Eighteenth Degree, Knight Rose Croix

Jim Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross
PO Box 70, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044–0070

The apron (right) of the Chamber of Darkness (which represents the world lost in systems of philosophy which have failed to bring peace and harmony, the world in which the Word is lost) is black, with a large red passion cross on the body of the apron. The cordon is black, lined with red, and embroidered with a red passion cross. The jewel pertaining to the Chamber of Darkness is the compasses, open to 60°, resting on a quadrant, or segment of a circle. The compasses are crowned. Resting on the quadrant is an eagle in silver with its head lowered. Its wings are open but not spread. Above the eagle is a passion cross in crimson.

The apron of the Chamber of Light (which represented the world after the rediscovery of the Word) is white, bordered in crimson. On the body of the apron is embroidered the jewel of the Chamber of Light. It is an open, crowned compasses as described above. Resting on the quadrant is the nest of a pelican, containing seven hatchlings. Perched on the edge of the nest is the pelican, piercing her breast with her beak. It was anciently believed that the pelican tore her breast to nourish her young with her own blood. Thus the pelican became a symbol of self-sacrifice, philanthropy, and devotedness. It also symbolized the bounty of nature, from which all living things draw their sustenance. Behind the silver pelican is a crimson passion cross. At the base is a sprig of acacia, and at the point of the cross bar is a crimson rose in full bloom. The regalia for the Chamber of Light also includes a crimson collar from which the jewel hangs.

To add to the symbolism, the two aprons are, in fact, the front and back of the same apron, and the jewels are the front and back of the same jewel so that one is easily transformed into the other. In both cases, the compasses carry their usual Masonic interpretation of spiritual awareness and self-control. The compasses are crowned to symbolize the fact that the Mason highest in rank or Degree is only the highest among his equals. The crown also symbolizes the sovereignty of the people and the rights of self-government and self-determination.

The eagle on the jewel symbolizes Supreme Wisdom and Intelligence, deriving that meaning from the ancient Egyptians who remarked that the eagle's wings bore him high toward the light and away from the clouds. Thus the eagle and pelican, together, symbolize, respectively, perfect wisdom and perfect devotedness.

The cross, which is part of the design on both sides, is an ancient symbol of infinity and has been used as a sacred symbol from early antiquity—far predating Christianity. Thus it may be said to represent the world or the condition of the world. It also has ancient associations with suffering and sacrifice. Thus the cross on the Chamber of Darkness side of the jewel can be taken to represent the world in suffering when the Word was lost. The rose has ancient associations with dawn, and thus with hope and a new awakening to life. The cross with rose on the Chamber of Light side of the jewel thus represents immortality won by suffering and sorrow. The association with immortality is strengthened by the addition of the sprig of acacia at the base of the cross.

All of these symbols point, of course, to the transformation of the world with the discovery of the New Law of Love. That Law of Love redefines life and our responsibilities to others. It is no longer sufficient to say, "I have done no harm." We no longer have the excuse of ignorance if we choose to "pass by on the other side." Life becomes a positive affirmation of the worth of others and oneself. It is this Law which transforms and directs the raw spirituality of the 17° by giving it shape and focus and mission. It teaches the great lesson of the Brotherhood of Mankind under the Fatherhood of God. It affirms that your obligation is to each person, simply because he or she is a person. It insists that our common humanity, our common "sonship," is more important than any divisive consideration—more important than nationality, creed, race, social position, or wealth. Banished forever from the lips of a Knight Rose Croix are the words, "God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are" (Luke 8:11), for we know we are, in all that matters, like them indeed.

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°, (Seventeenth Degree, Knight of the East and West 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: Grand Executive Director's Office, 1733 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103