Brother seeker of enlightenment,

We have just completed study of the Eighteenth Degree and will move on to the Nineteenth Degree starting the Council of Kadosh at our next session which will be held on Wednesday September 18th at 7:00 p.m. We had a lively discussion with members attending from the Lake Worth Consistory at our last session and anticipate the same in the months to come as we tackle the philosophical and religious themed degrees in the Council of Kadosh. 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 New Jerusalem; the ruined city
  • The Twelve Gold Stars, The Twelve Tribes, The Twelve Apostles
  • The Three Headed Serpent
  • The Blue Fillet
  • The Twelve Columns around the Council Chamber

Lessons:

  • Good will triumph over evil.
  • If lived properly this life is a bridge to eternal life.
  • Be content to labor for the future.
  • Serve the cause of truth with patience and industry.
  • Destroy error, falsehood and intolerance with truth, honesty, honor and charity.

Topics for Discussion

  • Pike tells us it is the dead who govern, the living only obey. What does this tell us about the acts of the great men in history and the generations before us?
  • Contemporary culture tends to be forward looking, seeking progress and relatively disinterested in history. Is this a strength or weakness in regards to the continuity of culture.
  • Can you think of an instance or person who has changed your life, and what you can do to improve the lives of those yet to come?
  • What seeds have you sown which you do not expect to see bear fruit in your lifetime?
  • Explain the allegorical meaning of “the bridge”.
  • The number 12 is prominent in this degree. How does the study of numerology play a prominent role in understanding Masonry?
  • The theme of good and evil is prominent is this degree. Explain what the principles of good and evil allude to in the degree and the reason each plays an important part in the enlightenment of the candidate·
  • On one side of the jewel is a symbol for Alpha and on the other side that of Omega; the first and the last. Explain the meaning of this duality in the context of the overall instruction of the degree

Looking forward to an interesting and rewarding session,

Ill. Harry Eisenberg, 33°