I was listening to a podcast about Safe Spaces the other day. Merriam-Webster defines them as 'a place (as on a college campus) intended to be free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas, or conversations.' It is a term that originated in the 1970s and is strongly connected with the feminist second-wave movement. Listening to the podcast, I was struck by how closely this definition aligns with the environment cultivated within Masonic Lodges. Masonic Lodges, being closed spaces, with their emphasis on brotherhood, equality, and open dialogue, served as historical prototypes for the safe spaces that have become prevalent in modern society. In this article, I intend to explore the similarities and differences between Masonic Lodges and modern safe spaces.
Figure : Universal acceptance symbol, to indicate alliance with gay rights and spaces free from homophobia. -wiki commons
Georges Perec, in his book 'Espèces d'espaces,' discusses the ambiguity of the concept of space. For us to conceive it, we need to 'to name it, to trace it, like those portolano-makers who saturated the coastlines with the names of harbours, naming capes, inlets, channels, islands...' Just as cartographers meticulously charted the seas, Freemasons symbolically map their Lodges, creating a space where they can navigate the complexities of life and self-discovery. Our lodges are marked as safe spaces by rituals: 'The form of the lodge is an oblong square, situated due East and West, supported by three pillars, and standing on holy ground… To this object, the mason mind is continually directed' (Oliver, Philosophy of Freemasonry, 1855). This symbolic mapping is further reinforced by physical emblems: the mosaic floor, the columns, the officer's stations, and the tiler guarding the door. We also have a set of rules, like the triangulation protocol of speech in the lodge, which ensures that all communication is channeled through the Worshipful Master, promoting respectful dialogue and preventing personal conflicts. Similarly, many universities designate safe spaces with posters outlining guidelines for inclusive language and behavior, ensuring that all students feel welcome and respected. These modern safe spaces, like Masonic Lodges, have clear boundaries and expectations for behavior, often marked with symbols like the LGBTQ+ flag or the symbol for universal acceptance.
Figure 2: a Masonic Safe Space
Freemasonry, in its modern form, emerged in the early 18th century during a time of significant political and religious tension in England. It was theorized that Lodges were used as common safe ground for marginalized groups and bitter political opponents to meet without fear of expressing their views or facing repercussions. Whigs and Tories, Hanoverians and Jacobites, Anglicans and Nonconformists, all found a place within the Lodge where they could interact as equals. In fact, some prominent Freemasons were descendants of Huguenots refugees fleeing religious persecution in France (Desaguliers, Voltaire). These individuals, displaced and marginalized, likely found solace and community within the fraternity. Similarly, safe spaces of the feminist and LGBTQ+ movements emerged as common grounds for marginalized groups to express their views and 'be themselves' in a supportive surrounding. It is interesting to note that the first gay safe spaces emerged in gay bars, much like the first lodges in London that met in alehouses and taverns. Both gay bars and early Masonic Lodges offered a haven where individuals could gather without fear of persecution or judgment, fostering a sense of community and shared identity. These historical parallels highlight the enduring human need for spaces where individuals can connect, share ideas, and find support, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Figure 2: Modern Safe Space
Masonic Lodges and Safe Spaces share many core values, including tolerance, equality, and fraternity. Historically, Freemasonry primarily consisted of masculine Lodges, reflecting the societal norms of the time. However, the emergence of co-masonry and women's Freemasonry underscores the importance of safe spaces catering to specific gender-based communities. Both Lodges and safe spaces utilize similar elements to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Oaths, like the Masonic obligation, and codes of conduct, such as those established in modern safe spaces, create a framework for respectful interaction. Symbolic language, whether it's the Masonic rituals or the inclusive terminology used in safe spaces, promotes a deeper understanding of shared values. The role of the person in charge, be it the Worshipful Master in a Lodge or the facilitator of a safe space, is crucial in guiding discussions and ensuring that all participants feel heard and respected. In both settings, this sense of community enables individuals to express themselves freely and authentically, knowing that their thoughts and feelings will be met with confidentiality and non-judgmental listening.
Of course, one has to acknowledge the differences between Masonic Lodges and safe spaces, much of which can be attributed to the distinct historical contexts that gave rise to each. While the rise of Masonic Lodges can be attributed mainly to the ideals of the Enlightenment, such as reason, scientific inquiry, and individual liberty, it also coincided with a period of significant economic and social change driven by the Industrial Revolution. Lodges provided a space for men to navigate these changes and find a sense of community amidst the upheaval. The emergence of safe spaces, on the other hand, is closely linked to the rise of the second-wave feminist movement and the broader struggle for human rights. This is reflected in the emergence of orders like Le Droit Humain, which explicitly champion human rights and social justice, contrasting with the more traditional Masonic focus on fraternity and personal development. Furthermore, safe spaces have readily adapted to the digital age, flourishing in online forums, virtual communities, and social media activism. Masonic Lodges, however, have faced challenges in fully transitioning to cyberspace, perhaps due to the importance of physical presence and ritual in Masonic tradition. Despite these differences, both Masonic Lodges and safe spaces share a fundamental purpose: to provide a supportive environment where individuals can connect, grow, and express themselves authentically.
It is important to note that both Masonic Lodges and safe spaces have received their fair share of criticism. Safe spaces are accused of limiting free speech, coddling students, promoting self-segregation, and creating echo chambers. Judith Shulevitz has articulated it well: 'Once you designate some spaces as safe, you imply that the rest are unsafe. It follows that they should be made safer.' Other thinkers have raised concerns that valuing 'emotional safety' as a sacred cause ignores practical and moral tradeoffs preventing the emotional and intellectual development of students. Masonic Lodges have also encountered similar criticism. The Entered Apprentice silence period, for instance, can be seen as a form of self-censorship, potentially stifling ideas or reinforcing existing norms. However, this period can also be interpreted as a time for introspection and learning the value of attentive listening before contributing to discussions. Furthermore, some argue that Lodges, with their traditions and rituals, can be resistant to change or that their hierarchical structure may discourage open dissent (Point within a circle) . Yet, Lodges have mechanisms in place to balance the need for harmony and brotherly love with open discussion and debate. The 'triangulation protocol,' for example, ensures that all communication is channeled through the Worshipful Master, promoting respectful dialogue and preventing personal conflicts. Additionally, the expectation that all brethren conduct themselves with decorum and respect fosters an environment where diverse viewpoints can be expressed without fear of personal attacks. To address the criticisms levied against safe spaces, there is a growing discussion about rebranding them as 'brave spaces.' This concept seeks to encourage constructive conflict and challenging conversations, recognizing that discomfort and disagreement can be valuable catalysts for growth and understanding, while still maintaining respect and inclusivity.
Considering nearly three centuries that separate the rise of Masonic Lodges and safe spaces, we have seen much similarity between these two phenomena. Both are types of spaces (physical or virtual) defined by certain norms and accepted behaviors that aim to make their occupants more 'at home' with themselves and feel protected from an abusive environment. It seems that the need for a safe space, based on inclusivity and respect, that may evolve into a community, is an enduring human need, regardless of the industrial or digital era. Therefore, it's reasonable to consider Masonic Lodges as precursors to modern safe spaces. If you believe that it is beneficial for your Lodge to be a safe space, I urge you to discuss with your brethren how to make it an even better one. Consider how to foster greater inclusivity and respect, and whether embracing the concept of 'brave spaces' could enhance the Lodge experience without compromising its traditions and values.
∴ Mosh Shanon
Shorashim Lodge No. 2022 Orient of Tel-Aviv
Israeli Jurisdiction
International Order of Freemasonry for Men and Women
Nov 2024
Illustrations links and licenses:
Figure 3 : AI render by Prompt by Moshe Shanon. No rights
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