Degree

Freemasons

Uncover hidden spiritual meanings

The level or status of a practitioner of magick. Degrees are found in freemasonary.

You must face various tests of knowledge and practical experience in order to progress to another degree within your tradition.

If we look freemasonry the famous letters K.C.C.H are associated with the court of honour. So what is K.C.C.H? This means the Knight Commander of the Court of honour. this court includes Freemasons which are of the 32nd / 33rd degree. This is supposed to be the highest possible level of Freemasonry. In Freemasonry the word degree is associated with a step. Thus, a Freemason has to step through number degrees in order to become master mason. it is important for us to understand these different levels. 

  1. Apprentice degree: the first stage is entered but the apprentice degree. He has to be male and no younger than 21 years.
  2. Fellow Craft: this is considered 2nd degree of freemasonry.
  3. Master Mason: finally the third stage is known as a master mason. 

Certain subjects need to be learned before moving onto the next one, different degrees require learning a range of subjects before moving on to the next phase. There is secrecy around these different degrees. In some Freemasonry jurisdictions when one becomes an entered apprentice he is known as a Freemason. in other jurisdictions is not recognised to Freemason internees reached the master mason status. It is thought that the degree of Master Mason is the highest level - but is it? 

Are there more than 33 degrees of freemasonry?

No. The answer to this question is that it very much depends on the branch of Freemasonry. Interestingly this question is quite popular in the freemason circles. The grand Lodge in England has no degrees. Instead, it has fellowship of the craft of freemasonry. This is considered quite innovative, it is considered a "Modern Freemason System."

The ancient and primitive Rite of Memphis and Misraim has 99 degrees and the right of Memphis has 97. These rights were popular during the 1800s. This branch of freemasonry is still practised but is rather rare it is not recognised by the grand Lodge. The answer for traditional freemasons is that there are no higher levels of 33 degrees. 

How many 33 degree masons exist?

In England 33 degree Freemason is a highest level. They are found in the supreme Council which can also be referred to as their head office. Is only probably handful of freemasons reached this level and no more than 15 Master Mason's exist on the supreme council. In the southern jurisdiction United States there is total of 33 that are in the supreme council. 

By Flo Saul
Oct 2, 2012