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Freemasons often claims that they do not have a doctrine. They have, however, a distinctive method, behind which a “philosophical horizon” may be discerned.

A look at the different rites and at a plethora of organizations that have “something to do” with Freemasonry.

Freemasonry is today divided into rival obediences and international federations. They should not be confused with the different masonic rites.

Born with two, then three degrees, Freemasonry developed many more based on legends connecting its origins with the European aristocracy and the Knights Templar.

Modern Freemasonry was born in 1717, and its Constitutions were published in 1723. Since the beginning, their reference to God created problems and schisms.

Legends about Solomon’s Temple and a word identifying the genuine members of the guild were passed from the “operative” to the “speculative” Freemasons.

Before “accepted” and “speculative” members who were neither stonemasons nor architect were allowed to join the craft, it operated for centuries as a professional guild.

Controversies about Freemasonry often ignore the context and circumstances of its origins. At a time of deep social transformation, the legend of the Rosy Cross was born.