Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Freemasonry ? What You Need ...

Among the secret societies we know of in the world today, Freemasonry is considered to be one of the most influential. Due to their secretive nature and the use of Masonic symbols, ritual and insignia, the Freemasons have attracted a lot of speculation over the centuries. If you are asking ?what is freemasonry? you need to know that there are multiple types, some are related to each other while others are independent. Many branches of freemasonry began to spring up in the 1730?s as it spread across Europe. The two prime Bodies are known as the ?Scottish Rite? and ?York Rite?, while these two paths share common similarities, they have stark differences also. This article highlights some of the key features of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

Scottish Rite Freemasonry: Some History

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of freemasonry is the most widely known, well established and influential of the Masonic rites. With historical connections to the Knights Templar its success as the most widely established system of freemasonry is due in part to the work of Albert Pike, 33rd degree Sovereign Grand Inspector General, who wrote several books on the subject. Of note is his work entitled Morals and Dogma. The Supreme Council was established in 1801 and it is this body that presides over the Scottish Rite to this day.

Originally there were only three Masonic degrees that could be attained, however, with the spread of Freemasonry several new degrees were created; however these were initially kept secret. The Masonic rituals used in the first two degrees of the Scottish rite, namely; Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft Mason, date back to Middle Age rites of Scottish stonemason guilds. The initiation ritual of the 3rd degree Master Mason is based on material handed down through Worshipful Masters from the early part of the 18th century. Much of the Scottish Rites secret symbols, handshakes and passwords have been passed down from the Middle Age guilds.

The color blue was historically associated with ancient free and accepted masonry and has remained in use to this day. An example can be found on Masonic aprons which contain blue lining. The form of ?speculative masonry? being discussed here is often referred to as the ?Blue Lodge?. There is also a ?Red Lodge? which has a stronger emphasis on the symbolic rebuilding of the Temple of Solomon. This is also known as the ?Royal Arch Degree?.

Divisions and Degrees in Scottish Rite Masonry

The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite has 33 attainable degrees. Every Masonic Lodge in the order must come under the jurisdiction of a Grand Lodge, and every Lodge is presided over by a ?Worshipful Master?. The Scottish Rite focuses on individual liberty, citizenship and morality. Since it does not profess to defend or relate to any one faith, it accepts members from all religious denominations. Only men who have attained full legal age can join provided they have a belief in one supreme Creator.

The Scottish Rite has four core bodies:

1. Lodge of Perfection ? This division contains the 4th (Secret Master) ? 14th (Grand Elect Mason) degrees. Founded in Albany, 1767, its full title is the: ?Ineffable Lodge of Perfection?.
2. Chapter of Rose Croix ? This division contains the 15th (Knight of the East, of the Sword, or Eagle) ? 18th (Knight Rose Croix) degrees.
3. Council of Kadosh ? This division contains the 19th (Grand Pontiff) ? 30th (Knight of Kadosh, or Knight of the White and Black Eagle) degrees.
4. Consitory ? This divisions contains only the 31st (Inspector Inquisitor) ? 32nd (Master of the Royal Secret) degrees.

One final division is the ?Court of Honour? which is reserved for those who have contributed greatly to the Order. This contains the 33rd (Inspector General Honorary) degree, Knight Commander of the Court of Honour and, Grand Cross of the Court of Honour. The latter is the highest single honour a Freemason can hope to achieve. It is reserved only for 33rd degree Masons who have been outstanding in their performance of service to the lodge.

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Source: http://toddsblogs.com/referenceandeducation/2012/06/29/ancient-and-accepted-scottish-rite-freemasonry-what-you-need-to-know/

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