High Masonic degrees

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In Freemasonry, the first three Masonic degrees constitute the fundamental degrees in all Rites they are called Blue Lodge of Craft degree.

Contents

Over time, various systems of optional "high Masonic degrees" or "Side Degree" have been added to these three fundamental degrees, practiced in workshops known as perfection lodges or chapters.

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History

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Early Origins (Pre-1717)

The earliest documented form of Freemasonry emerged from the operative masonic guilds of medieval Europe. During this period, it is mostly admitted that the craft maintained a simple two-degree system that directly reflected the practical organization of stonemason's work. [1] Although some traditions such as the Operative Masons, maintain that the craft contained seven degrees before it was reduced to two. [2] [3] [4] Some tradition maintain that the third degree legend was part of the second degree, while some other claim that it was a mystery played during feasts. [5]

That no Master or fellow shall take any apprentice as his apprentice unless for seven years, and that apprentice be able of birth and of living as he ought to be." - The William Watson Manuscript

— William Watson, The William Watson Manuscript 1535

[7]

Archaeological evidence from early lodge minutes, particularly from Scottish lodges, shows that this two-degree system was well-established by the late 16th century. [8]

Transformation to Speculative Masonry (1717-1725)

The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 marked a crucial transition period in Masonic history. During this time, the craft greatly shifted from operative to speculative Masonry, (this shift had started in the late 1500s) focusing more on moral, esoteric and philosophical teachings rather than practical stonework. [9]

Introduction of the Third Degree

Although still heavily debated, the modern consensus claims that The Master Mason degree was cemented around 1725 in London, [10] marking a significant evolution in Masonic ritual and symbolism, this legend was in direct competition with another "Noachite" legend. [11] Other Scholar claim that the legend existed far before this date as it is hinted at in earlier rituals. This development: [12] [13]

  • Established the three-degree system that would become fundamental to all Masonic Rites
  • Created a more complex symbolic structure for Masonic teaching

Proliferation of Higher Degrees (1730-1760)

The period between 1730 and 1760 saw an unprecedented expansion in Masonic degrees, particularly in France and continental Europe. [14]

Cultural Influences

Several factors contributed to this proliferation:

  • Enlightenment Philosophy
    • Interest in esoteric knowledge and ancient mysteries
    • Emphasis on rational inquiry and systematic learning
    • Integration of Hermetic and Kabbalistic traditions
  • Political Context
    • Rise of enlightened absolutism
    • Social upheavals in pre-revolutionary France
    • Growing influence of nobility in Masonic lodges
  • Religious Developments
    • Tensions between traditional Christianity and new philosophical ideas
    • Integration of mystical and esoteric Christian traditions
    • Influence of Rosicrucianism and other esoteric movements [15]

Major Centers of Development

LocationNotable ContributionsKey Figures
ParisDevelopment of Scottish Master degreeChevalier Ramsay
LyonStrict Observance systemJean-Baptiste Willermoz
BordeauxPerfection RiteStephen Morin
LondonRoyal Arch developmentsLaurence Dermott

Systematization Period (1760-1800)

By the 1760s, over one hundred distinct Masonic degrees had been created. [16] This proliferation led to efforts to systematize and organize these degrees into coherent systems.

Major Developments

Notable Systems

French Rite The French Rite was systematized in 1786 with the publication of the Régulateur du Maçon, establishing a seven-degree system: [17]

  1. Élu (Elect)
  2. Grand Élu (Grand Elect)
  3. Chevalier d'Orient (Knight of the East)
  4. Rose-Croix
  5. Additional administrative grade

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite Developed through several stages:

  • Initial formation in Charleston, South Carolina (1801)
  • Expansion to France (1804)
  • Global spread throughout the 19th century

Modern Period (1800-Present)

The 19th and 20th centuries saw:

Contemporary Organization

Modern Masonic degrees are typically organized under different governing bodies:

  • Blue/Craft Lodges (first three degrees) under Grand Lodges
  • Scottish Rite bodies under Supreme Councils
  • York Rite bodies under state/national organizations
  • Independent orders maintaining their own degree systems

Practice

In most systems, Lodges that practice the "high degrees" are distinct from the lodges of the first three degrees. They have different names, varying depending on the degrees they confer, but are also referred to under the generic term "higher lodges" or "lodges of perfection." In general, these lodges are organized separately from the obediences (grand lodges or grand orients) that federate the lodges of the first three degrees.

High degrees according to the rites

Rectified Scottish Rite

Inner Order:

Secret Class:

French Rite

According to the Regulator of Masonic Knights of 1786:

Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

The degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite vary from one jurisdiction to the next. The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and Southern Jurisdiction, each have their own lists of degrees, as well as Scottish Rite jurisdictions in France, Canada, England and Wales.

Egyptian Masonic Rites

Loges of Perfection:

Chapters:

Senates:

Areopaguses and Tribunals:

Grand Consistories:

Grand Councils:

Grand Tribunals:

Grand Mystical Temples:

Sovereign Sanctuaries:

York Rite

Chapter - "Royal Arch"

Council - "Cryptic Masonry"

Commanderies - "Knights Templar"

References

  1. ↑ Stevenson, David. The Origins of Freemasonry: Scotland's Century, 1590-1710. Cambridge University Press, 1988.
  2. ↑ https://www.theoperatives.org/ [ bare URL ]
  3. ↑ https://adslor.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/129-The-Operatives.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  4. ↑ https://verity59.org/uploads/3/4/7/7/34770163/1911_operative_masons_-_ritual.pdf [ bare URL PDF ]
  5. ↑ https://theoldcharges.com/chapter-21.html [ bare URL ]
  6. ↑ https://www.freemasonryresearchforumqsa.com/1535-william-watson-manuscript.php [ bare URL ]
  7. ↑ https://www.freemasonryresearchforumqsa.com/1535-william-watson-manuscript.php [ bare URL ]
  8. ↑ Lyon, David Murray. History of the Lodge of Edinburgh (Mary's Chapel) No. 1. Blackwood, 1873.
  9. ↑ Knoop, Douglas, and G. P. Jones. The Genesis of Freemasonry. Manchester University Press, 1947.
  10. ↑ Dachez, Roger. Histoire de la franc-maçonnerie française. PUF, Paris, 2003, p. 61.
  11. ↑ https://www.thesquaremagazine.com/mag/article/202102the-noachite-legend-and-the-craft/#:~:text=The%20Noachide%20system%20could%20be,in%20this%20legend%20is%20Noah. [ bare URL ]
  12. ↑ https://www.thesquaremagazine.com/mag/article/202206the-edinburgh-register-house-manuscript/ [ bare URL ]
  13. ↑ http://www.themasonictrowel.com/Articles/Manuscripts/manuscripts/edinburgh_register_house_ms_1696.htm [ bare URL ]
  14. ↑ Naudon, Paul. Histoire générale de la franc-maçonnerie. Office du Livre, 1981.
  15. ↑ Yates, Frances A. The Rosicrucian Enlightenment. Routledge, 1972.
  16. ↑ Bernheim, Alain. "The Origin of Masonic High Degrees." Heredom, vol. 5, 1996.
  17. ↑ Ligou, Daniel. Histoire des Francs-Maçons en France. Privat, 2000.
  18. ↑ Bogdan, Henrik. Western Esotericism and Rituals of Initiation. SUNY Press, 2007.
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