InFreemasonry, the first threeMasonic degrees constitute the fundamental degrees in all Rites they are called Blue Lodge of Craft degree.
Over time, various systems of optional "high Masonic degrees" or "Side Degree" have been added to these three fundamental degrees, practiced in workshops known as perfection lodges or chapters.
The earliest documented form of Freemasonry emerged from the operative masonic guilds of medieval Europe. During this period, it is mostly admitted that the craft maintained a simple two-degree system that directly reflected the practical organization of stonemason's work.[1] Although some traditions such as theOperative Masons, maintain that the craft contained seven degrees before it was reduced to two.[2][3][4] Some tradition maintain that the third degree legend was part of the second degree, while some other claim that it was a mystery played during feasts.[5]
Apprentice,Entered Apprentice orApprentices to the Craft of Free Mason (first degree): This initial degree represented the beginning of a mason's journey, typically lasting seven years. Apprentices learned fundamental craft skills and basic moral teachings.[6]
That no Master or fellow shall take any apprentice as his apprentice unless for seven years, and that apprentice be able of birth and of living as he ought to be." - The William Watson Manuscript
— William Watson, The William Watson Manuscript 1535
Fellows of the Craft of Free Mason orCompanion(second degree): Upon completing their apprenticeship, masons could advance to this level, indicating full membership in the craft guild.
Archaeological evidence from early lodge minutes, particularly from Scottish lodges, shows that this two-degree system was well-established by the late 16th century.[8]
The formation of the first Grand Lodge in London in 1717 marked a crucial transition period in Masonic history. During this time, the craft greatly shifted from operative to speculative Masonry, (this shift had started in the late 1500s) focusing more on moral, esoteric and philosophical teachings rather than practical stonework.[9]
Although still heavily debated, the modern consensus claims that The Master Mason degree was cemented around 1725 in London,[10] marking a significant evolution in Masonic ritual and symbolism, this legend was in direct competition with another "Noachite" legend.[11] Other Scholar claim that the legend existed far before this date as it is hinted at in earlier rituals. This development:[12][13]
Established the three-degree system that would become fundamental to all Masonic Rites
Created a more complex symbolic structure for Masonic teaching
By the 1760s, over one hundred distinct Masonic degrees had been created.[16] This proliferation led to efforts to systematize and organize these degrees into coherent systems.
French RiteThe French Rite is one of the oldest systems in existence and was systematized in 1786 and solidified with the creation of the "Manuscrit de Moûtiers" of 1787 and later the publication of theRégulateur du Maçon in 1801, establishing a three degrees plus 4 orders system:[17]
Blue Lodge
1st Degree: Entered Apprentice
2nd Degree: Fellow Craft
3rd Degree: Master Mason
Orders of Wisdom
1st Order: Élu (Elect)/ Master Elect
2dn Order: Ecossais / Grand Élu (Grand Elect)
3rd Order: Chevalier d'Orient / Knight of Masonry
4th Order: Rose-Croix / Perfect Sovereign Mason
Conservatory
5th Order: Grand Conservatory / Additional administrative order
Ancient and Accepted Scottish RiteDeveloped through several stages:
Initial formation in Charleston, South Carolina (1801)
In most systems, Lodges that practice the "high degrees" are distinct from the lodges of the first three degrees. They have different names, varying depending on the degrees they confer, but are also referred to under the generic term "higher lodges" or "lodges of perfection." In general, these lodges are organized separately from theobediences (grand lodges or grand orients) that federate the lodges of the first three degrees.
According to the Manuscrit R.C. de la bibliothèque Doré from 1786, the Manuscrit de Moûtiers and the Montaleau’s manuscript of 1787 and the 1801 Regulator of Masonic Knights:
The degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite vary from one jurisdiction to the next. TheNorthern Masonic Jurisdiction andSouthern Jurisdiction, each have their own lists of degrees, as well asScottish Rite jurisdictions in France, Canada, England and Wales.
^Bernheim, Alain. "The Origin of Masonic High Degrees."Heredom, vol. 5, 1996.
^Ligou, Daniel.Histoire des Francs-Maçons en France. Privat, 2000.
^Bogdan, Henrik.Western Esotericism and Rituals of Initiation. SUNY Press, 2007.
^Contremoulin, Gérard (2022).Le 1er ordre du rite français : maître élu : de la vengeance à la justice. Les cahiers de rite français (in French). Detrad-aVs.ISBN9782916094946.
^Contremoulin, Gérard (2022).Le 2e ordre du rite français : grand élu : de l'union des hommes à l'unité des valeurs. Les cahiers de rite français (in French). Detrad-aVs.ISBN9782916094953.
^Contremoulin, Gérard (2022).Le 3e ordre du rite français : chevalier maçon : de la destruction à la reconstruction. Les cahiers de rite français (in French). Detrad-aVs.ISBN9782916094960.
^Contremoulin, Gérard (2022).Le 4e ordre du rite français : parfait maçon libre : de la libération à l'épanouissement. Les cahiers de rite français (in French). Detrad-aVs.ISBN9782916094977.
