• Source: High Masonic degrees

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




History






= Early Origins (Pre-1717)

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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. Although some traditions such as the Operative Masons, maintain that the craft contained seven degrees before it was reduced to two. 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.

Apprentice, Entered Apprentice or Apprentices to the Craft of Free Mason (first degree): This initial degree represented the beginning of a mason's journey, typically lasting seven years. Apprentices learned fundamental craft skills and basic moral teachings.
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
Fellows of the Craft of Free Mason or Companion(second degree): Upon completing their apprenticeship, masons could advance to this level, indicating full membership in the craft guild.
Archaeological evidence from early lodge minutes, particularly from Scottish lodges, shows that this two-degree system was well-established by the late 16th century.




= Transformation to Speculative Masonry (1717-1725)

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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.



Introduction of the Third Degree

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

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)

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



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



Major Centers of Development





= Systematization Period (1760-1800)

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



Major Developments

1761 - Creation of the Rite of Perfection (25 degrees)
1771 - Establishment of the Strict Observance system
1786 - Codification of the French Rite
1801 - Formation of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite (33 degrees)



Notable Systems

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

Élu (Elect)
Grand Élu (Grand Elect)
Chevalier d'Orient (Knight of the East)
Rose-Croix
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)

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The 19th and 20th centuries saw:

Standardization of ritual practices
Development of research lodges
Creation of governing bodies for higher degrees
Revival of interest in esoteric aspects of higher degrees



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

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Lodges of Saint Andrew (Green Lodges):
Scottish Master
Inner Order:

Novice Squire
Chevalier bienfaisant de la Cité sainte (known as 'Knight CBCS')
Secret Class:

Profès
Grand Profès




= French Rite

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According to the Regulator of Masonic Knights of 1786:

1st Order: Elected Master
2nd Order: Grand Scottish Elected
3rd Order: Knight of the East
4th Order: Sovereign Prince Rose-Croix, Perfect Free Mason.
5th Order: Administrative and Conservatory Grade.




= Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite

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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

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Loges of Perfection:

4th Secret Master
5th Perfect Master
6th Intimate Secretary
7th Provost and Judge
8th Superintendent of Buildings
9th Elected Master of the Nine
10th Illustrious Elected of the Fifteen
11th Sublime Elected Knight
12th Grand Master Architect
13th Royal Arch
14th Grand Elected of the Sacred Vault, also known as Jacques VI or Sublime Mason
Chapters:

15th Knight of the East or of the Sword
16th Prince of Jerusalem
17th Knight of the East and West
18th Sublime Prince Rose-Croix
Senates:

19th Grand Pontiff or Sublime Scottish of the Celestial Jerusalem
20th Knight of the Temple
21st Noachite or Prussian Knight
22nd Knight of the Royal Arch or Prince of Lebanon
23rd Chief of the Tabernacle
24th Prince of the Tabernacle
25th Knight of the Brazen Serpent
26th Trinitarian Scottish or Prince of Mercy
27th Sovereign Commander of the Temple
28th Knight of the Sun or Adequate Prince
29th Grand Scottish of Saint Andrew of Scotland, Prince of Light
Areopaguses and Tribunals:

30th Grand Elected Knight Kadosch, also known as Knight of the White and Black Eagle
31st Grand Inquisitor Commander
32nd Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret
33rd Sovereign Grand Inspector General
Grand Consistories:

34th Knight of Scandinavia
35th Sublime Commander of the Temple
36th Sublime Negotiate
37th Knight of Shota (Adept of Truth)
38th Sublime Elected of Truth
39th Grand Elected of Eons
40th Sage Sivaist (Perfect Sage)
41st Knight of the Rainbow
42nd Prince of Light
43rd Sublime Hermetic Sage
44th Prince of the Zodiac
45th Sublime Sage of the Mysteries
46th Sublime Shepherd of the Huts
47th Knight of the Seven Stars
48th Sublime Guardian of the Sacred Mount
49th Sublime Sage of the Pyramids
50th Sublime Philosopher of Samothrace
51st Sublime Titan of the Caucasus
52nd Sage of the Labyrinth
53rd Knight of the Phoenix
54th Sublime Scalde
55th Sublime Orphic Doctor
56th Pontiff of Cadmea
57th Sublime Mage
58th Brahmin Prince
59th Grand Pontiff of Ogygia
60th Sublime Guardian of the Three Fires
61st Sublime Unknown Philosopher
62nd Sublime Sage of Eleusis
63rd Sublime Kawi
64th Sage of Mithra
65th Patriarch Grand Installer
66th Patriarch Grand Consecrator
67th Patriarch Grand Eulogist
68th Patriarch of Truth
69th Knight of the Golden Bough of Eleusis
70th Patriarch of the Planispheres
71st Patriarch of the Sacred Vedas
Grand Councils:

72nd Sublime Master of Wisdom
73rd Doctor of the Sacred Fire
74th Sublime Master of the Sloka
75th Knight of the Libyan Chain
76th Patriarch of Isis
77th Sublime Theosophical Knight
78th Grand Pontiff of Thebes
79th Knight of the Dreadful Sadah
80th Sublime Elected of the Sanctuary
81st Patriarch of Memphis
82nd Grand Elected of the Temple of Midgard
83rd Sublime Knight of the Valley of Oddy
84th Doctor of the Izeds
85th Sublime Master of the Luminous Ring
86th Pontiff of Serapis
87th Sublime Prince of Masonry
88th Grand Elected of the Sacred Court
89th Patriarch of the Mystic City
90th Sublime Patriarch Master of the Great Work
Grand Tribunals:

91st Sublime Patriarch Grand Defender of the Order
Grand Mystical Temples:

92nd Sublime Cathéchrist
93rd Grand Inspector General Regulator
94th Sublime Patriarch of Memphis
Sovereign Sanctuaries:

95th Sublime Patriarch Grand Conservator of the Order
96th Substitute Grand National Master, vice-president of the National Sovereign Sanctuary
97th Grand National Master, President of the National Sovereign Sanctuary
98th Substitute Grand World Master, vice-president of the International Sovereign Sanctuary
99th Most Serene Grand World Master, Grand Hierophant, President of the International Sovereign Sanctuary




= York Rite

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Chapter - "Royal Arch"

Mark Master
Virtual Past Master
Most Excellent Master
Royal Arch Mason
Council - "Cryptic Masonry"

Royal Master
Select Master
Super Excellent Master
Commanderies - "Knights Templar"

Knight of the Red Cross
Knight of Malta
Knight Templar




References

Kata Kunci Pencarian:

• High Masonic degrees
• Allied Masonic Degrees
• Freemasonry
• Masonic ritual and symbolism
• Masonic bodies
• Scottish Rite
• Knights Templar (Freemasonry)
• List of Masonic abbreviations
• York Rite
• Orders of Wisdom