How to become a 33 dégrée

Attainment of the 33rd degree, recognized as the Sovereign Grand Inspector General, is governed entirely by the sovereign authority of the Supreme Council 1. The degree is not reached through a simple numerical progression of preparatory degrees, but is conferred by election under the specific statutes and constitutional provisions of the Supreme Council 1.

Under the Grand Constitutions of 1786, the 33rd degree was established as the supreme and ultimate governing authority of the Order 1. A Supreme Council originally consisted of nine Sovereign Grand Inspectors General, who held all Masonic prerogatives within their jurisdiction, with new Active Members elected only upon vacancies caused by death 1.

As the Order expanded, Supreme Councils introduced statutory provisions to elect qualified brethren as Honorary members of the 33rd degree 1. Depending on the jurisdiction, members are elected under constitutional authority to serve as honorary members of the Supreme Council or invested with the title of Inspectors-General Honorary 1.