|
Jim Tresner, 33°, Grand Cross
P.O. Box 70, Guthrie, Oklahoma 73044–0070
 Photo:
Original oil painting by Bro. Robert H. White, 32°, K.C.C.H.
The symbolism of the regalia of the 25° is some
of the richest in the Scottish Rite. The apron (image right) is
white, lined and bordered with black. Both sides of the apron
are of symbolic significance. On the white side or front of the
apron are gold stars arranged in constellations to represent the
Pleiades, the Hyades, Orion, and Capella. In the middle is a rayed
equilateral triangle, and in the center is the name of Deity in
Phoenician characters. To the right and left of the triangle is
a larger star, each with the letter A over the star. The
letters identify the stars as, respectively, Aldebarán
and Antares. Beneath the triangle is a gold star with the letter
F signifying the star Fomalhaut.
On the flap of the apron is a serpent or dragon,
coiled into a circle and holding its tail in its mouth. The symbol
is known as the Ouroboros. It is a symbol of time, or eternity,
and of the great cycles of time in which we all live. Within the
circle formed by the Ouroboros is a golden scarab beetle, symbol
of immortality. Over this is a gold star, and the letter R for
the star Regulus.
On the back of the apron are silver stars representing
the constellations of Perseus, Scorpio, and Ursa Major.
Two cordons form a part of the regalia of the 25°.
One is a broad crimson ribbon. On it are embroidered the names:
Osiris, Ahura, Osarsiph, Moses. Following the last name is the
embroidered figure of a bull. A disc is on his head as well as
the horns with a crescent between them. This cordon is worn from
left to right.
Over it, worn from right to left, is a cordon of
similar size, but of white watered silk rather than crimson. Embroidered
on the white ribbon, in gold, are the names Isis and Ceres. Under
the name Ceres is embroidered the head of a dog, with a crescent
above its head. On the right breast, on the left breast, and at
the point at which the white cordon crosses the crimson cordon,
gold stars are embroidered. Under the star over the right breast
(which is on the white cordon) is the letter A for the star Aldebarán.
Under the star over the left breast (crimson ribbon) is the letter
A for the star Antares. Under the star on the white ribbon, where
it crosses the crimson ribbon, is the letter F for the star Fomalhaut.1
Finally, on the crimson cordon is the word Geburah
(Hebrew for valor) while on the white cordon is the word Aun
(Hebrew for force or strength). Read together, they suggest the
generative and productive power of nature.
The jewel of the Degree is in the form of an Ankh,
i.e., a Tau-shaped cross with a loop or circle on top. On the
upright of the cross are engraved the Hebrew words which translate
“He has suffered” or “He has been wounded.”
On the cross bar is the word Nakhustan (also spelled Nehushtan),
the name given in the Bible to the brazen serpent erected by Moses
(2 Kings 18:4, Numbers 21:6–9). A serpent is coiled around
the ring at the top of the Ankh.
The primary legend of the Degree comes from an account
of the Exodus. The people had started to complain to God about
the length of the journey and the fact that there was nothing
but manna to eat. God sent serpents among the people, and those
who were bitten soon died. The people repented, and God spoke
to Moses, telling him to make a serpent of brass and set it on
a pole. Then, all that had been bitten and looked upon the serpent
of brass lived. Thus, the serpent coiled around the handle of
the Ankh symbolizes healing and spiritual grace.
There are many complex meanings in the constellations
and stars selected for special emphasis on the regalia, but on
a fundamental level, their meaning is that there is significance
and a plan to the universe. God’s purposes move with certainty,
and we need never fear being lost in a hostile or indifferent
world.
The names on the cordons include the names of many
of the gods and goddesses who appear in the ancient vegetation
myths, stories which usually centered around a goddess and her
lover who must die each year in order for the earth to bring forth
a harvest. Many of these myths took their inspiration from the
yearly journey of the sun toward the shortest day and its reemergence
after three days in the movement toward spring.
The Degree reminds us that men have found many ways
to tell the great truths of spiritual and human experience. Some
may seem primitive or childish to us today, but there is wisdom
in the wonder of a child even as there is wisdom in the sayings
of the sages.
|
