Chapter of Rose
Croix, Degree Descriptions
The Degree
description below is reprinted with the permission of the Scottish Rite
Journal.
Eighteenth
Degree
Knight
Rose Croix
J
im
Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross
PO
Box 70, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044–0070
Photo: Oil painting by Bro. Robert H. White,
32°
The
18° is the final Degree in the Chapter of Rose Croix, and it
marks a major
milestone in the progress of the candidate. There are two sets of
regalia for the Degree, which correspond to the two major "Apartments"
into which the Degree is divided.
The apron
(right) of the Chamber of Darkness (which represents the world lost in
systems of philosophy which have failed to bring peace and harmony, the
world in which the Word is lost) is black, with a large red passion
cross on the body of the apron. The cordon is black, lined with red,
and embroidered with a red passion cross. The jewel pertaining to the
Chamber of Darkness is the compasses, open to 60°, resting on a
quadrant, or segment of a circle. The compasses are crowned. Resting on
the quadrant is an eagle in silver with its head lowered. Its wings are
open but not spread. Above the eagle is a passion cross in crimson.
The apron
of the Chamber of Light (which represented the world after the
rediscovery of the Word) is white, bordered in crimson. On the body of
the apron is embroidered the jewel of the Chamber of Light. It is an
open, crowned compasses as described above. Resting on the quadrant is
the nest of a pelican, containing seven hatchlings. Perched on the edge
of the nest is the pelican, piercing her breast with her beak. It was
anciently believed that the pelican tore her breast to nourish her
young with her own blood. Thus the pelican became a symbol of
self-sacrifice, philanthropy, and devotedness. It also symbolized the
bounty of nature, from which all living things draw their sustenance.
Behind the silver pelican is a crimson passion cross. At the base is a
sprig of acacia, and at the point of the cross bar is a crimson rose in
full bloom. The regalia for the Chamber of Light also includes a
crimson collar from which the jewel hangs.
To add to
the symbolism, the two aprons are, in fact, the front and back of the
same apron, and the jewels are the front and back of the same jewel so
that one is easily transformed into the other. In both cases, the
compasses carry their usual Masonic interpretation of spiritual
awareness and self-control. The compasses are crowned to symbolize the
fact that the Mason highest in rank or Degree is only the highest among
his equals. The crown also symbolizes the sovereignty of the people and
the rights of self-government and self-determination.
The eagle
on the jewel symbolizes Supreme Wisdom and Intelligence, deriving that
meaning from the ancient Egyptians who remarked that the eagle's wings
bore him high toward the light and away from the clouds. Thus the eagle
and pelican, together, symbolize, respectively, perfect wisdom and
perfect devotedness.
The cross,
which is part of the design on both sides, is an ancient symbol of
infinity and has been used as a sacred symbol from early
antiquity—far predating Christianity. Thus it may be said to
represent the world or the condition of the world. It also has ancient
associations with suffering and sacrifice. Thus the cross on the
Chamber of Darkness side of the jewel can be taken to represent the
world in suffering when the Word was lost. The rose has ancient
associations with dawn, and thus with hope and a new awakening to life.
The cross with rose on the Chamber of Light side of the jewel thus
represents immortality won by suffering and sorrow. The association
with immortality is strengthened by the addition of the sprig of acacia
at the base of the cross.
All of
these symbols point, of course, to the transformation of the world with
the discovery of the New Law of Love. That Law of Love redefines life
and our responsibilities to others. It is no longer sufficient to say,
"I have done no harm." We no longer have the excuse of ignorance if we
choose to "pass by on the other side." Life becomes a positive
affirmation of the worth of others and oneself. It is this Law which
transforms and directs the raw spirituality of the 17° by
giving it shape and focus and mission. It teaches the great lesson of
the Brotherhood of Mankind under the Fatherhood of God. It affirms that
your obligation is to each person, simply because he or she is a
person. It insists that our common humanity, our common "sonship," is
more important than any divisive consideration—more important
than nationality, creed, race, social position, or wealth. Banished
forever from the lips of a Knight Rose Croix are the words, "God, I
thank thee, that I am not as other men are" (Luke 8:11), for we know we
are, in all that matters, like them indeed.
The Scottish Rite Journal - August 2000
Jim Tresner
is Director of the Masonic Leadership Institute and Editor of The
Oklahoma Mason. A frequent contributor to the Scottish Rite Journal and
its book review editor, Illustrious Brother Tresner is also a volunteer
writer for The Oklahoma Scottish Rite Mason and a video script
consultant for the National Masonic Renewal Committee. He is the
Director of the Thirty-third Degree Conferral Team and Director of Work
at the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma, as well as a
life member of the Scottish Rite Research Society, author of the
popular anecdotal biography Albert Pike, The Man Beyond the Monument,
and a member of the steering committee of the Masonic Information
Center. Ill. Tresner was awarded the Grand Cross, the Scottish Rite's
highest honor, during the Supreme Council's October 1997 Biennial
Session.
