Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity, with roots stretching back to the medieval stonemason guilds of Europe. Its system of degrees uses allegory and symbolism to teach moral and philosophical lessons. This guide walks you through the degrees, from the first step of the Entered Apprentice to the highest honors of the Scottish and York Rites.
The Blue Lodge — Foundation Degrees
Entered Apprentice
The first step into Masonic light. The Entered Apprentice degree represents youth, the beginning of knowledge, and the commitment to self-improvement. The candidate learns the fundamental principles of Freemasonry — brotherly love, relief, and truth. The working tools of this degree are the 24-inch gauge and the common gavel, teaching the Mason to divide his time wisely and divest his heart and conscience of the vices and superfluities of life.
Fellow Craft
The second degree represents manhood, education, and the pursuit of knowledge. The Fellow Craft is encouraged to study the liberal arts and sciences — grammar, rhetoric, logic, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. The winding staircase is the central symbol, representing the ascent toward greater understanding. The working tools are the plumb, square, and level — teaching uprightness, morality, and equality.
Master Mason
The sublime degree of Master Mason is the pinnacle of the Blue Lodge. Through the dramatic legend of Hiram Abiff, the Master Builder of King Solomon's Temple, the candidate confronts the reality of mortality and the immortality of the soul. The Master Mason degree teaches that fidelity to one's obligations is more precious than life itself. The working tools are the trowel, used to spread the cement of brotherly love and affection.
The York Rite
Mark Master
Teaches the value of individual labor and the importance of receiving fair wages for honest work. Each Mason selects a distinctive mark.
Past Master (Virtual)
Prepares the candidate for the responsibilities of leadership and governance within the lodge.
Most Excellent Master
Celebrates the completion and dedication of King Solomon's Temple — the culmination of the building project.
Royal Arch Mason
Often called the most beautiful degree in Freemasonry. The Royal Arch completes the Master Mason degree by recovering what was lost — the True Word.
Royal Master
Bridges the time between the building of the Temple and its destruction, teaching preparation and foresight.
Select Master
Takes place in the secret vault beneath the Temple, teaching the preservation of sacred knowledge.
Super Excellent Master
Dramatizes the destruction of the Temple and the faithfulness required during times of calamity.
Orders of Knighthood
The Knight of the Red Cross, Knight of Malta, and Knight Templar complete the York Rite, connecting Masonic traditions to the medieval Crusader knights.
The Scottish Rite
Lodge of Perfection
These degrees expand on the legend of the Temple, exploring themes of duty, fidelity, justice, and the search for truth through allegory and drama.
Chapter of Rose Croix
Degrees of faith, hope, and charity. The 18th degree, Knight Rose Croix, is one of the most profound in Freemasonry, teaching the triumph of light over darkness.
Council of Kadosh
Philosophical degrees exploring justice, truth, toleration, and devotion to duty. The 30th degree, Knight Kadosh, examines the trial and vindication of the Knights Templar.
Consistory
The 31st degree (Inspector Inquisitor) teaches impartial justice. The 32nd degree (Master of the Royal Secret) reveals the ultimate Masonic philosophy of balance, harmony, and universal brotherhood.
Inspector General Honorary
The highest honor in the Scottish Rite, conferred by the Supreme Council upon those who have rendered exceptional service to Freemasonry and humanity.