| |
These degrees, the 4th through the 14th, are called the Ineffable Degrees because their principal purpose is the investigation and contemplation of the ineffable name of Deity. The word "ineffable" derives from the Latin ineffabilis which means something which should not be spoken. As used in these degrees, it refers to the belief of ancient Judaism that the name of God was not to be spoken. This concept forms a metaphor for the Scottish Rite teaching that all of the essential qualities of Deity are incapable of description in language.
These degrees provide many opportunities to reflect on the nature of God and the innate limitations of the language of man to express the inexpressable.
As you reflect on the teachings of these degrees, ponder your own limits of expression and understanding rather than those of others.
Begin now to climb to the skies of spiritual knowledge...
| Degree |
Description |
4th Degree
"Secret Master" |
Duties: Silence, Obedience and Fidelity
There are three lessons associated with this degree. First, that the teachings of Masonry are not to be taken lightly. Secondly, that learning far outlasts physical monuments, and thirdly, that duties are not to be performed expecting reward, but expecting personal satisfaction. Duty, reflection and study are the gateway to opportunity, as one honors those relationships to God, family, country and Masonry. The
apron of the 4th degree is white and black, with a letter “Z” and all-seeing
eye. The jewel of this degree is an ivory key with the letter “Z” on the wards.
|
5th Degree
"Perfect Master" |
Duties: Be Industrious and Honest
There are two lessons to be learned in this degree. First, that life is uncertain and death may call at any time. Secondly, that the noblest portion of humanity is virtue for virtue's sake. This 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 a
segment of a circle, to an angle of sixty degrees.
|
6th Degree
"Intimate Secretary" |
Duties: Be Zealous, Faithful, Disinterested and Benevolent. Act the Peacemaker
The chief lesson of this degree is that zeal and fidelity to duty are always rewarded. We also learn to act as a peacemaker, in case of
disssensions, disputes, and quarrels among the brethren. The apron of the 6th
degree is white, lined and bordered with bright crimson. On the flap is a
triangle with equal sides. In the middle are the Phoenician letters equivalent
to "I" and "H", at the bottom of the apron is the Phoenician letter for "B", in
the upper right-hand corner the letter for "Sh" and in the upper left-hand
corner the equivalent of "N". The jewel represents the sun, moon and mercury
each within one delta in a triple delta configuration.
|
7th Degree
"Provost and Judge" |
Duty: Let Justice be the Guide of all your Actions
There are two lessons taught in this degree. First, that all actions have consequences. Secondly, that you should be just in judging others' motives. 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.
|
8th Degree
"Intendant of the Building" |
Duties: Be Benevolent and Charitable
There are three main lessons in this degree. First, that benevolence and charity demand we correct our own faults and those of others. Secondly, we are reminded that that which a man knows dies with him; therefore, transmit your knowledge. Thirdly, that labor is honorable if done with sobriety, temperance, punctuality and industry. We are taught that 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.
|
 
9th and 10th Degree
"Elu of the Nine and Elu of the Fifteen" |
Duties: To enlighten our souls and minds. To instruct and enlighten the people. To be Vigilant to the Interests and Honor of our Country. Be Tolerant and Liberal. War against Fanaticism and Persecution with Education and Enlightment
The Ninth and Tenth Degrees are taught together in one presentation. There are five lessons taught. First, that ignorance is the principal enemy of human freedom. Secondly, that a free press is indispensable to true liberty. Thirdly, that remorse and guilt are God's punishment and more severe than that of man. Fourthly, that ambition creates tyranny and despotism. Fifthly, that fanaticism creates intolerance and persecution. We are taught truth, candor and generosity. We should use these truths to shape
our lives and conduct. We are taught to be tolerant and respect the opinions
of others. Freedoms of political and spiritual ideologies should be shared by
all. 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 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 both degrees is a dagger, hilt of gold and blade of
silver. |
11th Degree
"Elu of the Twelve or Prince Ameth" |
Duties: Be Earnest, True and Reliable. Be the Champion of the People
There are two lessons taught in this degree. First, that life is a school. Secondly, that Masonry is work. We should have sympathy and be compassionate to our
brother Masons and to all mankind as well. The apron of this 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.”
|
12th Degree
"Master Architect" |
Duties: Seek Wisdom through Knowledge
There are four lessons that we learn of in this degree. First, that wisdom is a gift from God and should be preferred over riches. Secondly, that wisdom and knowledge bring honor, discretion and understanding. Thirdly, that wisdom teaches the knowledge of God. Fourthly, that wisdom enables immortality. We are taught 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 the 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.
|
13th Degree
"The Royal Arch of Solomon or Knight of the Ninth Arch" |
Duties: Be Motivated by Duty and Honor
There are two lessons found in this degree. First, that moral character is a habit, not formed in a moment. Secondly, that the great law of retribution acts in our memory as remorse and at the final judgment. Liberty; in our mind and our hearts, motivated by duty and
honor are taught in this degree. The apron worn is purple, bordered with
white, and with the “Enochian delta” (hexagram with inscribed Tetragrammation)
in the center. The jewel comprises a circular medal of gold.
|
14th Degree
"Perfect Elu" |
Duties: Assist, Encourage and Defend the Brethren. Protect the Oppresssed and Relieve Want and Distress. Enlighten the People. Serve the Common Good and be Fruitful of all Good Works.
There are two lessons found in this degree. First, that Perfect Elus are both bound and free: bound by their obligation and free from prejudice, intolerance and envy. Secondly, that Masons meet on the level because in their lives authority and liberty are in equilibrium. 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 the reverse. The compass is opened on a segment of
a circle, inscribed with the numbers 3, 5, 7, 9.
|
|
|
Scottish Rite Creed
Human progress is our cause, liberty of
thought our supreme wish, freedom of
conscience our mission,and the guarantee
of equal rights to all people everywhere
our ultimate goal.
MASTER CRAFTSMAN
|
