27th Degree: Knight Commander of the Temple

Transcripts, Chapter Markers and Show Notes for all episodes are available from our website - WayOfTheHermit.com.

In the episode, the intricate rituals and profound symbolism of the "Knight Commander of the Temple" degree are explored, revealing a ceremony steeped in historical reverence and moral testing. The degree, originating from the siege of St. Jean d'Acre, is depicted as a transformative journey where candidates undergo a rigorous process of self-examination, confession, and amends-making before being led into a ceremonially adorned hall. Here, they embody "Constans," a figure tested through trials that challenge their virtues of chastity, poverty, and obedience. The trials, designed to mirror the knightly vows, culminate in a knighting ceremony that only those who prove their unwavering commitment to justice and humanity can undergo. This segment of the episode vividly illustrates the degree's purpose: to instill in candidates the essence of knighthood, emphasizing truth, duty, and sacrifice.

The discussion further delves into the moral teachings from "Morals and Dogma," emphasizing the scarcity of truth in society and the knightly virtue of honesty. The episode draws parallels between historical knights and modern-day heroes who embody the spirit of self-sacrifice and duty, such as firefighters and pilots. The symbolism of the degree apron is analyzed, revealing layers of meaning in its heraldic elements that signify the union of light and darkness and the quest for inner truth. The episode concludes with reflections on the transformative power of ritual and the embodiment of chivalric values in the modern world, likening the degree to a "Grail Quest" that challenges individuals to live by a code of honor and truth. This summary encapsulates the essence of the discussion, highlighting the degree's rich symbolism and its relevance to contemporary moral and ethical challenges.

The series on the Scottish Rite uses the following primary sources (which you are encouraged to read as well):

• Albert Pike's Morals and Dogma: Annotated Edition
• Scottish Rite Ritual Monitor & Guide
• A Bridge to Light

Images:

• Knight Commander of the Temple - Regalia

Overview:

• 01:14 Introduction
• 03:19 Ritual Context
• 03:45 Degree Ritual
• 12:42 Purpose of the Degree
• 14:04 Morals and Dogma
• 15:27 Truth
• 18:21 Religious-Military Orders
• 21:00 The Knight of Light Rises
• 22:50 Degree Apron
• 27:14 Conclusions

Links:

• Siege of Acre (1189–1191) (Wikipedia)
• Hospitaller commandery of Saint-Jean-d'Acre (Wikipedia)
• Teutonic Order (Wikipedia)
• Knights Hospitaller (Wikipedia)
• Knights Templar (Wikipedia)
• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (Wikipedia)
• Heraldry (Wikipedia)
• Saladin (Wikipedia)
• Kingdom of Jerusalem (Wikipedia)
• True Cross (Wikipedia)