23rd Degree: Chief of the Tabernacle

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.

This degree begins with a journey back to the biblical era of Moses and the construction of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, a structure that symbolizes the universe and reflects the Hermetic principle of "As Above, So Below." This allegorical representation serves as a foundation for the ritual's aim to guide the rebuilding of the participant's mind and character in alignment with divine intentions.

The ritual unfolds within a court designed to mimic the encampment of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, with each tribe symbolized by a standard bearing specific colors and emblems, linking the ritual to astrological and biblical symbolism. The officers of the ritual, including the "Venerable High Priest" and "Excellent Priests," guide the candidate through a process of initiation that emphasizes purity, dedication to God, and the welfare of humanity.

The Degree's teachings underscore the importance of enlightenment, symbolized by the sun's path, and the transformation of the candidate into a "Son of Light." The lecture accompanying the Degree delves into the initiatic “Mystery Traditions”, the significance of symbols, and the role of personal interpretation in spiritual development. It also addresses the responsibilities of priesthood and the moral lessons of devotion to divine service and zeal for the betterment of mankind.

This series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):

• Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition
• Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide
• A Bridge to Light

Images and Diagrams:

• 23rd Degree Cordon, Apron & Jewel

Overview:

• 01:14 Introduction
• 01:38 Degree Ritual
• 11:11 Purpose of the Degree
• 13:01 Morals and Dogma
• 16:43 Symbols Taught Before Books and Letters
• 17:24 The Mysteries Unveiled the Purpose of Existence
• 17:58 Masonry, Like the Mysteries, Uses Symbolism to Teach
• 18:43 Imagery of the Mysteries
• 20:40 The Development of the Initiatic Rites
• 21:43 The Role of the Priesthood
• 22:26 Initiatic Process
• 23:23 Progress of the Mysteries
• 26:01 Pythagorean Mysteries
• 26:43 Mysteries of the Druids and Goths
• 27:32 The Egyptian Priesthood
• 30:00 The Encampment
• 30:24 The Tabernacle
• 32:50 The Holy of Holies
• 34:47 Conclusions

Links:

• History of Initiation (Amazon)
• Tabernacle (Wikipedia)
• Zodiac (Wikipedia)
• Ark of the Covenant (Wikipedia)
• Eleusinian Mysteries (Wikipedia)
• The Sungod's Journey through the Netherworld (Amazon)
• Mysterium Coniunctionis - Collected Works of C.G. Jung, Volume 14 (Amazon)
• Kykeon (Wikipedia)
• Manna (Wikipedia)
• Eleusis: Archetypal Image of Mother and Daughter (Amazon)
• The Road to Eleusis: Unveiling the Secret of the Mysteries (Amazon)