What are the different bodies Master Masons can join?afonitam

Master Masons can advance into several distinct Masonic bodies, rites, and affiliated societies across different jurisdictions.

The Holy Royal Arch is historically recognized as the complement and completion of the Third Degree in Ancient Craft Masonry 1. The United Grand Lodge of England considers the Royal Arch part of pure Antient Masonry alongside the three symbolic degrees, encouraging Master Masons to enter it before joining other orders such as the Rose Croix. Under the Grand Lodge of India, a Master Mason may join a Royal Arch Chapter four weeks after being Raised, which is presented as the natural completion of his Craft journey.

Cryptic Masonry consists of the Royal Master and Select Master degrees, with the Super-Excellent Master degree sometimes added as a supplementary honor 1. These degrees are conferred in local Councils governed by Grand Councils 1.

Masonic Templarism confers chivalric degrees within Commanderies, governed in the United States by state Grand Commanderies and national oversight by the Grand Encampment 1. Historically, admission to Templar bodies in Ireland was strictly restricted to Royal Arch Masons 1.

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite governs a sequence of higher degrees under Supreme Councils, such as the Southern and Northern Jurisdictions in the United States 1. In Ireland, Rose Croix Chapters and bodies like the Metropolitan College of Heredom historically governed early systems of philosophical degrees under the Rite of Perfection before coming under a Supreme Council 1.

Master Masons have also established affiliated professional or trade-based bodies, such as the Universal Craftsmen Council of Engineers, created specifically for Master Masons in steam engineering 1.