The 33rd degree ring is an important symbol in Freemasonry that represents a Master Mason who has reached the highest level of Masonic degree attainment. Only a small percentage of Freemasons are able to reach this level, making it a significant achievement.
Overview of Freemasonry
Freemasonry is one of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organizations. It uses the metaphor of stonemasonry to convey moral and ethical lessons, and members are required to believe in a Supreme Being. Freemasonry emphasizes charity, morality, and service to the community.
The basic unit of Freemasonry is the Masonic lodge, and there are hundreds of lodges around the world. Freemasonry operates under a lodge system with a Grand Lodge serving as the administrative body in each region.
There are three main degrees in Freemasonry:
- Entered Apprentice (1st degree)
- Fellowcraft (2nd degree)
- Master Mason (3rd degree)
Master Mason is the highest of the first three degrees. After reaching the 3rd degree, Freemasons have the option to pursue further Masonic education through various appendant bodies.
The Scottish Rite
One of the appendant bodies of Freemasonry is the Scottish Rite, which confers an additional 29 degrees beyond the first three. The Scottish Rite degrees (4°– 32°) are conferred by Valleys which are oriented toward community service and education.
The titles of the 29 Scottish Rite degrees are:
| Degree Number | Degree Title |
|---|---|
| 4° | Master Traveler |
| 5° | Perfect Master |
| 6° | Intimate Secretary |
| 7° | Provost and Judge |
| 8° | Intendant of the Building |
| 9° | Elu of the Nine |
| 10° | Elu of the Fifteen |
| 11° | Elu of the Twelve |
| 12° | Master Architect |
| 13° | Royal Arch of Solomon |
| 14° | Perfect Elu |
| 15° | Knight of the East |
| 16° | Prince of Jerusalem |
| 17° | Knight of the East and West |
| 18° | Knight Rose Croix |
| 19° | Pontiff |
| 20° | Master of the Symbolic Lodge |
| 21° | Noachite or Prussian Knight |
| 22° | Knight of the Royal Axe |
| 23° | Chief of the Tabernacle |
| 24° | Prince of the Tabernacle |
| 25° | Knight of the Brazen Serpent |
| 26° | Prince of Mercy |
| 27° | Knight Commander of the Temple |
| 28° | Knight of the Sun |
| 29° | Knight of St. Andrew |
| 30° | Grand Elect Knight Kadosh |
| 31° | Grand Inspector Inquisitor Commander |
| 32° | Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret |
The 33rd degree is an honorary degree in the Scottish Rite and represents outstanding service to Masonry, their communities, or to humankind in general. Only about 2% of Scottish Rite Masons attain the 33rd degree.
Requirements for the 33rd Degree
To reach the 33rd degree, a Mason must:
- Be a Master Mason for at least 46 months
- Hold the 32° degree for at least one year
- Be elected by members of the Supreme Council
- Have made significant contributions to society and Masonry
Attaining the 33° is based more on one’s contributions outside of the Scottish Rite. It is meant to recognize a lifetime of achievement and service. Some specific criteria include:
- Years of service to Scottish Rite Valleys and local blue lodges
- Taking on leadership roles in Scottish Rite Valleys
- Coordination of major fundraising campaigns
- Organization of charitable events and activities
- Support for Masonic youth groups
- Promotion of civic activities outside of Freemasonry
The 33rd Degree Ring
Once elected to receive the honorary 33° by the Supreme Council, candidates are invited to a special ceremony to recognize their new status. As part of this ceremony, they are presented with a 33rd degree ring.
The 33rd degree ring has several common elements that make it recognizable:
- The double-headed eagle symbol on top – Represents the 33rd degree of the Scottish Rite
- The number “33” is prominently featured – Usually within a triangle on the sides of the ring
- The Latin motto “Deus Meumque Jus” – Translates to “God and My Right”
- Pyramid and All-Seeing Eye symbols – Represents enlightenment and Deity
- Diamonds or triangles – Signifies immortality and clarity of purpose
The double-headed eagle dates back thousands of years and represents a high level of attainment. The 33rd degree ring features two heads to look to both the past for knowledge, and the future to apply that knowledge.
Who Can Wear the 33rd Degree Ring?
Only Masons who have officially attained the 33° as either an Active or Honorary Member are entitled to wear the 33rd degree ring. If someone is seen wearing this ring, it signifies they have devoted themselves to years of leadership and service to Masonic lodges, Scottish Rite Valleys, and their wider communities.
Some guidelines on who can wear a 33rd degree ring:
- Active Members – Those elected to the 33° by the Supreme Council. They are eligible to hold office and serve on committees.
- Honorary Members – Members who have made significant contributions to society and Masonry but are not active with Supreme Council duties. Both Active and Honorary members receive the same 33° ring.
- Deceased Members – The 33rd degree ring may still be worn by widows of 33rd degree Masons
- 33° is for life – The honor is permanent, so 33° Masons may continue wearing the ring even after retirement from active roles
If someone is wearing a 33rd degree ring without having properly attained that status, they are violating Masonic principles.
The Significance of the 33rd Degree Ring
For Scottish Rite Masons who attain the 33°, the ring is a meaningful representation of their achievement. Some key significance of being awarded the 33rd degree ring includes:
- High Masonic honor – It is the pinnacle of the Scottish Rite system
- Recognizes significant contributions – The 33° is awarded based on merit, not simply seniority or donations
- Confers leadership roles – Active 33° Masons can shape the future direction of Scottish Rite Freemasonry through committees and advisory bodies
- Bond of shared experience – 33° Masons have all demonstrated a lifelong commitment to leadership and service
- Identifies 33° members – The ring allows other Masons to recognize their status and contributions
- Personal fulfillment – Achieving the 33° represents great personal growth and achievement to most Masons who attain it
The 33rd degree ring is a visual reminder to the wearer and his peers that he has attained one of the highest levels of achievement in Freemasonry. It inspires the wearer to continue living up to the highest Masonic ideals.
Famous 33 Degree Masons
Many influential men throughout history have been awarded the 33° in the Scottish Rite:
- Buzz Aldrin – American astronaut who walked on the moon
- Gene Autry – “Singing cowboy” actor and singer
- Harry S. Truman – 33rd President of the United States
- J. Edgar Hoover – First director of the FBI
- Ernest Borgnine – Academy Award winning actor known for Marty, McHale’s Navy
- Roy Clark – Country music singer known for “Hee Haw”
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Famous 18th century classical composer
- Harry Houdini – Legendary magician and escape artist
Attaining the 33° puts a Mason into an elite circle of brothers who have worked to change the world through leadership and service.
Conclusion
The 33rd degree ring is a significant representation of honor for Scottish Rite Masons who have demonstrated a lifetime of leadership and contribution to Masonic lodges and their communities. The double-headed eagle symbolizes advanced esoteric knowledge, while the number 33 proudly signifies reaching the highest degree in the Scottish Rite system.
Masons who attain the 33° can wear this ring as a badge signifying their achievement and participation in shaping the future direction of Freemasonry. It inspires the wearer and observers to continue striving for Masonic ideals of charity, morality and brotherly love. Only a small fraction of Freemasons will ever advance to the 33°, making it a truly noteworthy milestone.
