The Pasadena Council of Kadosh
Commander: Rees W. Padfield, 32° KCCH

The Degrees of the Council of Kadosh*

19th Degree - Pontiff

The cordon is crimson, bordered with white, and worn from left to right. It teaches us that the zeal and ardor of a Grand Pontiff ought to be set off by the greatest purity of morals, perfect charity and beneficence. Where it crosses the breast, embroidered in gold are twelve stars and the Greek letters Alpha and Omega. The stars upon it allude to the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem, the twelve signs of the Zodiac, the twelve fruits of the Tree of Life, the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve Apostles. The initials of the Apostles' names appear upon the gates and foundations of the New Jerusalem. The columns in the set of this degree also number twelve. In this degree there is also a fillet, or head band, of blue with twelve stars upon it which have the same significance as those on the cordon. It is the peculiar emblem of a Grand Pontiff because the slightest contact with the earth will spoil its spotless purity. Similarly, the least indescretion will soil the exalted character which you have voluntarily assumed.
Another distinctive ornament of this degree is the breastplat of the High Priest of ancient Israel with twelve different gems embedded in a 4 X 3 matrix. Upon each gem is one of the initials of the twelve names (or attributes) of Deity mentioned in the ritual.

The jewel is an oblong square of solid gold, with the letter Aleph engraved on one side and Tau on the other. These letters are the first and last of the Hebrew alphabet as those upon the cordon are of the Greek. They should remind us of the love and veneration we owe to that Great Being, the source of all existence, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. On His promises we rely with perfect confidence, in whose mercy and goodness we implictly trust, and for the fulfillment of whose wise purposes we are content to wait.

DUTIES
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.
LESSONS
Good will triumph over evil.
The human intellect cannot measure the designs of God.
If lived properly, this life is a bridge to eternal life.
FOR REFLECTION
Do you live your life so that it is a bridge to immortality?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
Twelve columns around the Council Chamber, the Tracing Board of the New Jerusalem, the colors blue and gold, the Spirit of Masonry.

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20th Degree - Master of the Symbolic Lodge

The apron is yellow, bordered and lined with sky-blue. In the center are three concentric equilateral triangles, with the initial letters of the nine Great Lights in the corners. The letters stand for the following: Charity, Generosity, Veneration, Heroism, Patriotism, Honor, Toleration, Truth and Justice. In the center of the inner Triangle is the Tetragrammaton in Phoenician characters. Across it, from below upwards, are the Hebrew letters Yod, He, Yod, written vertically bottom to top and sideways. The remaining letters are Aleph, Vau, Ras; together the letters form the Hebrew for "Let Light Be!" or, as in the King James Version of the Bible, "Let there be light" (Gen. 1:3).
The cordon is a broad ribbon of yellow and sky-blue; it may also be two ribbons, one of each color, crossing each other.

The jewel is gold, like the triangles on the apron, with the same words and letters.

DUTIES
Dispense light and knowledge.
Practice the Masonic virtues both in and out of the Lodge.
LESSONS
Truth, justice and toleration are indispensible qualities for a Master of the Lodge.
Example is the best teaching method known.
FOR REFLECTION
Is your behavior the same both in and out of lodge?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
Triangle, square, octagon, candles, three pillars, Pythagorean right triangle.

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21st Degree - Noachite, or Prussian Night

The apron and gloves of this degree are yellow. On the upper part of the apron is an arm, naked and upraised, holding a naked sword. Under it is a human figure, erect, with wings, the forefinger of his right hand on his lips; in his left hand he holds a key. He is the Egyptian figure of silence, called by the Greeks Harpocrates, though the wings are an addition. Plato said the wings symbolized 'intelligence'. To the alchemists they stood for the higher, active, male principle.

The order is a broad black ribbon, worn from right to left.

The jewel is a silver, full moon, suspended from the third buttonhole of the vest, or a golden triangle traversed by an arrow, point-upward, suspended from the collar. On the jewel is an arm upraised, holding a naked sword, and around it the motto, Fiat Justitia, Ruat Coelum, meaning 'Let there be Justice, though the Heavens fall'. These were the words of William Murray, First Earl of Mansfield (1704-1793), Lord Chief Justice of England, uttered in the case of Rex vs. Wilkes, June 8, 1768.

DUTIES
Be humble and modest, trusting in God.
Be steadfast and courageous in the face of adversity.
LESSONS
The downfall of evil is certain.
A free and independent judiciary is necessary to human progress.
Journalism should be fair, just and responsible.
FOR REFLECTION
Do you keep the ideal of justice before your own interests?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
Masked brothers, full moon, sword of a knight.

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22nd Degree - Knight Royal Axe, Prince of Libanus

The apron is white, lined and bordered with purple. In the middle is embroidered a round table, on which are mathematical instruments and unrolled plans. On the flap is a serpent with three heads, denoting idleness, the body from which issues the three vices symbolized by the heads: drunkeness, impurity and gaming. By these vices many youths have been lost and many great nations have sunk into ignoble imbecility and shameful bondage.

The order is a broad rainbow-colored ribbon, lined with purple. It is worn as a collar or may be worn as a sash, from right to left.

The jewel, suspended from the collar, is a gold axe and handle, the symbol of the great agent of civilization and improvement. Troops armed with this weapon have conquered barbarism. Under its blow the primeval forests disappear; the early farmer displaces the wild hunter; to the rude barbarism of the early ages succeed settled society, laws and all the arts that refine and elevate mankind. The axe is nobler than the sword. Masonry hews at those mighty trees, intolerance, bigotry, superstition, uncharitableness and idleness, thereby letting in the light of truth and reason upon the human mind, which these vices have darkened for centuries. The letters on the top are the initials of Noah and Solomon; those on the handle, of Libanus and Tsidunian; those on one side of the blade, of Adonirum, Kuros, Darius, Zerubbabel, Nehemiah and Azra; and those on the other side, of Shem, Kham, Yapheth, Moses, Aholiab and Betselal. These names represent the various places and persons significant in the use of the cedars of Lebanon for 'Holy Enterprises'; examples include Noah's Ark, the Ark of the Covenant, Solomon's Temple, and the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Temple by Zerubbabel.

DUTIES
Respect labor for its own sake, and do work.
LESSONS
Work is the mission of man.
FOR REFLECTION
If one finds for himself esteem in his labors, does the prestige associated with his labors matter?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
The cedars of Lebanon, carpenters tools; saw, plane and axe.

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23rd Degree - Chief of the Tabernacle

The apron is white, lined with scarlet and bordered with red, blue and purple ribbons. In the middle is painted or embroidered the golden candelabrum with seven lights. Josephus, the great Jewish historian, is the source of the design of the apron. He defines the symbolism of the colors as follows: white, the earth, from which the flax used in fine linen is grown; red, fire, from its color; blue, the sky, for the same reason; and, purple, the sea, for it derives from a sea mollusk. But to us there are deeper meanings: white, the infinite beneficence of God; blue, His profound and perfect wisdom; red, his glory; and, purple, His power. The candelabrum symbolizes to us, as to the ancients, the seven planets: the sun, the moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. It also represents the seven archangels and seven of the ten manifestations of Deity; specifically, the seven Sephiroth which follow Will, Wisdom and Understanding: Justice, Mercy, Beauty, Glory, Victory, Dominion and Kingdom.

A red leather belt is also worn, fringed along the lower edge with gold, from which hangs the jewel.

The jewel is a small silver censer, or ornamental cup, with a long handle; the end serves as a stand for the cup and is shaped like an open hand. It should remind us to offer up unceasingly to God the incense of good deeds and charitable actions dictated by a pure and upright heart.

DUTIES
Be devoted to the service of God.
Constantly endeavor to promote the welfare of man.
Act with proper subordination to your superiors.
LESSONS
Simple faith is wiser than vain philosophy.
A society's concept of the Deity and the universe are consistent with its development.
FOR REFLECTION
What is the nature of God?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
The standards of the twelve tribes of Israel, darkness, light, the colors scarlet, white and purple.

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24th Degree - Prince of the Tabernacle

The order is a broad, watered scarlet ribbon worn from right to left. On the front is embroidered in gold, a winged-globe and under it a scarab, under which is a brilliant butterfly; all are symbols of immortality.

The girdle is of light-green morroco leather, fringed below with gold, and edged with gold lace. From this belt are suspended the jewel of the preceeding degree, a silver censer, and the jewel of this degree, the Phoenician letter Aleph.

The apron is of white lambskin, lined with scarlet and bordered with light-green. In the middle is painted a representation of an Arabic tent, in gold. On the light blue flap is a representation of a myrtle tree of violet color, also an emblem of immortality.

The jewel is the Phoenician letter 'A' (Aleph), suspended from a short collar of narrow, watered violet-colored ribbon. It is another manifestation of the Pentagram, or Five-Pointed Star, because the star, viewed from any angle figures the letter 'A'. Since 'A' is the initial of one of the principle names of Deity, Adonai, or LORD, this star is a sign of intellectual omnipotence and autocracy.

DUTIES
Labor incessantly for the glory of God, the honor of your country and the happiness of your brethren.
LESSONS
The power of faith in the Deity and his promises.
The soul is immortal.
There is one, true God, who is pure, absolute intellect and existence.
FOR REFLECTION
Is the doctrine of the immortality of the soul consoling to you or a source of menace and despair or merely a superstition?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
Grips of the Apprentice, Fellowcraft and Master Mason, five-pointed star, the character Caleb.

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25th Degree - Knight of the Brazen Serpent

The apron is white, lined and edged with black; the white side spotted with golden stars, and the black side with silver ones. Those on the white side represent, by their positions and distances, the Pleiades, the Hyades, Orion and Capella. Those on the black side represent the stars of Perseus, Scorpio, and Ursa Major. In the middle of the white side is a triangle in a glory, in the center of which is the name of Deity in Phoenician characters. On the flap is a serpent in a circle, with his tail in his mouth; and in the circle so formed a scarab, or beetle. Over this is a star of gold, with the letter 'R' (for Regulus) over it; on the right side of the apron another, with the letter 'A' over it; and at the bottom of the apron another, with the letter 'F' over it. These last three letters have the same meaning as on the order explained below.

The order is a crimson ribbon, on which are embroidered the words, one under the other: OSIRIS, AHURA, OSARSIPH, MOSES. Under them a bull, with a disk, surmounted by a crescent between his horns. This is worn from left to right; and across it, from right to left, is worn a broad, white, watered ribbon, on which are the words ISIS and CERES over a dog's head and a crescent. On the right breast, on the left breast, and at the crossing of these orders is a star of gold. Under that on the right breast is the letter 'A' (for Antares); and under that, at the crossing of the orders, the letter 'F' (for Formalhaut). On the crimson cordon is the word GEBURAH (valor) in Hebrew; and on the white, the Hebrew word AUN (force or strength). Together they mean the generative power and the productive power of nature.

The jewel is a Tau cross, of gold, surmounted by a circle - the Crux Ansata of Egypt - round which a serpent is entwined. On the upright part of the cross is engraved the Hebrew word meaning 'he has suffered' or 'been wounded', and on the arms the Hebrew word given in the Bible for the brazen serpent, 'Nakhustan'.

DUTIES
Fulfill your destiny and re-create yourself by reformation, repentance and enlarging your knowledge.
LESSONS
Man is composed of the flesh, the soul and the intellect.
Man is a reflection of the Divine.
Do not weary God with petitions.
FOR REFLECTION
Is it possible to find your way to Heaven alone?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
Sun, moon, brazen serpent, Pythagorean right triangle.

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26th Degree - Prince of Mercy or Scottish Trinitarian

The apron is scarlet, with a wide border of white. In the center is an equilateral triangle formed of green bars. In the center of this is the jewel, embroidered in gold. The flap is sky-blue. The colors green, red and white symbolize the Masonic Trinity. Green is an emblem of the infinite wisdom; red of the supreme energy, force or power; and white, produced by the mingling of all colors, of the divine harmony.

The cordon is a broad tri-colored ribbon, green, white and red, worn from right to left.

The jewel is an equilateral triangle, of gold bars, with a flaming heart of gold in the center. On the heart are the letters 'I', 'H', 'S'; and on the respective sides of the triangle 'W' on the right, 'F' on the left, and 'H' at the bottom. This jewel is suspended from a small collar of narrow, watered purple ribbon and hangs on the breast. The last three leters stand for wisdom, force and harmony; the first three are traditional Christian initials for Iesus Hominum Salvator (the letters 'J' and 'I' are interchangeable in Latin) but which may also be read as Sapienta, Imperium, Harmonia. Thus, their Masonic meaning is the same meaning as the three upon the bars.

DUTIES
Practice mercy (forgiveness).
Be tolerant.
Be devoted to the teaching and diffusion of the true principles of Masonry.
LESSONS
The trinity of Deity belongs to no single religion.
The truths of Masonry are contained within the religions of the world.
FOR REFLECTION
"What is truth?" (Pontius Pilate, John 18:38)
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
The numbers 3 and 9, triple interlaced triangle (9 pointed star), arrow, tessera or mark, the colors red, green and white.

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27th Degree - Knight Commander of the Temple

In the Liturgy Pike describes the apron thus: "The APRON is square, of scarlet-colored lambskin, lined and edged with black. The flap is white, and on it is a Teutonic Cross described as a cross potent sable, charged with another cross double potent or, surcharged with an excutcheon of the Empire, the principle Cross surmounted by a chief azure, seme of France; ...". He is using the terminology of heraldry: 'potent' is a word used to describe a cross with cross pieces at the ends, 'double potent' means two cross pieces at the ends; 'sable' is black; 'or' is gold; 'charged' means superimposed upon; 'chief' means on top of; 'azure' is blue; 'seme' means strewn or scattered. In the middle of the apron is a black key and around it a wreath of laurel. The laurel symbolizes the good opinion our brethren have for us.

The order is white, watered ribbon edged with red, worn as a collar, from which the jewel is suspended.

The jewel is the Teutonic Cross shown on the apron.

There are also gloves and a scarf among the clothing of a Knight Commander of the Temple. The colors of these, as well as of the apron and order, are white, red and black. The last of these is symbolic of the death of one who will be revealed at a later degree.

DUTIES
Be devoted to truth, honor, loyalty, justice and humanity.
LESSONS
Masonry is practical and requires its members to be actively involved in life.
Virtue and duty have been the same in all times.
FOR REFLECTION
It is nobler to err and make amends than never to err at all. Is this statement contrary to the virtue of prudence?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
The colors scarlet and black, garland of laurel, circles and globes, swords drawn and extended to a central point.

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28th Degree - Knight of the Sun or Prince Adept

The apron is of pure white lambskin and has no edging or pattern except the interlaced pentagram, which is traced in the middle in vermilion.

There are three jewels. The presiding officer wears a jewel that is a representation of the sun in gold, suspended by a chain of gold and worn around the neck. The reverse is a hemisphere of gold showing the northern half of the ecliptic and a zodiac, with the signs from Taurus to Libra inclusive. The other officers wear a jewel composed of a simple seven-pointed star of gold. The remaining members of the council wear a jewel that is a gold five-pointed star. Only the jewel of the degree is shown in the illustration.

The order is a broad white watered ribbon worn as a collar. On the right side is painted an eye of gold, a symbol of the sun or of the Deity.

DUTIES
Be a lover of wisdom.
Be faithful to the promises you made within Masonry.
LESSONS
Nature reveals a power and wisdom and continually points to God.
The visible is a manifestation of the invisible.
In the universe two opposite forces provide balance.
There is no death, only change.
Philosophy is a kind of journey, ever learning, but never arriving at the ideal of truth.
The moral code of Masonry is more extensive than that of philosophy.
FOR REFLECTION
Is the universe friendly to me?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
Ancient of Days, Seal of Solomon (Macrocosm), Pentagram (Microcosm), triangles of red, green and white, the number seven.

29th Degree - Scottish Knight of Saint Andrew

A Knight of St. Andrew wears a green collar edged with crimson, over the neck, and a white silk scarf, fringed with gold, and worn from left to right.
The jewel is a St. Andrew's Cross, of gold, with a large emerald in the center, surmounted with the helmet of a knight, and with a thistle of gold between the arms at the bottom. It is worn suspended from the collar. The emerald signifies the manliness and uprightness of chivalry, its color that of the renewal of virtue, always bright and sparkling. The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland and recalls a tradition that

...the Danes invaded Scotland and stealthily surrounded Staines Castle.
They took off their shoes to wade the moat, only to find it dry and filled with thistles.
The resultant yells and curses roused the garrison, and the Danes were soundly
defeated (Leach, p. 1108).

The banner of the Order is a green St. Andrews Cross on a white field fringed with gold. At the end of each arm of the cross is one of the four Hebrew letters that form the Ineffable Name of Deity. Above the cross is a circle of five stars with a thistle in the center.

DUTIES
Reverence and obey the Deity.
Serve the truth.
Protect virtue and innocence.
Defend the people against tyranny.
LESSONS
Ideas and institutions wax and wane in the great cycle of time which is but change.
FOR REFLECTION
Is virtue an armor stronger that the srrongest metal?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
St. Andrews Cross, castle in ruins, armorless knight.

Find the Pasadena Knights of St. Andrew on-line. Click here___

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30th Degree - Knight Kadosh or Knight of the White and Black Eagle

No apron is worn.

The cordon is a black watered silk ribbon, four or five inches wide, edged with narrow silver lace and worn across the body, from left to right. The letters 'K' and 'H' are embroidered in scarlet silk on the front part of the cordon. They stand for the Hebrew words meaning 'Holy Temple'. Also embroidered on the cordon are two Teutonic crosses and a double headed eagle, his wings extended, holding a poniard in his claws. The two heads and the blade of the poniard are of gold. The handle of the poniard is oval, one-half of it white and the other black. The colors represent the division of good and evil in the universe.

The jewel is a double-headed eagle, with wings spread, and measuring about one inch across from outside to outside of the wings. The eagle rests upon a Teutonic Cross one and a half inches in size. The eagle is of silver, and the cross of gold, enameled with red

DUTIES
Labor unceasingly for the good of mankind.
LESSONS
Arm yourself with faith in God, love toward your fellow men and knowledge.
Great examples are the noblest legacies from the past; they enrich a nation more than wealth or power.
FOR REFLECTION
Are the knightly values obsolete in the modern world?
IMPORTANT SYMBOLS
Three skulls, three funeral urns, the mystic ladder, the double headed eagle.

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* Taken from A Bridge to Light by Dr. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, G.C.
available at scottishritestore.org