Rose Croix

Rose Croix

The Rose Croix, also known as the 18th Degree of Freemasonry, is a degree within the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, an appendant body of Freemasonry. The Scottish Rite consists of 33 degrees, with the 18th Degree being titled "Knight Rose Croix" or "Sovereign Prince Rose Croix." This degree holds particular significance within the Scottish Rite and is one of the most profound and symbolic degrees in the system.

The 18th Degree, Knight Rose Croix, is centered around Christian symbolism, teachings, and values. It seeks to explore the complex relationship between faith, reason, and philosophy, while emphasizing the importance of achieving a balance between the spiritual and intellectual aspects of life. The degree teaches the principles of universal brotherhood, tolerance, and compassion.

The ritual of the 18th Degree involves a series of allegorical lessons and symbolic elements. One of the central symbols of this degree is the Rose Cross, which represents the union of the rose (symbolizing love, faith, and sacrifice) and the cross (representing suffering and redemption). The rituals and teachings of the 18th Degree encourage Masons to reflect on their own spiritual journey and the importance of living a virtuous and morally upright life.

The Rose Croix degree is conferred in specialized bodies within the Scottish Rite called Chapters of Rose Croix. These Chapters typically consist of members who have attained the 18th Degree or higher. After completing the 18th Degree, Masons continue their journey through the remaining degrees of the Scottish Rite, further exploring the philosophical and symbolic teachings of Freemasonry.

Scottish Rite

The Scottish Rite is an appendant body of Freemasonry that seeks to expand upon the teachings and symbolism of the first three degrees of Craft (or Blue Lodge) Freemasonry. It is divided into a series of 33 degrees, each focusing on different aspects of Masonic philosophy, history, and symbolism.

The degrees from 4° to 17° are described individually in the articles below. These accounts follow Charles T. McClenachan's 1885 book and identify differences in modern titles or interpretations. In his classification, degrees 4°-14° belong to a Lodge of Perfection, 15°-16° to a Council of Princes of Jerusalem, and 17°-18° to a Rose Croix Chapter.

Under the Supreme Council for England and Wales, degrees 4°-17° are conferred by name before the 18° ceremony. The King Edward VII Chapter of Improvement demonstrates Intermediate Degrees at meetings around the country.

• 4° - Secret Master
• 5° - Perfect Master
• 6° - Intimate Secretary
• 7° - Provost and Judge
• 8° - Intendant of the Building
• 9° - Knight Elect of Nine
• 10° - Knight Elect of Fifteen
• 11° - Sublime Knight Elected
• 12° - Grand Master Architect
• 13° - Royal Arch of Enoch
• 14° - Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason
• 15° - Knight of the East or Sword
• 16° - Prince of Jerusalem
• 17° - Knight of the East and West

After the 18th Degree (Knight Rose Croix), a member continues their journey through the remaining degrees of the Scottish Rite, which can be grouped into two categories:

Degrees 19-30: Known as the "Philosophical and Chivalric Degrees," these degrees explore various philosophical, historical, and chivalric themes. Some of the degrees in this group include:

• 19th Degree: Grand Pontiff
• 20th Degree: Master of the Symbolic Lodge
• 21st Degree: Noachite or Prussian Knight
• 22nd Degree: Knight of the Royal Axe or Prince of Libanus
• 23rd Degree: Chief of the Tabernacle
• 24th Degree: Prince of the Tabernacle
• 25th Degree: Knight of the Brazen Serpent
• 26th Degree: Prince of Mercy or Scottish Trinitarian
• 27th Degree: Knight Commander of the Temple
• 28th Degree: Knight of the Sun, Prince Adept
• 29th Degree: Scottish Knight of St. Andrew
• 30th Degree: Knight Kadosh or Knight of the White and Black Eagle

These degrees touch on various aspects of morality, ethics, and spirituality. Many of the degrees draw inspiration from biblical narratives, historical events, and allegorical lessons to impart moral values and principles.

Degrees 31-33: Known as the "Administrative Degrees," these degrees focus on the governance and administration of the Scottish Rite. The 33rd Degree, in particular, is the highest degree in the Scottish Rite and is conferred as an honor to select members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to Freemasonry.

• 31st Degree: Inspector Inquisitor Commander
• 32nd Degree: Master of the Royal Secret or Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret
• 33rd Degree: Inspector General Honorary

It's important to note that the Scottish Rite degrees do not supersede or replace the first three degrees of Craft Freemasonry. Instead, they serve as a supplementary system of education and exploration for those members who wish to delve deeper into the philosophy, symbolism, and teachings of Freemasonry.

In the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States, the Scottish Rite is organized into regional governing bodies called Orients, which are further subdivided into Valleys, where the degrees are conferred in specific bodies such as Lodge of Perfection (4th-14th degrees), Chapter of Rose Croix (15th-18th degrees), Council of Kadosh (19th-30th degrees), and Consistory (31st-32nd degrees).

Historical Background

The origins of the Rose Croix degree are debated among Masonic historians, but it is generally traced to the 18th century, during the development of the Scottish Rite in Europe. The degree likely evolved from earlier chivalric and mystical traditions, including Rosicrucianism and medieval knighthood orders, which influenced Masonic ritualism. Its formal inclusion in the Scottish Rite is credited to the establishment of the Rite’s 33-degree system in France, particularly through the efforts of figures like Étienne Morin and the Council of the Emperors of the East and West in the 1760s.

By 1801, the degree was codified within the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States by the Supreme Council in Charleston, South Carolina, under Albert Pike’s later refinements in the 19th century. Pike’s work, notably in Morals and Dogma (1871), elevated the Rose Croix degree to a cornerstone of Scottish Rite philosophy, blending Christian symbolism with universal spiritual themes.

While rooted in Christian allegory, the degree is not exclusively denominational and has been interpreted broadly to accommodate Freemasonry’s ecumenical principles.

Structure and Conferral

The Rose Croix degree is typically conferred in a ceremonial setting within a Chapter of Rose Croix, distinct from the Lodge or Consistory settings of other degrees. The ritual is divided into two main sections:

• The Historical Section: Recounts the loss and rediscovery of the "Word" (a symbolic representation of divine truth), drawing on Christian narratives such as the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
• The Philosophical Section: Focuses on the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity, encouraging the candidate to reflect on their spiritual and moral duties.

Candidates must have completed the preceding 17 degrees of the Scottish Rite and demonstrate a commitment to the Rite’s moral and philosophical teachings. The degree is often conferred during a special ceremony tied to the Easter season, reflecting its Christian themes.

Symbolism

The Rose Croix degree is replete with layered symbolism:

• Rose and Cross: The rose represents love, life, and spiritual awakening, while the cross signifies sacrifice and redemption. Together, they echo Rosicrucian imagery and Christian mysticism.
• Pelican: A traditional Christian symbol of self-sacrifice, depicted feeding its young with its own blood, paralleling the degree’s emphasis on charity and compassion.
• Eagle: Represents strength, vision, and the soaring aspiration of the soul toward divine truth.
• Three Virtues: Faith, Hope, and Charity (drawn from 1 Corinthians 13) serve as the degree’s moral foundation, urging Knights to embody these ideals in their lives.

The degree’s colors—black (mourning), red (sacrifice), and white (purity)—are prominently featured in regalia and ritual settings.

Ritual and Ceremony

The Rose Croix ritual is a dramatic and solemn affair, often described as one of Freemasonry’s most moving ceremonies. Key elements include:

• A darkened chamber symbolizing a world in spiritual despair.
• The symbolic journey from darkness to light, mirroring the Resurrection narrative.
• The use of sacred music, incense, and candles to enhance the mystical atmosphere.
• The investiture of the candidate with a collar, jewel (a rose and cross), and apron, signifying their new rank as a Knight.

The ceremony culminates in the candidate’s pledge to uphold the degree’s virtues and pursue the "Lost Word," a metaphor for divine wisdom and universal truth.

Philosophical Themes

The Rose Croix degree transcends its Christian framework to explore universal questions of mortality, redemption, and the human condition. Albert Pike described it as a degree of "spiritual knighthood," urging members to seek enlightenment through contemplation and service to humanity. It bridges the exoteric (outward) teachings of earlier degrees with the esoteric (inner) mysteries of the higher degrees, preparing candidates for the philosophical culmination of the 33rd degree.

Influence and Legacy

The Rose Croix degree has profoundly shaped Scottish Rite Freemasonry, particularly in the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States and jurisdictions worldwide that adopt Pike’s rituals. Its emphasis on Christian symbolism has made it a point of discussion within Freemasonry, which otherwise avoids sectarianism. Some jurisdictions have adapted the degree to emphasize its universal moral lessons over specific religious content.

The degree’s imagery and themes have also influenced esoteric movements outside Freemasonry, including modern Rosicrucian orders and mystical societies. Its focus on personal transformation resonates with contemporary Masonic interpretations of self-improvement and enlightenment.

Variations

Different Scottish Rite jurisdictions present the Rose Croix degree with slight variations:

• Northern Masonic Jurisdiction (USA): Uses a streamlined ritual with less overtly Christian symbolism.
• Southern Jurisdiction (USA): Retains Pike’s elaborate, Christocentric version.
• European Rites: Some incorporate local cultural or historical elements, reflecting the degree’s adaptability.

In Popular Culture

The Rose Croix degree occasionally appears in literature and media as a symbol of secret knowledge or mystical brotherhood, though it is less widely recognized than the broader myths surrounding Freemasonry (e.g., the Knights Templar). Its esoteric nature makes it a favorite in works exploring Masonic mysteries.

References

• Pike, Albert. Morals and Dogma of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, 1871.
• Hutchens, Rex R. A Bridge to Light. Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction, 1988.
• Mackey, Albert G. Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. Macoy Publishing, 1917.

External Links

• Official Site of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction
• Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction