What do we mean by Perfection?
The 4th through 14th degrees are called the Ineffable Degrees because their principal purpose is the investigation and contemplation of the ineffable name of the Deity. The degrees amplify the legend of the Master Mason degree, and stories of the biblical era, leading up to the building of King Solomon’s Temple. These degrees are designed to impress more forcefully the teachings of the first three degrees. Each of our degrees takes it theme from one of the many names of God, “God is Love”, “God is Merciful”, “God is Just”. Scottish Rite Masons know that they are not perfect, but that there is a path to Perfection.
In the Fourteenth Degree, the final and climactic lesson of the Lodge of Perfection is revealed, a belief in the ever living and true God and a deep reverence for His Holy Name. It is a profoundly religious degree, not dealing in a particular doctrine, but encouraging each of us to worship God at an altar of our individual choice. It is expressive of the deep spiritual roots of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and of our constant endeavor to attain that perfection of character embodied in our concept of a loving Heavenly Father, a personal God.
What do the 14° rings mean?
The Scottish Rite Fourteenth degree ring is a flat, plain band of gold, and embossed thereon is a plate in the form of an equilateral triangle and within the triangle is the Hebrew letter yod , the initial letter of Jehovah in Hebrew (YHVH, pronounced: yod hey vow hey). Inside the ring is inscribed the Fourteenth Degree Motto: Virtus Junxit, Mors Non Separabit (What Virtue has united, death shall not separate). The rings circle expresses the unbreakable fraternal bond between Masons of all generations. Upon the death of the owner, the ring should go into the hands of his widow, eldest son, the friend who was loved above all others, or another Scottish Rite Mason.
