There is an interesting bit of byplay in the scene at the court of Darius. Zerubbabel and his companions are asked a classic riddle—'Which is stronger, wine, women, or the king?' (We noted, earlier in this series, that the quest integral to the Degrees frequently involves solving a riddle of some sort.) One of Zerubbabel's companions answers, "Wine." "Women," says another. The third opines that the king is stronger. Each presents a telling and humorous argument for his position. But Zerubbabel answers that Truth is the strongest of all.

The three answers may represent three different temptations to surrender control over our lives, rather than living responsibly. The answer that wine is stronger may symbolize a life based on seeking pleasure rather than fulfilling responsibility. The answer that women are the strongest may symbolize a life built on passions and desires, rather than on self-control and responsibility. The answer that the king is the strongest may symbolize the person who avoids living responsibly by simply obeying without question the laws of government and the orders of authority.

But, if so, we are told that none of these is an adequate basis for life. Only Truth can lead to success, and Truth implies a constant self-examination and a series of deliberate choices to do the best thing, not the most fun, or the most convenient, or the most popular thing.

The apron (see above) is crimson, edged and lined with saffron—a rich yellow-orange color. Crimson usually symbolizes zeal, and here it adds the meaning of faith in the goodness and the justice of God. Saffron symbolizes dawn, here the dawn of hope for those who are dispossessed, oppressed, or persecuted.

The body of the apron shows the Second Temple (remember that the Temple symbolizes your life, society, and the universe). On one side is a sword resting on a buckler or shield. On the other is a square, above which is a triangle. The square represents the physical world and the triangle the spiritual world. Above those are the Phoenician letters which correspond to the Greek Alpha and Theta. At the primary level, they are the initial letters of two names which are contained in the secret work of the Degree. But it is interesting to speculate on a secondary meaning. It may be that the Alpha symbolizes God (the first, the primal source) and that Theta symbolizes judgement, since it was the mark used by the ancient Greeks to indicate sentence of death in the courts.

On the flap is a hand of justice, holding a balance in equipoise. It symbolizes impartiality in justice and also the equipoise and harmony which God maintains in the universe.

On the saffron cordon are a balance, the hand of justice holding a sword; a dagger, representing justice meted to tyrants and oppressors; five stars, representing the first five Princes of Jerusalem; a trowel, symbol of the work of rebuilding the Temple; and two crowns, representing civil and religious authority—both real, but separate.

The jewel is a disc of gold, showing on one side the hand of Justice with balance and, on the other, the sword of justice surrounded by five stars and the initials of the names Darius and Zerubbabel.

The Degree is, among other things, an allegory of the trials we face when we decide actively to build a good life founded on ethics and intended to benefit others. We suddenly find we are beset by enemies. People will encourage us to participate in business deals which may not be illegal—but not at the highest level of ethics, either. The automobile repair shop may offer to report more than actual damage to the insurance company, so we can both "make a little for our trouble." Friends may encourage us to take one more drink, or place one more bet. And this in addition to the temptations which we find for ourselves! Building or rebuilding a spiritual, ethical life isn't easy. We do have to build with a sword in one hand and a trowel in the other.

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 Albert Pike, The Man Beyond the Monument, and a member of the steering committee of the Masonic Information Center. In 1997, Ill. Tresner was awarded the Grand Cross, the Scottish Rite's highest honor. His latest book is Vested in Glory, The Regalia of the Ancient & Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry.

Illustrations of the Scottish Rite regalia paintings by Brother Robert H. White, 32°, (Sixteenth Degree, Prince of Jerusalem painting pictured above) are available in two formats:

(1) individual 8" x 12" or 11" x 14" color photographs and
(2) grouped photos in a color 22" x 33" poster.

To order individual photographs, please contact Brother Bruce A. Dehlin, K.D. Enterprises, 10114 Farmington Drive, Fairfax,
VA 22030–2049. Credit cards accepted. Tel. (703) 591–5318; Fax: (703) 591–6026; e-mail: dehlinb@cais.net

To order color posters picturing all the regalia paintings, Fourth through Thirty-third Degrees, including the K.C.C.H. and
Grand Cross, use VISA or MasterCard or send a check (domestic only) for $20.00 payable to The Supreme Council, 33°,
S.J., USA to: