Every Scottish Rite Freemason is presented with the official Scottish Rite ring when he receives the 14th Degree. There may be some, however, who do not fully appreciate the significance of the symbols engraved on that ring.

Symbols, a universal non-verbal method of expressing ideas and concepts, have been used since the earliest history of man. They have the distinct advantage of being able to convey varying levels of information to the observer. Diverse cultures at various times have incorporated specific symbols to transmit traditional concepts. The two inscriptions on the 14th Degree ring, the Hebrew letter Yod and the triangle, exemplify this fact. Yod, the 10th and smallest letter in the Hebrew alphabet, corresponds with the English letter J and is the initial letter of and is taken to connote the ineffable name of Deity as revealed to Moses. The Scottish Rite ring shows the Hebrew letter Yod enclosed within an equilateral triangle which is emblematic of the three essential attributes of Deity—omnipresence, omnipotence, and omniscience. Thus we have both alphabetical and geometric allusions to Deity. These extremely important symbols have been recognized around the world in other civilizations, in other climes, at other times, and they continue to be so recognized today. Therefore, when a Scottish Rite Mason wears the 14th Degree ring, he is identified with and demonstrates his dedication to that highest and most universal human aspiration—reverence for and service to God—ideals which form the foundation of Freemasonry.

James N. Karnegis  is a member of the Omaha, Nebraska, Scottish Rite Bodies where he is a Past Wise Master Chapter Knights Rose Croix and is a member of the Editorial Committee of the Omaha Valley News. He holds the AB, MD, and PhD degrees, is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine, a Diplomat of the American Board of Cardiovascular Diseases, and a former University faculty and consulting cardiologist.