District of Wiltshire
The Journey
The Rose Croix, formally known as the Ancient and Accepted Rite, forms an important part of the wider Masonic journey in England and Wales. It builds upon the foundations of Craft Freemasonry and the Holy Royal Arch, offering a deeper and more reflective exploration of faith, hope and charity within a Christian context.
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In England and Wales, the Rite consists of thirty-three degrees, from the 1° to the 33°, under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council 33° for England and Wales and its Districts and Chapters Overseas. The Supreme Council accepts the three Craft degrees as equivalents to the first three degrees of the Rite and does not initiate Freemasons into those degrees. Instead, the Rose Croix builds on the experience of Pure Ancient Masonry as administered by the United Grand Lodge of England and recognised Grand Lodges overseas.
The Journey
Rose Croix is divided into Districts or Groups, including London, each overseen by an Inspector General with the support of an administrator. The Inspector General acts as the direct link between individual Chapters and the Supreme Council.
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Wiltshire is home to a number of Rose Croix Chapters, meaning that Brethren interested in joining will usually find a Chapter within reasonable travelling distance.
How the Rose Croix is organised
The Ceremony of Perfection – the 18°
Members join the Order in the 18°, known as the Ceremony of Perfection. Prior to this ceremony, the intermediate degrees from the 4° to the 17° are conferred in abbreviated form.
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At the conclusion of the Ceremony of Perfection, candidates are created a Knight of the Pelican and Eagle and invested as a Prince of the Order of the Rose Croix of Heredom. For most Brethren, this ceremony forms the heart of their Rose Croix experience and is the degree they continue to reflect upon throughout their Masonic life.
Higher degrees
On completing their journey through the 18° and having Enthroned a successor as Most Wise Sovereign, members may be eligible for election to the 30°. Before this, the degrees from the 19° to the 29° are received in abbreviated form.
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The 30° is then conferred in full and in person by members of the Supreme Council. These higher degrees are selective and are conferred in recognition of service and trust. For most Rose Croix members, they remain part of the wider structure of the Rite rather than a personal goal to be pursued.
How to join Rose Croix
Applications are welcomed from Freemasons who will have been a Master Mason for at least six months at the point of Perfection and who are in good standing with the Craft units of which they are currently, or have previously been, a member.
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A simple path to joining:
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1. Speak with your Lodge
A conversation with your proposer, mentor or Lodge Secretary is often the best starting point.
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2. Make contact locally
You may be introduced to local Rose Croix members or invited to learn more about Chapter life in Wiltshire.
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3. Application and preparation
If you decide to proceed, you will be guided through the application process and practical arrangements at a steady and supportive pace.
