Masonic Symbols: 33 Degrees of The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.
Expanding my “Sacred Symbols”
collection and researching sacred symbols of the world, I just couldn’t
ignore vast, mysterious and fascinating imagery of freemasonry.
Probably no other brotherhood of modern days has a deeper knowledge and
richer array of symbols in their arsenal.
Freemasonry
is a fraternal organization that arose from obscure origins in the late
16th to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all
over the world, with a membership estimated at around six million,
including approximately 150,000 under the jurisdictions of the Grand
Lodge of Scotland and Grand Lodge of Ireland, over a quarter of a
million under the jurisdiction of the United Grand Lodge of England and
just under two million in the United States.
The
fraternity is administratively organized into independent Grand Lodges
or sometimes Orients, each of which governs its own jurisdiction, which
consists of subordinate (or constituent) Lodges. The various Grand
Lodges recognize each other, or not, based upon adherence to landmarks.
There are also appending bodies, which are organizations related to the
main branch of Freemasonry, but with their own independent
administration.
There
is no degree in Freemasonry higher than that of Master Mason, the Third
Degree. There are, however, a number of organizations that require
being a Master Mason as a prerequisite for membership. These bodies have
no authority over the Craft. These orders or degrees may be described
as additional or appendant, and often provide a further perspective on
some of the allegorical, moral and philosophical content of Freemasonry.
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry,
commonly known as simply the Scottish Rite, is one of several Rites of
the worldwide fraternity. A Rite is a series of progressive degrees that
are conferred by various Masonic organizations or bodies, each of which
operates under the control of its own central authority. In the
Scottish Rite the central authority is called a Supreme Council.
The
thirty-three degrees of the Scottish Rite are conferred by several
controlling bodies. The first of these is the Craft Lodge which confers
the Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft, and Master Mason degrees. Craft
lodges operate under the authority of Grand Lodges, not the Scottish
Rite. Although most lodges throughout the English-speaking world do not
confer the Scottish Rite versions of the first three degrees, there are a
handful of lodges in New Orleans and in several other major cities that
have traditionally conferred the Scottish Rite version of these
degrees.
The
Scottish Rite is one of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry that a
Master Mason may join for further exposure to the principles of
Freemasonry. In England and some other countries, while the Scottish
Rite is not accorded official recognition by the Grand Lodge, there is
no prohibition against a Freemason electing to join it. In the United
States, however, the Scottish Rite is officially recognized by Grand
Lodges as an extension of the degrees of Freemasonry. The Scottish Rite
builds upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the craft
lodge, or Blue Lodge, through dramatic presentation of the individual
degrees.
With
Scottish Rite being one of the most complete and developed rites,
utilizing quite extensive array of symbols for each one of its degrees,
these were the symbols upon which I have decided to focus opening the “Masonic Symbols” chapter of my “Sacred Symbols” collection.
The Square and Compasses
(or, more correctly, a square and a set of compasses joined together)
is the single most identifiable symbol of Freemasonry. Freemasonry is a
fraternal organization that arose from obscure origins in the late 16th
to early 17th century. Freemasonry now exists in various forms all over
the world, with a membership estimated at around six million. The
fraternity is administratively organized into independent Grand Lodges
or sometimes Orients, each of which governs its own jurisdiction, which
consists of subordinate (or constituent) Lodges. There are also
appending bodies, which are organizations related to the main branch of
Freemasonry, but with their own independent administration.
The
Square and Compass or sometimes known as “The Light” is also
representative of the 3rd degree in a Freemason’s level of achievement.
Once a mason has reached the 3rd degree, he becomes a Master Mason.
Both the square and compasses are architect's tools and are used in
Masonic ritual as emblems to teach symbolic lessons. Some Lodges and
rituals explain these symbols as lessons in conduct. However, as
Freemasonry is non-dogmatic, there is no general interpretation for
these symbols (or any Masonic symbol) that is used by Freemasonry as a
whole. As measuring instruments, the tools represent judgment and
discernment. In English speaking jurisdictions the Square and Compasses
are often depicted with the letter "G" in the center. The letter is
interpreted to represent different words jurisdiction to jurisdiction.
Among the most widely accepted interpretations are that: [G] stands for
God, and is to remind Masons that God is at the center of Freemasonry.
In this context it can also stand for Great Architect of the Universe (a
reference to God). In a different context, the letter stands for
Geometry, described as being the "noblest of sciences", and "the basis
upon which the superstructure of Freemasonry is erected."
Lodge of Perfection
Degrees 4° through 14°
The
degrees of the Lodge of Perfection are better known as the "Ineffable
Degrees" of Scottish Rite Masonry because their principal purpose is the
investigation and contemplation of the ineffable (unspeakable) name of
Deity.
The 4th Degree: Secret Master (Southern
Jurisdiction and Canada) or Master Traveler (Northern Jurisdiction),
deals with the concepts of duty. To a Mason, duty embraces an obligation
to take an interest in the problems of his environment, learn the
social problems of his community, country and even the World; and try to
contribute solutions to these problems. The lessons of the 4° are
secrecy, obedience, and fidelity. One’s first steps into our sanctuary
are duty, reflection and study. They teach us to honor those
relationships to God, family, country, Masonry. The apron is white and
black, with a letter "Z" and all-seeing eye. The jewel is a small ivory
key with a black 'Z' upon the wards. It is worn suspended from a broad
white ribbon edged in black. The jewel of the Master is a small
equilateral triangle of gold emblazoned with the Greek letters: Iota,
Alpha and Omega at the apexes. Pike tells us, "The Name of Deity, in
many nations, consisted of three letters: among the Greeks, [Iota,
Alpha, Omega]; ..." On its reverse are the Samaritan characters Yod, He,
and Vau; these three letters, with He duplicated are used to form the
Ineffable Name of Deity, called the Tetragammaton, usually pronounced as
'Yahweh'. Pike, though he uses the Hebrew forms, also explains their
significance as representing three of the ten Sephiroth, or emanations
from Deity, of the Kabalah: Gedulah, Geburah, and Tephareth; that is,
Mercy, Justice and Beauty.
The moral teachings of the 5th Degree: Perfect Master
is that we live in peace with our own conscience and are honored by
good people when we perform our duties honestly and diligently. When
honesty, diligence, justice and brotherhood do not exist, freedom and
independence are meaningless. Masonry values man as a person. The
lessons of the 5° are Honesty, Sincerity, and good Faith. The degree
teaches that honesty and trustworthiness is the cornerstone of the
foundation of Masonic honor. This virtue should be in all of our
undertakings.
The
apron is of white lambskin. The lining, border and flap are light
green. Two crossed columns with three concentric circles and a golden
cube superimposed form the center design of the apron. The outside
circle is crimson, the center one blue and the inner one orange. There
are two letters upon the top face of the cube; the one on the left black
and the other white. The cube represents the finite universe and the
three circles symbolize the wisdom, power and beneficence of God; the
great trinity of His attributes. The letters are Phoenician and are the
first two letters of the ancient name of God. The jewel is the
compasses, opened to sixty degrees, the points on a graduated arc.
Masonic compasses are opened to sixty degrees because this is the number
of degrees in each of the three angles of an equilateral triangle,
always a symbol of Deity. It is suspended from a broad grass-green
watered ribbon worn from the right shoulder to the left hip.
This
jewel, absent the square, indicates that the candidate is moving away
from the earthly and toward the heavenly: "[The Square] ... is an emblem
of what concerns the earth and the body; [the Compasses] of what
concerns the heavens and the soul" The color of the ribbon symbolizes
the attainment of this transition by renewal of virtue.
The principle lesson of 6th Degree: Intimate Secretary
(Southern Jurisdiction and Canada) or Master of the Brazen Serpent
(Northern Jurisdiction) is that decisions should not be made only on
appearances. To be curious is a good quality when directed toward the
examination of social miseries, their reasons, and how they can be
eliminated. A Mason should not remain detached from the world around
him; he should not be an indifferent person. To keep and restore peace,
he must be involved in the events of his world. It is the duty of a
Mason to provide that men live in peace and harmony.
The
apron is white and red, with Hebrew letters YOD HEH in the center, and a
small triangle containing the Hebrew letters (clockwise from top) BETH,
NUN, and SHIN.
The
jewel is a triple-delta superimposed upon an equilateral triangle of
gold. Each delta has a center design composed of one of the astrological
signs for the Sun, Moon and Mercury. As explained in the degree
summary, the form of the jewel is utterly derived from Pike's favorite
source of Masonic Symbolism, the Pythagorean Tetractys.
The lesson of the 7th Degree is
justice. A law voluntarily accepted by a community should be a kind of
lifestyle for the individuals comprising that community, and justice
must always be observed. For a law to be considered as being accepted
voluntarily, it should have been freely examined, discussed and voted by
the people. A man who is not free cannot be considered as being just,
and the unjust cannot be considered as being free. Masonry teaches man
to avoid evil behavior and to not do injustice to others.
The
apron is of white lambskin edged in red. In the center is a red-edged
pocket with a red and white rosette just below the opening. This pocket
holds the plans for the Temple. On the flap is embroidered a hand of
justice holding a scale.
The
jewel is a gold key which unlocks the ebony box seen in the ceremony.
The ebony box represents the human heart where the candidate is to lock
up the secrets of the order and as Mackey says, "... in the human heart
are deposited the secret designs and motives of our conduct by which we
propose to erect the spiritual temple of our lives" This key is
especially emblematic of that justice and uprightness that alone can
unlock for us the mysteries contained in the higher degrees and enable
us to advance toward perfection.
The lessons of the 8°are
benevolence and charity. This degree investigates the necessity of
acting on what we learn; and that we should freely transmit our
knowledge to others. The strength of the Temple depends on both hard
work and ownership. When a man attains a title or position based on his
own earning of it, he becomes both knowing and free; he is not indebted
to anyone, his reward is attained by his own qualities and diligence.
Masonry believes that balance and Brotherhood is established and
maintained between the two principles of work and charity.
The
apron is white, lined with red and bordered with green; in the center
is an embroidered nine-pointed star and over that a balance. On the flap
is a triangle, with Phoenician letters at each angle. The three colors
white, red and green, the chief symbolic colors of Scottish Rite
Masonry, teach is to imitate the purity of morals and zeal for the
service of Masonry which have made our deceased Master immortal in the
recollection of men.
The
jewel is a delta of gold. On one side is engraved or enameled a
Phoenician word meaning 'nobles' or 'freeborn'; on the reverse the
letters are Samaritan and stand for Achad, or 'our only God, chief and
source of all'. Pike derives this interpretation from its root which
means 'first'. The triangular shape is the most fundamental symbol of
the Deity.
The 9th Degree: Elu of the Nine
(Southern Jurisdiction), Master of the Temple (Northern Jurisdiction)
or Elect of the Nine (Canada), teaches that ignorance is the enemy of
freedom. Fear and ignorance are the two major enemies which enslave men.
It is important that we do not become slaves of certain ideas; that we
have the power to fight against ignorance and intolerance for the sake
of civilization and our own intellectual freedom. It is our duty to
morally raise our own conscience, to enlighten our souls and minds so
that we may actively participate in instructing and enlightening others.
The
apron is white lambskin spotted with red; it is lined and bordered in
black. An arm holding a dagger is painted or embroidered on the flap. In
the middle is an arm holding a bloody head by the hair. The apron is an
emblem of Masonry and Truth sprinkled with the blood of those who have
been persecuted for the sake of both. It is also representative of the
darkness of ignorance, error and intolerance, with which the world is
shrouded, and through which Masonry moves like a star, dispensing light
and knowledge and toleration. The arm holding a dagger reminds us of the
execution of the sentence registered in heaven against ignorance and
error. The hand holding the bloody head represents the just punishment
of those who degrade and brutalize the human soul, by hiding from it the
light of knowledge.
The
jewel is a dagger, its hilt of gold and its blade of silver. These two
metals in combination symbolize the brilliance of the combined light of
the sun and the moon. We also see this meaning in the ancient Han
characters of China where the character for 'sun' is merged with the
character for 'moon' to form the character for 'brilliant'. This dagger
is not an emblem of false bravery but of the weapons of legitimate
warfare, which an Elu of Nine may lawfully use, and especially of the
two-edged sword of truth with which every Mason should be armed. A
reference to the dagger is also found in the lecture for the Knight of
the Brazen Serpent Degree, "Even the dagger of the Elu of the Nine is
that used by the Mysteries of Mithras [a Persian deity]; which, with its
blade black and hilt white, was an emblem of the two principles of
Light and Darkness". We shall see this symbol repeated in the poniard of
the 30th Degree.
The lessons of the 10th Degree: Elu of the Fifteen
(Southern Jurisdiction), Master Elect (Northern Jurisdiction) or Elect
of the Fifteen (Canada) are enlightenment of soul and mind, vigilance,
tolerance and being on guard for fanaticism and persecution. This degree
teaches toleration of others. Everyone has the right to his own
political or spiritual views. Masons will always be opposed to
ignorance, fanaticism, and tyranny. While it is our duty to continuously
fight against these oppressive forces, we must ourselves be educated,
tolerant, and open to freedom of thought. The war against fanaticism and
terrorism is won with education and enlightenment.
The
apron is white, lined, edged and fringed with black; the flap also is
black. In the center are painted or embroidered three gates, and over
each gate is a head impaled on a spike. The black represents the sorrow
caused by the deed of those men whose heads now grace the arches. The
heads themselves represent ignorance, tyranny, and fanaticism. It is
against these vices that Masonry is particularly opposed.
The
jewel is a dagger, its hilt gold and its blade silver; it hangs from
the end of the cordon. The cordon is a broad watered black ribbon, worn
from right to left; on the front of which are embroidered three heads.
The heads upon the cordon also represent ignorance, tyranny and
fanaticism or intolerance, smitten by the sword of freedom.
The lessons of the 11th Degree: Elu of the Twelve
are to be earnest, true, reliable and a champion of the people. This
degree teaches sympathy. We should sympathetic to our brother masons and
to all mankind as well. This degree emphasizes that life is a school
for moral and spiritual training; that the entire lesson is a course in
virtue, happiness, and a future existence. As Masons, we are to view
ourselves and the entire human race as one great family. We are a
champion of the people. Our work is never done, and our examples in life
must be such that no man will have cause to repent because he has
relied on our resolve, our profession, or our word.
The
apron is white, lined, edged and fringed with black and the flap is
black. In the middle is an embroidered flaming heart. The flaming heart
upon the apron and cordon are symbols of that zeal and devotedness that
ought to animate all Masons and of those noble and heroic souls that
have in all ages suffered and sacrificed themselves for their fellows or
their country. The motto is a solemn pledge that one would rather die
than betray the cause of the people or be overcome through his own
fault.
The
jewel is a sword of gold, suspended from the cordon, and represents
truth. The Elu of the Twelve have been given the title of Prince Ameth
or Prince of Truth, for "Truth is sharper than any two-edged sword"
The lesson of the 12th Degree: Master Architect
(Southern Jurisdiction) or Grand Master Architect (Northern
Jurisdiction and Canada) is to seek wisdom through knowledge. This
degree teaches faith in moral and virtues and in God. "Life is what each
man makes of it; the optimist turns a trial into a blessing. This
degree forces the Mason to consider the problems of his social life;
that the life we have and the world we live in are what we make them by
our own social character, by our ability to adapt to our fellows, our
relationships, and our circumstances. It is important that we gain
wisdom so that we may add dignity to the human race.
The
apron is white, lined and bordered with blue, and fringed with gold. On
the flap is embroidered a protractor; and in the middle of the body a
plain scale, a sector and the compasses, arranged to form a triangle.
The colors are to remind us of the degrees of the Symbolic Lodge, the
foundation of Masonry.
The
jewel is a heptagonal medal of gold. On one side, in each angle is a
five pointed star, enclosed by a semicircle. In the center, on the same
side, is an equilateral triangle, formed by arcs of circles. On the
reverse side are five columns, representing the different orders of
architecture, arranged from left to right, with the initial of the
proper order below each, in old English letters - [T]uscan, [D]oric,
[I]onic, [C]orinthian, [C]omposite. Above these columns are a sector and
a slide-rule; below them, the three kinds of compasses, the plain scale
and the parallel ruler. Between the second and third and the third and
fourth columns are Phoenician letters equivalent to the English or Roman
letters 'R' and 'B'. These letters have two meanings, one exoteric and
the other esoteric. The exoteric meaning all may know; it is simply the
initials of Rab Benaim, the Semitic name for the degree. You should pay
particular attention to the symbolic meanings of the jewel and its
designs in the ritual.
The lessons of the 13th Degree: Royal Arch of Solomon
(Southern Jurisdiction and Canada) or Master of the Ninth Arch
(Northern Jurisdiction) are to seek knowledge and to be motivated by
duty and honour. This degree teaches liberty in our mind and our hearts,
motivated by duty and honor. Men must find the truth within the caverns
of their own conscience. There is one great arch, or bridge which makes
the passage achievable, and allows us to master our own vices and
passions. That bridge is the will of God. By seeking knowledge and moral
character and being guided by faith and reason, the Mason will know how
to combine science and religion, philosophy and theology; and recognize
that these notions do not contradict each other, but form a harmonious
whole. Like other degrees encountered in Scottish Rite Masonry, this
degree is also known by other names: The Royal Arch of Enoch, the Royal
Arch and the Royal Arch Ecossais (Scottish Royal Arch). It must be
remembered that Albert Pike wrote the degrees of the Scottish Rite in
the 19th century and in doing so, he selected, combined, deleted and
elaborated material from the numerous and varied degrees existing at the
time. The other names associated with this degree attest to both its
heritage and its importance in Freemasonry.
The
apron is of crimson velvet. Upon it is embroidered a triangle emitting
rays, and in the middle a letter, an archaic form of the Semitic Yod.
The color denotes the zeal and devotedness of a Royal Arch Mason. The
triangle is the emblem of Deity, or Infinite Wisdom, Infinite Power and
Infinite Harmony; the letter represents the Tetragammaton, the Name of
God made known to Moses.
The
jewel is a circular medal of gold, around which, on one side are the
following letters, words and number: R, S, R, S, T, P, S, R, I, A, J, et
S, ANNO ENOCHI 2995. On the same side is an engraving of the ground
with a rectangular hole in it into which two men are lowering a third
with a rope. On the reverse side is a triangle emitting rays and in the
middle of it the same letter as is on the apron. This medal is to be
worn upon the chest, suspended by a narrow, white watered ribbon. The
letters stand for: Regnante Solomone, Rege Sapientissimo, Thesaurum
Pretiosissimum Sub Ruinis Invenerunt Adonirum, Joabert, et Satolkin ...
Anno Enochi 2995; or 'In the reign of Solomon, wisest of kings,
Adonirum, Joabert and Satolkin found under the ruins the most precious
treasure'. Let the emblem on the reverse side of the jewel always remind
us that the good Mason reveres and adores the Grand Architect of the
Universe, and endeavors, by pursuing the path of honor and duty, to
perform the part assigned him in the world well and faithfully.
The lessons of the 14th Degree: Perfect Elu
(Southern Jurisdiction), Grand Elect Mason (Northern Jurisdiction) or
Grand Elect Perfect and Sublime Mason (Canada) are to assist, encourage
and defend the brethren; to protect the oppressed and relieve want and
distress; to enlighten the people and serve the common good. In the
degree we learn to reflect and look into ourselves. We should strive to
be true to ourselves and our God. This degree is considered the Degree
of Perfection and is the most mysterious of all. In it, the Mason finds
the meaning of the concept of Deity in his own conscience, and thus
opens for himself the gate to true knowledge. Knowledge has two sources.
One is human and is obtained by intelligence and labor. The other is
divine and revealed only to those who have prepared themselves well.
Until these two sources are united, one cannot be perfect. But to the
Mason who truly becomes a Perfect Elu, he will recognize no frontiers in
this life.
The
apron is of white lambskin, lined with crimson and edged with blue.
Around it, on the inside of the blue edging is a delicate embroidery in
crimson representing a wreath of flowers. In the middle of the apron is
painted or embroidered the jewel, and on the flap is a representation of
a flat square stone to which is attached a ring, representing the
entrance to the secret vault of the preceding degree. Of its three
colors, white, like the snowy purity of the ermine, represents justice;
blue, the color of the perfectly symmetrical and changeless arch of the
sky, represents right; and crimson, the color of fire which tries and
purifies all things, represents truth.
The
jewel is a pair of compasses, opened upon a quarter of a circle, and
surmounted by a pointed crown. Within the compasses is a medal,
representing on one side the sun, and on the other a five-pointed star,
in the center of which is a delta, and on that the name of Deity in
Phoenician characters. This jewel is gold and worn suspended from the
collar. On the segment of the circle are enameled, at proper distances
from each other, the numerals III ... V ... VII ... IX. The compasses
remind us that science, united to honor and virtue, made the architect
of the Temple the companion of kings; and that the men of intellect and
learning, the great kings of thought, are in this age the rulers of the
world. The sun as the source of light to our system was once worshiped
as a god. The star as a type of the myriad suns that light other
countless systems of worlds is an emblem of that Masonic Light in search
of which every Mason travels - the correct knowledge of the Deity and
of His laws that control the universe.
Council, Princes of Jerusalem
Degrees 15° through 16°
The
Council of Princes of Jerusalem teach lessons using settings based on
the ancient captivity of the Hebrews and the building of the second
Temple.
As many other degrees in Scottish Rite, 15th Degree
is known by several names: Knight of the East, or Knight of the Sword,
or Knight of the Eagle in Southern Jurisdiction, and Knight of the East,
or
Knight
of the Sword in Northern Jurisdiction and Canada. The lesson of the 15°
is to rebuild the Masonic Temple of liberty, equality and fraternity in
the souls of men. In this degree "we learn fidelity to obligations and
perseverance of purpose under difficulties and discouragement." This
degree teaches that it is not possible to keep people in slavery once
they know the value of liberty and can decide for themselves how to
define it. Likewise, it is not possible to defeat Masonry by attacking
it; for we are building the Temple of liberty, equality, and fraternity
in the souls of men and nations.
The
apron is crimson velvet. On the flap is an embroidered gold bleeding
head over crossed swords. In the center are three nested gold triangles
formed from chains with triangular links. These represent the chains on
the human intellect; tyranny, superstition and privilege. The velvet
signifies that the honors of Masonry are more precious than the gift of
kings.
The
jewel is three nested triangles of gold. In the center are two crossed
swords, points upward, the hilts resting on the base of the inner
triangle. The nested triangles symbolize liberty, equality and
fraternity; and also law, order and subordination. The crossed swords,
truth and justice.
The lessons of the 16th Degree: Prince of Jerusalem
are to aid those who labor to build the Symbolic Temple; to judge
equitably and fairly; to keep faith in the justice and beneficence of
God and to press forward with hope for the persecuted and oppressed.
This degree teaches "heroism of patience, the nobility of
self-sacrifice" and compassionate judgment, along with charity, fidelity
and brotherhood. This degree emphasizes the fact that one must use
every means to be beneficial for the society in which one lives. We not
only set our own example for our society, but we enlist the aid of our
Brothers. Together, Masons are custodians of freedom. Our charge is to
leave a noble heritage to those who follow us in this world. We build
temples of the Living God in our hearts by following the truths of
justice, equity, morality, wisdom, labor, fidelity and Brotherhood - so
that the collective liberties for mankind can be protected.
The
apron is of crimson, lined and edged with the color saffron. On the
flap is an equal balance, held by a hand of justice. In the middle of
the apron is a representation of the Second Temple, on one side of which
is a sword lying across a buckler, and on the other, a square and a
triangle. On the left and right sides are the Phoenician letters
equivalent to the Greek letters Alpha and Theta. The colors, crimson
bordered with that of the dawn (saffron), are symbolic of faith in the
justice and beneficence of God, and of the dawn of hope for the
persecuted, proscribed and oppressed. The equal balance, held by the
hand of justice, is a symbol of righteousness and impartiality in
judgment and of that equilibrium which the Deity maintains throughout
the universe. The square and triangle are the appropriate emblems of
your Masonic character. Masons, in this and higher degrees, wear the
apron in order that they may never forget that they attained their high
rank and dignity by means of Masonic labor; and that, remembering their
first estate, they may be courteous and kind, as well as just, to the
brethren of the lower degrees.
The
jewel is a medal of gold. On one side is engraved a hand, holding an
equal balance, symbolizing the justice and mercy of God, held in
equipoise by His single will and infinite wisdom. On the other is a
double-edged, cross-hilted sword, with one star over the point and two
on each side. The sword stands upright, hilt downward. On one side of
the stars is the letter 'D', and on the other, the letter 'Z', the
initials of Darius and Zerubbabel.
Chapter of the Rose Croix
Degrees 17° through 18°
The
Chapter of Rose Croix attempts to provide the candidate with a deeper
understanding of religion, philosophy, ethics and history though a
variety of complex "historical degrees". The intellectual challenges
presented in these degrees are numerous, and at times overwhelming and
can take years to master. A thorough reading of the chapters related to
them in Morals and Dogma and in Legenda and Readings is essential to
achieve even a basic comprehension of their true meaning.
The lessons of the 17th Degree: Knight of the East
and West are to work, reflect and pray; to hope, trust and believe; to
teach the truths that are hidden in allegory and concealed by the
symbols of Freemasonry. The lessons of this degree are that loyalty to
God is man's primary allegiance, and the temporal governments not
founded upon God and His righteousness will inevitably fall. In this
degree, Masonry says only one thing – differences in religions will not
matter, and these differences will not hinder people to live together in
peace if all people gather sincerely around the belief and concept of
the GAOTU. It is sufficient only to keep one's heart pure, to believe in
God, and to respect the religious feelings and ideas of others. In this
way, people who meet, respect and love one another will not find it
difficult to understand that no one is lying, that truth prevails in
people's words and deeds.
The
apron is of yellow silk, lined and edged with crimson; the colors are
emblematic of the dawn. Its triangular shape is symbolic of the Deity in
His first three emanations. In the center is a gold Tetractys formed of
10 Hebrew Yods. They represent the ten Sephiroth (or manifestations of
Deity) on the Tree of Life in the Kabalah.
The
jewel is a heptagonal (seven-sided) medal, half gold and half silver or
mother of pearl. These two colors are emblems of the sun and moon,
themselves symbols of the Egyptian deities Osiris and Isis, who
represent the generative and productive powers of nature, illustrated in
Masonic Symbolism by the columns Jachin and Boaz as the active and
passive forces manifested in nature (Morals and Dogma, p. 202). On one
side are engraved, at the angles, the same letters as are on the
capitals of the columns in the ceremony and possessing the same meaning,
that of the last seven of the Sephiroth of the Kabalah. A star is over
each. In the center, on the same side, is a lamb, lying on a book with
seven seals, on which seals are, respectively, the same letters, though
shown in this representation as the Roman equivalents. On the reverse
side are two crossed swords, points upward; their hilts rest on an even
balance. In the corners are the initials in Greek of the names of the
Seven Churches
The lessons of the 18th Degree: Knight Rose Croix
(Southern Jurisdiction and Canada), or Knight of the Rose Croix de
Heredom (Northern Jurisdiction), are to practice virtue; to labor to
eliminate vice; to purify humanity; to be tolerant of the faith and
creed of others. This degree teaches that life and it's strengths come
from God. The rose signifies the dawn and the cross is a sacred symbol
of antiquity in many cultures. To be tolerant of others errors and
faults. This degree teaches that, in reality, what causes us to be
immortal is affection; is love. Only if one loves is he conscious that
he lives, and that he therefore loves life. As Masons, we should
practice virtue that it may produce fruit. We should have faith in God,
mankind and ourselves. And we should be loving men. Masonry teaches
that, so long as a man is loved, so long as he is remembered with love;
he continues living in this way even in his grave.
The
apron is white satin bordered with crimson on one side and black on the
other. On the white side is embroidered the pelican side of the jewel.
On the black side is a large red passion cross.
The
jewel is the compasses with points opened to sixty degrees and resting
on the segment of a graduated circle. On the lower part, on one side, is
an eagle, with his wings extended and head lowered. Among the Egyptians
the eagle was the emblem of a wise man because his wings bore him above
the clouds into the purer atmosphere and nearer to the source of light,
and his eyes were not dazzled with that light. Since the eagle also
represented the great Egyptian Sun god Amun-ra, it is a symbol of the
infinite Supreme Reason or Intelligence. On the other side is a pelican,
piercing its breast to feed its seven young in a nest under it. The
pelican symbolizes every philanthropist and reformer who has offered up
his life for the benefit of humanity, and so teaches us an exhaustless
munificence toward all men, especially the needy and defenseless. It
also represents the large and bountiful beneficence of nature, from
whose bosom all created things draw their sustenance. Thus, the pelican
and eagle together are symbols of perfect wisdom and perfect
devotedness. There is a crimson cross showing on both sides; at the
intersection of its arms on the pelican side, is a crimson rose in
bloom. The cross, pointing to the four cardinal directions, and whose
arms, infinitely extended would never meet, is an emblem of space or
infinity. The cross has been a sacred symbol in many cultures from the
earliest antiquity. The rose was anciently sacred to the sun and to
Aurora, Greek Goddess of the dawn. As a symbol of the morning light, it
represents resurrection and the renewal of life, and therefore
immortality. Together the cross and rose symbolize immortality won by
suffering and sorrow. On the summit of the compasses is an antique
crown. On the segment of the circle, on the pelican side, is the word of
this degree in special cipher. This jewel is of gold; the pelican and
eagle upon it of silver.
Council of Kadosh
Degrees 19° through 30°
The
third portion of the Scottish Rite System of degrees is called The
Council of Kadosh. This series of degrees includes the 19th° through to
the 30th° It is important to note that in Canada these degrees fall
under Consistory, which in the USA consists of only the 31st and 32nd
Degrees.
Degrees
19 - 29 make up what is known as the Degrees of AREOPAGUS which is
derived from a court in ancient Athens of the same name. The 30th Degree
or "Kadosh" means Holy or Consecrated. The degrees of the Council of
Kadosh are chivalric and philosophical, but also contain mystical
material. The word "Kadosh" is a Hebrew word meaning "Holy". The
complexity of these degrees cannot be overstated.
The lessons of the 19th Degree: Grand Pontiff
are to be content to labor for the future; to serve the cause of truth
with patience and industry; and to destroy error, falsehood and
intolerance with truth, honesty, honour and charity. The lessons of this
degree are learned from the past and how it affects the present and the
way we live in the future. We always strive to endure, produce and
improve the world as it surrounds us. The great lesson of this degree is
that life, when properly, is but a bridge to eternal life. Once the
secret of life after death is known, a man understands that there is no
time but eternity. Therefore, calamities which happen are temporary and
will not continue. We are not taken down by calamities, but remain
strong to fight against oppression and ignorance; we have passed from
the Alpha to the Omega, have learned all the letters of the alphabet and
understand that Alpha comes after Omega, that life is renewed. There is
no end to learning and science.
There
is no apron. The jewel is an oblong square of solid gold, with the
letter Aleph engraved on one side and Tau on the other. These letters
are the first and last of the Hebrew alphabet as those upon the cordon
are of the Greek. They should remind us of the love and veneration we
owe to that Great Being, the source of all existence, the Alpha and
Omega, the First and the Last. On His promises we rely with perfect
confidence, in whose mercy and goodness we implicitly trust, and for the
fulfillment of whose wise purposes we are content to wait.
The lessons of the 20th Degree: Master of the Symbolic Lodge
(Southern Jurisdiction) or Master ad Vitam (Northern Jurisdiction and
Canada), are to dispense light and knowledge and to practice Masonic
virtues. This degree shows us Liberty, Fraternity and Equality. These
teach moral, religious and philosophical understanding. This degree
helps one to comprehend Deity, forces of nature, good and evil. This
degree teaches that a Mason who knows that he does not possess the
qualities of leadership, and who has not duly prepared himself to be a
leader, should not want to be one. Notwithstanding, every Mason should
endeavor to educate himself, bearing in mind that one day he may be ask
to lead. Because he is of his community, it expects him to dispense
light and knowledge; to practice the virtues both in and out of lodge.
The
apron is yellow, bordered and lined with sky-blue. In the center are
three concentric equilateral triangles, with the initial letters of the
nine Great Lights in the corners. The letters stand for the following:
Charity, Generosity, Veneration, Heroism, Patriotism, Honor, Toleration,
Truth and Justice. In the center of the inner Triangle is the
Tetragrammaton in Phoenician characters. Across it, from below upwards,
are the Hebrew letters Yod, He, Yod, written vertically bottom to top
and sideways. The remaining letters are Aleph, Vau, Ras; together the
letters form the Hebrew for "Let Light Be!" or, as in the King James
Version of the Bible, "Let there be light".
The jewel is gold, like the triangles on the apron, with the same words and letters.
The lessons of the 21st Degree: Noachite or Prussian Knight
(Southern Jurisdiction), or Patriarch Noachite (Northern Jurisdiction
and Canada) are humility, modesty, trust in God and to be steadfast and
courageous in the face of adversity. The lesson from this degree is to
learn that arrogance; defamation and cowardice are unworthy attributes
of a mason, and that humility, modesty and courtesy are the true virtues
of men and Masons. The principle lesson of this degree is to not be
conceited or belittle others. Nobody should rely on his wealth,
nobility, heavenly or worldly titles. We should be humble and modest and
sincerely seek God's mercy; for God protects those who are sincere and
honest. A Mason should never lose hope and confidence in the fact that
correctness and honesty will always be victorious.
The
apron and gloves of this degree are yellow. On the upper part of the
apron is an arm, naked and upraised, holding a naked sword. Under it is a
human figure, erect, with wings, the forefinger of his right hand on
his lips; in his left hand he holds a key. He is the Egyptian figure of
silence, called by the Greeks Harpocrates, though the wings are an
addition. Plato said the wings symbolized 'intelligence'. To the
alchemists they stood for the higher, active, male principle.
The
jewel is a silver, full moon, suspended from the third buttonhole of
the vest, or a golden triangle traversed by an arrow, point-upward,
suspended from the collar. On the jewel is an arm upraised, holding a
naked sword, and around it the motto, Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum,
meaning 'Let there be Justice, though the Heavens fall'. These were the
words of William Murray, First Earl of Mansfield (1704-1793), Lord Chief
Justice of England, uttered in the case of Rex vs. Wilkes, June 8,
1768.
The lessons of the 22nd Degree: Knight of the Royal Axe or Prince of Libanus
(Southern Jurisdiction), or Prince of Libanus (Northern Jurisdiction
and Canada), are to respect labor for its own sake and to do work. This
degree teaches, "if a job is worth doing its worth doing well". By doing
good work we improve character and become better citizens. Work is the
mission of man. We should respect our labor for its own sake, and do our
work. Manual and mental work complete one another; thus, one who works
in either manual or mental labor should not try to exploit, or oppress
the other. A Mason must be a person who makes no distinction in the
nature and kind of work in which his brother is engaged.
The
apron is white, lined and bordered with purple. In the middle is
embroidered a round table, on which are mathematical instruments and
unrolled plans. On the flap is a serpent with three heads, denoting
idleness, the body from which issues the three vices symbolized by the
heads: drunkenness, impurity and gaming. By these vices many youths have
been lost and many great nations have sunk into ignoble imbecility and
shameful bondage.
The
jewel, suspended from the collar, is a gold axe and handle, the symbol
of the great agent of civilization and improvement. Troops armed with
this weapon have conquered barbarism. Under its blow the primeval
forests disappear; the early farmer displaces the wild hunter; to the
rude barbarism of the early ages succeed settled society, laws and all
the arts that refine and elevate mankind. The axe is nobler than the
sword. Masonry hews at those mighty trees, intolerance, bigotry,
superstition, uncharitableness and idleness, thereby letting in the
light of truth and reason upon the human mind, which these vices have
darkened for centuries. The letters on the top are the initials of Noah
and Solomon; those on the handle, of Libanus and Tsidunian; those on one
side of the blade, of Adonirum, Kuros, Darius, Zerubbabel, Nehemiah and
Azra; and those on the other side, of Shem, Kham, Yapheth, Moses,
Aholiab and Betselal. These names represent the various places and
persons significant in the use of the cedars of Lebanon for 'Holy
Enterprises'; examples include Noah's Ark, the Ark of the Covenant,
Solomon's Temple, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple by
Zerubbabel.
The lessons of the 23rd Degree: Chief of the Tabernacle
are to be devoted to the service of God; to constantly endeavor to
promote the welfare of man; to act with proper subordination to your
superiors. This degree teaches that the man who forgets his duty to God,
family, country, and himself will be in danger of morally and
spiritually destruction by thoughts unworthy ambition. n this degree, we
are reminded that we owe our knowledge to our faith in a revealed God.
Therefore, it is our duty to disseminate this knowledge to all mankind. A
Mason who believes in God has a duty to acquire knowledge and
disseminate this knowledge to other people so that others are also
enlightened. A Mason who is generous with his knowledge knows that he
will receive the blessing of God, not by sacrificing living beings, but
by destroying superstitions and bringing happiness and prosperity to
other people.
The
apron is white, lined with scarlet and bordered with red, blue and
purple ribbons. In the middle is painted or embroidered the golden
candelabrum with seven lights. Josephus, the great Jewish historian, is
the source of the design of the apron. He defines the symbolism of the
colors as follows: white, the earth, from which the flax used in fine
linen is grown; red, fire, from its color; blue, the sky, for the same
reason; and, purple, the sea, for it derives from a sea mollusk. But to
us there are deeper meanings: white, the infinite beneficence of God;
blue, His profound and perfect wisdom; red, his glory; and, purple, His
power. The candelabrum symbolizes to us, as to the ancients, the seven
planets: the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. It
also represents the seven archangels and seven of the ten
manifestations of Deity; specifically, the seven Sephiroth which follow
Will, Wisdom and Understanding: Justice, Mercy, Beauty, Glory, Victory,
Dominion and Kingdom.
The
jewel is a small silver censer, or ornamental cup, with a long handle;
the end serves as a stand for the cup and is shaped like an open hand.
It should remind us to offer up unceasingly to God the incense of good
deeds and charitable actions dictated by a pure and upright heart.
The lessons of the 24th Degree: Prince of the Tabernacle (Southern
Jurisdiction and Canada) or Brother of the Forest (Northern
Jurisdiction) are to labor incessantly for the glory of God, the honor
of your country and the happiness of your brethren. In this degree a
Mason must show evidence of compassion, piety and justice. After
initiation he may "manifest faithfully the social virtues in order to
receive the rewards", to serve humanity through our brotherhood. This
also is a continuation of the last degree and examines the nature of
knowledge. We must be vigilant not to accept corrupted and erroneous
echoes of real knowledge. We have to distinguish for ourselves what is
truth; for many do not realize that they are in error when they think
they have found the truth. As Masons, we must fight continuously against
superstitions, wrong knowledge, false prophets, tyrants, and despots.
Our task is to free knowledge from the monopoly of classes, casts,
leaders, or priests; and to disseminate it to everyone.
The
apron is of white lambskin, lined with scarlet and bordered with
light-green. In the middle is painted a representation of an Arabic
tent, in gold. On the light blue flap is a representation of a myrtle
tree of violet color, also an emblem of immortality.
The
jewel is the Phoenician letter 'A' (Aleph), suspended from a short
collar of narrow, watered violet-colored ribbon. It is another
manifestation of the Pentagram, or Five-Pointed Star, because the star,
viewed from any angle figures the letter 'A'. Since 'A' is the initial
of one of the principle names of Deity, Adonai, or LORD, this star is a
sign of intellectual omnipotence and autocracy.
The lesson of the 25th Degree: Knight of the Brazen Serpent (Southern
Jurisdiction and Canada), or Master of Achievement (Northern
Jurisdiction) is to fulfill your destiny and to re-create yourself by
reformation, repentance and enlarging your knowledge. This degree
tackles the concept of pure, celestial, eternal soul of man. He looks
within his faith, life, and God and to get a clear look at his inner
self. This degree teaches the virtue of hospitality. One who shows
hospitality to guests is obliged not to differentiate race, nationality
or religion from whoever knocks at his door. The nature of Masonry is to
heal those who are in distress from moral collapses, psychological
crises, diseases by superstitions and ignorance. To save our fellows
from these, to break the chains which represent moral slavery, to set
men free, to be faithful and kind in every respect is the compulsory
thing to do. We fulfill our destiny by re-creating ourselves, by
enlarging our knowledge.
The
apron is white, lined and edged with black; the white side spotted with
golden stars, and the black side with silver ones. Those on the white
side represent, by their positions and distances, the Pleiades, the
Hyades, Orion and Capella. Those on the black side represent the stars
of Perseus, Scorpio, and Ursa Major. In the middle of the white side is a
triangle in a glory, in the center of which is the name of Deity in
Phoenician characters. On the flap is a serpent in a circle, with his
tail in his mouth; and in the circle so formed a scarab, or beetle. Over
this is a star of gold, with the letter 'R' (for Regulus) over it; on
the right side of the apron another, with the letter 'A' over it; and at
the bottom of the apron another, with the letter 'F' over it.
The
jewel is a Tau cross, of gold, surmounted by a circle - the Crux
Ansata of Egypt - round which a serpent is entwined. On the upright part
of the cross is engraved the Hebrew word meaning 'he has suffered' or
'been wounded', and on the arms the Hebrew word given in the Bible for
the brazen serpent, 'Nakhustan'.
The lessons of the 26th Degree: Prince of Mercy or Scottish Trinitarian
(Southern Jurisdiction and Canada) or Friend and Brother Eternal
(Northern Jurisdiction) are to practice forgiveness and mercy;
tolerance; to be devoted to the teaching of the principles of Masonry.
In this degree we search for "the rewards of the trinity of Gods
attributes - wisdom or intelligence, force or strength, harmony or
beauty."
The
apron is scarlet, with a wide border of white. In the center is an
equilateral triangle formed of green bars. In the center of this is the
jewel, embroidered in gold. The flap is sky-blue. The colors green, red
and white symbolize the Masonic Trinity. Green is an emblem of the
infinite wisdom; red of the supreme energy, force or power; and white,
produced by the mingling of all colors, of the divine harmony.
The
jewel is an equilateral triangle, of gold bars, with a flaming heart of
gold in the center. On the heart are the letters 'I', 'H', 'S'; and on
the respective sides of the triangle 'W' on the right, 'F' on the left,
and 'H' at the bottom. This jewel is suspended from a small collar of
watered purple ribbon and hangs on the breast. The last three letters
stand for wisdom, force and harmony; the first three are traditional
Christian initials for Iesus Hominum Salvator (the letters 'J' and 'I'
are interchangeable in Latin) but which may also be read as Sapienta,
Imperium, Harmonia. Thus, their Masonic meaning is the same meaning as
the three upon the bars.
The lessons of the 27th Degree: Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept (Southern
Jurisdiction), Knight of Jerusalem (Northern Jurisdiction) and
Commander of the Temple (Canada) are to be a lover of wisdom and to be
faithful to your promises made within Masonry. This lesson of this
degree teaches us to scorn selfishness, and to uphold the knightly
virtues of charity, truth and honor. We should always strive to assist
the poor, helpless and infirm. This degree teaches the virtues of
knighthood and asks its adherents to practice these virtues in life.
Virtue requires duty; and both remain the same, regardless of the times.
The Knight Commander of the Temple learns that he is the manager of the
time, that he himself will decide when he will perform his duty; he
does not wait for orders or authorization. He is his own man, and his
task is to abolish distress at just the right time.
The
apron is of scarlet lambskin, lined in black, with a Teutonic Cross
(cross potent sable, charged with a smaller cross double potent or,
surcharged with the escutcheon of the Empire - the two-headed black
eagle) and a black key surrounded by a laurel wreath.
The jewel is the Teutonic Cross shown on the apron.
The lessons of the 28th Degree: Knight Commander of the Temple
(Southern Jurisdiction), Knight of the Sun, or Prince Adept (Northern
Jurisdiction) or Knight of the Sun (Canada) are to be devoted to truth,
honour, loyalty, justice and humanity. This degree teaches that our love
for God manifests itself in our love for Truth, Justice and Nobility of
Soul. This degree points out seven truths: There exists an indefinable
and incomprehensible principle that governs the universe. Human life is
but a speck of eternity. Universal equilibrium is a result of a balance
between similarities and contrasts. The absolute is the soul in its
proper essence. The visible is the invisible. Evil, disaster, and misery
are indispensable for universal equilibrium. Similarities are the only
keys for comprehending nature. The majority of men fail to realize their
errors. Masons are required to take up the arduous struggle against
error. The moral code of Masonry is more extensive than that of
philosophy.
The
apron is of pure white lambskin and has no edging or pattern except the
interlaced pentagram, which is traced in the middle in vermillion.
There
are three jewels. The presiding officer wears a jewel that is a
representation of the sun in gold, suspended by a chain of gold and worn
around the neck. The reverse is a hemisphere of gold showing the
northern half of the ecliptic and a zodiac, with the signs from Taurus
to Libra inclusive. The other officers wear a jewel composed of a simple
seven-pointed star of gold. The remaining members of the council wear a
jewel that is a gold five-pointed star. Only the jewel of the degree is
shown in the illustration.
The lessons of the 29th Degree: Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew
(Southern Jurisdiction) or Knight of Saint Andrew (Northern
Jurisdiction and Canada) are to reverence and obey God; to serve the
truth; to protect virtue and innocence; to defend the people against
tyranny. The virtues of this degree are "Love of God, loyalty to
superiors, faithful adherence to promise and active resistance to unfair
judgment." In this degree, the Mason learns that there is no
contradiction between religion and science; that religion can be better
understood through science and science can be better understood by
religion. He who denies science is as fanatical as he who denies
religion. Our lifetime is limited in time; thus we must see God within
this limited period of our time. Yet, God transcends all time; he is
energy over and beyond time. There is no other energy that creates that
energy. There is no end to that energy. Freemasonry is thus the
continual effort to exalt the divine in man over the human so that we
may come to better understand the nature of God in our time.
There
is no apron. The jewel is a St. Andrew's Cross, of gold, with a large
emerald in the center, surmounted by the helmet of a knight, and with a
thistle of gold between the arms at the bottom. It is worn suspended
from the collar. The emerald signifies the manliness and uprightness of
chivalry, its color that of the renewal of virtue, always bright and
sparkling. The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland and recalls a
tradition that the Danes invaded Scotland and stealthily surrounded
Staines Castle. They took off their shoes to wade the moat, only to find
it dry and filled with thistles. The resultant yells and curses roused
the garrison, and the Danes were soundly defeated.
The lesson of the 30th Degree: Knight Kadosh or
Knight of the White and Black Eagle (Southern Jurisdiction and Canada)
or Grand Inspector (Northern Jurisdiction) is to labor unceasingly for
the good of mankind. The lesson of this degree is to be true to
ourselves, to stand for what is right and just in our lives today. To
believe in God, country and ourselves. This is the last of the
philosophical degrees. To spread the sciences, to apply the virtues, to
learn the sublime doctrines which enable humanity to live as one great
family - this is the school of which Masonry is engaged. It is not
within the realm of Masonry to punish oppressors and tyrants who enact
barriers to brotherly love and affection. They are always punished in
the course of history. It is our goal to defeat the passions and
fanaticism which led to oppression by spreading love and toleration. The
Knight Kadosh is aware of his obligations. He is just, equitable, and
respectful of all ideas. He battles for freedom of conscience. He
opposes those who would attack these liberties, but material revenge is
not in his thoughts and philosophy. He is a lover of great example.
There
is no apron. The jewel is a double headed eagle, with wings spread. The
eagle rests upon a Teutonic Cross. The eagle is of silver, and the
cross of gold, enameled with red.
The Consistory
Degrees 31° through 32°
The
Consistory Degrees are very different from all the preceding degrees.
They attempt to illustrate the creation of the ideal balance between the
spiritual and the temporal.
The lesson of the 31st Degree: Inspector Inquisitor (Southern
Jurisdiction), Knight Aspirant (Northern Jurisdiction), or Inspector
Inquisitor Commander (Canada) is to judge yourself in the same light as
you judge others, considering both actions and motives. This degree
teaches prayerful self-examination. The mistakes today should not be
committed tomorrow. Simply, the daily look at ones self to learn to live
with the future. The central teaching of this degree is justice. To be
free, a Mason must begin by passing judgment on himself. He presents
himself for examination. By acting honestly in first giving judgment on
himself within the principles of justice and equity, it should not be
doubted when he shall do the same to his brothers. The brother who finds
mercy in himself, who has not been too lenient towards himself, or
punish himself too severely, can also judge his brothers. In so doing,
he can be certain that he has not acted contrary to his former
obligations. He has freed himself.
Though
no apron is worn in the Tribunal, there was an apron that was to be
worn when the Inspector Inquisitor visited an inferior body. That custom
has been dispensed with but the apron is still a part of the history
and symbolism of the degree; so it is displayed here. It is of pure
white lambskin with a Teutonic Cross embroidered in black and silver
upon the flap.
The jewel of the degree is a Teutonic Cross of silver worn with a white watered ribbon around the neck.
The lessons of the 32nd Degree: Master of the Royal Secret
(Southern Jurisdiction) or Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret (Northern
Jurisdiction and Canada) are: a Soldier of the Light seeks truth and
knowledge; a Soldier of Freedom demands for the people free vote and
voice and attains freedom of voice, vote and opinion for himself; a
Soldier of the True Religion combats spiritual tyranny with reason and
truth; a Soldier of the People encourages men to be self-reliant and
independent; a Soldier of Scottish Rite Masonry is zealous and ardent in
the performance of his duties to God, his country, his family, his
brethren and himself. This degree teaches many lessons, but the mystery
concealed is that man is a creature of free will and capable of
recreating himself. If he accomplishes this goal, he will attain a
genuine power that can shake the limits of science, surpass the problems
of this earth, decipher the secrets of space, surpass the limits of
ceremony and catechism, and attain genuine enlightenment; a gnosis
which is the foundation of all religions. He will also surpass the
narrow views of interest in the area of morals, and will comprehend a
genuine virtue that transcends his own interest. Thus, it will become
his nature to help his fellow men, and, in so doing, he will discover
the divine light within which brings true freedom of thought, freedom of
conscience, and freedom of culture.
The apron is white, lined in black, with a double-headed eagle and a plan of the Camp of the Princes.
The
jewel of the order is a Teutonic Cross of gold with arms frosted. In
the center are the letters 'XXXII°', surrounded by a green wreath.
Supreme Council
33°
The
Scottish Rite confers a number of honors upon members who have
contributed extraordinary service to the Rite, to Masonry in general,
and to the world at large.
The Thirty-third Degree
is conferred by the Supreme Council upon members of the Rite in
recognition of outstanding work in the Rite or in public life. At its
biennial session, the Supreme Council elects members of the Rite to
receive the degree. Members unanimously so elected become honorary
members of the Supreme Council. The Thirty-third Degree may not be
requested, and if requested must be refused. The degree is granted
solely out of recognition for outstanding services. These 33° Masons are
Inspectors General Honorary and honorary members of the Supreme
Council. The active members of the Supreme Council are chosen from among
them. The cap for an Inspector General Honorary is white with a white
band edged in gold, featuring the symbol for this honorary degree, a red
slanting Patriarchal Cross.
The
emblem is a black double-headed eagle, with golden beaks and talons,
holding in the latter a sword of gold, and crowned with the golden crown
of Prussia. The red Teutonic cross is affixed to the left side of the
breast.
The
decoration rests upon a Teutonic cross. It is a nine-pointed star,
namely, one formed by three triangles of gold one upon the other, and
interlaced from the lower part of the left side to the upper part of the
right a sword extends, and in the opposite direction is a hand of, as
it is called, Justice. In the center is the shield of the Order, azure
(blue), charged with an eagle like that on the banner, having on the
dexter (right) side a Balance or (gold), and on the sinister (left) side
a Compass of the second, united with a Square of the second. Around the
whole shield runs a band of the first, with the Latin inscription, of
the second, Ordo ab Chao, meaning Order out of Disorder, which band is
enclosed by two circles, formed by two Serpents of the second, each
biting its own tail. Of the smaller triangles that are formed by the
intersection of the greater ones, those nine that are nearest the band
are of crimson color, and each of them has one of the letters that
compose the word S.A.P.I.E.N.T.I.A., or Wisdom.
As
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The
above information provided in part by www.vermontscottishrite.com,
www.aasrvalleyofjax.org, www.scottishritecalifornia.org,
www.masonicdictionary.com, Wikipedia, and also based on various printed
materials on Freemasonry and masonic symbols, including but not limited
to written materials by Albert Pike. All images are Copyright © of C.7
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