The Book of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry 1914

In the Reception of the 32nd Degree (see below), the following description of the three Craft Degrees is given:

"The 1st degree shows you man, such as nature has made him, with no other resources than his physical strength.

The 2nd degree teaches the necessity and holiness of labor, and consequently of knowledge.

The 3rd degree teaches us that our unavoidable destiny is death; but at the same time, in the ceremony and in the very name of Hiram, it shadows forth the great doctrine of another life, and the immortality of the soul."

SECOND SERIES: LODGE OF PERFECTION
INEFFABLE DEGREES (4th - 14th)

Festivals: Besides the two Sts. John days (June 24, December 27), Lodges of Perfection commemorate the building of the first temple by the Grand Architect of the Universe (Tishri 15), and rememberthe destruction of the temple (Ab 9).

04. SECRET MASTER

Immediately after the death of Hiram the Builder, King Solomon selected seven of the most worthy and expert Master Masons to guard the Sanctum Sanctorum, and its "sacred furniture." Although only one guard was on duty at a time, their number was always seven -- alluding to the seven cardinal virtues, the seven stages of life, the sabbath (7th day), etc.

The Lodge is hung in black, strewn with white tears. The seven-branched candlestick is burning in the East, and over the East is a large circle composed of a serpent with its tail in its mouth. In the circle, three triangles are interlaced to form a white nine-pointed star. In the center of the star is a Hebrew YOD, and in the nine outer triangles are the letters E, A, J, J, Y, A, O, A, H, which are the initials of the nine sacred words. The Thrice Potent represents King Solomon, and the Senior Grand Warden represents Adoniram, son of Abda, Solomon's Grand Inspector.

Battery: [7]. In the Opening, "The morning star has driven away the shades of night, and the great light begins to gladden our Lodge." Secret Masters are taught the duty of SECRECY and SILENCE, and pray: "Set a watch, O Jehovah! before my mouth, and keep thou the door of my lips." Our own heart is truly the "innermost sanctuary," in which we may "prepare to receive the impress of thy Holy Name, which shall be a seal of eternal life."

05. PERFECT MASTER

This degree, in which Lodges of Sorrow are usually held, recalls the requiem for the departed worthy brother, Hiram Abiff. King Solomon commanded Adoniram to supervise the building of Hiram's tomb or obelisk (in the west-southwest of the Temple), made of white marble, to denote his purity, and black marble, to denote his untimely death.

The Lodge is hung with green cloth from eight white columns, and a black altar is in the East, with the coffin of Hiram. The nine-pointed star is now blood-red, and the blood which was spilled in the Temple still is in the northeast.

Battery: [4], denoting life, death, virtue, and immortality. The moral of this degree is to pay due respect to the memories of deceased worthy bretheren.

The jewel is a compass open on a segment of a circle, to an angle of sixty degrees.

06. INTIMATE SECRETARY

This degree is not chronologically related to those preceding or following, but relates to an incident which illustrates the mercy and wisdom of King Solomon. The candidate is Joabert, Lieutenant of Solomon's guards, whose execution is demanded by King Hiram of Tyre (Deputy Grand Master), because of a misunderstanding. The King of Tyre had visited the Temple unannounced and full of anger concerning a treaty, and Joabert zealously defended his Master from this supposed threat. King Solomon interceded and forgave Joabert's indiscretion, and made him the Witness (Confidential Secretary) to the final treaty agreement with the King of Tyre, in the stead of the slain Hiram Abiff.

The Lodge is hung in black, strewed with silver tears. Twenty-seven lights (divided equally between East, West, and South) are distributed.

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.

A "sword of defence" is presented to the candidate, with which he can defend his integrity and honor as a Mason.

07. PROVOST AND JUDGE

Upon the death of Grand Master Hiram, King Solomon appointed seven Judges to mete justice among the workmen of the Temple. Tito, Prince of Herodim, was their Chief Provost and Judge, and their tribunal was held in the Middle Chamber of the Temple. This degree implores the Mason to "render justice to all, to hear patiently, remember accurately, and weigh care- fully the facts and the arguments offered."

The Lodge is draped in red, and in the East is a blue, star-studded canopy. The ebony record-box of the Judges sits under the canopy, and a triangle with the Hebrew letters YOD HEH hangs with a balance in the center of the chamber. The seven Judges should be in white robes.

Battery: [4-1]. The three great requisites of a Judge: Justice, Equity, and Impartiality, are symbolized by the triangle and balance. Divine justice is stressed, and the "earth, air, and ocean are the eternal wit- nesses of the acts that we have done." The Almighty reads from the "vast library" of the air, and metes out the right and just consequences of our actions.

08. INTENDANT OF THE BUILDINGS, or MASTER IN ISRAEL

After the period of mourning following Hiram's death, the building of the Temple had to continue. In this degree, King Solomon appoints and installs five Superintendants to oversee the continuation of the work. Upon the recommendation of the High Priest, Sadoc, and the Governor of the House, Ahishar, the five were chosen to be:

The Lodge is hung in red and blue as in the previous degree, with twenty- seven lights -- in three groups of nine forming a triple triangle. Over the Master is a five-pointed star, with three Hebrew YODs inside.

Battery: [5]. The number five (in addition to a five-fold circumambulation), represents the five points of fellowship which are primary tenets of Freemasonry. The charity of love -- the love of life and of God -- is emphasized as "participation of the divine nature."

The apron is white, with red and green, with a balance, a five-pointed star as above, and a triangle with the Hebrew letters BETH (for Ben-khurim), YOD (for Jakinah), and ALEPH (for Achar).

09. MASTER ELECT OF NINE

The three degrees called "Elect" or "Elu" are 09, 10, and 11, and they are concerned with the apprehension of the assassins of Hiram Abiff. Informed by a herdsman that the traitors were hiding in a cave near the coast of Joppa, King Solomon appointed nine Masters to go and find them. One of the elected Masters, Solomon's favorite, went ahead of the rest and discovered one of the assassins asleep. Inflamed at the sight, he stabbed him in the head and heart, and severed the assassin's head, who only had time to say "Necum" ("vengeance is taken") before he died. Although Solomon ordered the execution of his favorite for taking justice into his own hands, the other eight interceded, and he was pardoned.

The Lodge is hung in black, strewed with flames (representing a cavern) suspended from eight columns. Eight lights in an octagonal pattern surround the triangular altar in the center, and one other light is half- way between the altar and the East. The lodge is styled a Chapter, and the Master of Ceremonies represents Pharos, the herdsman.

Battery: [8-1]. Master Elects of Nine are taught to be careful in their zeal, lest they exercise vengeance "for the violation of divine and human laws." This degree also teaches the "overthrow of ignorance by freedom."

The apron is white, lined in black, and sprinkled with blood, with an arm holding a dagger, and a severed head held by the hair.

10. MASTER ELECT OF FIFTEEN

About six months after the incidents in the previous degree, on the 15th day of Tammuz, it was learned that the remaining two assassins had fled to Gath, and had begun to work in the quarry of Ben-Dekar. King Solomon, upon hearing this, selected fifteen Masters (the original nine included) to apprehend them. After five days searching, they found and seized the traitors, who were brought back to Jerusalem, imprisoned in the tower of Achizar, and executed the following morning.

The Lodge is hung in black, sprinkled with red and white tears. Fifteen yellow candles are present: five in the East and five before each Warden, with four forming a square and one in the center.

Battery: [5-5-5]. The Illustrious Elu of the Fifteen are devoted to the cause of the oppressed, and to toleration against intolerance. The fifteen lights are lit in the Opening of this degree, after a prayer to which the Elu devote themselves "To the cause of Free Thought, Free Speech, Free Conscience!"

The apron is white, with a black flap, and with three arch-shaped gates -- over each a head on a spike.

11. SUBLIME MASTER ELECTED

This degree, also called "Sublime Elu of the Twelve," illustrates the reward conferred by King Solomon upon twelve of the fifteen Masters who brought Hiram's assassins to justice. These twelve, chosen by random ballot, are constituted the Governors over the twelve tribes of Israel, and are given the symbolic name "Emeth," meaning "a true man -- just, fair, sincere, faithful, fearing God."

The Lodge, also called a Chapter, is decorated as in the previous degree, except that there are twelve lights -- making four equilateral triangles of three lights, in the East, West, North, and South.

Battery: [12]. This degree symbolizes the transformation from mourning for the dead into a new zeal for life, as the ideals of the name "Emeth" signify.

The jewel is a dagger suspended from a black cordon inscribed with the words "Vincere aut Mori," the pledge "that you will rather die than betray the cause of the people, or be overcome through your own fear or fault."

12. GRAND MASTER ARCHITECT

In this degree, Adoniram, son of Abda, is appointed by King Solomon to be the chief Architect of the Temple, and sole successor and representative of the deceased master Hiram Abiff (Khuram Abai). This position was created to "assure uniformity in work, vigor in its prosecution, and to reward those more eminent in science and skill." The virtues of Wisdom are also exalted: "By means of her we shall have immortality."

The Lodge, which represents Hiram's Chamber of Designs, is hung in white, strewed with crimson flames. In the North is the North Star and the seven stars of the Great Bear. In the East, Jupiter rises as the morning star over a triangle containing the Hebrew word ADNI, and over five columns of the five architectural orders: Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. The Lodge is styled a Chapter.

Battery: [5-2]. In the Opening, the six instruments of a Grand Master Architect are described, and their "lessons" are:

The apron is white, lined with blue and gold (symbolizing the Craft degrees), with a protractor, plain scale, sector, and compasses.

The jewel is a gold triangle, with a Hebrew ALEPH on the obverse and the five types of columns on the reverse.

13. ROYAL ARCH OF ENOCH, or MASTER OF THE NINTH ARCH

"This degree, in fact, forms the climax of Ineffable Masonry; it is the keystone of the arch, and discovers that which is revealed in the succeed- ing degree of Perfection." The history begins with Enoch, sixth in de- scent from Adam, who was given the True Name of God in a vision. With the help of his son Methuselah, he excavated and built nine "apartments" in Canaan, "one above the other, and each roofed with an arch." Over the upper one he built a Temple, in which he hid a cube of agate, with a tri- angular plate of gold with the Ineffable Name engraved on it and sunk into one face of the cube.

Enoch also knew of the upcoming Deluge, and he covered his Temple with stone, closing it with a great ring of iron. He also placed two columns on a high hill: a granite one engraved with a description of the subterranean vaults, and a brass one engraved with the "rudiments of the arts and sciences." The brass column was found by Noah, but the granite column was washed away by the Flood, thus concealing the Name until God told it to Moses (who again engraved it in gold and placed it in the Ark of the Covenant).

Later, the Ark was lost in a battle with the Syrians, but the men of Israel were led to it by the roar of a lion, which had guarded it with the golden key in its mouth. The Treasurer's Key thus has the words "in arc leonis verbum inveni" ("in the lion's mouth I found the word"). Still later, Solomon planned to build his Temple on Mount Moriah. Under it's Holy of Holies, a secret vault was built which could only be accessed via eight other underground vaults. The Ark was placed in this vault, under the "ninth arch," and upon a twisted "Pillar of Beauty" made from white marble. Solomon also began to build a "Temple of Justice," and he selected the site of Enoch's original Temple. Gibulum, Joabert, and Stolkin were chosen to survey and clear the ground, but they made an interesting discovery.... [continued in next degree]

The Lodge (styled a Chapter) is hung in red and white. There are nine lights: three in the East, West, and South. All officers are in black, except Solomon (in yellow) and the King of Tyre (in purple). A separate apartment should be prepared, covered with a trap-door with an iron ring.

Battery: [3-3-3]. The Opening contains lengthy prayers to the Lord, the "Sovereign Inspector and Mighty Architect of the wonders of Creation."

The apron is purple, bordered with white, and with the "Enochian delta" (hexagram with inscribed Tetragrammaton) in the center.

The jewel is a gold triangle with the Enochian delta on the reverse, and a scene showing two men lowering a third into the newly-discovered subterranean vault, on the obserse.

14. GRAND, ELECT, PERFECT, AND SUBLIME MASON

The ninth arch, or Sacred Vault, was used by Solomon, King Hiram, and Hiram Abiff, in which they held private conferences. After the death of Hiram Abiff, the two kings resolved not to visit the Vault, nor communicate the ineffable Name, until they found a successor. But Adoniram, Joabert, and Stolkin had discovered Enoch's cube of agate, so these three Masters were initiated into this sublime degree in the Sacred Vault, and taught the true pronunciation of the Word. Soon after the Temple was completed (in the year Anno Mundi 3000), the Babylonian captivity began, and the Temple was destroyed, but the secret Vault was not found. During the Crusades, however, a select few of the Princes of Jerusalem were initiated by some "good and virtuous Masons," allowing the secrets to be handed down until the present day.

The Lodge, cubical in shape, is hung in crimson. Three lights, in a triangle, are in the North; five lights, in a pentagon, are in the South; seven lights, in a heptagon, are in the West; and nine lights, in three triangles, are in the East. The Pillar of Beauty is in the Northeast, with the Table of Shewbread and Seven-Branched Candlestick. A "Pillar of Enoch" (rough-hewn marble pieces put together, with Enochian characters on it) is in the Southeast, with the Altar of Incense and Tablets of the Law. To the West of the main chamber is the Sacred Vault, approached by a long passage of nine arches.

Battery: [3-5-7-9]. The Ten Commandments are recited in the Reception, and are followed by lengthy prayers to the "Almighty and Sovereign Grand Architect of the Universe, thou who ridest in the heavens by the name Jah." Unity and Charity are stressed, as in the Entered Apprentice degree, and the Word is presented, the "Shem Hamphorosh" (read right-to-left) :

which sums to 72, the number of the holy angels called "Elect," and the number of steps in Jacob's ladder. Also, the following Hebrew letters are presented:

The apron is white silk, bordered in gold, with the Ineffable Delta in the center.

The jewel is a quadrant (compass open to ninety degrees) topped by a crown, and with a nine-pointed star on the obverse, and a five-pointed blazing star (with the Tetragrammaton) on the reverse. The compass is opened on a segment of a circle, inscribed with the numbers 3, 5, 7, 9. The ring contains the inscription "Virtue unites, death cannot separate." The girdle has nine colors: blue (friendship), red (zeal), and yellow (wisdom); green (hope) and purple (dignity); white (purity) and black (seriousness and modesty); stone (firmness and fidelity) and flame (ardent affection and charity). These are all interwoven with olive green (peace and brotherhood).

THIRD SERIES: COUNCIL OF PRINCES OF JERUSALEM
HISTORICAL DEGREES (15th - 16th)

Festivals: Annual meetings of Councils are held on the 20th day of Tebet (commemorating the return to Jerusalem from Babylon), followed by the Grand Feast day on the 23rd day of Adar (commemorating the reconstruction of the Temple). Also, the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes are celebrated, "in memory of the Temple having been built twice." Princes of Jerusalem, when visiting inferior Councils or Lodges, are received under the "arch of steel."

15. KNIGHT OF THE EAST OR SWORD

After the seventy years of the Babylonian captivity, King Cyrus of Persia (after a prophetic dream) allowed the release of the 42,360 captives, and their return to Jerusalem. He also permitted the Second Temple to be built, under the direction of Zerubbabel, the Governor of Judea. Upon their journey back, however, the release of the captives was contested at the bridge over the Euphrates. Just barely making it to Jerusalem, Zerubbabel ordered that the Masons laying the Temple foundations should work "with the sword in one hand and a trowel in the other," for safety. This degree, and that succeeding it, are thus Chivalric, with the initiate serving both as a Craftsman and a Warrior, constantly on the alert in both capacities.

There are three "apartments." The first represents a Grand Lodge of Perfection, but it is demolished and desecrated, representing the sorry state found upon the return to Jerusalem. The officers here are the standard Lodge of Perfection officers, all in black robes. The second apartment represents King Cyrus' palace, and is hung in green and decorated in the "Oriental" style. The officers represent Cyrus and his knights, and wear water-green sashes, or "orders." In the third apartment, a "bridge is represented extended over a river, and a rude altar at the end" has been erected. The letters "L D P" are displayed, in the cipher called "Passing the River."

Battery: [5-2]. The virtues of Chivalry are stressed, and the initiate, now a "Knight Mason," is given a water-green sash with a green rosette at the bottom (in memory of the liberator Cyrus).

The apron is of crimson velvet, edged with green, with a bleeding head above two crossed swords, and a triangle (top point to the left) with three interlaced triangles inside it.

The jewel is three concentric gold triangles, with two crossed swords inside them.

16. PRINCE OF JERUSALEM

While the foundation of the Second Temple was still incomplete, King Cyrus died, and the Israelites were subjected to the hatred of many tribes of Samaritans and Syrians. Eventually, Darius seized the throne of Persia, via cunning and conspiracy, but he took the side of the Jews. He commanded that the Masons should not be harassed, and he made Zerubbabel "Sovereign Prince of Jerusalem." The Temple was 46 years in construction, and Darius allowed the return of the same "precious vessels" that were taken from the First Temple.

There are four apartments. The first represents the Council of the previous degree, and symbolized the labors endeavoring to rebuild the Temple. There are nine officers here:

The second apartment represents the road from Jerusalem to Babylon, which Zerubbabel traveled in the second year of Darius' reign, to petition for protection. The third apartment is Darius' throne room, and is decorated similarly to that of Cyrus. The fourth apartment is Darius' banquet hall.

Battery: [1-4]. Darius poses the question "What is that which holds the most powerful sway over mortals?" The Satrap of Assyria answers "King Darius," the Satrap of Media answers "Beauty," but Zerubbabel answers "Truth."

The apron is crimson, edged in gold and aurora-color, and with a square, shield, Delta (with three YOD's), balance, and a hand of justice.

The jewel is a mother-of-pearl lozenge, with a hand holding a balance in equipoise; under it a sword with five stars surrounding the point. On the left is a Hebrew D, on the right is a Hebrew Z.

FOURTH SERIES: SOVEREIGN CHAPTER OF ROSE-CROIX
PHILOSOPHICAL DEGREES (17th - 18th)

Officers: The standard officers, but prefixed by "Faithful Brother" in the 17th, and by "Most Perfect Knight" in the 18th. The Wardens are prefixed by "Zealous Brother" in the 17th, and by "Most Excellent and Perfect Knight" in the 18th. The Master is "Venerable" in the 17th (representing John the Baptist), and "Most Wise and Perfect" in the 18th (representing Tirshatha).

Festivals: Chapters must meet five times a year; Ash Wednesday, the Thursday before Easter, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Ascension Day, and Christmas. The principal festival is Holy (or Maundy) Thursday, when the officers are elected. A Knight Rose-Croix writes his name in consonants only, and affixes a triangle topped by a cross [the G.D. 0=0 altar symbol] in red ink.

17. KNIGHTS OF THE EAST AND WEST

This degree is the first of the Modern or "Accepted" degrees, as opposed to the "Ancient" degrees preceding. "The Word is again lost, and, fig- uratively, the Third Temple -- in the heart of man -- is to be built and dedicated to the God of Truth." The Christian era brought the growing syncretism among the Jews and Egyptians to a head, and it was said that the writings of the Apostles were only an incomplete fraction of the full philosophical and religious teachings and mysteries to be handed down. In the year 1127, Pope Honorius II joined with Stephen, Patriarch of Jerusalem, to ordain Knights to be clothed in the white of purity, and to work to pass down these mysteries under the aegis of Masonry. There were eleven "Knights of the East and West" (commemorating both their home countries and the place of their original initiation), ordained by Armelfo Guavi Mundos, Prince and Patriarch of Jerusalem, in 1118.

The Lodge is heptagonal in shape, hung with crimson and sprinkled with stars of gold. Seven "square columns" are in each angle, with the initials of the words: Beauty, Divinity, Wisdom, Power, Honor, Glory, Force; on their capitals, and the initials of the words: Friendship, Union, Resignation, Discretion, Fidelity, Prudence, Temperance; on their bases. In the East is an altar atop seven steps, with a vacant throne, the sun and moon, and an hour-glass (clepsydra). On the altar is a silver basin with perfumed water, a chafing dish with live coals, and a large book sealed with sevel seals of green wax. All twenty-four members (called a Preceptory) are clothed in white robes, with a red cross on the breast.

Battery: [6-1]. This degree is opened with prayers and hymns, and the candidate is subjected to a strict examination of his knowledge of the previous degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry. The candidate is purified and sanctified, and is received under Luther's hymn "From East to West," and Ecclesiastes XII. The seven divine virtues and seven human virtues (on the columns) are stressed, and the seven vices (Hatred, Discord, Pride, Indiscretion, Perfidy, Rashness, and Calumny) are to be avoided. The Seven Seals (from the Revelation of St. John) are broken and explained, and the candidate is symbolically represented as coming from Patmos, as a "very ancient" man.

The apron is of yellow satin, with crimson and gold, and with a sword and Tetractys (of the Tetragrammaton) on it.

The jewel is a heptagon of silver and gold, with crossed swords on a balance on the obverse, and a lamb on the Book of Seven Seals on the reverse. The jewel is hung from a double order -- one black (left-to- right) and one white (right-to-left), representing good versus evil. A gold coronet is also presented.

18. KNIGHT OF ROSE-CROIX, PERFECT PRINCE DE H-R-D-M, KNIGHT OF THE EAGLE AND PELICAN

"The stars have disappeared, the light of the sun and moon is obscured, and darkness has fallen upon the face of the earth."

With these words the candidate is received into the final philosophical degree. The three virtues - faith, hope, and charity - guide him through the "place of horror and gloom" to the Truth, and to the Lost Word. This Truth is not that of any one religion, because the spirit of Masonry is universal and inclusive. The "Ceremony of the Table" commemorates this in a Feast of Bread and Wine, and the Chapter usually remains at refresh- ment indefinitely, never closing.

The Lodge is divided into four apartments. The first is hung in black, with white tears, and is lighted by the taper of the Most Wise and the two lights on the throne. This apartment is in ruins, and the throne is surmounted by three crosses, the center one with a white rose at its center. The second apartment is labyrinthian (to the Norteast of the first) and contains descending and ascending stairs curving around. The third apartment (to the Southeast of the first) is the "Chamber of Reflection," and contains images of death: skeletons and a skull with wings. The fourth apartment is the first, rearranged, with 33 lights (on three candelabra of 11 branches, and yellow wax candles), red hangings, and a six-pointed blazing star in the East. A gold crux ansata is also in the East.

Battery: [6-1]. The Most Wise and Perfect Master represents Wisdom, the Senior Warden represents Strength, and the Junior Warden represents Beauty.

The apron is of white leather or satin, bordered in red, with a skull and cross-bones, a red passion cross, and three red rosettes.

The grand jewel is a gold compass open on a quarter circle. A rose-cross is between the legs of the compass, and under it is a pelican, tearing its breast to feed its seven young, on the obverse, and an eagle with wings extended, on the reverse. On the circle are the letters I.N.R.I. The Banner of the Rose-Croix is hung in the East, and it is a square of white, edged with gold, with the obverse of the jewel on it, and the words "Lux E Tenebris" above it, and "Faith, Hope, Charity" below it.

The Holy Thursday ceremony involves the "Mystic Banquet" of a white lamb, and also commemorates Passover. After the feast, the "Ceremony of Extinguishing the Lights" commences, and the seven officers in reverse order put out yellow candles on a seven-branched candlestick. The East of the Lodge contains images of darkness and decay, with a crimson rose surmounting a mountain at the center.

The Easter Sunday ceremony involves a general feast, and the seven lights are re-lit, finishing with: "The doors of the Infinite are opened to you." The East of the Lodge is now clear and bright, with a cross and white rose surrounded by a glory, and a Hebrew YOD at its center. A seven-pointed blazing star, also with a YOD, is now atop the mountain.

FIFTH SERIES: AREOPAGUS, CHAPTER OF KNIGHTS KADOSCH HISTORICAL AND PHILOSOPHICAL DEGREES (19th - 29th)

"The Eleven degrees of the Areopagus ... most beautifully unfold the errors and frailties of humanity, and most thoroughly instruct us how to overcome them and advance toward that most perfect state hoped for by mortality."

19. GRAND PONTIFF, or SUBLIME SCOTCH MASON

Mysteries of time are taught in this degree, under the symbolism of the Apocalypse and the New Jerusalem. The Temple was built not by one man, but my successive generations, and destroyed swiftly. Patience is stressed, along with the three virtues of the previous degrees, and that the greatest accomplishment is the creation of something which will "outlast their own day and generation." Those that exhibit this patience, equity, and purity will surely be one of the chosen 144,000 whose name is inscribed in the apocalyptic Book of Life.

The Lodge is divided into two apartments. The first, the Chapter Room, is lit from the East by the triple interlaced triangle, with a sun in the center. Behind a curtain in the East is an image of the New Jerusalem, and an empty salver is in the center of the room. The second apartment is a plain dark room, with only a single chair. The officers wear long white robes, and fillets of sky-blue satin, with twelve gold stars, around their foreheads. There is only one Warden.

Battery: [3-3-3-3]. The Chapter Room is first hung in black, and the sun is turned to blood. After the Reception and Prayer, the Room is hung in blue, with stars of gold, and the sun is made bright.

The jewel is a gold "parallelogram" (rectangle) with a Greek Alpha on one side and an Omega on the other.

20. GRAND MASTER OF ALL SYMBOLIC LODGES, or MASTER AD VITAM ("GEORGE WASHINGTON DEGREE")

"The duties, powers and privileges of a Master in opening and closing a Lodge and conducting the work are herein defined." The Master Ad Vitam (for life) must keep in mind the three requisites of a Master, Toleration, Justice, and Truth, and as Master of a Lodge, he must "dispense light and knowledge to the brethren." The proliferation of degrees and religious sectarianism is to be avoided, and Masonry must be restored to its "primitive purity." The existing degrees are, in actuality, constant lessons, and titles such as "Knight," "Prince," and "Pontiff" represent the lofty goals of morality and justice, of which the holders of such titles should be reminded.

The Lodge is hung in blue and gold, and a throne is in the East, ascended by nine steps. Over the East are the words "Fiat Lux" in a glory surrounding a triangle. A triangular altar is in the center, and the Lodge is lit by nine yellow candles (in three concentric triangles), positioned between the altar and the South.

The apron is yellow, bordered in blue, with three concentric point-down triangles, with the Tetragrammaton (horizontal) and "Fiat Lux" (vertical) at the center, forming a cross. Its triangular shape relates to the "fourth great light, which reminds us of the Deity and his attributes."

21. [PATRIARCH] NOACHITE, or PRUSSIAN KNIGHT

This degree is based on the Order of Knights, known in Germany as the Holy Vehme, who exacted justice fiercely and morally. They inculcated humility, and constantly remembered the price of pride, exacted upon the descendants of Noah who erected the Tower of Babel. Today, this Order only claims jurisdiction among its own members, and their rule and duty is to judge others by the same rules by which they live. They meet on nights of the full moon, from the ancient custom of the worship of Isis and Ceres, and also from the original knights, who desired secrecy.

The Lodge, styled a Grand Chapter, meets in a "retired place," on the night of the full moon, which is the only light allowed. The presiding officer, the "Lieutenant Commander," faces the moonlight. The brethren are styled "Prussian Knight-Masons," and all are dressed in black. No Table Lodges are to be held in this degree.

Battery: [3]. "In the heavenly host [light of the moon] they admire the work of the Supreme Creator, and the universal laws of harmony and motion -- the first two laws that emanated from God."

The apron is yellow, and contains an arm holding a sword, and a winged figure holding a key in the left hand, and the right forefinger on the lips (the "Egyptian figure of Silence").

The jewel is an point-up triangle, with an arrow, point downward, an arm holding a sword, and the motto "Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum."

22. KNIGHT OF THE ROYAL AXE, or PRINCE OF LIBANUS

This degree teaches that all labor is honorable, and the "toiling millions" should be respected and assisted. The Phoenicians, especially those of the city of Tsidun, are remembered as those who cut cedars on Mount Libanus (Lebanon) for Noah's ark, as well as the Ark of the Covenant and the Temples of Jerusalem. The peoples of Phoenicia, Hiram of Tyre and Hiram Abiff included, were tied to the Israelites by the fact that they shared the mysteries, and it is even said that the Etrurian and Roman Colleges of Artificers descended from them via the Hyksos.

The Lodge, styled a College, has two apartments. The first is a plain room which represents a workshop on Mount Libanus. Here, the Senior Warden, or "Master Carpenter," presides. The second apartment is hung in red, lighted by 36 lights, and is called the Council-room of the Round Table. The brethren sit at a round wooden table, and the altar in the East holds the three great lights and an axe.

The apron is white, bordered in purple, and contains a three-headed serpent and a table with instruments and plans on it.

The jewel is an axe and handle of gold. On the top of the handle are the initials of Noah and Solomon. In the middle of the handle are the initials of Libanus and Tsidun. On the blade are the initials of Adoniram, Cyrus, Darius, Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, Ezra (on one side), and Shem, Kham, Yapheth, Moses, Ahaliab, Betselal (on the other).

23. CHIEF OF THE TABERNACLE (THE FOUR CHAPLAINS)

This degree, connected with the one succeeding it, is based on the perfection and purity of the Hebrew Tabernacle, or Sanctuary. "Unholy sacrilege and presumptuous interference with sacred ceremonies are forbidden and punished; and only those with hearts divested of all impurity, are commended in the performance of holy rites."

The Lodge, styled a Court, has two apartments. The first, for the Reception, is a small dark room with an altar at the center, upon which is a dim light and three skulls. In front of the altar is a skeleton. The second apartment represents an encampment of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, near Sinai. The Tribes are arranged, with standards (of specified color and device) clockwise from the East, as the following:

1	Judah	Crimson stripes	Lion, couchant
2	Zebulon	Light Green	Ship
3	Simeon	Yellow	Sword
4	Reuben	Brilliant Crimson	Man
5	Gad	Bluish Green	Starry Field
6	Manasseh	Agate	Vine
7	Ephraim	Opal	Bull
8	Benjamin	Violet	Wolf
9	Asher	Blue	Tree
10	Dan	Gold-Stone	Eagle holding Serpent
11	Naphtali	Bluish Green	Running Doe
12	Issachar	Greenish Yellow	Ass, Couchant

In the center of the Court is a representation of the Tabernacle of Moses, described in Exodus 26 and 36. The Master, the "Most Excellent High Priest," represents Aaron, and the two Wardens, in the West, represent Eleazar and Ithamar. The three wear white turbans, with a blue ribbon with the Hebrew inscription, QDSh L-IHVH, "Holy to the Lord!" All others are styled "Worthy Levites."

The apron is white, bordered with red, blue, and purple ribbons. These colors, from the curtains of the Tabernacle, represent earth, fire, air, and sea, respectively, as well as the Lord's benificence, glory, wisdom, and power. On the apron is the golden seven-branched candlestick, representing the seven planets and virtues: Sun, faith ("aspiration toward the infinite"); Moon, hope; Venus, charity; Mars, fortitude ("victory over rage and anger"); Mercury, prudence; Saturn, temperance; Jupiter (conquerer of the Titans), justice.

The jewel is a small silver censer, or ornamented cup, held by a handle in the shape of an open hand.

24. PRINCE OF THE TABERNACLE

This degree illustrates the sacerdotal duties of the High Priest, of which there are two: incessant labor for the glory of God, honor of country, and happiness of brethren; and offering up thanks and prayers to God, in lieu of actual sacrifices. The initiate must possess the lamp (reason), the cloak (liberty), and the staff (forces of nature), and each of these is threefold, making the holy number nine -- the number Hermes allotted to initiation. These correspond also with the three great lights. The four powers of the Sphynx are also inculcated, and the cube (as the symbol of nature's immutable law) is presented with the Tetragrammaton. The law of equilibrium is applied to ritual, and the initiate is urged to interpret the symbols he receives for himself. The "inner" (solar) mysteries of Osiris (Thammuz, Bel, Atys, Dionusos, Cama, Mithras) are then rehearsed.

The Lodge, styled a Court, has two apartments. The first, the Vestibule, is furnished as a Master Mason's Lodge, except that the Volume of Sacred Law is a rolled parchment of Law, and the "G" in the East is replaced by a Hebrew YOD. The second apartment is the Taber- nacle of the previous degree, but with a vermillion "Blazing Star" (pentagram) in the East, with an Alpha and Omega on it.

The apron is of white lambskin, with scarlet, green, and blue. On it is a violet myrtle tree, and a gold representation of an Arabian tent.

25. KNIGHT OF THE BRAZEN SERPENT

After the death of Aaron, when the new moon occurred at the vernal equinox of the 40th year of the Wandering of Israel, the people became discouraged, and began to pray to Amun and Astarte, Osiris and Isis. But Adonai sent fiery serpents among them, and Moses was asked to pray for the people. Moses was told to build a brazen serpent, and put it on a pole, and all who looked upon it were cured of the serpents' venom.

This story is seen as an allegory for the transformation from winter to spring (and Passover), when the celestial serpent and scorpion flee "before the glittering stars of Orion." The seeming contradiction between winter and spring, death and life, evil and good, should be seen as two parts of the "universal equilibrium." The symbol of the cross, "that *one* composed of *two*," represents this principle.

The Lodge, styled a Council, is the Tabernacle of the preceding degrees, but with a cross (with a serpent coiled round it) in the East. Columns topped by serpents are next to the Master (the "Most Puissant Leader," Moses), the Senior Warden (the "Most Valiant Captain of the Host," Joshua), and the Junior Warden (the "Illustrious Chief Prince of the Tribes," Caleb). Brethren are styled "Brother Knight."

The apron is white, lined in black, and with gold stars on the white side (Pleiades, Hyades, Orion, Capella) and with silver stars on the black side (Perseus, Scorpio, Bootes). Also on it is a serpent, ouroboros, surrounding a scarab, a triangle in a glory with the Tetragrammaton in its center, and the four initials of the stars Regulus, Aldebaran, Antares, and Fomalhaut.

The jewel is a gold tau cross (crux ansata) with a serpent entwined around it, and the Hebrew words HLThI ("he has suffered or been wounded") and NChShThN ("the Brazen Serpent") on it. The order has two ribbons: one crimson, with the words "Osiris, Ormuzd, Osar siph, Moses," a bull and crescent, and the Hebrew word GBVRH ("Valor"); and one white, with the words "Isis, Ceres," a dog's head and crescent, and the word AVN ("Virtue") -- contrasting active/generative energy and passive/"capacity-to-produce" energy.

26. PRINCE OF MERCY, or SCOTTISH TRINITARIAN
("ABRAHAM LINCOLN DEGREE")

To avoid persecution, early Christian Masons (under the rule of Domitian) met in the Catacombs under Rome, and performed the mysteries under cover of darkness. The "Triple Covenant" is represented by those of Noah and Abraham, as well as "that made with all the earth, that the day should come when light, truth, and happiness should be victorious over darkness, error, and misery." The candidate is named "Constans" (firm, intrepid, and persevering) and is symbolically receiving the third and last degree of the Essenian Mysteries -- that of "theogenesis" (divine generation).

The Lodge, styled a Chapter, is hung in green (representing infinite wisdom) with nine columns of red (representing supreme energy or power) and white (representing harmony). The throne in the East is covered by a canopy of reen, red, and white, and above it is the triple-interlaced triangle, with two white and one black triangles, and a YOD at its center. By the triangular altar, in the center, is a white marble statue of a vir- gin, covered by thin white gauze.

Battery: [3-3-2-3-3-1]. The candidate is presented with the "ancient dogmas and teachings" of the Hindus, Buddhists, Mithraists, "Druids" (Norse?), Egyptians, Hebrews, and Christians, and that "in all ages the golden threads of truth have gleamed in the woof of error. Fortunate is the Mason who, by the light of wisdom, the true Masonic light, second emanation from the Deity, can discern the golden threads, God's hieroglyphs, written when time began; and read them aright, as they were read by our ancient brethren in the early ages!" The mystery of life, death, and rebirth is presented using the metaphor of seeds and plants.

The apron is scarlet, bordered in white, with a green triangle (point-down) in the center. In the triangle are the initials of Force, Wisdom, and Harmony, and a flaming heart of gold with the initials I.H.S. (Jesus Hominum Salvator; or Imperium, Harmonia, Sapientia).

The jewel is gold, and is the same triangle, suspended by a purple ribbon. A "tessera," or mark, is given to the candidate, and is a small fish of ivory or mother- of-pearl, with the Tetragrammaton on one side, and mystic symbols (right angles, parallel lines, etc.) on the other.

27. KNIGHT COMMANDER OF THE TEMPLE, or TEUTONIC KNIGHT OF THE HOUSE OF ST. MARY OF JERUSALEM

This degree, the first strictly chivalric degree, commemorates the siege of St. Jean d'Acre, the ancient Ptolemais, by Christian forces. The Crusaders, afflicted with harsh famine and intense heat, had to fight the infidel Saladin by day, and nurse their wounded and sick at night, under a makeshift tent made from the sails of their ships. In 1192, Pope Celestin III approved a new Hospitaller and Military Order comprised of the primarily German "Teutonic Knights," combining the statutes of the Augustinians, the Hospitallers of St. John, and the Templars. They distinguished themselves by the wearing of black crosses and white mantles, but gave up the latter to avoid conflict with the Templars. They relocated to Prussia in 1226.

The Lodge, styled a Chapter, is hung in scarlet, sprinkled with black tears. Black columns surround the Chapter in a circle, and three circles of lights above each other (comprised of six, nine, and twelve, from top to bottom) are in the East. In the center is a round table, with five olive-oil lamps in a cross, and the Commanders of the Order sit at this table. In the West are the sentences: "In many words thou shalt not avoid sin," and "Life and death are dispensed by the tongue."

Battery: [4-3-2]. A dirge is sung in the Reception, and five trophies are presented to the initiate:

These five trophies, and the five lamps, correspond to the five excellent qualities: Humility, Temperance, Chastity, Generosity, and Honor.

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.

28. KNIGHT OF THE SUN, or PRINCE ADEPT (MAGUS)

This degree, which is the last philosophical degree of the A.A.S.R., derives its doctrine from Hermeticism, the Kabala, and Magism. The Absolute, i.e. that which exists through itself, is taught to be Reason, and that evil and misery are necessary discords "that unite with the concords of the universe to make one great harmony forever." The symbolism of the Temples of Thebes and Memphis, the Temple of the Sun at Nineveh, and the white dove (Zoroaster, good, Chesed) and black raven (Manes, evil, Gevurah) are all presented, and interpreted in the light of "uncreated reason," of which the primary symbol is the Sun.

The Lodge, styled a Council, is hung in natural colors, representative of the open countryside, and is illuminated by a great globe suspended in the South. In the East is the seal of the Macrocosm (the hexagram of Solomon), with the up-pointing triangle in black and the down-pointing triangle in white, and under the words "Lux e Tenebris." In the West is the seal of the Microcosm (Pentagram) in white and vermillion. In the South is a representation of the Temple of Solomon, with a man holding a lamb between the columns of Jachin and Boaz. In the North is a symbol from the Zohar, with two men's heads and arms forming a hexagram. In each corner is a triangle, white, black, and red, with the Hebrew letters YOD, HEH, and VAV on it. The altar, in the center, is "Soli Sanctissimo Sacrum," sac- red to the most holy sun, and contains a pentagram along with the book of constitutions, and a censer.

The Master is styled "Father Adam," and wears a saffron robe. One Warden, styled "Brother Truth," is in the West, and wears a rose robe. Seven other officers, styled MLAKVTh (kings, envoys, angels), are stationed about the Temple, and wear flame-colored robes:

Name	Planet	Banner	Bracelets	Station
Gabriel	Jupiter	Crimson and Silver	Eagle tin	NE
Michael	Saturn	Black and Silver	Lion lead	SE
Auriel	Mars	Flame and Silver	Bull steel	SW
Raphael	Mercury	Green and Gold	Man glass and quicksilver	NW
Zarakhiel	Sun	Purple and Gold	Gold	E
Tsaphiel	Moon	White and Gold	Silver	W
Hamaliel	Venus	Blue and Silver	Copper	S

The other members of the Council, of which there must be ten in all, are styled Aralim (Lion of God, or hero), and wear no robe. Of these, there must be a Herald, Expert, and Tiler.

The jewel is a golden sun on the obverse, and a hemisphere, showing the northern half of the ecliptic (Taurus to Libra) and zodiac.

Of the large amount of instruction in this degree, seven main points are outlined:

29. KNIGHT OF ST. ANDREW, or PATRIARCH OF THE CRUSADES

This degree, also known as the Order of Knights Ecossais, teaches equality and toleration in matters of class and religion. Hugh of Tiberias, Lord of Galilee, visits the court of Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria, and they instruct each other in their concepts of chivalry and religion. The cross of St. Andrew (cross saltire) is an emblem of suffering and humility, and the crucifiction of St. Andrew on November 30th is to be commemorated.

The Lodge, styled a Chapter, has two apartments. The first, the Chapter- room, represents Saladin's court, and is hung in green and gold. In each corner is a St. Andrew's cross. The second apartment contains a basin for washing, a table, and a sword, and the candidate must be baptised by the washing of the hands and face before entering into the Order of Knighthood. The Master of Ceremonies represents Saladin, while the Venerable Grand Master represents Hugh. The Senior Warden is Malek Adhel (just king), the Junior Warden is Malek Modaffer (victorious king), the Senior Deacon is Malek Daher (triumphant king), and the Junior Deacon is Malek Afdel (excellent king). Behind the throne is a white banner, in the shape of a shroud, with the words "Salah-eddin, king of kings -- Salah-eddin, victor of victors -- Salah-eddin must die."

Battery: [2-3-4]. Religious tolerance is the main lesson, and "Masonry is the handmaid of religion."

The jewel has two parts: on top is a gold hexagram, made of concave-outward triangles, with a compass open to 25 degrees inside it. On the bottom is suspended a gold St. Andrew's cross ("X"), with a knight's helmet, winged serpent ouroboros, key, and a point-down triangle. In the center of the cross is a Hebrew YOD, and on its points, clockwise from bottom, the Hebrew letters N M I N.

SIXTH SERIES: CONSISTORY OF SUBLIME PRINCES OF THE ROYAL SECRET CHIVALRIC DEGREES (30th - 32nd)

SUPREME COUNCIL -- OFFICIAL AND EXECUTIVE (33rd)

The Chivalric degrees bring to an end the instruction of Masonry, and rehearse the virtues, vows, and tenets of the Order. These form the Templar degrees of the A.A.S.R..

"The accomplishment of these degrees brings us to the completion of the Third Temple; and the Royal Secret is solved, as to whether we have made this world a Temple fit for the abiding-place of the Grand Architect of the universe."

30. KNIGHT KADOSH, or GRAND ELECT KNIGHT

This "practical trial degree of the Knight Templar," also denoted as a Knight and Soldier of the Cross, contains some of the historical drama of the Templars. Incidents on the road to the Holy Land, as well as the execution of Jacques de Molay, are presented. Knights Kadosh ("holy," "consecrated," or "separated") are true defenders of the Temple: outwardly armed with steel, but inwardly armed with Faith in God and Love of his fellow-man.

The Lodge, styled a Chapter, is decorated with black and red columns. There are five chambers. The first, the Judges' Hall, is sombre and lit by a singular suspended triangular lamp. Five masked judges, robed in black and girded with swords, receive the candidate. Second, the Cave, or Chamber of Reflection, is "strewed with emblems of mortality," and is connected to the first by a descending flight of stairs. This chamber represents the tomb of Jacques de Molay, and contains a simple altar, cup of wine, and a gong. The remaining chambers are the Forum, the Senate Chamber, and the Road to the Holy Land. Overall, in the East is a Throne surmounted by a double-headed eagle, crowned, with a Teutonic cross and a point-down triangle containing a blazing Hebrew ADNI, and the words "Nec proditor, Nec proditor, Innocens feret." Behind the throne are two banners: one white with a green Teutonic cross, and the words "Deus Vult;" and the other with a red cross and a double-headed eagle, and the words "Aut vincere, Aut mori." The Master is styled the Grand Commander, and is flanked by the Grand Chancellor and the Grand Architect.

Battery: [6-1]. Aside of the Templar legend, much of the instruction of this degree is codified in the symbol of the "Mysterious Ladder," which has two supports and seven steps, and is kept veiled until the candidate is obligated. The supports are called O.E. ("Oheb Eloah," love of God) and O.K. ("Oheb Karobo," love of our Neighbor), and the seven steps contain the names of the sciences: astronomy, music, geometry, arithmetic, logic, rhetoric, and grammar (from the bottom up), as well as seven sets of [illegible] Hebrew words.

The jewel is a gold Teutonic cross, enamelled in red, with the letters J.'.B.'.M.'. on the obverse, and a skull transpierced by a poinard on the reverse.

31. GRAND INSPECTOR INQUISITOR COMMANDER

"The practical test of the neophyte in the degree of Knight Kadosh, is in this degree of Inquisitor Commander changed to a thorough examination under charges against Masonic law and duty before the Order of the Five Brethren." The candidate is on trial, primarily by the "one infallible, unerring Judge" of Deity, but also by the accumulated history of human lawgivers -- handed down from King Alfred the Saxon, Socrates, Confucius, Minos, Zoroaster, and Moses. If found worthy, the virtues of repentance and forgiveness are proclaimed, and the candidate is advanced.

The Lodge, styled a Supreme Tribunal, is hung in white. There are ten gilded columns, and the words "Justitia" and "Equitas" in the East, as well as the Tetractys of Pythagoras. In the West, over the Counsellors (i.e. Wardens), are the words "Lenitas" and "Misericordia," as well as the sacred word of the 18th degree in gold. The Master is styled the Most Perfect President, and is flanked by a Defender on his right and an Advocate on his left.

No apron is worn in the Supreme Tribunal, but in inferior bodies, a white sheep-skin apron with a silver Teutonic cross may be worn.

The jewel is a silver Teutonic cross. The jewel may be suspended from a white collar, with a gold triangle with a "31" inside it. But in inferior bodies it may be suspended from a golden chain, the links of which form the eight fundamental degrees of Masonry: The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 14th, 16th, 18th, and 30th.

32. SUBLIME PRINCE OF THE ROYAL SECRET

This degree, originally a Christian degree of Knighthood, "consummates the Templarism of Masonry." Only "a lover of wisdom and an apostle of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity" is eligible to partake of this exalted degree, which is military in character (as the previous degree was judicial). The Chivalric nature of Masonry is explained by the Knightly Armor of the Templar, which is buckled upon the novitiate piece by piece.

The Lodge, styled a Consistory, is hung in black, strewed with silver tears, skulls and cross-bones, and skeletons. In the East is a throne, ascended by seven steps, and draped in black satin with flame tears. An altar before the throne is also draped in black satin, with a skull and cross- bones, and the letter J above it, and the letter M below it. In front of each Warden in the West is a table, covered in crimson, with crossed swords and the letters "N-K .'. M-K .'." .

Also in the West is the "Camp of the Princes:" a nonagon, which encloses a heptagon, which encloses a pentagon, which encloses a triangle, which encloses a circle with a cross inside it. On the sides of the nonagon are nine Tents, each denoted by a letter, a flag and pennon, a Commanding Officer, and assigned to certain degrees of the A.A.S.R.:

On each of the external sides of the pentagon are five Standards, each with colored fields, devices, mottos, bearers, and assigned to certain degrees of the A.A.S.R.:

Inside the triangle are encamped the Princes of the Royal Secret and Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commanders, "with such Knights of Malta as, having proved themselves true and faithful, may have been received among us." Inside the circle are the five Grand Inspectors General who serve as Lieutenant Commanders under the Most Puissant Sovereign Grand Commander.

The apron is white, lined in black, with a double-headed eagle and a plan of the Camp of the Princes.

The jewel is a golden Teutonic cross, with a double-headed white and black eagle in the center.

33. SOVEREIGN GRAND INSPECTOR-GENERAL

This degree, mainly executive in character, "is conferred as an honorarium on those who for great merit and long and arduous services have deserved well of the Order." The mottos of this degree are "Deus Meumque Jus," "Unio. Toleratio. Robur.," "Ordo ab Chao," "S.A.P.I.E.N.T.I.A.," and "Ad Universi Terrarum Orbis Summi Architecti Gloriam."

The Lodge, styled a Supreme Council, is hung in purple, with skeletons and skulls and cross-bones. A magnificent throne with a purple and gold canopy is in the East, and a delta with the "ineffable characters" is beneath it. In the North is a skeleton holding the white banner of the Order (with a black double-headed eagle, and gilded in gold), and in the South is the flag of the country. The Lodge is lit by eleven lights (five in the East, three in the West, one in the North, and two in the South).

Further Notes from... A MANUAL FOR OFFICERS OF SUBORDINATE BODIES ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY by Supreme Council, 33' (Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, USA, 1955). [ University of Delaware Library, HS 774 .A5 1955 ]

* Motto of the 33rd Degree: "Deus Meumque Jus" from the French, "Dieu et mon Droit" ("God and my Right"), which was Richard I's battle-cry at Gisors in 1198.

Anno Lucis is the "Year of Light." Anno Inventionis is the "Year of Discovery," or the building of the 2nd Temple. Anno Benefacio is the "Year of Blessing" of Abraham by Melchizedek. Anno Depositionis is the "Year of Deposit," or the completion of Solomon's Temple. Anno Mundi, or the "Year of the World," is analogous to the Jewish calendar (with an extra year to be added after September).

... to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection, that cement which unites us into one sacred band or society of brothers, among whom no contention should ever exist, but that noble emulation of who can best work or best agree ...

Masonic quotes by Brothers

THE BOOK OF THE ANCIENT AND ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE OF FREEMASONRY

CONTAINING INSTRUCTIONS IN ALL THE DEGREES, FROM THE THIRD TO THE THIRTY-THIRD, AND LAST DEGREE OF THE RITE

by Charles T. McClenachan, 33' (Revised and Enlarged Edition, Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Company, 45-49 John St., New York, 1914). [ University of Delaware Library, HS 770 .M3 1914 ]

FIRST SERIES: SYMBOLIC OR BLUE LODGE SYMBOLIC DEGREES (Ancient Craft)

SECOND SERIES: LODGE OF PERFECTION INEFFABLE DEGREES (4th - 14th)

THIRD SERIES: COUNCIL OF PRINCES OF JERUSALEM HISTORICAL DEGREES (15th - 16th)

FOURTH SERIES: SOVEREIGN CHAPTER OF ROSE-CROIX PHILOSOPHICAL DEGREES (17th - 18th)