The Evolution of Freemasonry

Freemasonry began as a guild of stonemasons and evolved significantly over centuries, particularly after 1717 when it began admitting non-masons. Initially structured around three degrees of initiation—entered apprentice, fellow craft, and master mason—it diversified as it absorbed members from various social and political backgrounds, including the Knights Templar and the Rosicrucians. This evolution allowed Freemasonry to become a vehicle for both social networking and the transmission of esoteric teachings. Today, it is primarily characterized by its rich and complex rituals, many of which are deeply rooted in symbolic meanings that remain largely mysterious even to the members themselves.