A Lodge is the basis for activities of Freemasons. It is a centre of spiritual work and a meeting place, besides this term can refer also to a specific state of consciousness. If work is to be productive, open, fair and forthcoming communication is indispensable. To underline their close fellowship and mutual trust, Freemasons call themselves “brothers” or “brethren”. Wives and families of the freemasons take part in social life of the lodge. At the same time, the traditional Freemasonry is a unity of men. This idea does not contradict the concept of equality between men and women for establishments unifying either exclusively men or exclusively women also are lawful and reasonable forms of public association.
The Grand Lodge of Latvia incorporates the Lodges of St. John operating in Latvia, organizes the Freemasonic activities on the national level, provides co-ordination among Lodges and enters into relations with Grand Lodges of foreign countries.
Work on the Grand Lodge of Latvia level is organized and managed by elected officials: grand officers representing the Grand Lodge of Latvia and on a higher level also the Freemasonry of Latvia as a whole. The structure of the Grand Lodge of Latvia is similar to that of many other Grand Lodges and so are the key positions of officers: Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master (Grand Warden), Grand Secretary, Grand Deacon, Grand Director of Ceremonies, Grand Treasurer, etc.
At this stage, the Grand Lodge of Latvia incorporates 5 Lodges of St. John and 1 Lodge of St. Andrew:
1) “Jâňuguns” – established in 1924, re-established in 1993;
2) “Ziemeďzvaigzne” – established in 1750, re-established in 2002;
3) “Pie Zobena” – established in 1750, re-established in 2002;
4) “Apollo” – established in 1773, re-established in 2006;
5) “Enkurs” – established in 1921, re-established in 2009;
6) "Iter Ad Lucem" re-established in 2008.
Lodges in Latvia work according to different rites: “Jâňuguns” and “Ziemeďzvaigzne” practicing the traditions of regular “Moderns” follow the German AF&AM rite, the lodge “Pie Zobena” follows the von Cinnendorf’s Rite, “Apollo” – Emulation Rite, while “Enkurs” works according to Fessler’s Rite.
The working language of all St. John’s lodges in Latvia is Latvian apart from “Apollo” where works are conducted in English. This Lodge mainly incorporates foreign nationals residing in Latvia and willing to upkeep ties with Freemasonry while living and working away from their own country.