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Rito Escocés Antiguo y Aceptado
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La Hermandad para toda la Humanidad
La Hermandad para toda la Humanidad
The Degrees of the Scottish Rite are one-act plays often staged with costume, scenery, special effects, and the full rigging of any production. Their purpose is to examine different philosophies, ancient religions, and systems of ethics. Through all of these, people have tried to answer certain universal questions. The Degrees of the Rite do not tell a person what he should think about these questions. Instead, they tell him about what great thinkers and civilizations of the past have thought, and they try to create a situation in which the candidate or Brother can gain insight. Agreeing with Socrates that the unexamined life is not worth living, the Rite helps with this self-examination by providing reference points.
There are four coordinate bodies within the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction:
4° - Secret Master
Duty, reflection and study are the gateway to opportunity,
as such one honorsthose relationships to God, family, country and Masonry. The apron
of the 4thdegree is white and black, with a letter "Z" and all-seeing eye. The jewel
ofthis degree is an ivory key with the letter "Z" on the wards. The teachings:secrecy,
obedience and fidelity.
5° - Perfect Master
The degree teaches Masonic honor; that honesty and trustworthiness
is the cornerstone of the foundation of such. This virtue should be in all of our
undertakings with mankind. The apron of the 5th degree is white and green, with
a cubic stone and a Hebrew YOD. The jewel is represented by a compass open on asegment
of a circle, to an angle of sixty degrees. The teachings: honesty, sincerity, and
good faith.
6° - Intimate Secretary
In this degree one should expand their knowledge
of duty, charity and toleration. We are instructed to reshape ourselves and our
thinking into charity, self-control, and success i.e. to be a peacemaker. The apron
of the 6th degree 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 gold triangle with the same three letters inscribed is the jewel that
represents this degree.
7° - Provost & Judge
We learn that impartial justice protects person,
property, happiness and reputation. We are instructed to judge with patience and
impartially. The apron of the 7th degree is white, edged with red, with a key and
five rosettes. The jewel is a golden key.
8° - Intendant of the Building
We should strive for perfection by using the
great principles of "God's inherent love, charity, morality and kindness". The
apron of the 8th degree is white, with red and green, with a balance, a nine-pointed
star, and a triangle with the Hebrew letters BETH (for Ben-Khurim), YOU (for Jakinah),
and ALEPH (for Achar).The jewel of this Degree is a gold triangle with the same
three letters.
9° - Elu of the Nine (Elected Knight of the Nine)
Truth, candor and generosity;
the foundation of Scottish Rite Masonry is most reflected in this degree. We should
use these truths to shape our lives and conduct. The apron of the 9th degree is
white, lined with black, and sprinkled with blood, with an arm holding a dagger
and a severed head held by the hair. The jewel of this degree is a dagger, hilt
of gold and blade of silver.
10°
- Elu of the Fifteen (Illustrious Elect of the Fifteen)
This degree teaches
us to be tolerant and respect the opinions of others. Freedoms of political and
spiritual ideologies should be shared by all. The apron of the 10th degree is white,
with a black flap, and with three arch-shaped gates - over each a head on a spike.
The jewel of this degree is a dagger as in the 9th degree.
11°
- Elu of the Twelve (Sublime Knight Elect of the Twelve)
This degree teaches
sympathy. We should be compassionate to our brother Masons and to all mankind as
well. The apron of the 11th degree is white, lined with black, with a flaming heart
in the center. The jewel being 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°
- Master Architect
This degree teaches faith in morality and virtue and in
God. "Life is what each man makes of it; the optimist turns a trial into a blessing.
The apron of the12th degree consists of a white outer shell, lined with blue and
gold (symbolizing the Craft degrees), with a protractor, plain scale, sector, and
compasses. The jewel is a heptagonal medal of gold.
13°
- Royal Arch of Solomon (Knight of the Ninth Arch)
Liberty; in our mind and
our hearts, motivated by duty and honor are the lessons of this degree. The apron
worn is purple, bordered with white, and with the "Enochiandelta" (hexagram with
inscribed Tetragrammation) in the center. The jewel comprises a circular medal of
gold.
14°
- Perfect Elu (Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason)
This degree teaches
us to reflect and scrutinize oneself. We should strive to be true to ourselves and
our God. The apron being of white silk, bordered in gold, with the Ineffable Delta
in the Center is truly emblematical of the degree. The jewel of the 14th Degree
is split; one being a quadrant (compass open to ninety degrees) topped by a crown
and with a nine-pointed star on the obverse, the other being a five-pointed blazing
star (with the Tetragrammaton) on there verse. The compass is opened on a segment
of a circle, inscribed with the numbers 3, 5, 7, 9.
15°
- Knight of the East, of the Sword or of the Eagle
Fidelity to obligations
and perseverance of purpose under difficulties and discouragement are the lessons
of this degree. The striking crimson velvet apron of this degree is edged with green,
having 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 golden concentric
triangles encompassing two crossed swords.
16°
- Prince of Jerusalem
We learn "heroism of patience, the nobility of self-sacrifice"
and compassionate judgment, along with charity, fidelity and brotherhood. This crimson
apron is edged in gold and aurora-color, and with a square, shield, Delta (with
three YODs), balance and a hand of justice. The jewel worn 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.
17°
- Knight of the East & West
The wisdom of this degree is that loyalty
to God is man's primary allegiance and the temporal governments not founded
upon God and His righteousness will inevitably fall. The apron worn 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 half silver and half 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.
-
Knight Rose Croix
This degree emphasizes that life and its strength come
from God. The rose signifies the dawn and the cross is a sacred symbol of antiquity
in many cultures. One is also taught to be tolerant of others errors and their faults.
The apron worn 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
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.
19°
- Grand Pontiff
We learn from the past and how it affects the present and
the influence we live-in the future in this degree. We as mortals strive to endure,
produce and improve the world as it surrounds us. There is no apron, but the jewel
is a gold "parallelogram" (rectangle) with a Greek Alpha on one side and an Omega
on the other. .
20°
- Master of the Symbolic Lodge
This demonstrates liberty, fraternity and
equality. These truths teach morals, religious and philosophical understandings.
This degree helps one to comprehend Deity, forces of nature, good and evil. The
apron worn 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". The jewel that is worn is made of gold with
the same three concentric triangles.
21°
- Noachite or Prussian Knight
The lessons to be learned from this degree
are 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 apron worn is yellow and contains an arm holding a sword, a winged figure holding
a key in the left hand and the right forefinger on the lips (the "Egyptian figure
of Silence"). The jewel can be described as a point-up triangle, with an arrow,
point downward, an arm holding a sword, and the motto "Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum."
22°
- Knight Royal Axe, Prince of Libanus
This degree emphasizes work ethics:
By doing good work we improve character and become better citizens. The apron worn
in this degree 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
We learn in this degree that the man who forgets
his duty to God, family, country and himself will be in danger of moral and spiritual
destruction by thoughts and unworthy ambition. The apron worn 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 beneficence,
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, conqueror of the Titans, justice. The jewel
worn is a small silver censer, or ornamented cup, held by a handle in the shape
of an open hand.
24°
- Prince of the Tabernacle
A Mason must show evidence of compassion, piety
and justice in this degree. After initiation he may "manifest faithfully the social
virtues in order to receive the rewards", to serve humanity through our brotherhood.
The apron worn is of white lambskin, with scarlet, green and blue. On it is a violet
myrtle tree, and a gold representation of an Arabian tent. The jewel worn is the
Hebrew letter ALEPH, suspended from a violet ribbon.
25°
- Knight of the Brazen Serpent
This degree attempts to explain the conceptualities
of celestial purity and the eternal soul of man. The apprentice is driven to look
within his faith, life and God and to get a clear look at his inner self. The apron
worn 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.
26°
- Prince of Mercy or Scottish Trinitarian
In this degree we explore for "the
rewards of the trinity of Gods attributes -wisdom or intelligence, force or strength,
harmony or beauty". 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.
27° - Knight Commander of the Temple
This degree teaches the apprentice 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. 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.
28° - Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept
We learn in this degree that our
love for God manifests itself in our love for truth, justice and nobility of soul.
The apron worn is white lambskin, with a vermilion pentagram. The jewel is a gold
five-pointed star.
29° - Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew
The virtues taught in this degree are
"Love of God, loyalty to superiors, faithful adherence to promise and active resistance
to unfair judgment." There is no apron. The jewel is a gold St. Andrew's cross
("X"), surmounted with a knight's helmet with a thistle of gold between the arms
at the bottom. In the center of the cross is a Hebrew YOD, and on its points, clockwise
from bottom, the Hebrew letters N M I N.
30° - Knight of Kadosh or Knight of the White Black Eagle
The lesson of this
degree is to be true to ourselves, to stand for what is right and to be just in
our lives today with a belief in God, country and oneself. There is no apron, but
the jewel is a gold Teutonic cross, enameled in red, with a silver double-headed
eagle, with wings spread pointing downward, resting upon it.
31° - Inspector Inquisitor
In this degree the apprentice learns prayerful
self-examination. The mistakes today should not be committed tomorrow. Simply, the
daily look at ones self tolerant to live with the future. No apron is worn in the
Supreme Tribunal, but the traditional apron displayed is of pure white lambskin
with a Teutonic Cross of black and silver embroidered upon the flap. The jewel is
a silver Teutonic cross. The jewel is suspended from a white collar, with a gold
triangle with a "31"inside it.
32° - Master of the Royal Secret
The lessons taught in this degree are that
genuine brotherhood requires mutual regard, opinion, esteem and charity. We always
look for the good in all, make allowances for others' shortcomings. We trust
the Supreme Architect to lead us to friendship, morality and brotherly love. The
apron worn in this degree is white, lined in black, with a double-headed eagle and
a plan of the Camp of the Princes. The jewel worn is a golden Teutonic Cross. In
the center are the letters XXXII, surrounded by a green wreath. The cap of a Master
of the Royal Secret is black silk with a black band trimmed in gold. In the center
front is a double-headed eagle emblem with a rayed equilateral triangle above in
gold. The triangle is red, has 32° in its center, and is trimmed with gold.
Court of Honour
Knight Commander of the Court of Honour: At the biennial session
of the Supreme Council certain Masters of the Royal Secret, having held that degree
for at least forty-six months prior to the session, are chosen to receive the Rank
and Decoration of Knights Commander of the Court of Honour. These are chosen from
the ranks of the Consistory for special service to Masonry, or to mankind, by the
Deputy or Sovereign Grand Inspector General. The Knight Commander of the Court of
Honour may be recognized by the red cap they are entitled to wear. The rank of KCCH,
if petitioned or asked for, must be refused.
Thirty-Third Degree (33°): Inspector General Honorary
Inspector General Honorary:
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. The 33° cannot
be asked for and if asked for must be refused. At its biennial session the Supreme
Council elects members of the Rite to receive the Degree. 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.
33° - Inspector General
The active members of the Supreme Council are chosen
from among Inspector General Honorary. The purple cap denotes a 33º Sovereign Grand
Inspector General and an active member.
Grand Cross of the Court of Honour: This is the highest individual honor that The
Supreme Council bestows. It is voted very rarely to Thirty-third Degree Masons only
for the most exceptional and extraordinary services. The Grand Cross cap is white
with a blue band. On the front is a replica of the Grand Cross jewel, which is composed
of a Teutonic Cross, with an embroidered crimson rose with green leaves at its center.
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