Why is the 33rd degree the highest observed Masonic level?

reply to post by FriedBabelBroccoli

The 33rd is the highest degree in the Scottish Rite. The Masonic Knights Templar is a part of the York Rite. The Commandery of Knights Templar is charged with conferring the following orders: Order of Red Cross, Order of Malta, and Order of the Temple.

reply to post by KSigMason


If, per chance, my suspicion(s) of the "York Rite" and "Scottish Rite" are true...
That would mean (To Me) that:

1) The Freemason(s) of the "Scottish Rite" are - "Fortress Defenders"...
2) The Freemason(s) of the "York Rite" are - "Persuers and Captivators of those who insist on seizing the Fortress"... (once they realize they can not and flee)

Is this a correct definiton???

AND! And If I Am "Pinocchio", Do I Get "Rock" or "Stone" for a chip "Wood" ???
Tis costly you know...

Originally posted by FriedBabelBroccoli
reply to post by bigfatfurrytexan

 

33rd degree is not the highest observed Masonic level.

After one has gone through a blue lodge to York right or Scottish rite they can then pursue the Knights Templar, the Shriners, and Malta.

There are a huge number of side orders that exist. Most of them don't have a degree number attached to them. You can go to Florida or south Georgia and get the chitlin degree once a year I think. But for the sake of argument, the highest degree number in regular masonry is 33. (the now clandestine rite of Memphis Misriam goes up to 99)

Originally posted by FriedBabelBroccoli
After one has gone through a blue lodge to York right or Scottish rite they can then pursue the Knights Templar, the Shriners, and Malta.

You only need to be a Master Mason to become a Shriner.

I, Pinocchio... have learned that I am 33.

Originally posted by AugustusMasonicus

Originally posted by FriedBabelBroccoli
After one has gone through a blue lodge to York right or Scottish rite they can then pursue the Knights Templar, the Shriners, and Malta.

You only need to be a Master Mason to become a Shriner.

that requirement changed a few years ago. Before, you had to be a 32nd degree Scottish rite mason in order to join the shrine.

(I know AM knows this, but it's posted for others)

reply to post by network dude


You only have to be a master mason in good standing in your Blue Lodge. That's it.

reply to post by Noble01


yes sir. I am aware. I was just clarifying the old requirement and that it has changed.

reply to post by network dude


Why the heck would a mason want to join the Shrine?

Those guys dress funny, and have tiny cars.

reply to post by W3RLIED2


No Doubt. in my area, they are all just a bunch of clowns!

If you want to know the reason for the sacredness and uniqueness of the number 33 - far more profound than any of the silly numerologies discussed in previous pages - see here. (advice: you will need to study much of the material in this website in order to grasp the amazing significance of what is proved at this link).

a reply to: bigfatfurrytexan

Im sorry for asking, but a crow whispered in my ear, are you a mason?

originally posted by: bigfatfurrytexan
Now, the number 3 is a very, very important number in mystical and esoteric circles. The trinity is something seen not only in Christianity. Ancient Sumerian beliefs held the trinity near and dear as well, with their association of Anu (the father), Enlil (the son, or the earth), and Enki (the holy spirit, or air).

There can be nothing without something. Emptiness cannot be defined without something to juxtapose against. Therefore, 0 must have a 1. As well, one cannot discern itself without other. This is how you see yourself, observe yourself. It ties into eastern thought systems around how humanity, on a spiritual level, are 1, large, multifaceted piece of the Creator...but i digress.

So for 1 to exist, he must have another, or 2. This is epitomized in the concepts of the monad and duad, yin and yang, male and female. Numerologically speaking, then, 3 represents the Godhead (0+1+2). Of course, numerology is not always the language being spoken in any given text (as there is also esoteric allegory, which is what the rest of this post will deal with).

The number 33 is also considered an important number, and is often represented well in the concepts of Masonry. 33rd degree is the highest that the uninitiated can attain. Why is this?

Manly P. Hall has some good stuff, and you seem to have picked up on the reference to Eastern Schools of thought. With that in mind, how many vertebrae do you have?

There's a couple of good books out there called "Wheels of Life" and "Eastern Body, Western Mind" that ought to help you if you sincerely want to know the significance of the 33. I wouldn't say it's going to give you a conspiracy fix, though.

Because there are 33 steps to enlightenment.

33 bones in the spine leading to the brain.

originally posted by: Pinocchio
reply to post by KSigMason

 

If, per chance, my suspicion(s) of the "York Rite" and "Scottish Rite" are true...
That would mean (To Me) that:

1) The Freemason(s) of the "Scottish Rite" are - "Fortress Defenders"...
2) The Freemason(s) of the "York Rite" are - "Persuers and Captivators of those who insist on seizing the Fortress"... (once they realize they can not and flee)

Is this a correct definiton???

The Scottish Rite has their own Knights called the Knights of Saint Andrew. From what I gather, they are the elite group and the successors of the Knights Templar (apparently after the Knights Templar were disbanded, some fled to Scotland and became the Knights of Saint Andrew).

From what I have personally observed, the Knights of Saint Andrew are the ones guarding the doors, escorting leaders, and always surrounding the top guys. They also have different hats and regalia (I have seen some wearing kilts, but this seems to be for things like parades only). I also heard them referring to each other as "Knight so-and-so" and found out that they have their own rank structure. Their leader is called the "Knight Commander." The higher-ranking guys seem to have more feathers of different colors on their hats.

The biggest thing I noticed was that they wear a Cross of Saint Andrew on their hats, and that this is the same symbol that is at the very center of the 32nd Degree symbol (www.washingtondcschamberofsecrets.com...).

My impression of the Knights of Saint Andrew was that they are nice guys but very serious - even a little intense. They definitely seem to know exactly what is going on.

a reply to: OpSpec
The Knights of St. Andrew is a service club for Scottish Rite Valleys. They take their name from the 29th degree of the Scottish Rite. No, they are not the successors of the Knights Templar. As a service club they have many functions such as serving as honor guard, flag bearers, stage crew during reunions, servers during meals, and fundraisers. We wear a Scottish Glenngarry, and gold denotes a Past presiding officer (some call them Commanders, Chieftains, or just Venerable Master) and silver denotes junior officers as well as members. How a KSA chapter regails themselves is dependent on that chapter.

originally posted by: KSigMason
No, they are not the successors of the Knights Templar.

Well, in the legend of the 29th degree they are, having arrived to aide Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn 24 June 1314, three months after Jacques DeMolay was burned at the stake.