Author: Masonic Tokens

Scottish Rite Masons are entitled to wear the Fourteenth Degree ring, which is a plain flat gold band with a triangle enclosing the Hebrew letter yod (), the initial of the Hebrew name of Deity. Your Lodge of Perfection may have presented one of these rings to you, or you may have received it in another form, such as a ring in a Lucite paperweight. Inside the ring should be your name, the date you received the Fourteenth Degree and the motto Virtus junxit mors non separabit (Virtue has united and death shall not separate). The ring may be worn upon any finger of either hand. The promise connected with this that you will wear it during your lifetime, and that you will provide that, after your death, it shall go into the hands of no other person than your widow, your eldest son, or the friend whom of all others you love most. However, it is not to be worn by such a recipient. If you were not presented with an actual ring, you may buy one from a Masonic supply company. Masters of the Royal Secret may also choose to purchase and wear a 32° ring; however, these are unofficial, and not strictly a part of the Scottish Rite regalia.

— from the “Scottish Rite Ritual” Monitor & Guide book by Arturo De Hoyos

Albert Pike was the Master Builder of the Scottish Rite and was chiefly responsible for its current development and ceremonial. His ritual revisions and philosophy have influenced those of most Supreme Councils worldwide, and his writings are among the most insightful and profound in the history of Freemasonry. The great English Masonic historian, Robert F. Gould, wrote that Pike “was himself probably the most gifted of all the scholars and antiquaries whose writings have from time to time cast a luster on the literature of Freemasonry” (Ars Quatuor Coronatorum 16 [1903], p.28)

Born in 1809, Pike became a Mason in 1850, became active in the York Rite, and received the 32 degrees in 1853 and immediately became interested in all aspects of the Scottish Rite. Between 1854 and 1855 he transcribed and began studying its degrees and, in the latter year, was appointed to a committee to revise the rituals. He was the only member of the committee to produce any results, and his self-published revision, though never officially adopted, would serve as the foundation for the majority of Scottish Rite rituals world-wide. His revisions made the Rite a connected system of moral, religious and philosophical instruction. His world experience was vast. He was, among other things, an explorer, lawyer, Indian agent, Civil War Brigadier General (CSA), author, editor, historian, poet, translator, publisher, philosopher, scholar of Vedic literature, and polyglot.

He received the 33 degree in 1857, became an Active Member in 1858, and was elected Grand Commander of the Supreme Council in 1859 – a position which he held until his death in 1891. He requested that if a monument was placed on his grave, it should bear the simple inscription, “Laborum ejus Superstites aunt fructus vixit” (He has lived. The fruits of his labors of live after him). At the closing of each Session of the Supreme Council the following memorial is offered in his remembrance:

And now to the memory of him who said — “When I am dead, I wish my monument to be builded only
in the hearts and memories of my Brethren of the Ancient and Accepted Rite, and my name to be
remembered by them in every country, no matter what language men speak there, when the light of the
Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite shall shine and its Oracles of Truth and Wisdom be reverently
listened to.”

— from the “Scottish Rite Ritual” Monitor & Guide book by Arturo De Hoyos

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