Meaning of Cryptic Masonry

WHAT IS CRYPTIC RITE?

Cryptic Masonry has come into its own as the series of degrees known as the Cryptic Rite, also known as the Cryptic Masons. Its popularity is well deserved, for there are no more beautiful or meaningful degrees in all Freemasonry as those conferred in the Council of Cryptic Masons. The Cryptic Rite or degrees originates its name from the setting of the Royal Master and Select Master, but let us not ever forget the betrayal of friendship taught in the Super Excellent Master degree in the underground crypt beneath King Solomon’s Temple. The word cryptic means hidden; thus, it describes these degrees.

Not until a few years ago, the Cryptic Rite was not a series of degrees that one had to take to meet requirements to join the Commandery of Knights Templar. However, in recent years, many Grand Commanderies of Knights Templar have made the Cryptic degrees a prerequisite for the Temple orders. Even more, Grand Commanderies will adopt this policy in the years ahead.

Every degree expresses a lesson; the question is, do we take notice of the rewards presented to us as faithful Craftsmen of Masonry? The Royal Master’s degree teaches a lesson of patience, fortitude, and integrity. The Select Master degree teaches devotion, zeal, and the failing of those who may overstep the bounds of respectability through ignorance or curiosity. The Super Excellent Master’s degree emphasizes the values of loyalty and faithfulness. Therefore, man will always build, but the permanent temple is that spiritual temple erected within himself.