On the flap of the apron is a serpent or dragon, coiled into a circle and holding its tail in its mouth. The symbol is known as the Ouroboros. It is a symbol of time, or eternity, and of the great cycles of time in which we all live. Within the circle formed by the Ouroboros is a golden scarab beetle, symbol of immortality. Over this is a gold star, and the letter R for the star Regulus.

On the back of the apron are silver stars representing the constellations of Perseus, Scorpio, and Ursa Major.

Two cordons form a part of the regalia of the 25°. One is a broad crimson ribbon. On it are embroidered the names: Osiris, Ahura, Osarsiph, Moses. Following the last name is the embroidered figure of a bull. A disc is on his head as well as the horns with a crescent between them. This cordon is worn from left to right.

Over it, worn from right to left, is a cordon of similar size, but of white watered silk rather than crimson. Embroidered on the white ribbon, in gold, are the names Isis and Ceres. Under the name Ceres is embroidered the head of a dog, with a crescent above its head. On the right breast, on the left breast, and at the point at which the white cordon crosses the crimson cordon, gold stars are embroidered. Under the star over the right breast (which is on the white cordon) is the letter A for the star Aldebarán. Under the star over the left breast (crimson ribbon) is the letter A for the star Antares. Under the star on the white ribbon, where it crosses the crimson ribbon, is the letter F for the star Fomalhaut.1

Finally, on the crimson cordon is the word Geburah (Hebrew for valor) while on the white cordon is the word Aun (Hebrew for force or strength). Read together, they suggest the generative and productive power of nature.

The jewel of the Degree is in the form of an Ankh, i.e., a Tau-shaped cross with a loop or circle on top. On the upright of the cross are engraved the Hebrew words which translate “He has suffered” or “He has been wounded.” On the cross bar is the word Nakhustan (also spelled Nehushtan), the name given in the Bible to the brazen serpent erected by Moses (2 Kings 18:4, Numbers 21:6–9). A serpent is coiled around the ring at the top of the Ankh.

The primary legend of the Degree comes from an account of the Exodus. The people had started to complain to God about the length of the journey and the fact that there was nothing but manna to eat. God sent serpents among the people, and those who were bitten soon died. The people repented, and God spoke to Moses, telling him to make a serpent of brass and set it on a pole. Then, all that had been bitten and looked upon the serpent of brass lived. Thus, the serpent coiled around the handle of the Ankh symbolizes healing and spiritual grace.

There are many complex meanings in the constellations and stars selected for special emphasis on the regalia, but on a fundamental level, their meaning is that there is significance and a plan to the universe. God’s purposes move with certainty, and we need never fear being lost in a hostile or indifferent world.

The names on the cordons include the names of many of the gods and goddesses who appear in the ancient vegetation myths, stories which usually centered around a goddess and her lover who must die each year in order for the earth to bring forth a harvest. Many of these myths took their inspiration from the yearly journey of the sun toward the shortest day and its reemergence after three days in the movement toward spring.

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. 

Stated Meeting

2ND TUESDAY MONTHLY

 6:15 Dinner 7:00 Stated Meeting

E-mail or call 323-5234 to RSVP dinner.