Brother seeker of enlightenment,

We have just completed a study of the Sixteenth Degree and will move on to the Seventeenth Degree in the Chapter Rose Croix at our next session, which will be held on Wednesday, June 19th at 7:00 p.m. We are now getting into the Philosophical degrees, so this should provide lively discussion and a lot of fun. There will be dinner before this session at 6:30 with the class to follow. Even if you have not attended before each session is a separate degree, so there is no need to feel that you have to have prior experience to enjoy the class.

As before the resource material for this and all subsequent degrees is as listed below. It is suggested you bring your copy of “A Bridge to Light” to class and study the degree beforehand at home.

Important Symbols

  • The triangular apron
  • The lion, the ox, the man, and the eagle
  • The Book of Seven Seals
  • The colors of the rainbow
  • The color combinations of black and white; and Gold and silver
  • Two interlaced triangles, one black and one white
  • Seven stars (the number seven)
  • The Golden crown
  • The East and the West
  • John the Baptist

Lessons:

  • At some time, a resolution between the apparent forces of good and evil will take place.
  • We should be on the side of the positive, rather than the negative.
  • We should take every opportunity to make things better for ourselves and others.
  • We should at all costs, resist the temptation to the negative.
  • There is an ultimate accounting, to hurt others is wrong, to help them is right.
  • Knowledge creates a fundamental change in the individual.

Topics for Discussion

  • What are the symbolic meanings of the seven colors of the rainbow in this degree?
  • What is the symbolic meaning of the number seven, and how does it apply to our daily life?
  • What is the significance of the candidate wandering in the desert as preparation for this degree?
  • The degree presents four great evils: give examples where they might arise in daily life and what the response of a Mason should be.
  • Discuss the concept of spiritual power or force.
  • Knowledge creates a fundamental change in the individual. Give an example in your own life.
  • The 17° reflects a major shift in the history of Western spiritual evolution. Discuss the major changes in tradition which are introduced in this degree.
  • Summarize the allegory of the Book of Revelations and the wisdom of the story as presented in the degree.

Looking forward to an interesting and rewarding session,

Ill. Harry Eisenberg, 33°