Royal Ark Mariner is also known as 'the charming little degree'. It is certainly an enjoyable degree, with a ritual of modest size but very rich in content, which can offer you surprising new insights into traditional aspects of Freemasonry. In earlier centuries, this Masonic wealth was accessible to every Freemason, but a twist of fate has meant that admission to this brotherhood of Royal Ark Mariners is now reserved for Master Masons only. Most Master Masons lodges are affiliated with a Royal Ark Mariners lodge, which in the registers of the Grand Lodge in London usually bears the same name and always the same number as the Master Masons lodge. Most Royal Ark Mariners lodges meet two to three times a year.
Website: https://www.merkmeesters.nl/ram-vrijmetselarij/introductie-ram

Knights Templar

Knight Templars (KT), as this Order is known in England, is a Christian Military Masonic Order. The Dutch branch is a Province of the Grand Priory of England and was granted this status in 1983, after establishing five Preceptories in the preceding years. Although still young, its specific way of working appeals to many Freemasons. Approximately 300 members in 10 Preceptories work diligently in the Christian tradition. This tradition originated during the time of the Crusaders, and the Order upholds it to this day.
The English rituals have been translated into Dutch, and all Preceptories work with this translated ritual, with one exception. This Preceptory, which was the first in the Netherlands, operates in Leiden.
Members must be members of the Holy Royal Vault before they can apply. They must also adhere to the Christian faith, although they do not necessarily have to be professing Christians. The defense of the faith and of each other is one of the principles of the Order. The special required clothing, a white tunic and cloak, both bearing a red cross, is impressive and contributes to a sense of connection with each other in the struggle 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 Het Rode Kruis van Constantijn (The Red Cross of Constantine). The English name is usually the one used.
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 information. As part of the English Constitution, the Benelux Division is entitled to exercise its supervision over Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. Although small, with approximately 200 members in seven Conclaves, two of which are in Belgium, it is a highly valued working method, in which style and ritual are prominently featured. The name Benelux Division is somewhat premature, as no Conclave can be established in Luxembourg because this country does not have a H.K.G. Chapter. During the annual meeting of the Benelux Division, the rituals of the Associated Orders are traditionally performed. Christian belief in the Holy Trinity is a prerequisite for admission to this Order, in addition to membership of the H.K.G.
Website: http://rcc-benelux.info/AAH/

Rose Cross

The work carried out in the lodges in our country is part of the Modern Rite that originated in France. This Rite consists of seven degrees, the first three of which (Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason) are conferred in the symbolic or blue degrees, i.e., in the lodges. The next four degrees are conferred in the Order of High Degrees. In one of the most beautiful initiations known to Freemasonry, this Order gives deep meaning to the candidate's willingness to give everything to rediscover the lost Master Word.
Website: https://www.hoofdkapittelderhogegraden.nl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HogeGraden

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 Masonic order founded in 1870 and headquartered in Tampa, Florida.
Originally founded in 1872 as a social club for Freemasons, it has grown to become the largest Masonic charity in the world. Shriners have a network of 22 specialized hospitals throughout the US where children with orthopedic 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° in 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/

Widow Sons

The Widows Sons is an international association of Masonic motorcyclists.
You will find chapters in dozens of countries worldwide, including the Netherlands.
The Widows Sons is open to membership for any regular Freemason who, in addition to lodges, consistories, chapters, and building huts, also feels the need to share their collective passion for motorcycling
with like-minded brothers.
Website: https://www.widowssons.nl
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WidowsSonsNL

Maconniek Motorcyclists Collective, GrootLicht

The name GrootLicht alludes to the activities of Freemasons who enjoy riding motorcycles together.
Touring trips offer a great platform for meetings between Freemasons from different lodges, grand lodges, and nationalities
and for contacts with non-Freemasons who ride along as guests. A key feature is the open and friendly atmosphere during the meetings.
GrootLicht is not an association or club with rules, a board, or membership fees; it is simply a name under which Masonic motorcycle tours are announced.
Anyone who wants to receive or send information about motorcycle tours with other Masons can register.
The administration is maintained by a few "coordinators."
They also maintain contact with Masonic 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 outside their lodges and across national borders, and the Brotherhood can gain strength in all its diversity.
Website: www.grootlicht.net

The Order of Weavers, Feminea Textura

During World War II, women had noticed that membership in Freemasonry had been a great support to men. In addition, their self-esteem had increased because they had proven themselves capable of doing much of the work that men had been forced to leave behind due to deportation or employment, for example. They wanted to participate in what Freemasonry apparently had to offer.
However, (regular) Freemasonry only accepts men as members. Mixed Freemasonry (seeLe Droit Humain) did not appeal to a number of women. They wanted to set up their own organization, in the same spirit and with the same working methods. Three Freemasons agreed to help develop initiation rituals. A conscious decision was made to make the organization independent and specifically female in character. For this reason, the symbolism of weaving was chosen as the central theme, rather than the building symbolism of Freemasonry.
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 their own Order began.
Website: https://www.ordevanweefsters.nl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orde.vanweefsters.5

Dutch Grand Lodge of Mixed Freemasonry

The Dutch Grand Lodge of Mixed Freemasonry (N.G.G.V.) consists of seven lodges and is open to men and women
(and, of course, to androgynous and other forms). The oldest lodge was founded over 100 years ago in Rotterdam.
The N.G.G.V. is a mixed order: men and women, androgynous and others, often with different beliefs and backgrounds. They also work in Lodges.
The N.G.G.V. is a statutory association and is registered with the Chamber of Commerce. The NGGV is in turn a member of the worldwide Masonic organization C.L.I.P.S.A.S.
This is an organization for international contacts within Freemasonry. The NGGV also has warm contacts with other Masonic orders in the Netherlands and around the world.
Website: https://www.nggv.nl/wie-zijn-we/
Additional information: https://gemengde-vrijmetselarij.3-5-7.nl/nederland/