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Degrees, Honors & Caps

Learning by Degrees
The process of progressive initiation by Degrees is one of the most ancient forms of learning. Caves in Greece were used as sites for initiations as were the pyramids in Egypt. Caves were used in ancient Persia, and both mazes and mounds were used by the Druids in England and Ireland. Recently, an initiation labyrinth has been discovered atop one of the highest mountains in Peru, dating from far before the Inca civilization.

You will not be subjected to the months of preparation and physical trial typical of the ancient Mysteries-although it may not hurt to reflect that your ancient Brethren so valued the same information you will receive (while sitting in a padded chair) that they received it, in some cases, while suspended over a pit of fire.

The Degrees of the Scottish Rite are plays, drama in the oldest sense of the work, in which good and evil, insight and ignorance struggle against each other. They are progressive-each building on what has gone before. The characters represent qualities and types more than individuals as we typically think of them now. The lessons they present are as true now as when they were first written down in the mists of antiquity.

The lessons of the Scottish Rite are taken, for the most part, from Antiquity. But the applications of these lessons are as contemporary as tomorrow. The fact is, the conflicts, the choices, decisions, and the ethical dilemmas men face, and the ideals on how we should live, do not change in their basics, even if they change in their circumstances.

Within the Valley of Denver, the Scottish Rite degrees are conferred by four bodies:

Centennial Lodge of Perfection
The degrees of the Lodge of Perfection are better known as the "Ineffable Degrees" of Scottish Rite Masonry because their principal purpose is the investigation and contemplation of the ineffable (unspeakable) name of Deity.
An ivory key 4° - Secret Master
Duty, reflection and study are the gateway to opportunity, as such 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. The teachings: secrecy, obedience, and fidelity.
Sixty degree compasses on a segment of a circle 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 a segment of a circle, to an angle of sixty degrees. The teachings: honesty, sincerity, and good faith.
Three gold triangles in triangular form 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.
A golden key 7° - Provost and 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.
A golden triangle 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.
A dagger with a hilt of gold and a blade of silver 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.
A dagger with a hilt of gold and a 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.
A dagger suspended from a black cordon 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."
A dagger suspended from a black cordon 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 the 12th 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.
A circular 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 “Enochian delta” (hexagram with inscribed Tetragrammation) in the center. The jewel comprises a circular medal of gold.
A quandrant topped by a crown with a nine pointed star and a five pointed blazing star 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 the reverse. The compass is opened on a segment of a circle, inscribed with the numbers 3, 5, 7, 9.


Rocky Mountain Chapter of Rose Croix

The Chapter of Rose Croix attempts to provide the candidate with a deeper understanding of religion, philosophy, ethics and history though a variety of complex "historical degrees." The intellectual challenges presented in these degrees are numerous, and at times overwhelming and can take years to master.
Three gold concentric triangles enclosing two crossed swords 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.
Three gold concentric triangles enclosing 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.
A heptagon of half silver and half gold 17° - Knight of the East and 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.
A gold compass open on a quarter circle with a rose cross between the legs of the compass and under it a pelican 18° - 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.

 

Colorado Council of Kadosh

The word "Kadosh" is a Hebrew word meaning Holy. Although Pike identifies the degrees of the Council of Kadosh as chivalric and philosophical, they are all intensely mystical with respect to the lessons conveyed and symbols employed.
A gold rectangle 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.
Three gold concentric circles 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.
A point up triangle with an arrow point downward 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."
An axe and handle of gold 22° - Knight Royal Axe, Prince 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).
A silver censer held by a handle in the shape of an open hand 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.
The Hebrew letter aleph 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.
A gold tau cross with a serpent etwined around it 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.
A gold triangle with a flaming heart in the center 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.
A five pointed star 27° - 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.
A Teutonic Cross 28° - Knight Commander of the Temple
his 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.
A gold St. Andrew's cross surmounted with a knight's helmet 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, or the Saltire ("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.
A gold Teutonic cross enameled in red with a silver double headed eagle 30° - Knight of Kadosh or Knight of the White and 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.

 

Denver Consistory of Masters of the Royal Secret

The Consistory Degrees are very different from each other in form and content. The 31° reveals the dynamic relationship that has existed for centuries between human law as a means of achieving justice, and divine justice as an ideal. The 32° reviews the degrees of the Lodge of Perfection, the Chapter of Rose Croix and the Council of Kadosh.
A silver Teutonic cross 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 to learn 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.
A golden Teutonic Cross with the letters XXXII 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.

 

Scottish Rite Honours

The Scottish Rite confers a number of honors upon members who have contributed extraordinary service to the Rite, to Masonry in general, and to the world at large.
A passion cross with fancy arms with a trefoil embroidered in green in the center 32° - Knight Commander of the Court of Honour
The Rank of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor is not a Degree, but an Investiture, bestowed upon members deserving recognition for faithful service to the Rite or to mankind. At the biennial session of the Supreme Council, certain Masters of the Royal Secret are chosen to be invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. The respective Sovereign Grand Inspectors General or Deputies nominate members for this honor, and they must also be unanimously approved by The Supreme Council. This Investiture is a prerequisite to receiving the Thirty-third Degree. The Rank of KCCH may not be requested, and if requested must be refused. The Knight Commander Jewel is a Passion Cross with fancy arms, featuring in the center a green trefoil encircled by "Kt. Comm. Court of Honour" embroidered in gold.
The Inspector General Honorary emblem 33° - 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. At its biennial session the Supreme Council elects members of the Rite to receive the Degree. Members unanimously so elected become honorary members of the Supreme Council. The Thirty-third Degree may not be requested, and if requested must be refused. The Degree is granted solely out of recognition for outstanding services. The active members of the Supreme Council are chosen from among them. It should be noted that this is often mistakenly referred to as 'Honorary' 33°. An Inspector General Honorary is a 33° Scottish Rite Mason, but an 'honorary' member of the Supreme Council (without voting rights).
A Teutonic Cross with a crimson rose at the center 33° - Grand Cross of the Court of Honour
This is the highest individual honor that The Supreme Council bestows, with presently less than 90 living recipients. It is voted very rarely to Thirty-third Degree Masons only for the most exceptional and extraordinary services. The Grand Cross Jewel is composed of a gold Teutonic Cross, featuring in the center a crimson rose with green leaves, encircled by "Gr. Cross Court of Honor" embroidered in gold. All Active members of the Supreme Council are deemed ipso facto recipients of the Grand Cross of Honour, although they do not receive the Grand Cross jewel, nor wear the cap.

 

Scottish Rite Caps

In our Blue Lodges, we don aprons inherited from the traditions of the operative stonemasons, men who were builders, as we are called to be in our Blue Lodges. In the Scottish Rite, we are called to be soldiers and defenders, which is why we wear regimental caps symbolic of the medieval tradition of knighthood. As Scottish Rite Masons, we are called to don our helmets, pick up our symbolic swords and shields, and live up to the obligations we have made.
A circular black cap Black Cap
The cap of a Master of the Royal Secret is of circular black silk. It is surrounded with a black band which is trimmed in gold. It has a gold cord, which extends across its top, and is affixed at both sides by a gold button, which is embossed with a double-headed eagle. The front of the cap is adorned by a double-headed eagle in gold bouillon, above whose heads is a red triangle, embellished by golden rays, and bearing the numeral 32.
A black Scots bonnet Black Bonnet
The cap of a Knight of Saint Andrew is a black wool Glengarry bonnet. It is decorated with a red yarn torrie on top with black ribbons attached to the back. The left side of the cap is adorned with a black grosgrain ribbon cockade, upon which is affixed a silver crest badge of the order. Active Knights may wear the Glengarry in place of the conventional 32° black cap during select Scottish Rite ceremonials and special events.
A circular red cap Red Cap
The cap of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor is of circular red silk. It is surrounded with a red band which is trimmed in gold. It has a gold cord, which extends across its top, and is affixed at both sides by a gold button, which is embossed with a double-headed eagle. The front of the cap is adorned by an embroidered version of the Knight Commander Court of Honor jewel, trimmed in gold bullion wire.
A circular white cap White Cap
The cap of an Inspector General Honorary is of circular white silk. It is surrounded with a white band which is trimmed in gold. It has a gold cord, which extends across its top, and is affixed at both sides by a gold button, which is embossed with a double-headed eagle. The front of the cap is adorned by a slanted red two-armed Patriarchal Cross, which is trimmed with gold bullion wire.
A circular white cap with a blue band White Cap with Blue Band
The cap of the Grand Cross of the Court of Honor is of circular white silk. It is surrounded with a blue band which is trimmed in gold. It has a gold cord, which extends across its top, and is affixed at both sides by a gold button, which is embossed with a double-headed eagle. The front of the cap is adorned by an embroidered copy of the Grand Cross Court of Honor jewel, which is trimmed with gold bullion wire.
A circular white cap with a red band White Cap with Scarlet Band
The cap of a Deputy of the Supreme Council is of circular white silk. It is surrounded with a scarlet band which is trimmed in gold. It has a gold cord, which extends across its top, and is affixed at both sides by a gold button, which is embossed with a double-headed eagle. The front of the cap is adorned by a slanted red two-armed Patriarchal Cross, which is trimmed with gold bullion wire.
A circular violet cap Violet Cap
The cap of a Sovereign Grand Inspector General is of circular violet silk. It is surrounded with a violet band slightly darker than the cap itself, and this is trimmed in gold. The band is adorned with laurel vine, leaf, and berry. The cap has a gold cord, which extends across its top, and is affixed at both sides by a gold button, which is embossed with a double-headed eagle. The front of the cap is adorned by a slanted purple two-armed Patriarchal Cross with crosslets, which is trimmed with gold bullion wire.
A circular purple cap Purple Cap
The cap of the Sovereign Grand Commander is of circular purple silk. It is surrounded with a purple band slightly darker than the cap itself, and this is trimmed in gold. The band is adorned with laurel vine, leaf, and berry. The cap has a gold cord, which extends across its top, and affixed at both sides by a gold button, which is embossed with a double-headed eagle. The front of the cap is adorned with a slanted purple three-armed Cross of Salem with crosslets, which is trimmed with gold bullion wire.
A circular blue cap Blue Cap
The cap of a 50 year Scottish Rite Mason is of circular blue silk and is surrounded with a similar blue band trimmed in gold. It has a gold cord extending across its top and is affixed at both sides by a gold button embossed with a double-headed eagle. The front is adorned above the band by the numeral 50 surrounded by a green silk embroidered laurel wreath.