What are the additional degrees available in Freemasonry?
In Freemasonry, after the initial three degrees of the Craft (Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft, and Master Mason), there are several additional degrees available through various rites. The two primary branches for these additional degrees are the Scottish Rite and the York Rite.
1. **Scottish Rite**: This rite includes degrees from the 4th to the 32nd, with the 33rd degree being honorary. The degrees include:
2. **York Rite**: This rite includes the Royal Arch, Cryptic, and Chivalric degrees, culminating in the degree of Knights Templar.
3. **Other Degrees**: There are also various side degrees and orders, such as the Mark Degree, Royal Ark Mariner, and the degrees of the Allied Masonic Degrees, which include St. Lawrence the Martyr and the Red Cross of Babylon.
Each of these degrees offers unique teachings and insights into the principles of Freemasonry, allowing members to deepen their understanding and commitment to the Masonic values of brotherhood, charity, and moral integrity.