Governing Body, Headquarters & Eligibility Requirements
| Order / Jurisdiction Title | The Ancient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix & the 33rd Degree) |
|---|---|
| Governing Body in the UK | Supreme Council 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Rite for England and Wales (and Supreme Council for Scotland) |
| UK Headquarters | 10 Duke Street St James's, London, SW1Y 6BS |
| Candidate Prerequisite | Must be a Master Mason of at least one year's standing who professes the Trinitarian Christian faith (in England & Wales). |
Degrees Worked & Symbolic Working Tools
Each ceremony within Rose Croix (18th to 33rd Degree) dramatises a specific episode of scriptural or chivalric allegory and entrusts the candidate with symbolic working tools:
| Degree / Ceremony | Moral & Historical Focus | Symbolic Working Tools |
|---|---|---|
| 18° Sovereign Prince Rose Croix of Heredom | Transition from the Old Law to the New Law: Faith, Hope, and Charity symbolised by the Pelican feeding its young and the Rose upon the Cross. | Rose, Cross, Pelican, and Compass. |
| 30° Knight Kadosh, 31° Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander, 32° Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret & 33° Sovereign Grand Inspector General | Conferred strictly by the Supreme Council 33° at 10 Duke Street St James's in recognition of distinguished service to the Rite. | Double-Headed Eagle and Crown. |
Historical Development in Britain
Developing from 18th-century French 'Écossais' (Scots Master) degrees and organised under the 1801 Charleston Supreme Council, the Supreme Council 33° for England and Wales received its patent in 1845.
Official Apron, Sash & Breast Jewel Regulations
Regalia & Dress Guidelines for Rose Croix (18th to 33rd Degree)
In the 18th Degree, members wear a crimson velvet collar embroidered with the Pelican, Rose, and Cross (reversible to black during part of the ceremony) and a gilt breast jewel shaped as compasses surmounted by a crown enclosing a pelican and eagle.
Need regulation aprons, breast jewels, or signet rings for Rose Croix (18th to 33rd Degree)? Explore our UK Masonic Regalia, Jewels & Signet Rings Hub.
Related Masonic Symbols & Ritual Guides
Square and Compasses
The Square and Compasses is the universal emblem of speculative Freemasonry. Conjoined together, the stonemason's try-square represents morality, fairness, and earthly conduct ('squaring our actions'), whilst the compasses represent spiritual boundaries, moderation, and self-restraint.
All-Seeing Eye of Providence
Often surrounded by an equilateral triangle or a burst of solar glory, the All-Seeing Eye (or Eye of Providence) is an ancient Renaissance and Biblical emblem adopted by 18th-century Freemasons to remind Brethren that every thought, word, and action is observed by the Great Architect of the Universe.
The Blazing Star
Situated at the centre of the chequered black-and-white Mosaic Pavement or within the Tessellated Border of the Lodge, the Blazing Star represents Divine Providence, the sun enlightening the earth, and prudent conduct amidst the shifting fortunes of human life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Croix (18th to 33rd Degree)
Is a 33rd Degree Mason higher in rank than the Grand Master of Craft Freemasonry?
No. In the United Kingdom, the 33rd Degree is the senior administrative rank specifically within the Ancient and Accepted Rite (Rose Croix). It confers no authority over Craft Lodges, where the Third Degree (Master Mason) and the Holy Royal Arch remain the supreme degrees.