Chapter of Rose Croix Degrees

The Fifteenth through Eighteenth Degrees comprise the Chapter of Rose Croix. IT It commences with the trials of those who have acquired Knowledge, and who wish to climb to yet higher truths. The Chapter of Rose Croix presents Faith, Hope and Charity as sure guides to our actions, and as the safest paths through adversity. We are instructed to follow for them in their highest form of human expression: as Compassion and the Law of Love. By this means we will arrive at a solution to one of the great enigmas of Nature and the manifested world.

Though only four, the degrees of the Rose Croix Chapter contain teachings that are very complex. The degrees are at once religious, historical, moral and philosophical. The intellectual challenges presented in these degrees are numerous, and at times overwhelming and can take years to master.

The 15th and 16th Degrees illustrate the renewal of virtue which brought the Hebrews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the House of the Lord. They anticipate the coming of the Messiah in the 17th Degree which expounds the messianic doctrine of love. The importance of this doctrine is taught in the 18th Degree.

Degree

Description

15th Degree

"Knight of the East, of the Sword, or of the Eagle"

Duties: Rebuild the Masonic Temple of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity in the souls of Men and of Nations

There are two major lessons in this degree. First, to have fidelity to trust, honor and duty. Secondly, to maintain perserverance and constancy under difficulties and discouragements. Fidelity to obligations and perseverance of purpose under difficulties and discouragement are taught in 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.

16th Degree

"Prince of Jerusalem"

Duties: To Direct and Aid those who Labor to Build the Symbolic Temple. Judge Equitably and Fairly. Provide Aid of Whatever Kind to Fellow Princes of Jerusalem. Keep Faith in the Justice and Beneficence of God. Press Forwarrd with Hope for the Persecuted and Oppressed

The lesson of this degree is that we should build Temples of the Living God in our hearts by following Masonic Truth - justice, equity, morality, wisdom, labor, fidelity, brotherhood - to achieve immortality. We learn “heroism of patience, the nobility of self-sacrifice” and compassionate judgment, along with charity, fidelity and brotherhood. The 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.

17th Degree

"Knight of the East and West"

Duties: To Work, to Reflect and to Pray. To Hope, to Trust and to Believe. To Teach the Truths that are Hidden in Allegories and Concealed by the Symbols of Freemasonry

This degree teaches that an army of martyrs have offered up their lives to prove their faith or to benefit mankind. 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.

18th Degree

"Knight of the Rose Croix"

Duties: Practice Virtue that it may Produce Fruits. Labor to Eliminate Vice, and Purify Humanity. Be Tolerant of the Faith and Creed of Others

There are three great lessons of this degree. First, that we should have faith in God, mankind and ourselves. Secondly, that we should hope in the victory over evil, the advancement of humanity, and a hereafter. Thirdly, that charity is relieving the wants and tolerating the errors and faults of others. 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.

Scottish Rite Creed