In the Or. where I lived, there were two paths available to advance in Masonic knowledge after the 3°. Scottish Rite had a rather glamorous reputation and, of course, seemed to have more degrees. York Rite, on the other hand, seemed rather shabby in comparison: fewer degrees, older members, etc.
No question: I chose Scottish Rite first. Looking back I made a mistake. Except for the 18°, the degrees that meant most to me were the Mark and H.R.A.
I'm wondering if the other BB here had similar choices to be made. How did they choose and why?
I entered Masonry through LDH in which at that time the York and Scottish traditions jointly existed.
In retrospect I see the craft degrees as the most coherent and most important. I do rather like HRA but do not think that it is well worked in my locality. Similarly for 18th.
My favourite is actually Royal Ark Mariners for its stellar connections - steering the Earth as an ark to its appointed destiny.
Very interesting, Paul. Royal Ark Mariners was not worked in the days I was active. I almost asked for the degree in London, but I got turned down, fortunately. I was in my collecting period and the M∴ P∴ G∴ C∴ realized it. Could you give us a brief resume?
RAM is based on the Noah legend. At that time there was no VSL and instead the ritual uses a mysterious PS on which Jacob rested his head when he dreamed. The ritual is simple and does not appear to conceal peculiar teachings.
At the time I belonged in LDH, RAM was the only lodge that did not take greetings from higher degrees and was the only induction not to use a sword on the candidate. From that I deduced that RAM was superior to all degrees and the brethren joined by right not by initiation.
As I recall when RAM came into the public domain it was used as the entry degree for Masonic Knights Templar. This may be significant symbolism, depending upon what agenda were served by The Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon.
The original Knights Templar rose from very small beginnings very rapidly to become the most powerful organisation in Europe. This might indicate hidden forces that can be veiled by the name Priory of Sion.
In this regard there is an interesting line in the book Holy Blood, Holy Grail which states that not all members of the Priory of Sion are Jews. The theme of hidden bloodline organisations with multi-millennial agenda is quite common.
Metaphysical realities may still be found, for example at the village of Sion on La Colline Inspiree and the nearby Mont Ste Odile
Paul, Thank you so much for your resume of the degree. I would have never guessed that the degree had an association with the Priory of Sion. I read the book you mentioned, Holy Blood, Holy Grail, which indeed is a fascinating account of the Knights Templar. It is a good read for those interested in this mysterious group.
