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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
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
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The Scottish Rite Creed The cause of human progress our cause, the enfranchisement of human thought is our supreme wish, the freedom of human conscience is our mission, and the guarantee of equal rights to all people everywhere, the end of our contention.
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Jim
Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross
Jim Tresner