Freemasonry is a fraternal organization that has been in existence since the late 1600s. The highest degree of Freemasonry is the 33rd degree, and only a select few are ever given this honor. Those who attain this degree are known as 33rd Degree Masons, and they are said to possess a special knowledge that is not available to the general public. This knowledge is closely guarded and is only imparted to other members of the fraternity. In this article, we will explore what 33rd Degree Masons know and how their knowledge is obtained.
33rd Degree Masonry, also known as the Scottish Rite, is a branch of Freemasonry that consists of 33 degrees or levels. It is an appendant body of the Masonic fraternity that requires additional study and understanding beyond that of the three Blue Lodge degrees. Members of 33rd Degree Masonry are highly esteemed within the Masonic community and are often referred to as “Masonic scholars” due to their extensive knowledge and understanding of Freemasonry.
History of 33rd Degree Masonry
The 33rd Degree of Freemasonry is an honorary degree bestowed upon select Masons for their outstanding service and dedication to the fraternity. The degree is part of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, which is an appendant body of Freemasonry that operates under its own independent Supreme Councils in various countries throughout the world. The 33rd Degree is conferred by these Supreme Councils on members who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, service and leadership in the craft.
The 33rd Degree originated in 1801 when a group of American Freemasons gathered to form the first Supreme Council in Charleston, South Carolina. At this time, there were only three degrees in Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite sought to expand upon these degrees with a system that featured thirty-three levels of advancement known as “degrees” or “grades”. The thirty-third degree was reserved for those masons who had earned all thirty-two degrees and had demonstrated exemplary service to their respective lodges or councils.
Today, each Supreme Council has the authority to bestow the 33rd Degree upon those Masons who have made significant contributions to their local lodges or councils as well as to Freemasonry at large. To be considered for this honor, a Mason must be recommended by his peers and be approved by his local lodge or council before being submitted for consideration by his respective Supreme Council. Once approved, a Mason may be invited to receive his 33rd Degree during one of the formal ceremonies held by his respective Supreme Council.
The ritual associated with receiving the 33rd Degree includes a lecture on the history of Freemasonry as well as other topics related to Masonic philosophy and symbolism. After completing these rituals, a recipient is granted full membership in his respective Supreme Council with all rights and privileges pertaining thereto. He may also choose to pursue further Masonic studies through specialized schools administered by various Grand Lodges or through independent study groups affiliated with various Masonic research organizations.
In summation, 33rd Degree Masonry is an honorary degree bestowed upon select Masons who have demonstrated exceptional knowledge, service and leadership within the craft. It is conferred only after approval from one’s local lodge or council as well as from one’s respective Supreme Council after completion of all thirty-two degrees. Upon receiving this degree, recipients gain full membership in their respective Supreme Councils with all rights and privileges pertaining thereto while also being able to pursue further Masonic studies through specialized schools or research organizations affiliated with Grand Lodges around the world.
What are the Beliefs of 33rd Degree Masons?
33rd Degree Masons, also known as Scottish Rite Freemasons, adhere to a set of beliefs and principles that guide their actions and behavior. These beliefs include the belief that each person should strive for personal growth and development, as well as the belief that it is important to help others. They also believe in God, regardless of religious background or denomination.
Furthermore, 33rd Degree Masons believe in the importance of upholding certain principles such as integrity, honesty, justice and charity. These principles are used to guide their daily lives and decisions. They also believe in respect for all people regardless of race, sex, religion or political affiliation.
Additionally, 33rd Degree Masons believe that it is important to have a sense of civic duty and responsibility. This includes participating in community events and activities as well as being an active member in society. They also strive to be good citizens by following laws and regulations set forth by governments.
Therefore, 33rd Degree Masons place a high value on education and learning new skills. They understand that through education they can achieve greater understanding of themselves and the world around them. They also believe in using knowledge to benefit themselves and others in various ways such as providing support for charities or helping those in need.
Who are Eligible to Become 33rd Degree Masons?
The 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is an honorary degree awarded by the Supreme Council to those members of the Rite who have made significant contributions to Masonry, the community, or any other field of endeavor. To be eligible for this honorary degree, a Mason must have held certain offices in their local lodge and must have achieved a high level of proficiency in Masonic knowledge. Additionally, candidates must have been active in their local Lodge for at least ten years before being recommended for consideration by a member of the Supreme Council.
The requirements to become a 33rd degree Mason are quite strict and involve several levels of evaluation. Upon recommendation from a member of the Supreme Council, potential candidates will first be evaluated by their local Lodge. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Masonic knowledge and have held certain offices within their Lodge. Once their qualifications are verified and accepted by their local Lodge, they will then be evaluated at a state level by either the Grand Master or Deputy Grand Master of their particular state.
Once they pass this evaluation process at the state level, potential candidates will then be evaluated at a national level by the Supreme Council itself. This evaluation process includes interviews with current 33rd degree Masons and further review of the candidate’s qualifications. If accepted at this stage, they will then receive an invitation to appear before all members of the Supreme Council to discuss why they believe they should receive this honor.
After all evaluations are complete and accepted, only then may a Mason ascend to 33rd degree status within Freemasonry. While it is certainly not easy to achieve such an honor within Freemasonry, those who do attain it can take pride in knowing that they possess both an exemplary knowledge of Freemasonry as well as an exemplary commitment to its principles and ideals.
The Ritual of a 33rd Degree Freemason
The 33rd degree is the highest level of Freemasonry. It is conferred on a select few who have stood out in their commitment to the organization and demonstrated exceptional service to the Freemasonry principles. The ritual held for a 33rd degree Mason is an elaborate ceremony that symbolizes their achievement and honors them for their dedication. Here are some of the main components of the ritual:
- The candidate is brought into a room decorated with various symbols of Freemasonry, such as globes, compasses, and suns.
- The candidate is presented with a robe, which they must wear throughout the ceremony.
- They then proceed to recite various oaths and pledges to uphold the principles of Freemasonry.
- A lecture is then presented to them which explains the importance of their new status as a 33rd degree Mason.
- At this point, they are presented with a jewel that symbolizes their new rank within the organization.
- They must then recite an oath in which they promise to uphold the values and teachings of Freemasonry.
Therefore, they are given a sash which bears the insignia of their new degree. This sash must be worn at all official Masonic ceremonies. The ritual ends with words of congratulations from other members present. The 33rd degree Mason is now an important part of Masonic culture and tradition, and will be remembered by his fellow Masons for generations to come.
What Do 33rd Degree Masons Know About the Order?
33rd degree Masons, or members of the Scottish Rite, are a select group of Freemasons who have gone through additional degrees beyond the third degree to become masters. They are highly knowledgeable about the history and rituals of Freemasonry. 33rd degree Masons have access to some of the most sought-after secrets in the Masonic Order, including its hidden symbols and esoteric teachings.
33rd degree Masons possess a deep understanding of Masonic principles and rituals, including their history, symbolism, and philosophy. They understand how these elements are interrelated and how they work together to shape their beliefs. 33rd degree Masons also understand how these principles can be used in practical ways to benefit both their individual lives and their communities at large.
33rd degree Masons recognize that Freemasonry is based on friendship, morality, and brotherly love. These values are woven into all aspects of Freemasonry, from its initiation rituals to its charitable works. 33rd degree Masons strive to uphold these values in all aspects of their lives.
33rd degree Masons have a thorough understanding of Masonic symbolism and its role in creating a successful Masonic experience. They recognize how symbols can be used to teach important lessons about life as well as communicate ideas that would otherwise remain hidden from view. Additionally, 33rd degree Masons understand that symbols can be powerful tools for creating meaningful connections between members within a Lodge or with other Lodges in the area.
Therefore, 33rd degree Masons are aware of the need for secrecy within Freemasonry and take great care to protect its secrets from those who do not belong to the Order. This includes keeping all proceedings confidential unless authorized by higher authorities within the organization.
In short, 33rd Degree Masons possess an unparalleled knowledge of Freemasonry as an order and as an influential force for good in our world today. Through their deep understanding of Masonic principles and rituals, they strive to uphold these values in everything they do while protecting its secrets from those who do not belong to it.
Are There Any Special Requirements for 33rd Degree Masons?
The 33rd degree is the highest degree that can be achieved by Masons in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. To achieve this degree, Masons must have completed all the previous degrees and have been a member of the fraternity for at least 14 years. Other requirements include being an active member of a Masonic Lodge and being recommended by two current 33rd-degree Masons.
In order to be accepted into the 33rd-degree, Masons must also demonstrate exemplary character, integrity, and commitment to Freemasonry. They must also be able to demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Masonic principles, rituals, history, and philosophy.
The process of achieving the 33rd-degree is lengthy and requires dedication and hard work. The candidate will need to undergo a series of tests and examinations conducted by members of the Supreme Council in order to prove their knowledge of the craft. After passing these tests, they will be asked to make a formal presentation on a topic related to Freemasonry or its philosophy.
Once all requirements have been met, the candidate will be nominated for election by their peers in the Supreme Council. If elected, they will then receive their 33rd-degree certificate from the Grand Commander or other designated official in a formal ceremony. This ceremony is traditionally held during an annual meeting of Supreme Councils or at one of its regional meetings throughout the world.
The responsibilities that come with achieving this highest degree are many. Those who are elected as 33rd-degree Masons become part of an elite group within Freemasonry who are expected to uphold its values and principles while serving as mentors and leaders for other members within the fraternity. As such, they are expected to serve with humility and dedication as examples for others to follow within Freemasonry’s ranks.
33rd and 32nd Degrees
The 33rd and 32nd degrees are two of the highest degrees of achievement in Freemasonry, a fraternal organization. Both degrees are part of the Scottish Rite, an esoteric system of Freemasonry that emphasizes philosophical, spiritual, and moral teachings. The 32nd degree is the highest degree in the Scottish Rite and is often referred to as “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret”. The 33rd degree is an honorary degree given to those who have done exceptional work in service to Masonry.
The primary difference between the 33rd and 32nd degrees is that the 33rd degree is an honorary award and does not require additional initiation or study. While both degrees require a commitment to Masonic principles, only those who have attained the 32nd degree have completed all of the required initiations and studies.
In terms of symbolism, both degrees feature symbols related to Masonic teachings such as light, truth, justice and equality. However, those who have earned their 33rd degree also receive a special jewel shaped like a double-headed eagle which symbolizes spiritual illumination.
In order to receive either degree from a local Scottish Rite jurisdiction, members must be nominated by their peers for recognition due to outstanding service or achievements within Masonry. Those nominated for either degree must demonstrate a dedication to their Masonic principles and display outstanding character traits such as integrity, loyalty, charity and leadership.
In reflection, while both 33rd and 32nd degrees represent high levels of achievement within Freemasonry they differ in terms of requirements for attainment as well as symbolism associated with each respective degree. The 33rd degree is an honorary award given for exceptional service while the 32nd requires completion of all initiations and studies within Masonry’s Scottish Rite system.
Final Words On What Do 33Rd Degree Masons Know
The 33rd degree of Masonry is a high honor, one that requires a great deal of study and dedication. Those who have attained this level have a deep understanding of Masonic principles and are often looked to as role models for younger Masons. It is an honor to be a 33rd degree Mason, but it is also not something that is taken lightly. 33rd degree Masons have the responsibility to uphold the highest standards of Masonic principles and practices.
It is clear that 33rd degree Masons know quite a bit about the principles and practices of Freemasonry. They understand the importance of brotherly love, relief, truth, and charity in their everyday lives. They recognize the importance of living in harmony with their fellow man, and they strive to be an example for all who follow in their footsteps.
Additionally, 33rd degree Masons must continually strive to increase their knowledge and understanding of Freemasonry so that they can better serve those around them. They understand that it takes more than just memorizing facts and figures to truly understand what Masonry stands for. It requires an open mind, willingness to learn from others, and dedication to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of Masonry.
33rd degree Masons also realise that it takes more than just knowing facts about Freemasonry; it also takes action. They must stay true to their beliefs by being involved in their local lodges as well as other Masonic activities such as charity work or helping others in need. This helps them stay connected with other members while also making sure they are living up to the highest standards set forth by Freemasonry.
In reflection, 33rd degree Masons know a great deal about Freemasonry and its principles. They take great pride in their knowledge and strive constantly for self-improvement so they can best serve those around them. Through dedication, hard work, and continuous striving for excellence they will always remain an example for those who follow in their footsteps.