The Companion's Jewel of the Royal Arch

Symbolism

The Companion's Jewel of the Royal Arch is a double triangle, sometimes known as the Seal of Solomon, within a circle of gold; at the bottom is a scroll bearing the words, Nil nisi clavis deest - "Nothing is wanting but the Key;" and on the circle appears the legend, Si talia jungere possis sit tibi scire satis - "If thou canst comprehend these things, thou knowest enough." On the triangle is inscribed EYPHKAMEN (Eurekamen) - invenimus cultor dei civis mundi - "We have found the worship of God, O citizen of the world." On the reverse of the circle are engraven the words, Deo, regi, et fratribus; honor, fidelitas, benevolentia - "For God, king and the brethren; honour, fidelity and benevolence;" and on the reverse of the triangles, Wisdom, Strength, Beauty, Peace, Concord, Truth.

Within these is another triangle, with the sun in the centre, irradiated; a pair of compasses issue from the sun, suspending a globe representing the earth, beneath these is , the triple Tau, signifying, among other occult things, Templum Hierosolyma, the Temple at Jerusalem. It also means Clavis ad Thesaurum - "A key to the treasure" - and Theca ubi res pretiosa - "A place where the precious thing is concealed," or Res ipsa pretiosa - "The precious thing itself." It is usual to add on the scroll the date of the exaltation of the wearer to the Companionship of the Holy Royal Arch.

This Jewel, by its intersections, forms a given number of angles, to be taken in five several combinations, which, being reduced to their amounts in right angles will be found equal to the five regular Platonic bodies, representing the four elements and the Universal Sphere. These combinations will be found respectively to correspond in geometrical value with the five regular solids contained under equal and equilateral triangle equal squares and equal and equilateral pentagons, viz., the Tetrahedron, Octahedron, Cube, Icosahedron and Dodecahedron, which were used by the Platonists to express the four elements and the sphere of the Universe. It may be proper here to state that the Platonic theory was this, that the Universe itself, as well as its subordinate parts, both animate and inanimate, were created by the Deity from the four elements - Fire, Air Water and Earth. It was conceived according to this theory that all created matter must be both visible and tangible. Now, considering Fire as the source of light, it was plain that nothing can be visible without it; and since nothing can be tangible but what is solid, and that the earth is the most properly solid of all the four elements, therefore, all created matter was constituted of Fire and Earth.

Again, it was supposed by the Platonists that no two bodies could unite and cohere without some intervening medium to consolidate them; that two planes required one such medium, and solids two. Therefore, the Deity constituted two intervening elements between fire and earth, viz., air and water, in such a manner that there might be an exact analogy between the four' i.e., as fire is to air, so is air to water, and as air is to water, so is water to earth; thus forming a regular and harmonious gradation from the lightest and most penetrating of the elements to the heaviest and most obtuse. Now all the elements except the earth are without form in themselves; yet, in order to assist the mind in arranging its ideas, it is necessary to attach some form to them. Therefore, since the elements are bodies, and all bodies are solid, and bounded by superficies which consist of triangles either equilateral or otherwise, the

Platonic theory assigned to each of the four elements the form of a solid, bounded by plane surfaces constituted of triangles; for although one of those solids is bounded by square and another by pentagons, yet it will be evident that equilateral rectilineal figures may be resolved into as many triangles as the sides have united by their vertices in a common centre.(See Figs.1 and 2)

Having thus stated the general outline of the Platonic theory, we proceed to show that, by the assistance of the Key , the Jewel forms by its various triangles and intersections an equivalent in geometrical value for the five regular solids expressing the four elements and the sphere of the universe. The hermetic T was a most ancient hieroglyphical representation of the Deity, and consequently the , denotes His triunessence, and in geometrical value is eight right angles, viz., two on each of the exterior lines, and two at the point of union in the centre.

In this figure (Fig. 3) which is similar to that in which the six lights are arranged, there will be found a geometrical value equivalent to the , for since the interior angles of every triangle are together equal to two right angles, the whole triangle here displayed resolves itself into four equal and equilateral triangles; that is, three on the extremities (a, b & c), and a fourth (d) by their union at the centre. It follows, therefore, that the triangle thus resolved is equal to eight right angles, and consequently to one .

If you look at the Jewel, or on this figure (Fig. 4), where it is represented, you will perceive that it consists of two larger equal and equilateral triangles, A B C and D E F, inscribed in one circle and equally intersecting each other and of a smaller triangle in the centre, G H I, which divides or resolves the larger inverted triangle, D E F, after the manner explained in the former figure.

First, then, the central triangle G H I, resolved into its elements according to the first figure, will be equal to eight right angles, or , and these are equal in amount to those found in the Tetrahedron - a solid figure contained under four equal and equilateral triangles. This body (each of the solid angles of which is formed by the union of three plane acute angles), on account of its lightness, as well as its acute and pyramidal form, is used by the Platonists to express the element Fire.

2dly The two larger triangles A B C, D E F, considered without regard to their intersections, and resolved upon the foregoing principles, will be = 2 , or 16 right angles, which are equal in amount to those contained in the Octahedron, a solid figure comprised of eight equal and equilateral triangles. This body (each of the solid angles of which is formed by the union of four plane acute angles), being next in lightness and acuteness to the Tetrahedron, was used by the Platonists to express the element Air.

3dly. The triangles A B C, D E F, and G H I (i.e., the two larger and the small central triangle), considered without regard to intersections, and resolved by the same rule, will be found = 3 , or 24 right angles which are equal in amount to those contained in the Cube, a solid figure contained by six equal squares. This body (each of the solid angles of which is formed by the union of three plane right angles), being the most substantial in form, as well as the firmest and most immovable on its basis, of all the solids, was used by the Platonists to express the element Earth.

4thly. Consider now the inverted triangle D E F, as divided into 4 lesser ones by the central triangle G H I, and add to these the other large triangle A B C. These five triangles, considered again without regard to intersection, and resolved in the same manner as before, will be = 5 , or 40 right angles, which are equal in amount to those contained in the Icosahedron, a solid body bounded by 20 equal and equilateral triangles. This body (each of the solid angles of which is formed by the union of 5 plane acute angles), being the heaviest of the solids contained by triangles, and the next in weight to the Cube, was used by the Platonists to express the element Water.

Thus 1st, the central triangle G H I = , is equivalent to the Tetrahedron which expresses the element Fire. 2d, the two large triangles A B C, D E F, = 2 , are equivalent to the Octahedron which expresses the element Air. 3d, the 3 triangles A B C, D E F, G H I, = 3 , are equivalent to the Cube, which expresses Earth. 4th, the five triangles A B C, E G I, F H I, D G H and G H I = 5 , are equivalent to the Icosahedron, which expresses Water.

It now remains to find an equivalent in the R.A. Jewel for the solid expressing the sphere of the Universe, which is the Dodecahedron, a solid body bounded by 12 equal and equilateral pentagons. (See Fig. 5)

The 6 small triangles round the circumference of the Jewel (formed by the intersections of the 2 larger triangles), together with the central triangle G H I, if resolved in the same manner as the former, will be found to be = 7 , or x 8 = 56 right angles; to these add the external angles of the before-mentioned 6 triangles formed by the intersections of the 2 larger triangles = 16 right angles. For since the exterior angle of every triangle formed by producing one of its sides is equal to the sum of 2 interior and opposite angles, and every angle of one equilateral triangle is equal to one third of two right angles; and as they are 12 in number, their amount in right angles will be 16, that is 12 x ²/₃ of 2 = 12 x 1 ¹/₃ = 16. Then 16 added to the before-mentioned 56 right angles will make 72. But by a corollary to the 32d Prob. of the 1st book of Euclid, the interior angles of every rectilinear figure are equal to twice as many right angles - 4 as the figure has sides; hence the interior angles of the 5 sided figure, called a pentagon, are 10-4 = 6 right angles; whence the solid figure called a Dodecahedron being contained by 12 equal and equilateral pentagons, will be 12 x 6 = 72, corresponding with the number of right angles contained in the 7 triangles before mentioned, and the 12 exterior angles of intersections. Thus the Dodecahedron (each of the solid angles of which is formed by the union of 3 plane obtuse angles), approaching nearer to the form of a sphere than any of the other solids bounded by plane superficies, was used by the Platonists to express the sphere of the Universe.

Thus it is proved, by the assistance of the Key , that the R.A. Jewel is equivalent to the five geometrical solids, which were used by the Platonists to express their 4 elements and the sphere of the Universe. In conclusion, let our attention be directed to the fact that the R.A. Jewel thus presents us with an emblem of those great attributes of the Deity - his eternity and triunessence. The former is represented by the circle which surrounds the Jewel, the latter by the relation which its component parts bear to the ; while by the equivalent we find in those parts for the 5 solids expressing the 4 elements and the sphere of the Universe, we are further reminded of His Omnipotence and Creative power, who first formed the elements out of nothing, and from them constituted that mighty frame within whose comprehensive sphere are included myriads of worlds, each containing millions of animated beings dependent on His will and mercy. The Jewel which every Companion wears on his breast should inspire him with profound veneration for that Incomprehensible Being at whose command the world burst forth from chaos into light, and all created matter had its birth; whose Infinite Wisdom directs, and whose unspeakable Goodness preserves and blesses, every work that has proceeded from His hands.

Ser o no ser Mason, es querer o no querer ser libre?

Vivre a l'heure Maconnique :: Vivir a la hora Masonica

Ritos Masonicos :: Rites Maconniques

Altos Grados REAA :: High Degrees AASR :: Haut Grades du REAA

Lodge of Perfection

The Degrees of the Lodge of Perfection are better known as the "Ineffable Degrees" of Scottish Rite Masonry because their principal purpose is the investigation and contemplation of the ineffable (unspeakable) name of Deity. We provide a brief statement of the moral teachings found within each degree.

	4° - Secret Master Duty, reflection and study are the gateway to opportunity. As such, one honors those relationships to God, family, country and Masonry. The apron of the 4th Degree is white and black, with a letter "Z" and all-seeing eye. The jewel of this degree is an ivory key with the letter "Z" on the wards. The duties are secrecy, obedience and fidelity.
	5° - Perfect Master The degree teaches Masonic honor; that honesty and trustworthiness is the cornerstone of the foundation of such. This virtue should be in all of our undertakings with mankind. The apron of the 5th Degree is white and green, with a cubic stone and a Hebrew YOD. The jewel is represented by a compass open on a segment of a circle, to an angle of sixty degrees. The duties are honesty, sincerity, good faith and industry.
	6° - Intimate Secretary In this degree one should expand their knowledge of duty, charity and toleration. We are instructed to reshape ourselves and our thinking into charity, self-control and success, i.e. to be a peacemaker. The apron of the 6th Degree is white and red, with Hebrew letters YOD HEH in the center and a small triangle containing the Hebrew letters (clockwise from top) BETH, NUN and SHIN. The gold triangle with the same three letters inscribed is the jewel that represents this degree. The duties are zeal, faithfulness, benevolence and to act the peacemaker.
	7° - Provost & Judge We learn that impartial justice protects person, property, happiness and reputation. We are instructed to judge with patience and impartially. The apron of the 7th Degree is white edged with red, with a key and five rosettes. The jewel is a golden key. The duty is justice.
	8° - Intendant of the Building We should strive for perfection by using the great principles of God's inherent love, charity, morality and kindness. The apron of the 8th Degree is white with red and green, with a balance, a nine-pointed star, and a triangle with the Hebrew letters BETH for Ben-Khurim; YOU for Jakinah; and ALEPH for Achar. The jewel of this Degree is a gold triangle with the same three letters. The duties are benevolence and charity.
	9° - Elu of the Nine (Elected Knight of the Nine) Truth, candor and generosity. The foundation of Scottish Rite Masonry is most reflected in this degree. We should use these truths to shape our lives and conduct. The apron of the 9th Degree is white, lined with black and sprinkled with blood, with an arm holding a dagger and a severed head held by the hair. The jewel of this degree is a dagger, hilt of gold and blade of silver. The duties are enlightenment of soul and mind, vigilance, tolerance and being on guard for fanaticism and persecution.
	10° - Elu of the Fifteen (Illustrious Elect of the Fifteen) This degree teaches us to be tolerant and respect the opinions of others. Freedoms of political and spiritual ideologies should be shared by all. The apron of the 10th Degree is white, with a black flap with three arch-shaped gates, over each a head on a spike. The jewel of this degree is a dagger as in the 9th Degree. The duties are enlightenment of soul and mind, vigilance, tolerance and being on guard for fanaticism and persecution.
	11° - Elu of the Twelve (Sublime Knight Elect of the Twelve) This degree teaches sympathy. We should be compassionate to our brother Masons and to all mankind as well. The apron of the 11th Degree is white, lined with black, with a flaming heart in the center. The jewel is a dagger suspended from a black cordon inscribed with the words "Vincere aut Mori" the pledge "that you will rather die than betray the cause of the people, or be overcome through your own fear or fault". The duties are to be earnest, true, reliable and a champion of the people.
	12° - Master Architect This degree teaches faith in morality, virtue and God. "Life is what each man makes of it; the optimist turns a trial into a blessing". The apron of the 12th Degree consists of a white outer shell lined with blue and gold, symbolizing the Craft Degrees, with a protractor, plain scale, sector and compasses. The jewel is a heptagonal medal of gold. The duty is to seek wisdom through knowledge.
	13° - Royal Arch of Solomon (Knight of the Ninth Arch) Liberty in our mind and hearts and motivated by duty and honor are the lessons of this degree. The apron of the 13th Degree is purple, bordered with white and with the "Enochian delta" (hexagram with inscribed Tetragrammation) in the center. The jewel comprises a circular medal of gold. The duties are to seek knowledge and to be motivated by duty and honour.
	VIRTUS JUNXIT MORS NON SEPARABIT "whom virtue unites death shall not separate" 14° - Perfect Elu (Grand Elect, Perfect and Sublime Mason) This degree teaches us to reflect and scrutinize ourselves. We should strive to be true to ourselves and our God. The apron being of white silk, bordered in gold with the Ineffable Delta in the Center, is truly emblematical of the degree. The jewel of the 14th Degree is split; one being a quadrant (compass open to ninety degrees) topped by a crown and with a nine-pointed star on the obverse; the other being a five-pointed blazing star with the Tetragrammaton on the reverse. The compass is opened on a segment of a circle inscribed with the numbers 3, 5, 7, 9. The duties are to assist, encourage and defend the brethren; to protect the oppressed and relieve want and distress; to enlighten the people and serve the common good.

Chapter of Rose Croix

The Chapter of Rose Croix attempts to provide the candidate with a deeper understanding of religion, philosophy, ethics and history though a variety of complex "historical degrees". The intellectual challenges presented in these degrees are numerous, at times overwhelming, and can take years to master. A thorough reading of the chapters related to them in Morals and Dogma and in Legenda and Readings is essential to achieve even a basic comprehension of their true meaning.

	15° - Knight of the East, of the Sword, or of the Eagle Fidelity to obligations and perseverance of purpose under difficulties and discouragement are the lessons of this degree. The striking crimson velvet apron of this degree is edged with green, having a bleeding head above two crossed swords and a triangle (top point to the left) with three interlaced triangles inside it. The jewel is three golden concentric triangles encompassing two crossed swords. The duty is to rebuild the Masonic Temple of liberty, equality and fraternity in the souls of men.
	16° - Prince of Jerusalem We learn of heroism of patience, the nobility of self-sacrifice and compassionate judgment; along with charity, fidelity and brotherhood. The crimson apron is edged in gold and aurora-color, with a square, shield, Delta with three YODs, balance and a hand of justice. The jewel is a mother-of-pearl lozenge with a hand holding a balance in equipoise; under it a sword with five stars surrounding the point. On the left is a Hebrew D, on the right is a Hebrew Z. The duties are to aid those who labor to build the Symbolic Temple; to judge equitably and fairly; to keep faith in the justice and beneficence of God and to press forward with hope for the persecuted and oppressed.
	17° - Knight of the East & West The wisdom of this degree is that loyalty to God is man's primary allegiance and that temporal governments not founded upon God and His righteousness will inevitably fall. The apron is of yellow satin with crimson and gold, with a sword and Tetractys of the Tetragrammaton on it. The jewel is a heptagon of half silver and half gold, with crossed swords on a balance on the obverse and a lamb on the Book of Seven Seals on the reverse. The jewel is hung from a double order - one black (left-to-right) and one white (right-to-left), representing good versus evil. A gold coronet is also presented. The duties are to work, reflect and pray; to hope, trust and believe; to teach the truths that are hidden in allegory and concealed by the symbols of Freemasonry.
	18° - Knight Rose Croix This degree emphasizes that life and its strength come from God. The rose signifies the dawn and the cross is a sacred symbol of antiquity in many cultures. One is also taught to be tolerant of other's errors and faults. The apron is of white leather or satin, bordered in red, with a skull and cross-bones, a red passion cross and three red rosettes. The grand jewel is a gold compass open a quarter circle. A rose-cross is between the legs of the compass and under it is a pelican, tearing its breast to feed its seven young on the obverse and an eagle with wings extended on the reverse. On the circle are the letters I.N.R.I. The duties are to practice virtue; to labor to eliminate vice; to purify humanity; to be tolerant of the faith and creed of others.

Council of Kadosh

The word "Kadosh" is a Hebrew word meaning Holy. Although Pike identifies the Degrees of the Council of Kadosh as chivalric and philosophical, they are all intensely mystical with respect to the lessons conveyed and symbols employed. "Faith in moral principles, in virtue and in God is as necessary for the guidance of a man as instinct is for the guidance of an animal." - Albert Pike

	19° - Grand Pontiff We learn from the past and how it affects the present and the influence we live in the future in this degree. We as mortals strive to endure, produce and improve the world as it surrounds us. There is no apron, but the jewel is a gold parallelogram with a Greek Alpha on one side and an Omega on the other. The duties are to be content to labor for the future; to serve the cause of truth with patience and industry; and to destroy error, falsehood and intolerance with truth, honesty, honour and charity.
	20° - Master of the Symbolic Lodge This degree demonstrates liberty, fraternity and equality. These truths teach morals, religious and philosophical understandings. This degree helps one to comprehend Deity, the forces of nature and good and evil. The apron is yellow bordered in blue, with three concentric point-down triangles, with the Tetragrammaton (horizontal) and Fiat Lux (vertical) at the center forming a cross. Its triangular shape relates to the "fourth great light, which reminds us of the Deity and his attributes". The jewel is made of gold with the same three concentric triangles. The duties are to dispense light and knowledge and to practice Masonic virtues.
	21° - Noachite, or Prussian Knight The lessons to be learned from this degree are that arrogance, defamation and cowardice are unworthy attributes of a Mason; and that humility, modesty and courtesy are the true virtues of men and Masons. The apron is yellow and contains an arm holding a sword, a winged figure holding a key in the left hand and the right forefinger on the lips (the Egyptian figure of silence). The jewel can be described as a point-up triangle, with an arrow, point downward, an arm holding a sword and the motto "Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum". The duties are humility, modesty, trust in God and to be steadfast and courageous in the face of adversity.
	22° - Knight Royal Axe, Prince of Libanus This degree emphasizes work ethics. By doing good work we improve character and become better citizens. The apron of this degree is white, bordered in purple, and contains a three-headed serpent and a table with instruments and plans on it. The jewel is an axe and handle of gold. On the top of the handle are the initials of Noah and Solomon. In the middle of the handle are the initials of Libanus and Tsidun. On the blade are the initials of Adoniram, Cyrus, Darius, Zerubbabel, Nehemiah and Ezra on one side and Shem, Kham, Yapheth, Moses, Ahaliab and Betselal on the other. The duties are to respect labor for its own sake and to do work.
	23° - Chief of the Tabernacle We learn in this degree that the man who forgets his duty to God, family, country and himself will be in danger of moral and spiritual destruction by thoughts and unworthy ambition. The apron worn is white bordered with red, blue and purple ribbons. These colors, from the curtains of the Tabernacle, represent earth, fire, air and sea respectively, as well as the Lord's beneficence, glory, wisdom and power. On the apron is the golden seven-branched candlestick, representing the seven planets and virtues; the sun, faith, and aspiration toward the infinite; the moon, hope; Venus, charity; Mars, fortitude, "victory over rage and anger"; Mercury, prudence; Saturn, temperance; Jupiter, conqueror of the Titans and justice. The jewel worn is a small silver censer, or ornamented cup, held by a handle in the shape of an open hand. The duties are to be devoted to the service of God; to constantly endeavor to promote the welfare of man; to act with proper subordination to your superiors.
	24° - Prince of the Tabernacle A Mason must show evidence of compassion, piety and justice in this degree. After initiation he may "manifest faithfully the social virtues in order to receive the rewards", to serve humanity through our brotherhood. The apron is of white lambskin with scarlet green and blue. On it is a violet myrtle tree and a gold representation of an Arabian tent. The jewel worn is the Hebrew letter ALEPH, suspended from a violet ribbon. The duties are to labor incessantly for the glory of God, the honor of your country and the happiness of your brethren.
	25° - Knight of the Brazen Serpent This degree attempts to explain the conceptualities of celestial purity and the eternal soul of man. The apprentice is driven to look within his faith, life and God to get a clear look at his inner self. The apron is white, lined in black with gold stars on the white side (Pleiades, Hyades, Orion, Capella) and with silver stars on the black side (Perseus, Scorpio, Bootes). Also on it is a serpent (ouroboros) surrounding a scarab, a triangle in a glory with the Tetragrammaton in its center and the four initials of the stars Regulus, Aldebaran, Antares and Fomalhaut. The jewel is a gold tau cross (crux ansata) with a serpent entwined around it and the Hebrew words HLThI (he has suffered or been wounded) and NChShThN (the Brazen Serpent) on it. The duty is to fulfill your destiny and to re-create yourself by reformation, repentance and enlarging your knowledge.
	26° - Prince of Mercy, or Scottish Trinitarian In this degree we explore for "the rewards of the trinity of Gods attributes - wisdom or intelligence, force or strength, harmony or beauty". The apron is scarlet, bordered in white, with a green triangle (point-down) in the center. In the triangle are the initials of force, wisdom and harmony, and a flaming heart of gold with the initials I.H.S. (Jesus Hominum Salvator or Imperium, Harmonia, Sapientia). The jewel is gold and is the same triangle, suspended by a purple ribbon. The duties are to practice forgiveness and mercy; tolerance; to be devoted to the teaching of the principles of Masonry.
	27° - Knight Commander of the Temple This degree teaches the apprentice to scorn selfishness and to uphold the knightly virtues of charity, truth and honor. We should always strive to assist the poor, helpless and infirm. The apron is of scarlet lambskin, lined in black, with a Teutonic Cross (cross potent sable, charged with a smaller cross double potent or surcharged with the escutcheon of the Empire, the two-headed black eagle) and a black key surrounded by a laurel wreath. The jewel is the Teutonic Cross shown on the apron. The duties are to be a lover of wisdom and to be faithful to your promises made within Masonry.
	28° - Knight of the Sun, or Prince Adept We learn in this degree that our love for God manifests itself in our love for truth, justice and nobility of soul. The apron worn is white lambskin with a vermilion pentagram. The jewel is a gold five-pointed star. The duties are to be devoted to truth, honour, loyalty, justice and humanity.
	29° - Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew The virtues taught in this degree are love of God, loyalty to superiors, faithful adherence to promise and active resistance to unfair judgment. There is no apron. The jewel is a gold St. Andrew's cross ("X"), surmounted with a knight's helmet with a thistle of gold between the arms at the bottom. In the center of the cross is a Hebrew YOD and on its points, clockwise from bottom, the Hebrew letters N M I N. The duties are to reverence and obey God; to serve the truth; to protect virtue and innocence; to defend the people against tyranny.
	30° - Knight of Kadosh, or Knight of the White & Black Eagle The lesson of this degree is to be true to ourselves, to stand for what is right and to be just in our lives today with a belief in God, country and oneself. There is no apron, but the jewel is a gold Teutonic cross, enameled in red, with a silver double-headed eagle with wings spread pointing downward resting upon it. The duty is to labor unceasingly for the good of mankind.

Consistory

The Consistory Degrees are very different from each other in form and content. The 31° reveals the dynamic relationship that has existed for centuries between human law as a means of achieving justice, and divine justice as an ideal. The 32° reviews the Degrees of the Lodge of Perfection, the Chapter of Rose Croix and the Council of Kadosh. In it we learn the very ancient roots of Masonic Truth - in the East! "Where Freemasonry flourishes, there will be found the highest type of citizenship and the best standard of living." - Albert Pike

31° - Inspector Inquisitor In this degree the apprentice learns prayerful self-examination. The mistakes today should not be committed tomorrow. Simply, the daily look at ones self to learn to live with the future. No apron is worn in the Supreme Tribunal, but the traditional apron displayed is of pure white lambskin with a Teutonic Cross of black and silver embroidered upon the flap. The jewel is a silver Teutonic cross. The jewel is suspended from a white collar, with a gold triangle with a "31" inside it. The duty is to judge yourself in the same light as you judge others, considering both actions and motives.

SPES MEA IN DEO EST "my hope is in god" 32° - Master of the Royal Secret The lessons taught in this degree are that genuine brotherhood requires mutual regard, opinion, esteem and charity. We always look for the good in all and make allowances for other's shortcomings. We trust the Supreme Architect to lead us to friendship, morality and brotherly love. The apron of this degree is white, lined in black, with a double-headed eagle and a plan of the Camp of the Princes. The jewel worn is a golden Teutonic Cross. In the center are the letters XXXII, surrounded by a green wreath. The cap of a Master of the Royal Secret is black silk with a black band trimmed in gold. In the center front is a double-headed eagle emblem with a rayed equilateral triangle above in gold. The triangle is red, has 32° in its center and is trimmed with gold. The duties are: a Soldier of the Light seeks truth and knowledge; a Soldier of Freedom demands for the people free vote and voice and attains freedom of voice, vote and opinion for himself; a Soldier of the True Religion combats spiritual tyranny with reason and truth; a Soldier of the People encourages men to be self-reliant and independent; a Soldier of Scottish Rite Masonry is zealous and ardent in the performance of his duties to God, his country, his family, his brethren and himself.

Court of Honour

The Scottish Rite confers a number of honors upon members who have contributed extraordinary service to the Rite, to Masonry in general and to the world at large.

	Knight Commander of the Court of Honour The Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor is not a degree, but an investiture bestowed upon members deserving recognition for faithful services to the Rite, Freemasonry or to mankind. At the biennial session of the Supreme Council, certain Masters of the Royal Secret are chosen to be invested with the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honour. The respective Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, or Deputies, nominate members for this honor and they must also be unanimously approved by the Supreme Council. This Investiture is a prerequisite to receiving the Thirty-third Degree. The rank of K.∙.C.∙.C.∙.H.∙. may not be requested, and if requested must be refused. The cap of the Knight Commander Court of Honour is red with a darker red band trimmed in gold. In the center front is a representation of the Knight Commander Jewel, a Passion Cross, fitched, featuring in the center a trefoil embroidered in green encircled by "Kt.∙. Comm.∙. Court of Honour" embroidered in gold.
	DEUS MEUMQUE JUS "god and my right " 33° - Inspector General Honorary The Thirty-third Degree is conferred by the Supreme Council upon members of the Rite in recognition of outstanding work in the Rite or in public life. At its biennial session, the Supreme Council elects members of the Rite to receive the Degree. Members unanimously so elected become honorary members of the Supreme Council. The Thirty-third Degree may not be requested, and if requested must be refused. The Degree is granted solely out of recognition for outstanding services. These 33° Masons are Inspectors General Honorary and honorary members of the Supreme Council. The active members of the Supreme Council are chosen from among them. The cap for an Inspector General Honorary is white with a white band edged in gold, featuring the symbol for this honorary degree, a red slanting Patriarchal Cross.
	Grand Cross of the Court of Honour This is the highest individual honor that The Supreme Council bestows. It is voted, very rarely, to Thirty-third Degree Masons only for the most exceptional and extraordinary services. The Grand Cross cap is white with a blue band. On the front is a replica of the Grand Cross jewel, which is composed of a Teutonic Cross with an embroidered crimson rose with green leaves at its center.