What is the Knight of the Sword, or of the East, (the 15th Degree)?
The 15th Degree in Freemasonry, known as the Knight of the East, of the Sword, or of the Eagle, is a significant degree within the Scottish Rite. This degree emphasizes the importance of spiritual combat against ignorance and the fight for intellectual, spiritual, and political freedom.
Purpose and Symbolism: The degree encourages Masons to be active in their duties, highlighting virtues such as humility, patience, truth, wisdom, chivalric courage, and devotion. It emphasizes the use of a spiritual sword to combat ignorance, intolerance, fanaticism, superstition, uncharitableness, and error.
Regalia: The regalia includes a red velvet apron featuring a head on two crossed swords, symbolizing the duty to oppose limitations on freedoms. The sash is edged and fringed with gold, representing both physical and mental liberty.
Lessons: The degree teaches that liberty is achieved slowly and through painful steps, stressing that honor and integrity are absolute. Masons are encouraged to hold themselves to a higher standard, even when faced with societal pressures.
Historical Context: The degree integrates the story of the building of the Second Temple, symbolizing the construction of individual lives and society, and serves to move Masons forward through history.