The Order of the Eastern Star: History, Meaning and Symbolism
The Order of the Eastern Star is one of the most recognisable organisations associated with the wider Masonic family. Its colourful five-pointed star appears on rings, pendants, brooches and other pieces of jewellery, but every colour and emblem within the design has a deeper meaning.
In this guide, we explore the history of the Order of the Eastern Star, what its members do, where its Chapters are found and the symbolism behind its famous five-pointed star.
What Is the Order of the Eastern Star?
The Order of the Eastern Star, often shortened to OES, is a worldwide fraternal and charitable organisation for both women and men. It is connected with the Masonic family, although it is not itself a degree of Freemasonry.
The Order was developed during the nineteenth century by American Freemason Dr Rob Morris and his wife, Charlotte Mendenhall Morris. Rob Morris wanted women to be able to share in an organisation inspired by the moral teachings, charitable principles and fellowship found within Freemasonry.
The modern Order began to take shape in the 1850s. The General Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was formally established in 1876 and is now headquartered in Washington, D.C.
The fundamental values of the Order include charity, truth, loving kindness, loyalty, faith, friendship and service to others.
Members refer to one another as Sisters and Brothers and meet in local groups known as Chapters.
Is the Eastern Star Part of Freemasonry?
The Order of the Eastern Star belongs to the wider family of Masonic-associated organisations, but joining it does not make somebody a Freemason.
Men who join are generally required to be Master Masons in good standing. Eligibility for women varies between jurisdictions, but it has traditionally been based on a family relationship with a Master Mason.
Some jurisdictions now also admit women who are sponsored by existing members or who have been involved with recognised Masonic youth organisations.
In the Scottish jurisdiction, which also covers the Order’s Chapters in England, the organisation describes itself as non-denominational and non-sectarian. Members are expected to believe in a Supreme Being, but the Order is not itself a religion.
What Do Eastern Star Members Do?
Eastern Star Chapters usually meet in Masonic halls or similar meeting places. Their meetings combine ceremonial traditions, moral teachings, administration, fellowship and planning for charitable work.
Members support their communities by:
- Raising money for local and national charities
- Helping widows, orphans and people experiencing hardship
- Supporting medical research and health-related causes
- Assisting service-dog programmes
- Supporting disaster-relief appeals
- Providing scholarships and educational support
- Helping Masonic youth organisations
- Organising community and social events
Although some of its ceremonies and methods of recognition are reserved for members, the Order does not describe itself as a secret society. Its purpose and charitable work are openly discussed.
Where Is the Order of the Eastern Star Found?
The Order is particularly well established in the United States and Canada, but Eastern Star Chapters and governing jurisdictions can be found throughout the world.
These include parts of:
- The United Kingdom
- Australia and New Zealand
- South Africa
- Europe
- Mexico and South America
- The Philippines and other parts of Asia
The General Grand Chapter in Washington, D.C. oversees many Grand Jurisdictions and individual Chapters internationally. Other areas have their own independent governing bodies.
The Order of the Eastern Star in the United Kingdom
The Order was introduced into Scotland during the nineteenth century. The first recorded Scottish Chapter, Victoria Chapter No. 1, received its charter in 1874.
Today, the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland is the principal governing body for the Order in the United Kingdom. Its jurisdiction also extends to Chapters in other countries.
The Order has a much greater presence in Scotland than in England. Its public directory currently lists English Chapters meeting in the Newcastle upon Tyne area, North Shields, Cramlington and Gosport in Hampshire.
What Does the Eastern Star Symbol Mean?
The best-known emblem of the Order is a five-pointed star made up of blue, yellow, white, green and red points. The design is normally displayed with the white point facing downwards.
This orientation is sometimes misunderstood. Within the traditions of the Eastern Star, the downward-facing point is associated with the Star of Bethlehem directing the way towards the manger. It is not intended as an occult or satanic emblem.
Each point of the star represents a biblical woman, a particular virtue, a colour and a symbolic object. Together, the five points teach lessons about loyalty, devotion, courage, faith and charity.
The Five Points of the Eastern Star
Adah: The Blue Point
The blue point represents Adah, the traditional name given within the Order to the daughter of Jephthah.
Adah’s story teaches loyalty, fidelity and the serious nature of a promise. Her emblems are the sword and veil.
The sword represents duty and the defence of what is right. The veil symbolises modesty, courage and fearlessness.
Colour: Blue
Emblems: Sword and veil
Meaning: Fidelity, loyalty and commitment
Ruth: The Yellow Point
The yellow point represents Ruth, whose devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi is told in the Book of Ruth.
After both women were widowed, Ruth remained with Naomi and worked to provide for them. Her emblem is a sheaf of wheat, recalling the grain she gathered in the fields.
The wheat also represents honest work, provision and the way small acts of service can combine to achieve something greater.
Colour: Yellow
Emblem: Sheaf of wheat
Meaning: Constancy, devotion and service
Esther: The White Point
The white point represents Queen Esther. According to the biblical account, Esther courageously used her position as Queen of Persia to protect her people.
Her united crown and sceptre represent power and authority being used responsibly to uphold justice. Her story teaches that duty may require personal courage and sacrifice.
Colour: White
Emblems: Crown and sceptre
Meaning: Loyalty, courage and responsibility
Martha: The Green Point
The green point represents Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus. Her story focuses on the faith and hope she showed following the death of her brother.
Martha’s emblem is the broken column. It represents the fragility of human life and the possibility that a life may be cut short. It also reminds members that faith and hope can provide strength during bereavement, adversity and despair.
Colour: Green
Emblem: Broken column
Meaning: Faith, hope and endurance
Electa: The Red Point
The red point represents Electa, traditionally associated with the “elect lady” mentioned in the Second Epistle of John.
Her emblem is the Cup of Charity. It represents love, hospitality and the duty to help people who are experiencing poverty or distress.
Electa’s lesson encourages members to remain true to their beliefs while continuing to show compassion to others.
Colour: Red
Emblem: Cup of Charity
Meaning: Love, charity and hospitality
What Do the Letters FATAL Mean?
Some versions of the Eastern Star emblem display the letters F-A-T-A-L around the central pentagon.
These letters form part of the traditional ritual and symbolism of the Order. Their full ceremonial interpretation is generally reserved for members, so they should be treated with the same respect as other symbols associated with Masonic ritual.
The Meaning of Eastern Star Jewellery
Eastern Star jewellery allows members to display their connection to the Order and the principles represented by its five points. Rings, pendants, brooches, charms and lapel pins commonly feature the complete five-colour star.
Some pieces use coloured enamel or gemstones to distinguish the five points:
- Blue for Adah
- Yellow for Ruth
- White for Esther
- Green for Martha
- Red for Electa
The white point should normally face downwards for an authentic Eastern Star design. Depending on the piece, the centre may also contain a pentagon, an altar or the letters associated with the Order.
For the wearer, an Eastern Star jewel is more than a decorative emblem. It can represent charitable service, family connections, fellowship and a personal commitment to the virtues of fidelity, constancy, loyalty, faith and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Order of the Eastern Star only for women?
No. The Order admits both women and men. Male members are normally required to be Master Masons, while the eligibility requirements for women vary between jurisdictions.
Is an Eastern Star member a Freemason?
Not necessarily. Male members are generally Master Masons, but female membership of the Eastern Star does not make a woman a Freemason.
Is the Eastern Star a religious organisation?
The Order uses biblical stories to teach moral lessons, but it describes itself as non-denominational and non-sectarian. Requirements concerning belief can vary between jurisdictions.
Why does the Eastern Star point downwards?
The white point traditionally faces downwards in reference to the Star of Bethlehem pointing towards the manger. It is not intended as an occult symbol.
Does the Order of the Eastern Star exist in England?
Yes, although it is considerably smaller in England than in Scotland or North America. English Chapters operate under the Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland.
A Lasting Symbol of Charity and Fellowship
For more than 150 years, the Order of the Eastern Star has brought women and men together through fellowship, moral teaching and charitable service.
Its five-pointed star brings the Order’s central lessons together in one distinctive emblem: the fidelity of Adah, the constancy of Ruth, the loyalty of Esther, the faith of Martha and the love of Electa.
Whether worn on an Eastern Star ring, pendant or brooch, the emblem carries a rich history and serves as a personal reminder of charity, truth and loving kindness.
