What is the Scottish Rite?
The Scottish Rite is a Masonic organization that continues a Master Mason’s education of the first three degrees. Other examples of Masonic affiliated organizations are: The Shrine (Shriners); York Rite; Grotto; Eastern Star, DeMolay International, Job’s Daughter’s, International Order of Rainbow for Girls and the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. The Scottish Rite consists of the 4th through 32nd Degree and an honorary 33rd, which is awarded for exceptional service.
It is a branch of Freemasonry designed to supplement and amplify the philosophical teachings of the first three degrees. The Scottish Rite claims to build upon the ethical teachings and philosophy of Blue Lodge Masonry through dramatic presentation. The Scottish Rite is sometimes called the “University of Freemasonry” because it uses extensive allegory and drama in its Degrees to explore the philosophy, history, ethics and ultimate truths that guide Freemasons’ lives. HOW DOES THE SCOTTISH RITE ELABORATE ON THE CRAFT LODGE DEGREES? It presents in degrees from the fourth to the thirty-second an interpretation of the lessons of the Craft degrees by the use of drama and lectures appealing to both the ear and eye to teach the great truths which Freemasonry professes. HOW MANY DEGREES ARE THERE IN SCOTTISH RITE? There are 29 Scottish Rite regular degrees, which follow the three degrees conferred in craft lodges. The 33˚ is conferred only by the Supreme Council, the governing body of Scottis
The Scottish Rite is an appendant body of Masonry, meaning that it is not part of the Blue Lodge per se, but closely associated with Masonry. Although the Scottish Rite possesses its own version of the first three degrees, in the United States these are usually not conferred (although they are done in several states, under the authority of the York Rite Grand Lodges). The Scottish Rite Supreme Councils confer the 4th through 32nd degrees. The degree work may be, but is not necessarily, completed at one time. Any Master Mason is eligible to join the Scottish Rite. The degrees of the Scottish Rite continue the symbolism of the first three Masonic degrees. For a discussion of the 33°, see section 1.11. The above refers to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR), not the Rectified Scottish Rite (Régime Ecossais et Rectifié), which exists both in UGLE-recognized and non-recognized Masonic bodies in the Europe.
The Scottish Rite is an appendant body of Freemasonry, meaning that it is not part of the Symbolic Lodge per se, but closely associated with Freemasonry. It requires that a man be a Master Mason before joining the Scottish Rite. The Scottish Rite confers the 4th through 32nd degrees. The degree work may be, but is not necessarily, completed at one time. Any Master Mason is eligible to join the Scottish Rite. The degrees of the Scottish Rite continue the symbolism of the first three Masonic degrees. For a discussion of the 33rd degree, see question 9 of this section. The above refers to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite (AASR), not the Rectified Scottish Rite , which exists both in United Grand Lodge of England-recognized and non-recognized Masonic bodies in the Europe.
The Scottish Rite is an appendant body of Masonry, meaning that it is not part of the Blue Lodge per se, but closely associated with Masonry. It requires that a man be a Master Mason before joining the Scottish Rite. The Scottish Rite confers the 4th through 32nd degrees. Any Master Mason is eligible to join the Scottish Rite. The degrees of the Scottish Rite continue the symbolism of the first three Masonic degrees. In England this order is known as “Rose Croix.” While it is slightly different, it still has a 33 degree system.
