The teachings of the Scottish Rite are a series of instructions in ancient religions, philosophy, ethics, morals, history and mythology, taught by means of allegory and symbol. The purpose of every Masonic degree, and of every rite, is to encourage the individual search for knowledge. The degrees of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite also depict man’s search for truth. The structure of the Scottish Rite is progressive, expressed through the lessons learned; yet the virtues contained in one degree are neither greater nor more dominant than those of another. Although the degrees are not arranged entirely chronologically, their moral and intellectual teachings gradually become all-encompassing.
Each degree, or each Body of the Scottish Rite comprising several degrees, may have a principal thread, but no degree teaches one single lesson alone. No symbol has only one meaning. Our Order is a great tapestry of knowledge, woven from threads of diverse moral, ethical, philosophical, religious, political and mythical thought and symbolism. So interwoven, they form a great body of teachings and lessons. These lessons apply to the individual as much as to the community. Some are easily perceived; others reveal themselves only to diligent and determined seekers.
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite rests upon the principle of hierarchy. In its teaching, hierarchy is not a mere order of power, but a reflection of the cosmic order: authority descends from above, from the source of Light — it does not spring from the depths of darkness.
At the summit of this spiritual structure stands the Supreme Council — the governing and highest body of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite. It is an independent, sovereign and self-sustaining organism of the Order, composed of no fewer than nine and no more than thirty-three officers, known as Sovereign Grand Inspectors General. They are the bearers of the highest trust and hold governing and voting rights that other members do not possess.
The Supreme Council acts as the spiritual and administrative board of the Order: it elects its own members, amends and enacts its own statutes and laws, and shapes the rituals that preserve the continuity of tradition. It is the guardian of essence, not of power — it does not interfere in the work of other Masonic bodies, but watches over the lawfulness, purity and dignity of the Order. As the supreme body and centre of the Scottish Rite, the Supreme Council governs all subordinate bodies within its obedience.
In accordance with the established practice and laws of the Order, the Supreme Council directly governs the work of the 33rd degree, as well as the work of all bodies subordinate to it operating within the degrees from 4° to 32°. The work of the first three degrees — Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason — is traditionally entrusted to the symbolic lodges, which form the foundation of all Masonry and represent its school of discipline, silence and inner building.