Scottish Rites And Masons: What Are They?

The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, also known as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, is a full Masonic organization with its own unique versions of the Craft or Blue Lodge rituals. It consists of the first three degrees of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason. The Scottish Rite offers an extended series of higher degrees that explore deeper philosophical concepts, such as truth, industry, honesty, benevolence, justice, toleration, patriotism, and love of country.

The Scottish Rite is one of two branches of Freemasonry in which a Master Mason may proceed after completing the three degrees of Symbolic or Blue Lodge Masonry. The other branch is known as the York Rite. The Scottish Rite is a prominent Masonic organization with deep roots in Freemasonry, offering esoteric teachings, philosophical insights, and a way for a Mason to build upon the ethical teachings and philosophy offered in the craft lodge.

In the 32nd Degree, the Scottish Rite Mason vows to serve as a “True Soldier” who seeks truth and knowledge, demands freedom of voice, vote, and opinion for all people, and combats spiritual tyranny with reason. The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is an appendant body of Freemasonry and is considered entirely optional for Masons to join.

The Scottish Rite stands as a full Rite of Freemasonry and not an appendant body. It is a regionally organized organization that provides more opportunities for fellowship and unique opportunities for Scottish Masons. Both the Masons and the Scottish Rite are branches of Freemasonry, but there are key differences that set them apart.