Adonhiramite Rite

The Adonhiramite Rite is a Masonic system consisting of 13 grades or degrees, created in 1787 by the German esoterist Baron von Tschoudy (1727-1769).^[1] It was published in Tschoudy's book Recueil précieux de la Maçonnerie Adonhiramique (Precious Collection of the Adonhiramite Masonry).^[2]^[3] This rite combines Templar, Rosicrucian and other esoteric influences into a unique Masonic structure.^[4]^[5]

History

Johann Augustus Von Starck founded the clerical branch of German Freemasonry known as the Strict Observance in 1751. Von Starck claimed Freemasonry derived from the Knights Templar. Tschoudy was initiated into Von Starck's order in 1765.^[6]

In 1766, Tschoudy founded the Order of the Blazing Star, which taught mystical and alchemical ideas. He dedicated the Adonhiramite Rite to the "Instructed Masons", which some interpret as the Jesuits who were spreading Templar Masonry at the time.^[7] Others believe his rite propagated Jesuitical and Templar concepts to empower the Catholic Church.^[8]

The Adonhiramite Rite synthesized esoteric ideas of the time period into a unique system of 13 grades. It incorporated Templar Masonry, Rosicrucianism, mystical Christianity, and other esoteric influences.^[9] The integration of these streams made it highly influential on continental Masonry.^[4]

Organization and Grades

The Adonhiramite Rite consists of 13 sequential grades. The first three correspond to the Blue Lodge degrees:^[10]^[4]

The first three degrees are blue Lodge degrees:
- Apprentice
- Fellowcraft
- Master Mason
The next five degrees use the legend of Hiram's murder to teach Masonic lessons:
- Perfect Master or Elder Master
- Elect of Nine
- Elect of Perignan
- Elect of Fifteen
- Little Architect
The next three degrees have a Scottish theme and incorporate the legend of the secret vault:
- Grand Architect
- Scottish Master
- Knight of the Sword
The last two degrees represent the summit of esoteric Masonic wisdom:
- Rose Croix Knight
- Noachite or Prussian Knight

Each grade has an extensive ritual including grips, signs, regalia, and esoteric symbolism that builds on the Temple builder legend and Masonic philosophy.^[10]

Ritual and Symbolism

The Adonhiramite Rite makes use of Masonic implements, allegorical journeys, and dramatic reenactments of legends to teach virtues and philosophical lessons. It draws on Biblical references and Hebrew mystical language. The central allegory focuses on finding the body of Hiram and the secret word to revive him.^[11]

Symbols and motifs include triangles, coffins, acacia, skulls, daggers, tears, and Solomon's Temple. These embody concepts like fidelity, mortality, ethics, universality, and man's relation with God. The rite integrates New Testament symbolism around Jesus, betrayal, and salvation into the Solomonic drama.^[9]

Influence in the World

The Adonhiramite Rite helped spread the high-degree systems of Masonry from France, Germany and Scandinavia across Europe and Latin America in the late 1800s. It was one of the main vehicles popularizing additional grades beyond Master Mason at the time.^[6] The rite also transmitted occult and pseudo-Templar concepts into Masonry and later para-Masonic orders.^[9]

Though no longer widely practiced, the Adonhiramite Rite was an influential product of European occultism and an important influence on the development of continental Freemasonry.^[4]

Today the Adonhiram Rite is still practiced in Brazil, Portugal, Uruguay and France.^[12]^[13]^[14]

Influence of the Adonhiramite Rite on the Scottish Rite

The branch of Freemasonry known as the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite is often mistakenly believed to have its origins in Scotland due to its name. However, historical research indicates that the Scottish Rite did not originate in Scotland but rather in Paris, France, around the year 1758.

Historical evidence suggests that the early predecessors of the Scottish Rite included various Masonic degrees and rites that existed in Europe. One of these significant influences was the Adonhiramite Rite, which emerged around 1781. The Adonhiramite Rite included many degrees that would later become integral components of the Scottish Rite.

The Adonhiramite Rite, with its diverse set of degrees and rituals, laid the foundation for the development of the Scottish Rite. It introduced several elements that would play a crucial role in the formation of the Scottish Rite as it is known today.^[15]

References

^ "Masonic Encyclopedia Entry On Tschoudy, Louis Theodore". masonicshop.com. Retrieved 2023-11-16.
^ J.-M. Ragon (1861). Tuileur Général de la Francmaçonnerie ou Manuel de l'Initié (in French). Paris: Collignon, Libraire-Éditeur. p.147
^ Louis Guillemain Saint-Victor (1781). Recueil précieux de la Maçonnerie Adonhiramite... (in French). Paris.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d J.-M. Ragon (1861). Tuileur Général de la Francmaçonnerie ou Manuel de l'Initié (in French). Paris: Collignon, Libraire-Éditeur. pp.215-223
^ https://californiafreemason.org/2022/06/27/the-rite-stuff/ Still practiced in Brazil, 12 Degrees
^ ^a ^b Snoek, Jan. Initiating Women in Freemasonry: The Adoption Rite. 2012.
^ Bonneville, Chevalier de. Les Jésuites chassés de la Maçonnerie, et leur poignard brisé par les Maçons. 1788.
^ Guillemain de Saint-Victor, Louis. Recueil précieux de la maçonnerie adonhiramite. 1787.
^ ^a ^b ^c Waite, Arthur E. A New Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. 1921.
^ ^a ^b Mackey, Albert G. An Encyclopedia of Freemasonry. 1919.
^ Dale, John (27 June 2022). "The Rite Stuff: The Many Masonic Rituals of Latin America". California Freemason Magazine. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
^ https://californiafreemason.org/2022/06/27/the-rite-stuff/ "It’s been worked in Brazil since the early 19th century."
^ Folger, Robert B., M.D. (1881). The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, in Thirty-Three Degrees: Known Hitherto Under the Names of the "Rite of Perfection," "The Rite of Freedom," "The Ancient Scottish Rite," "The Rite of Kilwinning," and Last, as the "Scottish Rite, Ancient and Accepted." A Full and Complete History, with an Appendix Containing Numerous Authentic Documents, Relating to the Origin, Progress, and Establishment of the Rite—Edicts, Circulars, Patents, Registers, and the Opinions of Numerous Authors—Illustrated with Tablets (PDF). New York: Published by the Author.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) pp. 48-49
^ https://www.adonhiramita.org.br/rito-adonhiramita?lang=en Currently, the Adonhiramite Rite is practiced in Brazil by all regular and legitimate powers, in Portugal , Uruguay and France.
^ https://scottishritenmj.org/faq/where-and-how-did-the-scottish-rite-begin "There is evidence of Scottish Masons’ lodges dating back to 1733 in England, and there were also predecessors such as the Adonhiramite Rite (ca. 1781), which included many degrees that ultimately became part of the Scottish Rite. "