In a scene which reminds the viewer of T. S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral, although written long before Eliot's 1935 work, Constans is confronted with three temptations which represent (a) life with sensual pleasure but without any faith or spiritual component; (b) life based on the practical, economic realities of the world, in which everything becomes relative and there are no permanent spiritual values; and (c) life based on spiritual values only, without any true human experience or content.

After struggle, Constans overcomes these temptations, but then is confronted not with a temptation but with a choice in reality. The city is attacked, and the invaders enter. The defenders are losing the battle. Constans is a young, highly trained fighting man. If he goes to the battle, he may make a major difference in the lives of many people, but, by leaving his vigil, he will do so at the cost of his personal honor, and he will lose all hope of ever becoming a knight. Torn by agony, not knowing what God's will is, he. . . . Should you have forgotten the outcome of this dilemma, you will have to revisit the Degree to get what Paul Harvey would term "the rest of the story."

The apron of the Degree (see facing page) is of scarlet lambskin, bordered and edged in black. The flap is white. On the flap is the jewel of the Degree, a black Teutonic cross (a cross with arms of equal length, ending with a crossbar). On that is a Teutonic cross of gold, double potent (which is to say, having two crossbars at the end of the arm). In the center is a shield with a black, double-headed eagle. On top of the cross is a device of heraldry called a chief—in this case, a sort of blue cloud.

In the center of the apron is a black key, surrounded by a laurel wreath. The order or mark of distinction of the Degree is of white watered silk, with a red border, worn as a collar. Two gold Teutonic crosses are embroidered on the collar, and the jewel of the Degree hangs from the point. A second jewel of the Degree is described in the ritual as a gold triangle, bearing a word upon it in enamel.

As in earlier Degrees, scarlet represents zeal and determination. Black designates sorrow, death, and martyrdom. Green represents life and, in the form of the laurel wreath, honor. White represents purity-that purity of intention which was required of the knight. But it may possibly also represent transcendence, the condition of the knight who has met and overcome the enemy (in Masonic terms, one who has subdued his animal nature and made it subservient to his spiritual essence).

Though we are told very little about it, the key is interesting. It may be that the black color is intended to represent a key made of iron. We have seen keys as symbols before, most notably in the 4° where a key of ivory appears. In the ritual organization of the meeting room of the 27°, we are told that the key and a sword are placed, crossed, upon the central table amid other symbols of the Degree, such as the traditional working tools. It is very rare in Scottish Rite symbolism to cross a sword with anything except another sword. Possibly this crossing is an allusion to the obligations of the Templars, which included both the use of force to defend pilgrims and a vow of secrecy. Possibly, if we draw upon some of the earlier symbolism of the key in the Rite, it is a suggestion that a Knight is to use force moderated and directed by thought and reason.

The laurel wreath has its usual meanings of honor and valor, but here it takes on an additional meaning of union, reminding you that men who have accepted you as a Brother are entitled to wear the laurel wreath by virtue of their actions and their lives.

While circles do not play an important part in the regalia of this Degree, they appear strongly in the ritual setting of the chamber. The room is circular, or made to appear so with red and black hangings; light comes from circular chandeliers and from lighted globes. These symbolize unity and brotherhood.

This Degree, the first of the truly chivalric Degrees, alerts you that new and higher things will be expected of you. For a person of intellectual self-honesty, the going gets rough here, but the potential for personal growth opens wider than ever.

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

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