There are two main lessons found in this degree.  First, that simple faith is wiser than vain philosophy.  Secondly, that a society's concept of the Deity and the universe are consistent with its development.   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.

 

There are three lessons found in this degree.  First, that there is power of faith in the Deity and his promises.  Secondly, that the soul is immortal.  Thirdly, that there is one, true God, who is pure, absolute intellect and existence.  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.

Duties: Fulfill your Destiny and Re-create Yourself by Reformation, Repentance and Enlarging your Knowledge

 

There are three main lessons found in this degree.  First, that man is composed of the flesh, the soul and the intellect.  Secondly, that man is a reflection of the Divine.  Thirdly, that you are warned to not weary God with petitions.  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.

Duties: Be a Lover of Wisdom.  Be Faithful to the Promises you made within Masonry

There are five lessons that are taught in this degree.  First, that nature reveals a power and wisdom and continually points to God.  Secondly, that the visiblee is the manifestation of the invisible.  Thirdly, that in the universe, two opposite forces provide balance.  Fourthly, that there is no death, only change.  Fifthly, that the moral code of Masonry is more extensive than that of philosophy.  We are taught 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.

Duties: Be Devoted to Truth, Honor, Loyalty, Justice, and Humanity

There are two lessons found in theis degree. First, that Masonry is practical and requires its members to be actively involved in life.  Secondly, that virtue and duty have been the ssame in all times.  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.

Duties: Labor Unceasingly for the Good of Mankind

 

There are two lessons taught in this degree.  First, that you should arm yourself with faith in God, love toward your fellow men and knowledge.  Secondly, that great examples are the noblest legaciees from the past; they enrich a nation more than wealth or power.  We are taught in this degree 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.