Freemasons are part of an ancient tradition with rituals and symbols all their own. As a Mason, you can earn degrees, join esoteric and social organizations, and become privy to the language and abbreviations specific to Freemasonry.

The York Rite: York Rite is actually a descriptive term used for three cooperative groups (the Royal Arch, the Cryptic Council, and the Knights Templar) that confer a total of ten degrees in the United States. The degrees making up the York Rite are considered concordant to the first three Masonic degrees, meaning they confer additional Masonic degrees that enlarge and expand on the first three lodge degrees. You must already be a Master Mason before you can join the York Rite. Outside of the United States, the York Rite is often referred to as the American Rite. In addition to the initial three groups, there are many additional York Rite-related sub-groups, such as: 

• Knight Masons 
• Allied Masonic Degrees 
• York Rite College 
• Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Foederatis (Masonic Rosicrucians) 
• Red Cross of Constantine 
• St. Thomas of Acon 
• The Operatives 

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