She is taking part in a ceremony to reach the rank of the "second degree". The "first degree" was previously marked by her initiation, which involved her baring her "right arm, left breast and knee" while a noose was placed around her neck. Each of these elements, it is said, has a symbolic meaning - though we are not told anything more.
The "third degree" is said to be "where you experience death to be reborn", representing "the end of one life and the beginning of another".
But this in itself is a glimpse into the workings of a secretive society. Many people perhaps do not even know that female Freemasons exist. The male Freemasons - who started meeting officially years ago - have always gained greater attention. They are currently led by the Duke of Kent. But between the two female societies - the Honourable Fraternity of Ancient Freemasons and the Order of Women Freemasons, which split in the early 20th Century - there are nearly 5, members.
The Order of Women Freemasons meets regularly in lodges, or temples, around the country. During ceremonies, the women dress in white robes, with regalia worn around their necks to represent their place in the hierarchy. The service we see begins with a procession down the centre aisle.
Members of the organisation bow as they reach the front, where grand master Zuzanka Penn sits on a grand chair that looks similar to a throne. Prayers are said during ceremonies, and at times it has the feel of a religious group, although Ms Penn is keen to stress this is not the case. As a single-sex association, the Freemasons is exempt from sexual discrimination legislation on admissions.
However, once individuals become members they are protected by the Gender Recognition Act and the Equality Act , the paper reported. This article is more than 3 years old. It is also a great path for men, because they prefer mixed lodges too. Times have changed. The Bray man turned Anglo Irish Bank into a financial force before it collapsed in scandal.
Tyrone man achieved rare distinction of making political impact on both sides of border. See a sample. Sign up to be the first getting the offers, competitions, and a sneak preview of what's coming up over the weekend. Sign up. Please update your payment details to keep enjoying your Irish Times subscription. The tradition lives on in the one freemasonry order open to women as well as men Sat, Apr 9, , John Fleming. More from The Irish Times Fashion.
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