Lodge of Perfection Degree Descriptions
The Degree
description below is reprinted with the permission of the
Scottish Rite Journal.
Tenth Degree
Elu of the Fifteen
Jim
Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross
Guthrie,
Oklahoma
Photo: Oil
painting by Bro. Robert H. White, 32°
The colors of the regalia of
the Tenth Degree repeat those of the Ninth Degree, but there
are some important differences. The apron of the Tenth Degree is not
only bordered in black, it is fringed. This is the first time we
encounter fringe on the Scottish Rite Degree aprons. Fringe is a very
old symbol found in the Hebrew tradition and in many others. It was
apparently significant in the Phoenician system of thought as well,
making it an interesting symbol in connection with Hiram, who was
Hebrew on his mother’s side and Phoenician on his
father’s. Fringe may be said to represent spirituality and a
dedication to things of the spirit.
Since the theme of the Ninth
and Tenth Degrees
is the elimination of Ignorance, Tyranny, and Fanaticism (intolerance),
the fringe on the apron suggests that the elimination of these three
great enemies is not only necessary for the happiness and strength of a
society but also necessary for the spiritual growth
of the individual and the society in which he lives. Opposition to
Ignorance, Tyranny, and Fanaticism thus becomes a sacred obligation for
each individual.
The three arches on the apron
represent the east, west, and south entrances or gates to Jerusalem,
Solomon having directed that the head of one of the three ruffians who
murdered Hiram be exposed over each gate. The three rosettes above the
arches represent these ruffians and symbolize Ignorance,
Tyranny and Fanaticism (indicated above the rosettes by the letters I,
T, and F).
Thus, those entering Jerusalem—symbolically, those on a quest
for spiritual self-development—are reminded of the nature of
the enemies to be opposed. The fifteen who participated in the capture
of the assassins of Hiram are rewarded by admittance into a higher
Degree, and the new order is called the Elu of the Fifteen, Elu
meaning one who is selected or elected. The candidate of this Degree,
in being invested with this rank, devotes himself to toleration and
liberality. (See Ill. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, Grand Cross, A
Bridge to Light, page 65.)
The black of the cordon
represents the sorrow caused to the world by Ignorance,
Tyranny, and Fanaticism.
The jewel of this Degree, like
that of the Ninth Degree, is a dagger with gold hilt and silver blade.
The combination of gold (a sun metal) and silver (a moon metal) is an
ancient symbol. The Egyptians topped many of their monuments and made
many of their statues with an alloy of gold and silver called electrum.
Again, the symbol teaches balance and harmony—the combination
of the male (sun) and the female (moon). This balance is true even in
the Sword of Truth, which the dagger of the Degree symbolizes.
A couple of points in the
symbolism of the regalia deserve special notice. Ignorance is
classified as a vice. We usually think of a vice as something a person
does, but Pike tells us that Ignorance is as destructive as any action
could possibly be.
Tyranny is given some special
attention. We generally think of tyranny as the political oppression of
some people. But tyranny comes in many forms. Tyranny takes place
whenever any person or group says, “What I want is more
important than what you want. My desires are more important than your
desires. I matter more than you matter. Do it my way, or
else.” Or, even worse, “Believe my way or
else.”
Tyranny does not equate with
authority, but with attitude. We do not call the skilled and caring
teacher who maintains order and discipline in his or her class a
tyrant, nor the king who governs for the best interests and welfare of
his people, nor the nation which offers protection to another nation
while carefully not interfering with the nation so helped, nor the
husband or wife who discharges the affairs of the household with
authority, but also love and concern.
The essence of tyranny is
selfishness. And if tyranny is selfishness in the world of material
things, fanaticism is selfishness in the world of ideas and
beliefs. Fanaticism is the sort of selfishness which says, “I
am right. If you do not agree with me, you are wrong, and I have the
right to hurt you.”
Ignorance allows both
fanaticism and tyranny to flourish, for only knowledge can form the
basis of freedom. And ignorance is the primary weapon of the tyrant and
the fanatic. Even today, the first action by a group attempting to
overthrow a government and establish a dictatorship is to take control
of all the means of communication and education—radio and
television stations first, then newspapers and magazines. Both the
tyrant and the fanatic can give good reasons why “just a
little censorship is needed—only until things
stabilize,” or why they should control what people read
“because otherwise they may ask questions and lose the
‘true faith.’” The fanatic always wants
to benefit others.
All he asks in return is your
mind and soul.
The
Scottish Rite Journal - August 1998
Jim Tresner
is Director of the Masonic Leadership Institute and Editor of The
Oklahoma Mason. A frequent contributor to the Scottish Rite Journal and
its book review editor, Illustrious Brother Tresner is also a volunteer
writer for The Oklahoma Scottish Rite Mason and a video script
consultant for the National Masonic Renewal Committee. He is the
Director of the Thirty-third Degree Conferral Team and Director of Work
at the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple in Guthrie, Oklahoma, as well as a
life member of the Scottish Rite Research Society, author of the
popular anecdotal biography Albert Pike, The Man Beyond the Monument,
and a member of the steering committee of the Masonic Information
Center. Ill. Tresner was awarded the Grand Cross, the Scottish Rite's
highest honor, during the Supreme Council's October 1997 Biennial
Session.
