Cryptic Masonry
The Hidden Connections of the Craft
Cryptic Masonry explores the events that surround the building, preservation, and completion of King Solomon’s Temple. Its Degrees reveal important connections within the Masonic story and teach enduring lessons of fidelity, duty, preservation, and trust.
A Deeper Perspective
Where the Story Turns Back to Reveal What Came Before
Unlike the Royal Arch, which moves the Masonic narrative forward, the Degrees of the Cryptic Council return to earlier events. They reveal scenes and circumstances that help explain later portions of the York Rite story.
Through this return to the foundations of King Solomon’s Temple, the candidate gains a fuller understanding of preservation, faithfulness, sacrifice, and the careful transmission of truth.
What is hidden is not without purpose. It is preserved until the proper time, for those prepared to receive it.
A Bridge Within the York Rite
Cryptic Masonry Connects the Story
Council Masonry helps explain how the lessons of the Blue Lodge and Royal Arch fit together within one continuing Masonic narrative.
Blue Lodge
The Symbolic Degrees establish the setting, characters, moral themes, and central loss that shape the Masonic journey.
Cryptic Council
The Cryptic Degrees return to key events surrounding the Temple and reveal how sacred knowledge was protected and preserved.
Royal Arch
The Royal Arch brings the story forward and reveals the recovery of that which had been concealed and lost.
The Degrees of Cryptic Masonry
Lessons Preserved Beneath the Surface
Royal Master
The Royal Master Degree presents a reflective conversation concerning mortality, duty, and the faithful completion of one’s work.
It teaches that time is uncertain, obligations should not be delayed, and the value of a life is measured by the faithfulness with which its labor is completed.
Select Master
The Select Master Degree concerns the preservation of sacred knowledge and the careful preparation made before the loss depicted in the Master Mason Degree.
It teaches fidelity, discretion, obedience, and the importance of protecting that which has been entrusted to our care.
Super Excellent Master
The Super Excellent Master Degree portrays the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, emphasizing loyalty, courage, and the consequences of abandoning solemn obligations.
It is commonly presented as a special or festival Degree and offers a dramatic lesson in faithfulness under adversity.
Lessons of the Council
Principles Intended for Daily Life
Cryptic Masonry uses its historical setting to teach practical lessons about character, duty, trust, and preparation.
Fidelity
Remain faithful to your obligations, even when recognition or reward may never come.
Discretion
Protect what has been entrusted to you and understand when silence is an expression of integrity.
Preparation
Prepare faithfully before adversity arrives, because wisdom often requires action before the need becomes visible.
Stewardship
Treat knowledge, responsibility, and leadership as sacred trusts rather than personal possessions.
Companionship and Service
A Council of Trusted Companions
Cryptic Masonry offers a close and supportive fellowship where Companions continue their Masonic education, develop leadership skills, and serve their communities together.
The lessons of trust and preservation taught in the Degrees are reflected in the relationships formed within the Council.
- Further Masonic education
- Leadership and ritual development
- Charitable and community service
- Mentorship among Companions
- Enduring friendship and mutual support
Continue Beneath the Surface
Discover the Hidden Connections of the York Rite
If you are a Royal Arch Mason seeking a deeper understanding of the Masonic story, Cryptic Masonry offers another meaningful step in your journey.