Beyond the Craft, Freemasonry offers much more for the inquiring mind. There are many appendant Orders which develop diverse philosophical, allegorical and moral themes within a Masonic context. Most of the appendant Orders operate several degrees and for the committed Mason, represent a treasure-house of fresh insights within an environment of like-minded brethren.
At the least, these Orders require candidates to be Master Masons and some also require membership of other orders. Occasionally, membership requires candidates to have been installed as a ruling Master in a preceding degree.
These orders and degrees are autonomous and quite independent, although most of them are in amity with, and recognised by, The United Grand Lodge of England.