Unlocking the Masonic Journey to the 32nd Degree
The world of Freemasonry is often shrouded in mystery, its symbols and degrees sparking curiosity and speculation. Perhaps no title is more famous, or more misunderstood, than that of the 32nd Degree Mason. It conjures images of secret knowledge, of immense power, of an inner circle operating at the highest echelons of a hidden society. But what does it truly mean to achieve this degree? The reality is far more profound, and infinitely more interesting, than the conspiracy theories suggest. It is not an endpoint, but a doorway. It is not a rank of power, but a path of continuing education. This is the true story of the 32nd Degree, a journey into the heart of Masonic philosophy.
What exactly is a 32nd Degree Mason?
A 32nd Degree Mason is a Master Mason who has chosen to continue his Masonic education by joining the appendant body known as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. This individual has received the series of degrees from the 4th to the 32nd, each of which builds upon the symbolic lessons of the first three degrees.
It is crucial to understand that the Scottish Rite is an optional, supplementary path. It is not a promotion or a higher level of authority within the structure of Freemasonry. A Mason’s foundational identity and the highest rank he can ever achieve is that of a Master Mason, the third degree, which is conferred in his local or "Blue" Lodge. The Scottish Rite offers "more light," a deeper and broader exploration of the themes introduced in the Blue Lodge.
Think of it like university. The first three degrees are the core undergraduate curriculum, essential for everyone. The Scottish Rite is a graduate program, a specialized field of study for those who wish to delve deeper into subjects like philosophy, ethics, history, and comparative religion through a Masonic lens.
How does a Mason reach the 32nd Degree?
A Mason reaches the 32nd Degree by first becoming a Master Mason in good standing and then successfully petitioning to join a local body of the Scottish Rite. Once accepted, he receives the subsequent 29 degrees, culminating in the 32nd Degree, Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret.
What are the requirements to begin?
The sole and non-negotiable prerequisite is that the man must be a Master Mason. He must have been initiated, passed, and raised in a recognized Blue Lodge and remain a member in good standing. This ensures that every member of the Scottish Rite shares the same foundational Masonic experience and understanding. There are no other special qualifications, no secret invitations, and no requirements of wealth or social status. The path is open to any Master Mason who seeks it.
What is the process of joining?
The process mirrors that of joining a Blue Lodge. The Master Mason expresses his interest and submits a petition to his local Scottish Rite Valley, which is a collective of the different bodies that confer the degrees. His petition is reviewed, and he may be interviewed by a committee to ensure his intentions are sincere and his character aligns with the fraternity’s values.
Once his petition is approved, he is invited to attend a "Reunion" or a series of meetings where the degrees are conferred. Unlike the Blue Lodge degrees, which are conferred individually over a period of months, the Scottish Rite degrees are often presented in a group setting over a weekend or a few evenings. They are presented as intricate allegorical plays, with members of the Valley serving as the cast and crew, complete with costumes, sets, and lighting. The candidate is an observer, absorbing the lessons of each drama.
How long does the journey take?
The time it takes to receive the degrees can vary dramatically by jurisdiction. Many Scottish Rite Valleys condense the conferral of the 29 degrees into an intensive two or three-day event known as a Reunion. In this format, a Master Mason can become a 32nd Degree Mason over a single weekend. Other Valleys may spread the degrees out over several months, presenting a few at each meeting. The speed of the process does not change the content or the significance of the lessons presented.
What do 32nd Degree Masons learn?
Thirty-second Degree Masons learn a comprehensive system of morality, ethics, and philosophy through a series of 29 allegorical dramas. These degrees explore the timeless challenges of humanity, encouraging the Mason to contemplate his duties to God, his country, his family, and himself. The curriculum is a journey through history and symbolism, designed to foster personal growth and intellectual curiosity.
The lessons are not secret instructions for world domination, but rather profound allegories about life. They use stories from the age of chivalry, the building of King Solomon’s Temple, and the annals of philosophy to teach virtues. The core purpose is to inspire each member to become a better man and a more active force for good in his community.
What are the central themes of the Scottish Rite degrees?
The central themes are remarkably consistent: truth, honor, and duty. The degrees repeatedly challenge the Mason to be a man of his word, to stand for justice, and to fight against ignorance, tyranny, and intolerance. They champion the cause of the common person, advocate for freedom of thought and religion, and stress the importance of service to humanity.
A significant portion of the teachings revolves around the idea of universalism. The degrees draw lessons from a wide array of historical and spiritual traditions, seeking the common ethical threads that bind all good people together. The goal is to build bridges of understanding, not walls of division.
Is there a hidden philosophy revealed?
The philosophy of the Scottish Rite is not hidden, but it is esoteric, meaning its lessons are revealed through allegory and symbolism and are intended for those who have been prepared to understand them. The "secret" is not a piece of information but a personal interpretation. Each Mason is encouraged to reflect on the plays he witnesses and find his own meaning within them.
The degrees ask profound questions. What is the nature of good and evil? What is our purpose in the universe? What is the best way to live a virtuous life? The Scottish Rite does not provide dogmatic answers, instead, it provides a framework for each man to find his own.
Is the 32nd Degree superior to a Master Mason?
No, the 32nd Degree is absolutely not a higher rank or a position of authority over a Master Mason. The 3rd Degree of Master Mason is the highest and final degree of ancient Craft Masonry, and no Masonic degree is considered superior to it. All Masons, regardless of their appendant body membership, meet as equals in a Blue Lodge.
The relationship is one of continuation, not elevation. A 32nd Degree Mason is simply a Master Mason who has chosen to take additional courses. He has more information and has witnessed more allegorical lessons, but this does not make him a "better" or more important Mason. The true measure of any Mason is not the number of his degree, but the quality of his character and his application of Masonic principles in his daily life.
Think of it this way, a person with a doctorate in literature is not "superior" to a person with a bachelor’s degree in engineering. They have simply pursued different and more extensive paths of learning in their chosen fields. The same is true in Masonry. A 32nd Degree Mason and a Master Mason who is not in the Scottish Rite are Brothers on the level, equal in every way that matters.
What are the symbols of a 32nd Degree Mason?
The most prominent symbol of a 32nd Degree Mason is the double-headed eagle, often surmounted by a crown and resting on a sword. This powerful emblem, known as the Double-Headed Eagle of Lagash, is an ancient symbol of sovereignty and duality, representing the union of opposing forces, such as mercy and justice, or spirit and matter.
This symbol is typically displayed on the regalia of the Scottish Rite. The most common piece of regalia is the black cap, which signifies the member’s equality with his Brothers. The double-headed eagle emblem is often embroidered on the front. Higher-ranking officers or members who have received special honors may wear white caps.
Another key piece of regalia is the jewel of the 32nd Degree. This is often a Teutonic Cross with the double-headed eagle at its center. The jewel is suspended from a cordon, a decorative sash worn over the shoulders. The motto of the degree, "Spes Mea in Deo Est," which translates to "My Hope is in God," is frequently inscribed on the regalia, underscoring the spiritual and philosophical foundation of the Rite.
Why do Masons seek the 32nd Degree?
Masons pursue the 32nd Degree for a multitude of personal and fraternal reasons, primarily centered on a desire for further knowledge, deeper fellowship, and greater opportunities for service. It is a voluntary path chosen by those who found the lessons of the first three degrees so compelling that they wished to explore them in greater detail.
Many are drawn by the intellectual and philosophical depth of the Scottish Rite. The degrees offer a rich and complex curriculum that satisfies a thirst for learning and self-improvement. For men who are lifelong students of history, ethics, and spirituality, the Rite provides a unique and structured environment for exploration.
Others are drawn by the expanded sense of brotherhood. The Scottish Rite brings together Masons from many different Blue Lodges, creating a wider network of friends and Brothers. The shared experience of witnessing the degrees and working on charitable projects together forges powerful and lasting bonds.
Finally, many join to participate in the Scottish Rite’s extensive philanthropic work. The Rite is a major charitable force, most notably through its RiteCare Childhood Language Program, which provides diagnostic evaluation and treatment for children with speech and language disorders, completely free of charge. Being a 32nd Degree Mason means being part of this incredible mission of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What comes after the 32nd Degree?
The 33rd Degree, Inspector General Honorary, is the only degree conferred after the 32nd. It is not earned or applied for. It is an honorary degree bestowed upon members who have demonstrated outstanding service to the fraternity, their community, or humanity. It is a recognition of exceptional work, not a step on the regular Masonic ladder, and only a small percentage of 32nd Degree Masons ever receive it.
Can anyone join the Scottish Rite?
No, membership in the Scottish Rite is exclusively for Master Masons who are in good standing with their Blue Lodge. It is an appendant body, meaning its existence depends upon the foundation of Craft Masonry. The journey begins and ends with the Blue Lodge.
Is the Scottish Rite a religion?
The Scottish Rite is not a religion. It is a fraternity that requires each of its members to profess a belief in a Supreme Being, but it does not prescribe any specific theology or form of worship. It uses lessons from various world religions and philosophies to teach its ethical system, promoting tolerance and respect for all faiths.
How much does it cost to become a 32nd Degree Mason?
The costs vary by jurisdiction, but generally, there is a one-time initiation fee that covers the cost of the degrees, the patent (certificate), and the cap. After that, members pay annual dues to their local Valley to support its operations, building maintenance, and charitable programs. The fees are typically kept at a reasonable level to ensure that membership is accessible to men from all economic backgrounds.
The path to the 32nd Degree is a journey of light, a profound exploration of the self and one’s place in the universe. It is an invitation to think, to question, and to grow. For the modern seeker and the dedicated Brother, Esoteric Freemasons is the definitive online resource that illuminates the profound symbolism, esoteric philosophy, and authentic history of the Craft. We go beyond the surface to reveal the true light of Masonic knowledge. Continue your quest with us, for the work of a true Mason is never done.
