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Is Freemasonry a religion? It’s one of the most common questions people ask. Can Catholics be Masons? What religion to Masons believe in? The answer is both simple and, for many, a source of confusion.

Maybe you’ve heard rumors about the “Freemason pyramid” on the dollar bill, seen the square and compass logo on buildings around town, or wondered about the meaning of emblems like the Masonic trowel. What’s the history behind Masonic symbols, and how do they factor into what happens in a lodge?

Because Freemasonry was originally founded as an organization for men, there are naturally lots of questions about how women fit into it, including if and how a woman can become a Mason. In fact, female Freemasons appear in the fraternity’s history from its earliest, operative days—and even in its symbols. Today, many lodges around the world continue to accept both men and women, or women only.

The craft lodges where Masons begin their journey through Freemasonry have three ranks, or degrees. Once they’ve completed those, they’re able to pursue further degrees through “appendant” Masonic bodies that offer even more ranks beyond that. What does it all add up to? Is there a system to putting Masonic ranks in order—and if so, what’s at the top?

Freemasons come from all backgrounds, all belief systems, and all walks of life. So it’s no surprise that the list of famous Freemasons is very long—and varied. It includes everyone from actors and celebrities to artists and politicians. Let’s meet a few.