The Chapter of Rose Croix attempts
to provide the candidate with a deeper understanding of
religion, philosophy, ethics and history though a
variety of complex "historical degrees". The
intellectual challenges presented in these degrees are
numerous, and at times overwhelming and can take years
to master.
15° - Knight of the East, of the
Sword or of the Eagle
Fidelity to obligations and
perseverance of purpose under difficulties and
discouragement are the lessons of this degree. The
striking crimson velvet apron of this degree is edged
with green, having a bleeding head above two crossed
swords, and a triangle (top point to the left) with
three interlaced triangles inside it. The jewel is three
golden concentric triangles encompassing two crossed
swords.
16° - Prince of Jerusalem
We learn "heroism of patience, the
nobility of self-sacrifice" and compassionate judgment,
along with charity, fidelity and brotherhood. This
crimson apron is edged in gold and aurora-color, and
with a square, shield, Delta (with three YODs), balance
and a hand of justice. The jewel worn is a
mother-of-pearl lozenge with a hand holding a balance in
equipoise; under it a sword with five stars surrounding
the point. On the left is a Hebrew D, on the right is a
Hebrew Z.
17° - Knight of the East & West
The wisdom of this degree is that
loyalty to God is man's primary allegiance and the
temporal governments not founded upon God and His
righteousness will inevitably fall. The apron worn is of
yellow satin, with crimson and gold, and with a sword
and Tetractys (of the Tetragrammaton) on it. The jewel
is a heptagon of half silver and half gold, with crossed
swords on a balance on the obverse and a lamb on the
Book of Seven Seals on the reverse. The jewel is hung
from a double order - one black (left-to-right) and one
white (right-to-left), representing good versus evil. A
gold coronet is also presented.
18° - Knight Rose Croix
This degree emphasizes that life
and its strength come from God. The rose signifies the
dawn and the cross is a sacred symbol of antiquity in
many cultures. One is also taught to be tolerant of
others errors and their faults. The apron worn is of
white leather or satin, bordered in red, with a skull
and cross-bones, a red passion cross, and three red
rosettes. The grand jewel is a gold compass open a
quarter circle. A rose-cross is between the legs of the
compass and under it is a pelican, tearing its breast to
feed its seven young on the obverse and an eagle with
wings extended on the reverse. On the circle are the
letters I.N.R.I.