How many degrees in Freemasonry?
In Freemasonry, the majority of masculine Freemasons recognize three primary degrees: the Entered Apprentice, the Fellow Craft, and the Master Mason. These degrees are conferred in the Blue Lodge, which is considered the foundational body of Freemasonry. Beyond these three degrees, there are additional degrees available in various branches of Freemasonry, such as the Scottish Rite and the York Rite. The Scottish Rite includes degrees from the fourth up to the thirty-third, while the York Rite encompasses several degrees culminating in the Knights Templar degree. Thus, while the core of Freemasonry consists of three degrees, the total number of degrees can vary significantly depending on the specific Masonic tradition or rite one follows.