Women in the Templar Order

Women have long held a place in the Templar Order, welcomed for their unique contributions to the Order’s chivalric and spiritual missions. Today, the Order of the Temple of Solomon continues to embrace this legacy, actively encouraging women to participate in all aspects of Templar life, from chivalric quests to leadership roles. Women in the modern Order can serve as Crown Officers and assume high-level governmental responsibilities, exemplifying a model of female leadership that honors the legacies of Saint Joan of Arc and Saint Mary Magdalene.

This openness to women’s participation not only reflects the inclusive spirit of the Templar tradition but also reinforces the importance of balance and harmony between men and women in service. In honoring the historical roles that women have played within the Templar Order, the modern Order recognizes women as full and equal members, alongside their male counterparts.

While medieval chivalry often excluded women from many military Orders, the Templar Order made notable exceptions, allowing women to engage in its mission. Templar rules from the early 12th century record women as “Sisters” within the Order, confirming their active role. Rule 70 of the Temple Rule of 1129 AD implies that women were admitted as Sisters, with a reasonable degree of separation to ensure modesty and respect. Later, Rule 72, which asks Templars to refrain from being godfathers or godmothers, specifically acknowledges the role of women within the Order.

The recognition of women’s equal membership continued in subsequent Templar writings, with Rule 541 (circa 1150 AD) mandating prayers for both “Brothers and Sisters.” This language highlights that women were regarded as equal members in the Order’s spiritual and communal life, participating fully in the Templar mission. Additionally, Rule 679 (circa 1290 AD) permitted a knight to receive assistance from a woman with official permission, indicating the ongoing support and involvement of women within Templar activities.

The presence of women in the Templar Order extended beyond individual participation. Manuscripts from the Teutonic Order reveal that in 1305, the Templar Order acquired at least one female monastery: the Abbey des Camaldules de Saint Michel de Lemo. Here, Abbess Agnès took Templar vows and was formally admitted into the Order by the Templar Prior from Venice. These records underscore the active role of women within Templar communities and support the Order’s enduring tradition of recognizing female Templars.

Reflecting the customs of medieval chivalry, women in the Templar Order are honored with distinct titles that align with their contributions and rank within the Order. While male members held titles like “Sergeant,” the female equivalent was “Adjutante,” derived from the Latin adjutare, meaning “to support” or “to give strength.” This title emphasizes the respect for women as a vital source of support and strength within the chivalric structure, recognizing their role as integral to the Order’s mission.

For women who achieve the full chivalric rank equivalent to a knight, the title “Dame” is bestowed, following established traditions in chivalric orders. Unlike the courtesy title “Lady,” which is associated with marriage to a knight, “Dame” is a title that a woman earns in her own right through merit and dedication. Like knights, Dames uphold the Templar Code, reflecting a balance of equality and respect for unique feminine qualities within the Order.

The Order reveres Dames as equal to knights in their own right, a practice rooted in history and reflective of the Order’s balanced perspective on gender. Women and men serve together as Templar Brothers and Sisters, each fulfilling complementary roles within the chivalric family. The distinction in titles between Knights and Dames honors the differences between the masculine and feminine, allowing each to serve in a way that respects their individual strengths and contributions.

For centuries, Dames have upheld the Templar values of courage, compassion, and faith. Women in the modern Order receive full membership status, honoring the tradition of active female participation within chivalric ranks. During investiture, a Dame may choose the traditional method of receiving her title, with options such as the symbolic use of a rose to represent the divine feminine. Alternatively, in keeping with the precedent set by Saint Joan of Arc and the Canons of Saint Gertrude, a Dame may request the accolade of knighthood by sword.

The historical record proves that women have played an indispensable role within the Templar Order and other chivalric organizations. From the Sisters of Hospitality in the Order of Saint John to the Dames of the Order of the Hatchet in Aragon, women have demonstrated time and again their capacity for courage, service, and leadership. These chivalric women served not only in support roles but also as warriors, leaders, and inspirers of great deeds, providing a model of female heroism that resonates with the Templar mission today.

By honoring the feminine qualities that women bring to the Order, the Templar Order fosters a community where men and women serve together in harmony. The presence of Dames in the Templar Order embodies the spirit of balance, allowing both masculine and feminine aspects to shine equally in service to a noble cause. Women in the Order are called to uphold the legacy of Saint Joan of Arc and other revered female chivalric figures, participating fully in the Order’s mission of justice, faith, and protection of humanity.

In this way, the Templar Order honors the legacy of its historical Sisters and offers a path for modern women to embrace the role of Dame—a title rooted in tradition, respect, and an unwavering commitment to the Templar ideals.