Swedish Rite

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The St George's Cross is a commonly used symbol for Freemasonry in the Swedish Rite, alongside the internationally otherwise more common square and compasses.

The Swedish Rite is a variation of Freemasonry that is worked in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. A slight variation is common in parts of Germany under the Große Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland. Also other craft masonic bodies are working in the nordic countries (see further under freemasonry in Sweden and freemasonry in Denmark). However only one Grand Lodge in each country is working the Swedish Rite, each of which governs its own jurisdiction.

The Rite is divided into three divisions: St. John's (Craft) degrees (I–III), St. Andrew's (Scottish) degrees (IV–VI) and the Chapter degrees (VII–X). In addition one may attain the XIth degree, although only a very few gain this. Progression from one degree to the next is not automatic. A brother not only has to be in regular attendance, but also has to show that he has a certain proficiency and knowledge of Freemasonry. The Swedish Rite demands members be Christian and not just that they believe in a supreme being. Like other regular Masonic organisations, only men are allowed membership.

Since 7 November 2006 all laws of the Swedish Order of Freemasons are publicly available on the Internet.^[1] Among others, the laws prohibit any member to gain advantages outside the lodge by using the lodge as an instrument. The laws also stress the charity works of the members and the observance of the Golden Rule.

Degrees

• St. John's degrees
  • I Apprentice
  • II Fellow Craft
  • III Master Mason
• St. Andrew's degrees
  • IV/V Apprentice and Companion of St. Andrew (one degree)
  • VI Master of St. Andrew
• Chapter degrees
  • VII Very Illustrious Brother, Knight of the East
  • VIII Most Illustrious Brother, Knight of the West
  • IX Enlightened Brother of St. John's Lodge
  • X Very Enlightened Brother of St. Andrew's Lodge
• XIGrand Council honorary degree
  • XI Most Enlightened Brother, Knight Commander of the Red Cross

Grand Lodges using the rite

The Swedish Rite is used by:

• The Swedish Order of Freemasons (Svenska Frimurare Orden), with lodges in Sweden and Finland.
• The Norwegian Order of Freemasons (Den Norske Frimurerorden)
• The Danish Order of Freemasons (Den Danske Frimurerorden)
• The Icelandic Order of Freemasons (Frímúrarareglan á Íslandi)

An earlier version of the rite, the Zinnendorf Rite, is used by:

• Große Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland

See also

• Freemasonry in Denmark
• Freemasonry in Sweden
• Order of Charles XIII (Charles XIII of Sweden)

References

External links

Grand Lodges using the Swedish Rite

• Danish Grand Lodge
• Icelandic Grand Lodge
• Norwegian Grand Lodge
• Swedish Grand Lodge
• Grosse Landesloge der Freimaurer von Deutschland

Other links

• THE SWEDISH CONSTITUTION, Nordic Esotericism in Baroque Splendour, by W.Bro Alex G. Davidson, last retrieved 16 April 2006

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