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The
degrees of the Chapter of Rose Croix are very complex. They attempt to
invest the candidate with a deeper understanding of Religion, Philosophy,
Ethics, and History. The intellectual challenges presented in these
degrees, is at times overwhelming, and can take years to master. A
thorough reading of the chapters related to them in Morals and Dogma
and in the Legenda and Readings is essential to achieve even a
basic comprehension of their true meaning.
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15th
degree - Knight of the East, of the Sword, or of the Eagle:
In this degree "we learn fidelity to obligations and perseverance of
purpose under difficulties and discouragement." The apron
is of crimson velvet, edged with green, with 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
concentric gold triangles, with two crossed swords inside them. |
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16th
degree - Prince of Jerusalem: This
degree teaches "heroism of patience, the nobility of
self-sacrifice" and compassionate judgment, along with charity,
fidelity and brotherhood. The apron is crimson, edged
in gold and aurora-color, and with a square, shield, Delta (with three
YOD's), 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. |
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17th
degree - Knight of the East and West: The lessons of this
degree are that loyalty to God is man's primary allegiance, and the
temporal governments not founded upon God and His righteousness will
inevitably fall. The apron is of yellow satin, with
crimson and gold, and with a sword and Tetractys (of the Tetragrammaton)
on it. The jewel is a heptagon of silver and 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. |
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18th
degree - Knight Rose Croix: This degree teaches that life
and it's strengths come from God. The rose signifies the dawn and the
cross is a sacred symbol of antiquity in many cultures. To be
tolerant of others 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 on 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. |
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