32nd Degree: Master of the Royal Secret

03/05/23 • 37 min

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.
In this episode, the intricate details of the Degree Ritual and its profound symbolism are explored, shedding light on the culmination of Masonic teachings. The ritual, set against the backdrop of the Vernal Equinox, serves as a symbolic journey through the Scottish Rite degrees, leading to the understanding of the Royal Secret and the Holy Doctrine.
The Encampment, a central symbol of the Degree, is meticulously described, revealing its nested geometric figures that represent the journey of enlightenment from the outer Nonagon to the inner Circle. This journey through the Encampment, from the broad understanding of Masonic philosophy to the individual realization of profound truths, is emphasized as a path to achieving equilibrium between the divine and the human.
The discussion delves deeper into the symbolism of Freemasonry, focusing on the Temple, Light, and the sacred names of God. The vows taken during the Ritual underscore the commitment to fight against despotism and to pursue enlightenment. The significance of the Vernal Equinox, representing the triumph of light over darkness, is highlighted as a metaphor for the renewal of life and the spirit's victory over matter.
The concept of the Logos, or the Divine Word, is explored as a symbol of divine ratification and the transmission of light from initiate to initiate. The metaphorical construction of the "Third Temple" within oneself is presented as the ultimate goal, symbolizing a new conception of divinity brought to life through the individual's journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
The series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):

Images:

Overview:

01:14 Introduction
02:02 Ritual Setting
05:38 Degree Ritual
07:28 The Encampment
12:33 Degree Symbols
16:01 Morals and Dogma
17:46 White Light
19:57 Rainbow Bridge
22:46 Compass and Square
25:10 Spirit Over Matter
27:12 The Logos
28:52 Third Temple
33:10 The Sacred Word
34:55 Conclusions

Links:

Solomon’s Temple (Wikipedia)
Tetragrammaton (Wikipedia)
Second Temple (Wikipedia)
INRI (Wikipedia)
New Jerusalem (Wikipedia)
Om (Wikipedia)
Monochord (Wikipedia)
Cymatics: Chladni Plate - Sound, Vibration and Sand (YouTube)

03/05/23 • 37 min

Way of the Hermit - 32nd Degree: Master of the Royal Secret

Transcript

Introduction (01:14)

Gene: Hello Dave.
David: Hello Gene.
Gene: Are you ready to tie it all together?
David: Yes. We will tie it all together because this is the last “Degree Episode”. It’s the final Chapter of “Morals and Dogma”. We will have one more episode after this to wrap things up, but, as always, before we get started, I want to remind everyone that Show Notes, Chapter Markers and a Transcript of this, and all episodes, are available on our

Generate a badge

Get a badge for your website that links back to this episode

Select type & size

Copy