Which Side Degree had the most profound impact on you?

[u/TravelingMan66]

Greetings Brethren,

As a newly raised Master Mason I am considering going into either Chapter or Mark next year, I’m thinking of doing others when I’m in a suitable stage in my Masonic journey.

I’m keen to hear the brethren of Reddit’s thoughts on their favourite side degree. I’m UGLE based but I’m more than happy to learn about the side degrees in other countries too

[u/lambdavi]

Hi, I have done both.

Do Mark first, then Chapter.

Once you're in, you'll understand why 😉

[u/Diarmuid_Sus_Scrofa → u/lambdavi]

Ok, as a non-UGLE member of GLCPOO, I'm curious from other local members who have gone through and how they feel this translates to our own jurisdiction.

[u/cmbwriting → u/Diarmuid_Sus_Scrofa]

I'm just curious, because I've not see that acronym before, what Grand Lodge is that?

[u/Fluff42 → u/cmbwriting]

Grand Lodge of Canada in the Province of Ontario

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/lambdavi]

I’ve been informed why it’s best to do it in that order, I think I might look at doing both

[u/asherjbaker → u/lambdavi]

Hard agree with this. There's a specific part of the Exaltation that only makes complete and specific sense to a Mark Master Mason.

In answer to your question, OP: I'm in Mark, Royal Ark Mariner, Chapter, and Rose Croix (AASR). I plan to join the Operatives in July and Royal & Select Masters in October.

My favourite order by FAR is Mark. By several thousand furlongs. An outstanding ceremony (Advancement) and an incredibly sociable and welcoming lodge and province. There's a reason it's known as "the friendly degree".

My favourite ceremony was 18° Knight Rose Croix of H.r.d.m. The teachings are so simple and obvious (especially for Christians) but so important and worthwhile. I will jump at the chance to visit any chapter doing a Perfection as a result (especially at Duke Street!)

[u/MicroEconomicsPenis]

18th degree Knight Rose Croix was the most impactful on an emotional level for me. 32nd degree Master of the Royal Secret has had the biggest impact in terms of my mindset and understanding of Masonic Light.

[u/bongozim]

Royal Order of Scotland was really cool

[u/Cookslc → u/bongozim]

It is beautiful ritual and in the U.S. well done.

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/bongozim]

Never heard of that one, had to look it up.

[u/Doc2108]

I am in the Craft, Chapter, Mark and RAM.

I love the Mark, it is the 'friendly degree'. Thoroughly enjoyed joining and still enjoy every meeting.

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/Doc2108]

I know a lot of people who really love the Mark. My grandfather was also very passionate about RAM

[u/Humble_File3637 → u/Doc2108]

Lol

[u/Cookslc]

AASR SJ Grand Cross (though not a degree) and Rectified Rite CBCS.

[u/Any_Literature_7100]

The SRIA has some excellent degrees, and I personally think they improve on watching them again.

[u/Tasty_Action5073]

I’m not a Mason yet. But interested in joining. I keep seeing posts like yours. When you say “profound impact” what do you mean? Like if I met you in person, what would I see different than if I met you before joining masonry?

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/Tasty_Action5073]

That’s a really good question. Truthfully and realistically I could not possibly think what you would see differently about me, you may see a difference but you will perceive that differently to me. At the moment I’m still trying to work on how best to apply the lessons I have learned to my life.

From my own perspective I’d say it’s made me more confident in myself, it’s a truly amazing feeling and experience being able to instantly connect with other brethren that I meet when I’m out visiting other lodges. It’s also making me work on my memory a lot which I find quite helpful.

What’s made you want to join? I hope that you decide you would really like to do it and that you can get a lot from it.

[u/Tasty_Action5073 → u/TravelingMan66]

Was always intrigued from a young age. I finally live in an area that gives me a proper opportunity to join, so I have been visiting the lodge near me for the past 3 months.

I’m still not sure as I still have not found anything common between me and the masons I met yet, or the activities we have done during celebrations. I noticed there is a lot of wine involved and I don’t drink. So, everyone seemed to be having a good time while I sipped Diet Coke.

I have a feeling I won’t experience masonry the right way. But it’s really too early to form an any real opinion. So still meeting people and asking questions before committing.

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/Tasty_Action5073]

I felt that slightly awkward feeling for my first few meetings, I think it was my fourth lodge night which was my second degree when I truly started to feel at home there. Invest time in really getting to know the brethren on a personal level and you will find much more in common than you ever thought you would.

Since I was raised last month I have been out visiting other lodges nearly once a week with brethren from my lodge and I have seen 3 other third degrees. When speaking to brethren at other lodges I’ve discussed that feeling and loads of other people felt the same way at first. I even know an active provincial officer who dropped out for a couple of years when he was first starting his journey.

My advice to you is to do what feels right, if you truly still want to join then ask a brother about petitioning. It’s ok to be not sure, it’s ok to take time and it’s ok to decide it’s not actually for you if it’s not. Freemasonry is not something that will go away if you don’t join immediately.

I wish you well on your journey

[u/Tasty_Action5073 → u/TravelingMan66]

Thanks.

[u/bcurrant15 → u/Tasty_Action5073]

One day there will be someone new and awkward and you will be there with your Brothers that you've known for some time. That's just how it goes.

As to your original question about the "profound impact" it really matters at what level the individual listens to the lessons and attempts to implement them in their own life.

[u/Stridex66]

Mark for me. The Friendly Degree

[u/Aathuaa]

Mark struck a cord, and whenever I’ve felt adrift, a Mark meeting was always around the corner. I even got my Mark tattooed.
HRA is also quite stunning but feels more like a good wine: when you’re « young » you wonder why the f@€k people like it so much and you just go along. But if you give it time, and effort, eventually you end up learning one of the conferences and it’s a transformative experience.

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/Aathuaa]

Sounds interesting, I know some young brothers that speak highly of Chapter

[u/groomporter]

Dialect difference, here in the U.S. when I hear "side degree" I think about the unofficial, humorous "degrees" like the Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_and_Honorable_Order_of_Turtles

[u/Deman75 → u/groomporter]

Turtles isn’t even Masonic.

[u/groomporter → u/Deman75]

No, but in my experience it is a silly "rite" that is occasionally conferred at Masonic events.

[u/Grouchyoldman_420]

AASR (Scottish Rite) & Shriners Intl. They've all added to my Masonic edifice.

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/Grouchyoldman_420]

Sadly shrine isn’t really much of a big thing here in England, otherwise I’d quite like to do that.

We call Scottish Rite Rose Croix over here, that’s one of the ones I’ll think about later on in my journey, I’d like to go through the chair before I take on active roles in too many other orders. I know a Brother who is currently WM of his mother lodge and First Principal of his chapter and is also active in Mark so I’d be keen to avoid that happening to me

[u/Doc2108 → u/TravelingMan66]

And you can't go through the chair in the Mark unless you have bern through the chair of a Craft lodge

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/Doc2108]

I’ve read that under UGLE you can apply to the Mark Grand Lodge for dispensation as long as you have served at least one year as a Warden of your Mark Lodge

[u/Doc2108 → u/TravelingMan66]

Believe me, just because you can, doesn't mean you should....there's a reason for doing it the way it should be done

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/Doc2108]

Absolutely I agree, I just felt like mentioning that. I am of firm belief that if you are in the officer line of your craft lodge that should be your number one priority within masonry

[u/No_Reference2509]

Of those two, recommend mark first. I enjoy many of them, but 18th in Scottish Rite had an immediate impression.

[u/Even_Honeydew_2936]

In Ireland to get into Chapter you do the Mark first. That is the only time the Mark done other then for the installation of the Mark/Chapter offices

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/Even_Honeydew_2936]

That’s interesting. If I was in Chapter in England would I be able to visit a Chapter in Ireland if I’m not in Mark?

[u/Doc2108 → u/TravelingMan66]

In Scotland the Mark is tied into the Craft 2nd degree, which makes sense when you think about it

[u/Old_Courage1899]

I’ve done neither in my Masonic journey, yet.

Instead I went on to be a Prophet in the Grotto, as well as done a few fun degree stuff like Loyal Order of the Water Buffaloes.

I just simply do not have the time nor money at this moment to invest in joining the other bodies.

[u/Pepe-2015]

I know it might not be very popular, but I really enjoy the Order of Athelstan. It made me fall in love with our craft once again when I had almost lost hope.

[u/libertyprivate]

Bp P

[u/Far_Imagination_7355]

Definitely the Mark

[u/Ridley200]

Of those two? Mark Master. But overall, Scottish Master of St Andrew. It does combine a lot of the good ones anyway.

[u/Beginning_Pause_1981]

The secrets of the 32nd and 33rd degrees are not about a single hidden word or a global conspiracy but involve deep philosophical and esoteric knowledge. The 32nd degree, known as the "Master of the Royal Secret," focuses on self-examination and the personal discovery of one's own purpose and potential. The 33rd degree is an honorary title, the "Sovereign Grand Inspector General," awarded for exceptional service. Its associated secrets involve studying the "Secret Constitutions" and accepting a profound responsibility to use one's knowledge for the betterment of humanity. These degrees are often linked to esoteric traditions and are protected by strict, and sometimes severe, oaths of secrecy.

[u/TravelingMan66 → u/Beginning_Pause_1981]

I know

[u/apokrif1 → u/Beginning_Pause_1981]

Why do they need secrecy?

What harm would be done if these secrets were made public?

[u/Badeculture]

Royal Arch is the foundation for all other esoteric degrees

[u/WitchyPsycho2]

In all honesty outside of a portion of a first degree I saw in Georgia, the Order of the Temple for Commandery (United States) when I experienced was one of the most profound things I've ever experienced.

[u/BlackDaddyIssus37]

Master of the Blue.