Archive, Volume 2

Reflections on the Thirteenth Degree Lecture
Abbas William Samii, 32°

This essay discusses the symbolic meaning of the Thirteenth Degree lecture, which initially just seems to be an interesting story about three of Master Hiram's craftsmen searching for the Ineffable Word. The lecture tells us the craftsmen are traveling across the desert in the hope of discovering the Word that had been lost many years earlier. A medallion bearing the Ineffable Word is discovered in the ruins of an underground temple. The craftsmen continue their trip through the temple, making many discoveries along the way. They finally reach a point beyond which they are not meant to progress, but despite the warnings of their leader, two of the craftsmen insist on gaining access. Their insistence plunges them into a life-threatening situation, and only the wisdom and courage of the leader saves the explorers.

The real lessons of the lecture, however, are contained in its symbolism. It must be noted, however, that this essay is by no means a definitive discussion. This is because symbolism is always open to interpretation, and such interpretations depend on the mind of the interpreter. The actual rituals, furthermore, differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and this essay is based on the ritual used by the Supreme Council, 33°, A.&A.S.R. for Iran in Exile.

The ritual used by Iran's Scottish Rite Masons differs slightly from that used by the Southern Jurisdiction, so it might be helpful to discuss its development in Iran. Scottish Rite Masonry in Iran originally developed as a Valley and District of France's Supreme Council in about 1964-1965. At this point, Dr. Mahmoud Houman, 33°, began to rewrite the ritual so it would incorporate elements of Iranian history and the Iranian philosophical and mystical traditions. This trend was solidified in 1971, when The Supreme Council, 33°, A.&A.S.R. for Iran was established as an independent jurisdiction.

Bro. Houman based his work on that of the great revitalizer of the Scottish Rite, Grand Commander Albert Pike, 33°. In his seminal work, Morals and Dogma, Pike went into great detail and depth regarding the Thirteenth Degree ritual, although he did not discuss the lecture separately. He wrote that possession of the Word meant much more than mere knowledge of a secret. Its possession indicated the possession of "extraordinary and supernatural power." He also discussed the responsibilities of man in society, responsibilities which must be guided by "integrity and conscientiousness."

Grand Commander Henry C. Clausen, 33°, in his work Clausen's Commentaries on Morals and Dogma, examined the entire Thirteenth Degree ritual, rather than concentrating on the lecture itself. He discussed the search for the Ineffable Word and noted that "the mere possession of a word cannot confer supernatural powers." This concurs with what is written below: power must be earned; it cannot just be bestowed on somebody through possession of a word. A Bridge to Light by Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, succeeded Clausen's Commentaries. Bro. Hutchens provided a lengthier discussion of the Thirteenth Degree ritual. He noted that the ritual bears a political lesson, but what is more important, he noted that the lecture described the importance of honor and duty. This observation is borne out by the following discussion: If the three travelers had not felt it was their duty to search for the Ineffable Word, they would never have discovered it. By having discovered it, they advanced to a higher level, showing that the fulfilment of one's duties is rewarding.

These three works are important in their own right. The lessons they transmit are important and are worthy of study. They are, however, based on the Scottish Rite ritual as practiced in the United States, not that of The Supreme Council, 33°, A.&A.S.R. for Iran in Exile. Despite these peculiarities and differences, the overall value and meaning of these lessons remain timeless.

The lecture is the story of the three men, Adoniram, Yehu-Aber, and Satolkin, who discover the temple in which King Solomon's Ineffable Word is hidden. Our three protagonists are seen riding through the desert. It has been many years since the deaths of Master Hiram and King Solomon and the conquest of the region. Yet these men are among those who have been initiated in the secrets of our order. They arrive in the hope of finding the Word. After some searching they find what appears to be a well.

This discovery is made at midday, so there is enough sunlight to see into the well itself. Something catches the eye of the group's leader, Adoniram, and he summons his fellow-travelers. Their curiosity aroused, they tie their belts together and lower Adoniram into the well.

At this point we should pause and reflect on what has passed. The story is simple enough so far, but it is already heavy with symbolism which can teach us a great deal. We learn that human beings, but particularly the brethren, must always work together. One man could have, and did, discover the entrance to the temple, but without the assistance of his companions, he never would have gained access to the chambers. Without the three belts tied together, he never could have gone down. Also note the trust he has in his brethren, relying on their strength to lower him to the next chamber. Note too the fact that the discovery is made in the full light of the day, when almost any human being can see.

* * *

This excerpt is from Heredom, the transactions of the Scottish Rite Research Society

Scottish Rite Research Society
1733 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20009-3103
202-232-3579 voice, 202-383-1847 fax
srrs@srmason-sj.org, www.srmason-sj.org