The 14° ring is a reminder of the obligations we owe to God,
our families, and our Brethren.

When I am preparing to meet the day, part of the ritual I go through every morning is to slip my 14° Scottish Rite ring on my finger. Each time I do, I pause and contemplate the significance of the ring. The 14° ring is a simple gold band, not intended to be an ostentatious piece of jewelry readily noticed by others. Rather, it is a reminder to the wearer of certain obligations he owes to God, his family, and his Brethren.

Often, before placing in on my finger, I hold it up and read the Latin words engraved inside the band: Virtus Junxit Mors Non Separabit (Virtue has united and death shall not separate). These beautiful and powerful words are not visible to the casual observer but should be ingrained in the heart of the wearer, because they are a confirmation of our Masonic belief in life after death and that someday we will be reunited.

The ring also reminds me of my obligation to God, because He is represented by the yod within the triangle displayed on the ring. By wearing it, I am declaring to the world that in God I place my trust. Since my trust is in God, it is incumbent upon me to demonstrate to the world that my faith is well founded. I am always proud to reply to questions from curious observers regarding the significance of the yod within the triangle and to inform them that it is an affirmation of my belief in the Deity.

Similarly, the 14° ring, reminiscent in appearance of a wedding ring, reminds me of my obligation to my family. Many times my wife has expressed to me the pride that she feels regarding my association with the Scottish Rite, which is so firmly based on family values. As such, it has had a strong influence on my life and, therefore, in hers. As I slip the ring on my finger, I think of her, how the Scottish Rite has become an integral part of our relationship, and how it has brought us closer together.

Finally, the 14° ring, simply because it is a circle, reminds me of the universal bond uniting all men. Thus, my Scottish Rite obligations extend not only to my fraternal Brethren, but also to all mankind. Our Order teaches that all men are brothers and that no one is to be excluded from our kindness and assistance.

It matters not whether you wear the 14° ring, the double-headed eagle ring, the 33° ring, a Scottish Rite lapel pin, or nothing at all, the obligations and the responsibilities are still the same, and the Scottish Rite is reflected to the world through our actions. This is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.

Over the years my ring has become worn. Time has taken its toll. The symbols are still there, faded, but still distinguishable. The newness of the ring may be gone, but its significance has not changed. By wearing it, not only am I reaffirming the obligations I owe to God, my family, and my Brethren, but also I am declaring to the world that I am proud to be a Scottish Rite Mason. On the ring finger of my right hand, for all to see, is proof of that pride.

Patrick C. Palmer is a systems analyst for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Miami, Florida. He was raised in Lincoln Lodge #34, Olongapo, Zambales, Republic of the Philippines. A Past Master of Oleeta West Dade Lodge #145, Miami Springs, Florida, he is also a member of the Executive Board and serves as webmaster for the Miami Scottish Rite Bodies. The Miami Scottish Rite web site can be accessed at http://www.srmiami.org. Contacts: 248 Navajo Street, Miami Springs, Florida 33166–5121; fiuprof@hotmail.com