Petitionable Bodies
Freemasonry is described as a course of hieroglyphical and moral instruction, taught agreeably to ancient usages, by types, emblems and allegorical figures. This course of instruction starts in the Lodge with the degrees, coaching, learning, serving in offices, and being a resource for your Lodge. Seeking more light in Masonry, more experience and exposure to the teachings, may be accomplished by a Master Mason by joining other organizations which are referred to as "Appendant Bodies". These organizations require you to be a Master Mason in good standing (other pre-requisites may exist). Below are some of the Appendant Bodies available to Members in New Mexico:
The Lodge of Research of New Mexico was Chartered to promote, encourage, conduct and foster Masonic research and study, for the purpose of spreading Masonic Light and knowledge. Instead of conferring degrees, coaching, and local charity work; we author, publish, present, and encourage all Masons to do the same. We also welcome Masons and non-Masons (including ladies) to attend most meetings and participate (though "tyled" information and the open Lodge is still limited to Master Masons in good standing).
Often referred to as the "University of Freemasonry", the Scottish Rite is twenty nine degrees that continue the teachings of the Lodge Degrees. These degrees focus on the development of the individual as a part of society and building the principles of honor, service, and justice within themselves. The Scottish Rite consists of four bodies including the Lodge of Perfection, the Chapter Rose Croix, the Council of Kadosh, and the Consistory.
Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth. Shriners International supports Shriners Hospitals for Children®, a health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing pediatric specialty care, innovative research, and outstanding teaching programs for medical professionals. Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in a family-centered environment, regardless of the patients’ ability to pay.
The York Rite is actually the "Blue Lodge" (Masonic Lodge) and three other cooperative groups offering a total of ten degrees and orders to continue both the allegorical references and lessons learned in the Blue Lodge Degrees. The Chapter confers four "Royal Arch" degrees, the Council three "Cryptic Masonry" degrees, and the Commandary gives three Christian Chivalric Orders culminating in the Order of the Knight of the Temple (Knight Templar). The York Rite is considered the Christian branch of Masonry, though the Commandery is the only group which requires a commitment to defend the Christian faith.